Daily Express

Igor Tudor leaves Tottenham after Prem relegation blow

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Igor Tudor leaves Tottenham as statement released after Premier League relegation blow - Daily Express
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Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with Igor Tudor as interim head coach. The Croatian was hired as a temporary appointment, not long after the north Londoners sacked Thomas Frank.

Defeat to Nottingham Forest has plunged Spurs further into a relegation crisis, with Tudor losing five of his Premier League games in charge. After the loss to Forest, Tudor did not report for his media duties as he was informed his father had passed away. He headed back home to be with his family when the news was broken to him. However, seven days after Spurs lost to Forest, the club have confirmed the Croatian has been dismissed from his role.

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In a statement, Spurs wrote: "We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect. Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of Goalkeeping Coach and Physical Coach.

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"We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly. We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time. An update on a new Head Coach will be provided in due course."

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Tudor will leave north London with Tottenham precariously perched on the dreaded dotted lines of relegation. Spurs are only one point above 18th placed West Ham United, but do hold a substantially better goal difference over the Hammers.

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Tottenham are the only Premier League club who are yet to register a single victory in 2026. After the international break, they travel to Sunderland on April 12 and then host Brighton and Hove Albion on the 18th.

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Following the visit of the Seagulls is a potentially make or break clash away to 20th placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have registered a victory over Liverpool and a draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Molineux this year. Spurs' final four matches will be away to Aston Villa, at home to Leeds United, away to Chelsea and at home to Everton.

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At present, it's unclear as to who will be in the dugout for the final relegation run-in. Sean Dyche, who was sacked by Nottingham Forest in February, has been linked with the role.

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Moreover, former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is also understood to be admired by Spurs, but reports in Italy understand the Italian would prefer to takeover at the end of the season.

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Rooney expresses Kane 'hope' for World Cup with message for Kompany

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Wayne Rooney expresses Harry Kane 'hope' for World Cup with message for Vincent Kompany - Daily Express
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Wayne Rooney has voiced concerns about Harry Kane maintaining his fitness levels and steering clear of injury to guarantee his availability for England at this summer's World Cup. Kane is presently with the Three Lions squad for the friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan.

The Bayern Munich forward did not take part in the 1-1 stalemate against Uruguay on Friday evening, but may receive some playing time in the friendly clash against Japan on Tuesday evening at Wembley Stadium. Kane has performed a crucial role at Bayern once more this campaign, netting 48 goals across 40 outings in all competitions, including 31 in the Bundesliga.

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This form has enabled Bayern to establish a nine-point advantage at the summit of the Bundesliga over rivals Borussia Dortmund and has also propelled the German outfit to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will meet Real Madrid.

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Rooney has underlined the significance of Kane staying fit for when England travel to the World Cup this summer. “I think such an important aspect for England is having Harry Kane fit and if he is, then he’ll be a major reason why we do win it if we do,” he told the Press Association.

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“But if you go into any game and you’re not fully committed to that game because you’re thinking of something else then you potentially could get injured.

“Any player will tell you that you’re playing for your club and when you’re playing for your club, that’s all that matters until that season is over then you go away with England then England take over.

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“I don’t think he’ll be slowing down. Hopefully Bayern Munich have the league won quite early and (head coach) Vincent Kompany gives him a little bit of help!”

England will face Panama, Ghana and Croatia in the group stages of the World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.

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Despite Kane netting 133 goals in the 136 matches he's appeared in for Bayern since departing Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023, the forward has only ever managed to place as high as 10th in the Ballon d'Or rankings.

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“He’s consistent in what he’s done his whole career: he’s scored goals, he’s created goals at both club and international level,” Rooney said.

“To do it year in, year out, and he never gets mentioned for the big honours which I find quite strange.”

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Tottenham's dream XI for relegation battle with double injury boost

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Tottenham's dream XI for Premier League relegation battle with double injury boost - Daily Express
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Igor Tudor will desperately need his key players fit and available when Tottenham resume their Premier League campaign in the coming weeks, if the club is to steer clear of the drop. The north Londoners sit just one point above the relegation zone, marooned in 17th with seven wins, nine draws and a staggering 15 defeats to their name. With only seven fixtures remaining and West Ham snapping at Spurs' heels, Tudor has precious little time to turn things around in north London.

