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Mauricio Pochettino in strong contention for return as major sack news confirmed

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Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino could be in line for a return to Premier League management.

Pochettino was mooted for a possible return to Tottenham earlier this year prior to Thomas Frank’s appointment.

Frank is himself under huge pressure at Spurs after a terrible first half to the Premier League campaign, with Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland doing little to help matters.

And it may well be that Pochettino is back in the dugout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before long, albeit in the opposition one.

Mauricio Pochettino among contenders for Manchester United job

Manchester United announced the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim on Monday morning, coming on the back of a string of poor results.

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Amorim lasted a little over a year at Old Trafford, having landed the job over some high-profile names – Pochettino included.

The early odds from the bookmakers already have ex-Tottenham boss Pochettino, now in charge of the United States national team, as the joint-12th favourite alongside Aston Villa’s Unai Emery and a few other names.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is the current favourite, followed by Enzo Maresca, Laurent Blanc, Xavi Hernandez, Gareth Southgate and Marco Silva.

Pochettino was among the frontrunners to replace Ange Postecoglou in North London last summer, but he ultimately remained in charge of the USA.

Is there any chance of Pochettino returning to Premier League management this year?

Pochettino was appointed by the USMN in September 2024, with the sole intention of overseeing their World Cup campaign on home soil.

The former Argentina international has faced plenty of criticism, but he seems to have come through the worst of it and will almost certainly now be in charge for the upcoming World Cup.

While the United job would undoubtedly get Pochettino excited, he is under contract with the USA and therefore does not have the final say.

Anyway, he is a fair way down the list of contenders and it seems extremely unlikely he will even be considered by the Red Devils.

That said, it may well be that Pochettino leaves his job at the end of the World Cup, depending on how things pan out.

And we can look forward to plenty more rumours regarding the former Spurs favourite come then, with a return to N17 potentially one to look out for.

Luka Vuskovic doubles down on dream future as Tottenham set to make January transfer decision

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Tottenham hold the option to recall Luka Vuskovic from his loan with Bundesliga side Hamburg in January.

Vuskovic was loaned out to Hamburg in the summer, just weeks after signing on a permanent deal from Hajduk Split.

The plan was always for the teenager to go on loan for first-team football at a high level, and the Lilywhites will be happy with his development in Germany so far.

With the January transfer window now here, Vuskovic has opened up on what his wishes are for the rest of the season and beyond.

Luka Vuskovic desperate to stay at Hamburg another year

Vuskovic is highly-rated by internal figures at Spurs, and his progression with Hamburg will be seen as crucial.

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Tottenham have the likes of Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven already, so the 18-year-old’s playing chances were always going to be thin this season.

Vuskovic has previously admitted his wish to play football with his brother Mario, who is currently serving out a doping suspension until November.

The Croatian has now once again opened up on what it would mean to him if he were to stay at Hamburg another year, revealing there is an option for him to stay put beyond this campaign.

Vuskovic told 24Sata on Sunday: “I’m a Tottenham player. I have a contract until 2030, and everything that happens in the future will have to be agreed with them. My big wish is to play with my brother one day.

“There is an option for us both to start next season at Hamburg. I wanted to show the whole world who we Vuskovics are and how, despite all the adversity, we stand by each other.”

Vuskovic will likely see out the remainder of his loan spell with Hamburg, but whether he remains with the German outfit beyond this season is a different question.

How has Vuskovic been performing at Hamburg?

Spurs have been busy in the January market regarding loan deals, with many stars having already been recalled and set to find new clubs this month.

Vuskovic is somewhat of an anomaly, with his loan stint going well, and the underlying numbers prove so even more.

The centre-back wins 70 per cent of his duels, with an average of 7.54 completed per match.

Vuskovic is a towering presence, and attackers struggle to get around the defender, with the starlet only getting dribbled past 0.31 times per 90.

His wish is clear, but at the end of the day, Tottenham need to do what’s best for their youngster, as it may be a while yet before fans see the talented centre-half play in a Spurs shirt again.

Tottenham player forces Troy Deeney to do something he never thought he would

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Thomas Frank suffered further frustration against Sunderland on Sunday.

