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Tottenham offer two-year deal to French rising star

Tottenham have offered a two-year scholarship to talented right midfielder Melvyn Kabongolo.

Spurs academy has generated interest for all the right reasons in recent months, as the club are always looking to unearth the next big talent.

In November, 18-year-old goalkeeper Dylan Thompson signed his first professional contract with Tottenham after impressing in the under-18s Premier League.

Meanwhile, Northern Irish midfielder Harry Hughes was offered a scholarship at Spurs in the same month, despite being sidelined with a long-term injury.

Those behind the scenes at the Lilywhites have demonstrated their desire to give youngsters the platform to progress, and that is exactly why another scholarship will be music to the ears of fans.

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Tottenham offer Melvyn Kobongolo a two-year scholarship

According to the Lilywhite Rose on X, Tottenham have offered Melvyn Kobongolo a two-year scholarship, becoming the latest academy star to earn a place in next season’s under-18 squad.

Kabongolo has been capped by both England and France’s under-15s and has already showcased his talents at club level.

Capable of playing as a left or right winger, the teenage sensation will want to realise ambitions of eventually making the first team, and becoming a superstar for the under-18s would be an excellent start.

News of Kabongolo signing a scholarship comes after Spurs offered Oscar Sandiford a two-year scholarship in November, and he will link up with his teammate in 2026/27.

Goalkeeper Max Sievey was also offered a contract by the club on the same basis as the future continues to look bright.

How are Tottenham’s stars faring out on loan

The dream of every young player is to eventually play first-team football, and that is no different to the likes of Kabongolo and Sievey.

But first, many youth talents have to spend time out on loan, with as many as six players aged 21 and under currently playing their football away from Spurs.

Alfie Devine joined Preston North End on loan in the summer, and he’s since helped his new side establish themselves as promotion contenders with three goals and two assists in 20 appearances.

Yang Min-Hyeok has shockingly attracted the interest of Real Madrid after impressing on loan at Portsmouth, at least during October, where the 19-year-old winger scored twice and assisted once.

Meanwhile, Mikey Moore is finding his feet at Rangers after a slow start to life at Ibrox, striker Alejo Veliz has scored five times since joining Rosario Central, and 18-year-old centre-back Luka Vuskovic is starring at Hamburg.

Last but not least, Jamie Donley is struggling at Stoke City, having made just four appearances in the Championship so far.

Gary Neville and Roy Keane have made contrasting predictions for Tottenham’s clash against Liverpool on Saturday.

Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 in their last Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, although discontent remains among fans after the embarrassing 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Thomas Frank is under intense pressure as Spurs sit 11th in the Premier League table after 16 matches, and fans are becoming increasingly frustrated with the style of play on show.

However, he has the perfect opportunity to ease any discontent by beating Liverpool, which would see them close the gap on the top four.

Ahead of the match, Keane demanded that Neville make a more exciting prediction for the game.

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Roy Keane expects goals in Tottenham vs Liverpool

Tottenham have won just two of their last 18 meetings with Liverpool, although Saturday’s clash could go either way, given how Arne Slot’s side have performed this season.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast on 18 December, Keane was disappointed with Neville’s prediction.

The ex-Man United defender said: “It probably is a 1-1 match,” before eventually claiming the Reds will win 2-1.

Keane responded by saying, “Do something a bit crazy with that,” alluding to the fact that this fixture guarantees goals, and predicting it would finish 2-1.

Tottenham versus Liverpool is the highest-scoring fixture in Premier League history, with 206 goals scored in their 66 matches.

The last three league matches between the pair have seen 21 goals, while there have been at least three goals in 14 of their last 16 Premier League meetings.

Thomas Frank should go more direct against Liverpool

Despite their struggles, Liverpool are still one of the most effective pressing teams in Europe.

Guglielmo Vicario’s abysmal mistake against Nottingham Forest made it clear that Spurs are still uncomfortable with the ball in their own half.

Tottenham’s 2-0 loss to Fulham on 29 November also showed how nervous the Italian goalkeeper looks, and there is a clear solution.

Liverpool have looked shaky from long balls, and they’ve failed to deal with direct, counter-attacking play throughout the season.