He is yet to taste victory in his opening five Premier League matches at the helm, suffering heavy defeats to Arsenal, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, while managing only a draw against Liverpool. Spurs were also eliminated from the Champions League under his watch, going out on a 7-5 aggregate scoreline against Atletico Madrid across two legs.

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Here's a look at the ideal starting team Tudor should field across his final seven matches of the campaign, fitness permitting...

Goalkeeper - Vicario

First-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario dealt Spurs a significant setback ahead of the international break when it emerged he would require surgery on a hernia and could be sidelined for up to a month as a consequence.

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Despite being unavailable immediately following surgery, Vicario was seen at Italy's training camp before their World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland earlier this week - though in a gesture of support rather than harbouring any expectations of featuring.

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The prospects for the coming fortnight look exceptionally grim for Spurs, particularly given second-choice shot-stopper Antonin Kinsky's high-profile mistakes that saw him subbed early against Atletico Madrid.

Nevertheless, should Vicario's rehabilitation progress smoothly, there should be nothing stopping the 29-year-old from returning to action towards the final stages of Tottenham's make-or-break campaign.

Defence - Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence

With an uncompromising approach and reliability on the right flank of defence, Pedro Porro is precisely what Spurs require amid their current relegation scrap. The 26-year-old is also amongst the club's more seasoned figures, which will prove essential in maintaining team cohesion through adversity.

Cristian Romero should also be among the first names on Tudor's team-sheet throughout April and May. He's formidable in the challenge and remarkably dependable when he manages to keep a level head.

A shining light in an otherwise underwhelming side this season, Micky van de Ven has caught the eye with his electrifying pace and assured game management. He's unquestionably the ideal man to partner Romero in central defence.

Meanwhile, just as effective going forward as he is positioned in the backline, Djed Spence provides Spurs with a degree of versatility in terms of transitional play.

However, Tudor may need to be mindful that the 24-year-old does not venture too far upfield, leaving Spurs vulnerable on the break.

Midfield - Gray, Bentancur, Simons

One of the club's most reliably outstanding performers this campaign despite their dismal run of results, Archie Gray has demonstrated repeatedly that he can compete with the Premier League's elite.

Another influential figure on the pitch for the Lilywhites, Rodrigo Bentancur must also be featuring in every match for his side in the forthcoming months.

Predominantly regarded as a defensive-midfielder, the Uruguayan has successfully adapted to a more box-to-box position recently, and has delivered crucial contributions when required most.

Presently ruled out with a thigh problem, it is uncertain whether the 28-year-old will be fit for selection for next month's journey to Sunderland.

With merely one goal and four assists to his credit this season, Xavi Simons has struggled to leave a significant impression in north London. That's not to suggest the attacking-midfielder hasn't displayed moments of quality, though.

While a fully-fit James Maddison would be the natural selection here, the Englishman has been absent for almost a year due to an ACL injury, and appears unlikely to feature before the campaign ends.

Attack - Kudus, Tel, Richarlison

Mohammed Kudus has also been recuperating from a thigh problem of his own recently, in a significant setback to Spurs' attacking capabilities. He has registered two goals and six assists in a struggling outfit this campaign, despite featuring for a total of just 773 Premier League minutes.

Should Kudus be available to return against Sunderland, his inclusion is a straightforward decision. His skill and speed a nightmare for any backline.

Mathys Tel has also displayed glimpses of world-class ability across the forward positions. When utilised alongside Kudus, the Dutchman could certainly prove troublesome against any side in the English top flight.

And while Dominic Solanke's three Premier League goals this season may have been sufficient to secure him an England call-up under Thomas Tuchel, Richarlison is the clear option to spearhead the attack.

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The Brazilian has scored three times as many goals as Solanke this campaign and is a persistent threat in and around the penalty area. Good service could make all the difference.