Tottenham were held to a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, meaning it’s now three games unbeaten in the Premier League, but two matches without a win.

Brentford and Spurs played out a 0-0 stalemate on New Year’s Day, and following the draw against the Black Cats, the Lilywhites now sit 13th in the table.

Frank came in for boos from Tottenham fans following the full-time whistle on Sunday, as discontent continues to grow among the fanbase.

Troy Deeney stunned by Tottenham’s Ben Davies

There wasn’t too many Tottenham players who came out of the Sunderland game with much credit, but the man who put them ahead in the match certainly did: Ben Davies.

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Davies has been linked with a move away from Spurs this month, but the 32-year-old may have put himself firmly back in Frank’s thinking with his 30th-minute goal against the Black Cats, in what was just his second Premier League appearance of the season so far.

So good was his performance that former player-turned-pundit Troy Deeney had to include him in his Team of the Week, which is something he admits he never thought would happen.

Speaking via BBC Sport, Deeney said of Davies: “I don’t think this is a name I ever thought I was going to put in but Ben Davies, fair play to him.

“He plays only his third game of the season, starts, they had Djed Spence on the bench as well – which shows the level of professionalism and maturity that he continues to deliver – and he gets a goal. It just shows to me that you don’t always have to be 37 and written off.

“He’s 32 and he’s already been written off, he’s got a World Cup to hopefully go to with Wales. He is always fit and available, which is what I really like.”

Frank would be wise to lean on Tottenham leaders like Davies

At a time in which he needs as many players in the team he can trust, Frank should continue to utilise the experience and reliability of people such as Davies.

For all that either Spence or Destiny Udogie may be the future for Spurs at left-back, Davies has made over 360 appearances for Tottenham, and always been a consistent and dependable presence in defence for them.

It wasn’t just his goal against Sunderland that saw Davies grab the headlines, as his all-round performance was excellent too.

As per FotMob, the Welshman registered an 85 per cent pass success rate and put both of his two shots on target.

He also played eight passes into the final third and was not dispossessed once, showing his calmness on the ball – something every manager loves in a player.

Davies also made five clearances and won 60 per cent of his aerial duels in what was a great all-round display, even if the game ended in more disappointment for Spurs and Frank.

Frank should continue to call on Davies as he looks to rescue Tottenham’s season.

Damola Ajayi set to shine as new Tottenham transfer update gets full backing

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Damola Ajayi looks set to leave Tottenham for the second time this season.

Tottenham recalled Ajayi from his loan at Doncaster Rovers, as it was not going the way that they had planned.

However, it seems Thomas Frank is not resting on his laurels, as several young players are being found new loans, where they should play more.

Ajayi is one of them, with two football league clubs interested in his services.

Damola Ajayi backed amid Tottenham exit news

John Wenham, who is an expert when it comes to Spurs’ youth academy, believes it is the right move for the 20-year-old.

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Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: ”He played one Europa League game last season, came off the bench and scored and was never seen again.

“He started the season on loan at Doncaster, but owing to lack of game time, he has been recalled early.

“The report from Tom Barclay, said that he would that he would either link up with Bromley or AFC Wimbledon.

“Just to get out there, playing senior mens football is so important for these players, so I think that would be an excellent move for him.

“Another player, I read that Alfie Devine, who is on loan at Preston has already made 100 senior appearances, that shows how valuable these loans are.

“To have 100 games under your belt at 21 years of age is fantastic, and shows why the loan market continues to be really beneficial for clubs to send players out.”

Why Ajayi needs to take his chance away from Tottenham

Ajayi made just 11 league appearances for the Rovers, failing to notch a single goal or assist.

He needs to impress wherever he ends up, as he will surely not make it at Spurs if he cannot perform in lower leagues.

There is a spot on the flanks waiting to be taken, with the likes of Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel not exactly staking a claim.

Ajayi could be the man for the position, if he can thrive away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and come back with confidence and goal contributions under his belt.

If he struggles to get into his new team though, he may be in trouble.