Their defending from set-pieces has been atrocious at times, and Spurs have a big area that they can exploit.

However, if they concede another self-inflicted goal early on in the match, then the atmosphere could become toxic once again in N17.

Tottenham need a statement performance to ease the pressure off Thomas Frank, and three points against Liverpool would erase some doubts over the Dane.

Spurs were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest last time out, and this result left them in 11th position, four points behind fifth-place Crystal Palace.

As a result, Jamie Carragher thinks Tottenham will sack Frank if Liverpool secure all three points against them on Saturday evening.

However, if he wants to save his job in north London, then the former Brentford boss will have to make a key decision in his starting lineup.

Thomas Frank must start Joao Palhinha vs Liverpool

Spurs were all over the shop defensively at the City Ground, and Archie Gray was one of several who struggled against Forest.

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The 19-year-old started in midfield alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, while Joao Palhinha was dropped by Frank following their 3-0 win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

But ahead of their showdown against the Reds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Frank should restore Palhinha to his starting lineup, mainly for the protection he offers defensively.

Palhinha is one of the best midfielders in the top-flight at winning possession, with that attribute needed against a star-studded Liverpool attack.

The 30-year-old should arguably come into the side for Bentancur, whose form has suffered in recent months, leading to many wanting him dropped.

Jamie Carragher loves Palhinha

Spurs have an option to sign Palhinha for just £27million at the end of the season, and the Portuguese international has proven to be worth that fee, and some.

In his column for The Telegraph in October, Carragher even admitted that the Bayern Munich loanee is Tottenham’s best signing.

“The best signing under Frank so far is Joao Palhinha, a highly effective ball-winner more so than a playmaker,” Carragher said.

“In the early stages of his Spurs career, Palhinha is exactly what Frank and his new club need, and it could bring instant success.

“Going forward, there will have to be an evolution, as the pairing of Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur is perceived by supporters to be over-cautious in home games.”

Clearly a huge fan of Tottenham’s No.6, Carragher won’t want him to perform well this weekend.

Tottenham’s most memorable Premier League games vs Liverpool: Nine-goal thriller and David Ginola magic

It’s rare for fans to not be treated to brilliant games of football when Tottenham and Liverpool clash in the Premier League.

Tottenham welcome Liverpool to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. Spurs were beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest last time out and are itching to bounce back against the Reds.

Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario endured a nightmare against Forest, with the Italian at fault for both of Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goals at The City Ground.

As such, sack pressure is mounting on Spurs boss Thomas Frank, with Ferencvaros boss and Tottenham legend Robbie Keane among the names being tipped to potentially replace Frank.

Ahead of Saturday’s huge clash with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur News looks back at some classic encounters between the two sides from down the years.

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David Ginola magic isn’t enough to hand Spurs win in breathless White Hart Lane classic

Come 14 March 1998, relegation-threatened Tottenham welcomed title-challenging Liverpool to White Hart Lane.

Spurs were to land the first of many blows when Jurgen Klinsmann powered home a David Ginola cross after just 13 minutes.

Steve McManaman would grab the first of his two goals that day to level the scores on 21 minutes however, which took the two sides into the half-time break at 1-1.

But, just four minutes after the restart, a piece of trademark brilliance from Ginola saw Tottenham take the lead again, after the mecurial Frenchman bent a beautiful left-footed effort from around 25 yards into the far corner past future Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel in the Liverpool goal.

However, Paul Ince would bring Liverpool back on level terms for a second time just after the hour mark with an overhead kick finish from six yards, before Spurs looked to have won it with 10 minutes to play thanks to Ramon Vega header.

But, the Reds didn’t know when they were beaten that day, as McManaman grabbed his second goal of the game in the 89th minute, after a Michael Owen lob rebounded back off the post, only for the Liverpool wideman to slam home into an empty net, ensuring a full-time score of 3-3.

Liverpool hit Tottenham for six in nine-goal thriller

A day that Tottenham fans everywhere will wish they could forget, a rampant Liverpool side piled the misery on Ange Postecoglou’s team.

Luis Diaz began the goal frenzy after 23 minutes, putting his diving header past Fraser Forster in the Spurs goal.