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Six most shocking relegations and how Tottenham's would be the biggest disaster yet

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Six most shocking relegations and how Tottenham's would be the biggest disaster yet - Daily Express
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Tottenham are in serious danger of being relegated to the Championship in what would be an unthinkable scenario for one of England's biggest clubs. Less than a year after winning the Europa League, the north Londoners are fighting to secure their Premier League status after a disastrous campaign to date. If they go down, it would arguably be the most shocking relegation of all time.

Spurs haven't been relegated since 1977, when times were very different. Now, they are part of the established 'big six' and rake in far more money than most other Premier League clubs. They also have one of the best stadiums in world football and it would be a crying shame, if not slightly funny, to see it hosting the likes of QPR, Bristol City and Preston North End next season.

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Express Sport looks at the six most shocking relegations to have ever taken place, with Tottenham desperate to avoid joining that unwanted club...

Man Utd (1974)

The Red Devils were relegated to the second tier more than 50 years ago in a development that stunned English football. They deserved it, too.

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They were among the division's worst-performing sides despite being one of the country's biggest clubs and were sent down with a whimper, taking just 32 points from their 42 league fixtures.

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It came just two decades after the Busby Babes era that saw United establish themselves as a European powerhouse. They went on to secure an immediate top-flight return, winning the Second Division at the first time of asking.

Juventus (2006)

Juventus weren't relegated because of their results on the pitch, but rather as part of one of the biggest scandals to have ever rocked European football.

They was implicated in the infamous Calciopoli saga, a major investigation into alleged sporting fraud involving several Italian clubs.

As a result, Juventus were relegated to Serie B for the first time in their history and stripped of their Serie A title in 2004/05. The unusual sight of world-class players like Pavel Nedved and Giorgio Chiellini appearing in the second division became a bizarre reality.

Newcastle (2009)

The Magpies dropped out of the Premier League for the first time in 20 years in what was one of the most shocking relegations in recent history.

Their chaotic campaign was marked by managerial turmoil with Kevin Keegan, Joe Kinnear and Chris Hughton trying and failing to keep them clear of the drop zone.

Alan Shearer was drafted in with eight games to go in a desperate roll of the dice, but the former England striker couldn't save them and they were relegated to the Championship.

River Plate (2011)

The unusual format of Argentina's top flight saw River Plate, one of the country's biggest clubs alongside Boca Juniors, relegated in 2011.

They were forced to face a relegation play-off, a fixture determined by a points average over the three previous campaigns.

River Plate were ultimately beaten by Belgrano over two legs, condemning them to the second tier for the first time in their 110-year history.

Villarreal (2012)

It's not often that you see a club competing in the Champions League go down in the same season, but that is exactly what happened to Villarreal back in 2012.

They finished fourth in La Liga the previous year but suffered a dramatic collapse, with three different managers failing to keep them up.

Villarreal were sent down in dramatic style on the final day of the season, with a late winner from Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao sealing their fate.

Schalke (2023)

Schalke, one of Germany's biggest and best-supported teams, sleepwalked towards relegation for several seasons but that didn't make their eventual demise any less shocking.

They failed to win any of their first 14 games and the club went through five different managers before dropping out of the Bundesliga for the first time in three decades.

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Schalke still haven't found their way back up and finished 14th out of 18 teams in Germany's second division last season. They are, however, currently top of the league and could finally return to the Bundesliga in 2026/27.

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Sean Dyche opens up on Tottenham manager links after meeting in the pub

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Sean Dyche opens up on Tottenham manager links after meeting in the pub - Daily Express
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Sean Dyche has dismissed speculation linking him with the Tottenham managerial position. The 54-year-old has been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest last month and has been connected with a remarkable comeback to management at troubled Spurs. The north London outfit sit 17th in the Premier League, merely one point and one position above 18th-placed West Ham, who occupy the dreaded bottom three.

And with Spurs unable to secure victory in any of their previous 13 top-flight fixtures, there is genuine fear that relegation could become a reality. Considering this and Igor Tudor's precarious situation, Dyche has been touted as the individual to arrive and rescue Tottenham while securing their Premier League status. Tudor was announced as Thomas Frank's successor in mid-February but has suffered a nightmare start to life in the dugout, collecting just one point from a potential 18.