Tottenham transfer decision made after bid launched for £87m release-clause sensation

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Tottenham have made a bid to sign Santos’ Souza in an attempt to address their issues at left-back.

Destiny Udogie was linked to a Tottenham exit in the summer after being the regular starter under Ange Postecoglou.

The Italian has had the current campaign wrecked by injury while Thomas Frank’s arrival has seen Djed Spence, naturally a right-back, establish himself on the left, although not without controversy.

Ben Davies made just his second Premier League appearance of the season on Sunday and scored for the first time since August 2023 as Tottenham were held to a 1-1 drew by Sunderland.

Santos reject Tottenham bid for Souza

According to The Athletic Tottenham tabled an offer of £8million for the 19-year-old Souza but Santos have turned it down.

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The youngster reportedly has a pair of release clauses in his contract, worth €100m (£87.1m) to foreign clubs, or €60m (£52.2m) for another Brazilian side.

Santos are “hesitant” to accept an offer for him at this stage as they believe his value will increase in the future.

The teenager only made his first-team debut in May last year but was part of the side that successfully escaped relegation to the second tier.

Who else could Tottenham bring in?

Despite some heavy spending in the summer when Frank replaced Postecoglou there appears to be an appetite to back the Dane again this month amid faltering form that has left Spurs 13th in the Premier League.

Spence’s performances have been good enough that left-back doesn’t leap out as an area of desperate need compared to forward areas.

Omar Marmoush has been heavily linked to Spurs from Man City, while fellow Etihad men Oscar Bobb and Savinho are also in the frame.

Controversy has surrounded Guglielmo Vicario’s place in goal and a commanding presence there would surely be a popular one, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen an intriguing option for Tottenham.

As a prospect the Souza deal could be a solid one to pursue, but it doesn’t appear Santos are ready to let him go for a small fee.

Ange Postecoglou now candidate for Premier League return as SOS call nears in latest crisis

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Ange Postecoglou continues to see his name linked with a return to management.

Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham in June despite leading Spurs to Europa League glory the month prior, ending a 17-year trophy drought.

Postecoglou was then embarrassingly dismissed after 39 days by Nottingham Forest, with the Athens-born Australian failing to win any of his eight games in charge, losing six.

Still, there appears to be clamour for his services, with his former club Celtic among those linked with Postecoglou should they part ways with the under-fire Wilfried Nancy.

And there is a possibility that one of Spurs’ biggest rivals could now make a move, according to the latest bookmakers’ odds.

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Ange Postecoglou in contention for shock Premier League return

Postecoglou will always be remembered warmly for that memorable night in Bilbao, as Spurs defeated Manchester United 1-0 to bring home the Europa League trophy.

But a 17th-place finish for Tottenham in the Premier League was a huge underachievement, even in the context of a campaign decimated by injuries, and the writing was always on the wall.

His ill-fated tenure at Nottingham Forest has seemingly not irrefutably damaged his reputation, though, and Postecoglou’s name has appeared on the bookies’ list of candidates for the next West Ham manager if they opt to wield the axe on Nuno Espirito Santo.

With odds of 25/1 at BetVictor, he is considered right now as somewhat of an outside shot, but it is certainly interesting that his name is among those thought to be in contention.

Former Hammers boss and centre-back Slaven Bilic is the 4/6 favourite to take over, with talkSPORT reporting that the 57-year-old is ready to “answer an SOS call” should one arrive.

Who else is in contention to replace Nuno Espirito Santo at West Ham?

Spurs fans will, obviously, have little sympathy for the plight West Ham find themselves in, with a woeful 3-0 defeat at rock-bottom Wolves leaving them 18th and four points adrift of safety.

The Hammers have already parted ways with one boss in the form of Graham Potter this season, and Nuno’s future is looking increasingly perilous.

Another man with connections to West Ham and Tottenham is second-favourite behind Bilic, with Michael Carrick rated as a 2/1 shot to take over at the London Stadium.

Gary O’Neil is given odds of 8/1, with Frank Lampard (14/1), Gareth Southgate (16/1), Kieran McKenna (20/1), and Lee Carsley (20/1) all featuring high on the list.