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The Croatian, who has put pen to paper on a deal until the summer, has faced enormous scrutiny and Spurs are contemplating replacing their manager before the end of the international break, according to talkSPORT.

Should Spurs opt for change, Dyche is amongst the frontrunners to assume responsibility. And on Saturday, the former Everton and Burnley boss was questioned about the speculation surrounding him and the Tottenham role.

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In a special talkSPORT show with Jonny Owen, Dyche said: "I was in the pub just up the way, near my place that I've got down here. And this guy, he goes, 'You're meant to be in talks with Spurs'.

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"And I'm like, 'Well I'm sat next to you having a pint of Guinness.' So I said, 'It's unlikely.' I'm with you mate (Jonny Owen) and I'm on talkSPORT...that's what I'm doing."

Following his dismissal of the Tottenham rumours, Dyche discussed the managerial merry-go-round and being connected to numerous vacancies both domestically and abroad.

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Dyche continued: "You get clickbaited to death, don't you? So no matter what you do, it's a very tricky situation. You're right to ask for an inside view.

"When you're the manager, you know you're going to get asked these [questions] at some point, whatever part of your career, if you're doing all right.

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"And you get asked, and then you try and be respectful, because obviously, let's use Tottenham as an example - brilliant club, massive club and all the rest.

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"One of my first ever memories, is Ricky Villa's goal [in the 1981 FA Cup final] and all that. And then you go: 'Yeah, I'm flattered.' And then they go: 'Oh, he hasn't said no!'. Then you go: 'No'. And they go: 'Oh, he wants it, really?'

"And you say: 'Yes', and they go: 'Oh, I knew he'd want it'. "Whatever you say [people take the wrong way], because if you say: 'No, I'm not interested', it's as if he's got ideas above his station."

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Dyche's track record at Premier League level is commendable. Throughout his tenure in the division with Burnley, Everton and Forest, he has secured 99 victories and drawn 95 of his 350 top-tier matches from the dugout.

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James Maddison shares injury update as Tottenham star returns to training

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James Maddison shares ACL injury update as Tottenham star returns to training - Daily Express
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Tottenham Hotspur ace James Maddison is edging closer to recovery from his severe knee injury, sharing an update following his return to the pitch. The England international posted a series of photos during his rehabilitation process after undergoing surgery for a cruciate knee injury.

The 29-year-old has since progressed to the next phase of recovery and is back on the football pitch, taking shots at goal. Maddison's absence has been keenly felt this season as Spurs grapple with a fight to avoid Premier League relegation. The midfielder's comeback will offer a much-needed lift for the North London club in their bid to reverse their fortunes. In a social media post, the playmaker penned: "Session 6 months post ACL surgery. Working hard to be back.

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"Video of what it looks like out on Sunday at 6pm on my @youtube channel (link in bio)." Before his potentially season-ending injury, Maddison started documenting behind-the-scenes action at Tottenham, providing fans with a unique glimpse behind the curtain.

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Teasing the latest upload on his channel, the 29-year-old showcases footage from his time in the treatment room to running on the grass, culminating in shooting practice. Spurs interim manager Igor Tudor disclosed a positive injury update concerning Maddison.

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The Croatian suggested the possibility of the midfielder making a comeback before the campaign concludes. He said: "Yeah. Maddison is already doing interesting things as well, with the ball, sprinting as well. I saw him. He's positive."

With the international break now in progress, Tottenham will not continue their battle to escape relegation until 12th April, when they meet Sunderland. Maddison sustained the injury during their pre-season tour in Korea and hasn't featured competitively since May.

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At the time, Thomas Frank said: "I think it's disappointing but also devastating for me and mainly for Madders that he's out of the team. We will miss him and no doubt he will miss playing football."

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Maddison will be hoping to play a part in Tottenham's relegation run-in. Spurs have a difficult final seven matches with trips to the Black Cats, Aston Villa and Chelsea, as well as a showdown with Wolves, who are in the bottom three.

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Tottenham could ask Sean Dyche to save their season as manager search gets desperate

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Tottenham could ask Sean Dyche to save their season as manager search gets desperate - Daily Express
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Tottenham are reportedly considering turning to Sean Dyche as part of a bid to save them from relegation. The north Londoners ushered in Igor Tudor on an interim earlier this season, but things haven't gone to plan for the Croatian.

Spurs' latest defeat against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest has them just three points above the drop zone with seven matches of the season left to play. It has heightened fears that Tottenham could be relegated for the first time since 1977, with the club's hierarchy beginning to get desperate.

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It's expected that Tudor's interim spell will come to an end early, with Spurs once again forced back into the managerial market to try and find a solution. According to The Telegraph, the Europa League winners' first choice is Roberto De Zerbi, who left Marseille earlier this year.

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De Zerbi was initially contacted during the hunt for Thomas Frank's replacement, but the Italian made it abundantly clear he wasn't keen to take over until the end of the season. Should De Zerbi refuse to budge from his stance, it's claimed by the same report that Dyche will be Spurs' last resort.

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Dyche's most recent job came at Nottingham Forest, when the ex-Burnley chief lasted just 114 days in charge. He was sacked for his inability to drag Forest out of the relegation dogfight - something they now share with Dyche's prospective employers, Spurs.

Tottenham do have some time before their next match, given it's currently the international break and then the first weekend back is taken up by FA Cup action. It means Spurs will return to action on April 12, when they make the visit to the North East for a potentially tricky clash against Sunderland.

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A final decision on Tudor's future is expected to come by Monday, after the situation was made more delicate following the death of his father. It's expected that Dyche would only be offered the job for the remaining seven matches of the season.

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Sandro Tonali to Man Utd transfer latest after 'gentleman's agreement reached'

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Sandro Tonali to Man Utd transfer latest after 'gentleman's agreement reached' - Daily Express
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Newcastle United executives insist they retain complete control over Sandro Tonali's future ahead of the forthcoming summer transfer window. It's been reported that Manchester United are plotting a summer approach, yet senior figures at St James' Park remain unconcerned by suggestions that Tonali will leave at the end of the season.

The midfielder remains under contract until 2028 with the option of a further year, meaning Newcastle can command whatever transfer fee they see fit for the midfielder. Tonali has no release clauses or special arrangements within his current agreement with the club. According to The Chronicle, any suggestion of a 'gentleman's agreement' to leave at the end of the season, should Newcastle fail to secure European football, is 'totally untrue'.

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What has proved problematic, however, is that Tonali's representative, Giuseppe Riso, has spoken candidly about his client's prospects of leaving the Magpies.

When questioned about a potential switch to either Man City or Arsenal earlier this month, Riso said: "Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player.

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"I think he's the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world. If he shines at the World Cup, will City or Arsenal be hot on his heels? I don't know, but it's very likely.

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"Everyone is waiting for the World Cup, then a thousand scenarios will unfold, but it all kicks off after the World Cup."

Howe swiftly dismissed that rumour last week in Barcelona, saying: "The person that matters the most is Sandro. All I've ever seen from him is someone who is totally committed.

"Very selfless at times, he's here for the team, not for himself. Forget the noise around him, he's just fully committed."

Howe is becoming increasingly frustrated with persistent reports of his key players leaving, and branded suggestions of Bruno Guimaraes being in advanced talks with Manchester United last week as 'disrespectful'.

It is understood that Howe has taken a similarly dim view of reports linking Tonali with the Red Devils.

It's claimed that Newcastle have received no approaches for any of their players ahead of the summer transfer window, and no arrangements are in place for any player to leave should they fail to qualify for Europe.

Tonali revealed earlier this month that he would like to be considered for Newcastle's leadership group next season.

When asked whether he'd like to fill the void left by Jamaal Lascelles ahead of next term, Tonali told beIN SPORTS: "Yeah, of course. We are a bit different because Jamaal was a great leader.

"He spoke every week, every game to our team, to every player. He was great with everybody, and alone in the private meetings and really was a bit different to me.

"It would be a little bit tough because it's not my first language, but I will try. I try to do my best. I try to help every player in the pitch. And I think this is should be for every player, not just for me."