Steven Gerrard, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Vitor Pereira, and Erik ten Hag are all alongside Postecoglou at 25/1.

Tottenham plans for centre-back transfer shared after ‘excellent’ Kota Takai developments

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Kota Takai has left Tottenham to join Borussia Monchengladbach on loan.

Tottenham signed Takai from Kawasaki Frontale last summer, but he has not been given an opportunity by Thomas Frank.

He is yet to play for Spurs, despite the hype surrounding his potential, so a loan exit makes sense for all parties.

The Tottenham defender has reportedly already linked with up with the Bundesliga side for their warm weather training camp in Turkey.

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Why Tottenham do not need another centre-back

John Wenham believes that Spurs are fine with their current depth at centre-back after Takai departed on loan.

Asked whether Frank’s side needs to add another defender, he claimed that they do not need to enter the market.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “In my opinion, no, Kota Takai has not played a second for Tottenham this season, I think he was signed as a player for the future.

“I think it is an excellent loan for him. I read up on Borussia Monchengladbach after the loan was announced, and they play with three at the back and haven’t got much depth in that position.

“If he can go there and get a lot of gametime, I wouldn’t be adverse to, if the loan goes well, him staying there for next year, and it effectively becomes an 18-month loan.

“Tottenham are very well stocked at centre-back with Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin, who has just come back from injury, Kevin Danso, even Ben Davies has only made one league appearance this season.

“They also have the wonderkid Luka Vuskovic doing extremely well at Hamburg. I would be more than happy to let Takai, if it goes well, to do another full season in the Bundesliga too.”

Why is Takai loan so exciting for Spurs?

Well, for starters, supporters should get to see a glimpse of Takai after not seeing him in action for their own team.

Also, he is heading to a quality outfit in a top league, which should help prepare him for the trials and tribulations of the Premier League.

If as Wenham claims, he can forge a first-team berth quickly, it could be a very profitable move for the Lilywhites for his long term development.

Bundesliga expert reveals how much it would take Tottenham to sign Yan Diomande

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Bundesliga expert reveals how much it would take Tottenham to sign star who only Harry Kane bettered in December

Tottenham are one of several clubs to show interest in RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.

Tottenham target Diomande has lit up the Bundesliga this season with seven goals and four assists in 16 appearances.

German journalist Florian Plettenberg has mentioned Spurs as one of the interested clubs in Diomande, and they could make a move after Brennan Johnson’s Tottenham exit was confirmed.

Thomas Frank is looking for a new winger, but he may be left disappointed if the Ivory Coast star is the man that he wants.

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How much would Diomande cost as Tottenham eye transfer?

Tottenham are understood to face competition for Diomande’s signature, with Liverpool and Barcelona also linked.

Kevin Hatchard, who commentates on the Bundesliga for Sky Sports, believe that it would take a hefty fee for anyone to sign Diomande this month.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “He is quick, skilful, has a great work-rate without the ball.

“I’d be surprised if anyone could persuade Leipzig to sell mid-season, and I’d think we’d be talking minimum £52million, if not a lot more.

“Actually, I think Leipzig would need an offer of £87m to consider it, which isn’t going to happen”

Diomande was only bettered by Harry Kane in December

Harry Kane is a name that is beloved by Spurs supporters, and Diomande put up similar numbers to the North London favourite in December.

Kane was the only Bundesliga player to record more goal contributions than the 19-year-old for the month.

Diomande notched an assist against Madgeburg in the DFB Pokal and then scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the league.

Kane nabbed five strikes in December, with a hat-trick against Stuttgart and goals against Mainz and Heidenheim, in a typical showing from the England captain.

The Ivorian was nominated for the Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Month award as a result of his exploits, which only the ex-Spurs man could better.

Anyone who is rivalling Kane in terms of numbers, is surely worth an approach, even if it may be doomed to fail as Hatchard states.

The Lilywhites have a good relationship with Leipzig after signing Xavi Simons in the summer, so it may be worth reaching out.

Tottenham’s £30m transfer blunder set to emerge after latest exit news

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Brennan Johnson may not be the only Tottenham attacker on his way out this January.