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Daniel Levy had 'gentleman's agreement' to sell Tottenham star

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Daniel Levy had 'gentleman's agreement' to sell Tottenham star who clashed with hierarchy - Daily Express
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Former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy reportedly had a 'gentleman's agreement' with Cristian Romero, who has previously clashed with the hierarchy, to leave the club. The Spurs captain, who signed a bumper new contract last summer, had a pact with the Levy to let him join Spanish teams if a significant proposal was received, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Reports claimed that pact included a €60million release clause for Atletico Madrid as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, Romano has claimed that it was 'never fixed' at €60m and was not written in paper. Since that agreement was made between the player and Levy, it is no longer valid given the ex-chairman's Spurs departure earlier this season.

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Romero has previously expressed his desire to play in La Liga, telling TyC Sports: "La Liga is the one [league] left to play in. I would love to, to tell you the truth. I would love to play there because it's the league I'm missing."

While the agreement between the pair may seem surprising, it's worth noting that Gareth Bale previously spoke publicly about having a similar understanding with the former chairman regarding a move abroad in 2013 rather than to another Premier League club.

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There have also been claims that Luka Modric and Harry Kane had comparable gentleman's agreements in place around their own departures from the north London side. However, with that clause no longer active, any club looking to sign Romero would now have to meet whatever valuation Spurs set for their captain at the time.

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Spurs risk losing several key players this summer if they are relegated from the Premier League. The financial impact would be significant, and the club would likely be forced to move on a number of high‑earning players.

Even if they avoid the drop, there remains a possibility that Romero could still leave the club this summer. Earlier this year, Romero appeared to take aim at theclub's hierarchy after the defeat to Bournemouth, accusing them of telling 'lies' in a since‑edited Instagram post.

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Romero joined Spurs from Juventus for £42million in 2021 and was appointed club captain last August following the departure of Heung-min Son. This came just days after signing a new four‑year contract until 2029.

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Tottenham star ‘green lights’ transfer in middle of relegation fight

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Tottenham star ‘green lights’ next transfer in the middle of club’s relegation fight - Daily Express
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Randal Kolo Muani reportedly wants to rejoin his former loan club, Juventus, following his temporary stint at Tottenham. Since arriving in the Premier League, the 27-year-old has struggled to reproduce the form he demonstrated on a temporary basis at Juventus, where he netted 10 goals in 22 appearances.

From a total of 34 matches played with Spurs, he has managed just half his tally for goals, and only one of those has come in the Premier League, which makes it no surprise his current club is embroiled in a relegation battle. Regardless of the division Spurs will be playing in, Kolo Muani will almost certainly not be in north London next season, with his sights set on a reunion elsewhere.

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According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Frenchman has made it clear to Juventus that he wants to return to represent them. The report claims the Serie A side even attempted to secure him in the January transfer window by terminating his loan at Spurs early.

However, they were unable to do so with parent club Paris Saint-Germain now said to be seeking a permanent departure this summer. Juve attempted to secure him from PSG prior to the 2025/26 campaign, but no deal was struck over a transfer fee with the Ligue 1 champions keen to recover as much of the £76.4million spent on acquiring him from Eintracht Frankfurt as possible.

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Intriguingly, the majority of Kolo Muani's goals for Tottenham this term have arrived against former employers, with the striker netting a brace in the 5-3 Champions League loss to PSG before subsequently scoring in the 2-0 victory at Frankfurt. His remaining goals have both been registered on home turf against Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.

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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer's FIFA World Cup.

One of his four assists this season was for Richarlison's equaliser at Anfield against Liverpool. Under Igor Tudor, he has produced three goal contributions despite restricted playing time, demonstrating he still has a role to fulfil in Tottenham's campaign.

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The 3-0 loss to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest, in which he made a 23-minute appearance, could have been his final outing under Tudor with Spurs and their interim head coach potentially set to separate over the international break.

Former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and Adi Hutter are the latest figures to be connected with assuming the role until the conclusion of the season. USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is the most probable candidate to take control for next season and beyond, but that may hinge on Spurs' Premier League status.

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