Johnson’s move to Crystal Palace from Spurs is now complete, with the Eagles having confirmed his arrival for a fee in the region of £35million.

The Welshman scored 19 goals for Tottenham last season, only to see his gametime reduced significantly due to the arrival of Thomas Frank.

However, he could be joined by yet another Tottenham attacker, who could depart North London in the coming weeks.

Mathys Tel exit can’t be ruled out

Like Johnson, Tel has hardly featured for Tottenham this season, with just 287 minutes of Premier League action under Frank.

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In the three starts he has made, the Frenchman has two goals, which is only one fewer than he managed in the previous campaign despite starting far more frequently.

Tel’s stats per 90 (FotMob)

Now, Alisdair Gold has claimed via Football London that Tel could be the next attacker to depart Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, this time on loan.

Tel only joined Tottenham in June for a reported fee of £30m, and for his exit to be considered already, it showcases how poor the recruitment has been over the last few years.

Unless that changes, it’s unlikely that Tottenham’s fortunes will.

Where could Tel be off to in January?

Given the quality that he showcased when afforded the chance at Bayern Munich, Tel is unlikely to be short of suitors if an exit does occur.

However, these potential destinations will almost certainly be abroad, given the fact that he has struggled to demonstrate his worth in English football.

Roma have been credited with an interest, with reports claiming that talks started as early as November in Italy, with teams from France also likely to be monitoring him.

With that said, if Tottenham lose Johnson and Tel, it would ramp up the pressure on them to recruit more quality in the forward areas, with Spurs also set to miss out on the signing of Antoine Semenyo.

‘This is exactly where £35m Brennan Johnson fee could go next at Tottenham’ – Expert

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Brennan Johnson has left Tottenham just months after scoring the winner in the Europa League final.

Johnson won Tottenham their first major trophy in 17 years with his striker against Manchester United in Bilbao in May.

However, Johnson has now been sold by Tottenham, in a £35million move to London rivals Crystal Palace.

Spurs confirmed that the Welsh attacker had departed on 2 January, wishing him the best for the future in a post on their official X account.

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Where Tottenham could spend Brennan Johnson fee

John Wenham believes that it is the right time for Johnson to leave, and highlighted the fact that Spurs have essentially paid £12.5m to win a trophy as excellent business.

He also pointed out where the money that the North London club have received may be spent.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “Last season, he was our top goalscorer, scored a goal that have will go down as a Tottenham legend forever more, you know his name will always be mentioned with that vital goal that helped us lift a major European trophy.

“But the reality is, this season only six league starts, Kudus was signed in the summer for big-money, and for me, no disrespect to Johnson or his ability, but he is a significantly better player.

“While Johnson scores a lot of goals, he doesn’t contribute much to the team other than goals, Kudus is on the ball a lot more, offers more to the team as an all-around team player.

“Tottenham have been blamed in the past for not selling players at their peak time, £35million represents decent money, albeit they signed him for £47.5m.

“I read an article that basically said the remaining balance that Tottenham owe to Nottingham Forest is £35m, so, this fee covers the remaining payment for him.

“If you look at it that way, it has been £12.5m for a two-and-a-half season loan, in which he has scored the goal that got Tottenham a major European trophy and back into the Champions League.

“He has been a good player for Tottenham, but I think for all parties, this was a good time for the player to move on, and I think it was a very fair fee for a player of his ability.”

Who could Tottenham go for to replace Johnson?

Tottenham are clearly focusing on upgrading on the flanks, as they wanted to sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.

Unfortunately, it looks like Manchester City have his signature lined up, with it only being a matter of time before he is in Sky Blue.

If Semenyo joins City as expected, then that could open the door to an Oscar Bobb departure, and the Lilywhites have been linked with him previously.

Savinho and Omar Marmoush have also been reported as Spurs targets in the past, so it may make sense to try and sign one of them.

An alternative replacement is RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, but it is unknown what kind of fee it would take to prize him away from the Bundesliga.

One thing is for sure, it should be an exciting transfer window for supporters in North London.