Tottenham found a way back into the match on 41 minutes after a short goal-kick from Alisson saw Dejan Kulusevski rob Mac Allister of possession before squaring for James Maddison who found the net, but Liverpool would restore their two-goal lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half, with Dominik Szoboszlai netting from close range.

Come the hour mark and it was 5-1 to the Reds, with Salah striking again from close range as Liverpool continued their Tottenham rout.

However, Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke goals would set up an unthinkably nervy finish from a Liverpool perspective, with the scoreline reading 5-3 with 83 minutes on the clock.

But just two minutes later, Diaz grabbed his second of the afternoon, with this goal ending the scoring for the day, and handing Liverpool a remarkable 6-3 win and marking an instant all-time classic Premier League fixture.

Tottenham take ruthless advantage of nine-man Liverpool

In the fourth game of the 2011-12 season, Tottenham would hit Liverpool for that same number on a memorable White Hart Lane afternoon.

Luka Modric got the game off to a superb start for Spurs, with the Croatian rifling home a wonderful first-time curling effort that flew into the top corner past Pepe Reina.

Charlie Adam was then shown a second yellow card and handed his marching orders on 28 minutes, but Spurs had to settle for a 1-0 lead at the half-time break.

Liverpool would continue to ride their luck until Martin Skrtel was shown his second yellow card of the game just after the hour mark, reducing Kenny Dalglish’s side to nine.

Spurs soon made their two-man advantage pay, with Jermain Defoe striking on 66 minutes, before Emmanuel Adebayor netted two minutes later to mark his home debut with his first White Hart Lane goal.

He wouldn’t have to wait too much longer for his second either, with the big striker rounding off the day with Tottenham’s fourth goal with 90 minutes on the clock, completing a memorable victory over Liverpool.

Liverpool run riot at White Hart Lane as Luis Suarez steals the show

With Christmas just around the corner when Liverpool came to town in December 2013, Tottenham’s players probably did themselves out of a few Christmas cards from supporters thanks to a disastrous White Hart Lane showing.

Indeed, it was to be a day best remembered by the sublime performance Luis Suarez delivered, with the Uruguayan striker playing a part in every single one of Liverpool’s five goals that day.

He and Liverpool began the scoring after 18 minutes, with some fantastic footwork inside the box leaving numerous Spurs players tackling thin air, before passing the ball into the far corner past Hugo Lloris.

Jordan Henderson doubled Liverpool’s lead on 40 minutes, after Lloris could only palm Suarez’ looping effort straight into the path of Henderson, who volleyed home from 12 yards.

Just 10 minutes later, Suarez’ right-footed chipped cross would find its way to an unmarked John Flanagan, who spanked a half-volleyed effort off the underside of the crossbar and into the net for 3-0.

Suarez scored his second goal of the game on 84 minutes, beating an on-rushing Lloris with a delightful chip with the outside of his boot from just outside the box to make it 4-0.

Suarez would then top his and Liverpool’s fantastic day off with a brilliant through ball to set Raheem Sterling free inside the box, before his side-footed finish beat Lloris on his near post and handed Liverpool an unforgettable 5-0 win over Tottenham.

Tottenham are looking at Marc-Andre ter Stegen as a solution amid serious consideration towards signing a new goalkeeper.

Guglielmo Vicario‘s status as Tottenham number one has taken some serious hits in recent weeks, after his error in the home defeat to Fulham got him booed by Spurs fans during the game.

Thomas Frank backed the Italian and decried critics as not real Spurs supporters after the game, but Vicario made two more major errors in the 3-0 loss at Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Vicario is thought to want out at Tottenham with Inter interested in taking him back to Serie A, and Ter Stegen could be the answer.

Tottenham eye Guglielmo Vicario replacement

Ter Stegen, the captain and long-time Barcelona number one, has just returned from a back injury but was informed in the summer that he would be relegated to third choice under Hansi Flick, behind new arrival Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczęsny.

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Despite this Catalan outlet Sport reports the German international doesn’t want to leave as his family is settled in Barcelona and plans to see out his contract, which runs until 2028.

His salary is said to be extremely important to him and he won’t give it up, even to secure a place at the World Cup this summer – according to The Athletic Ter Stegen is set to earn back large amounts of the salary deferrals he previously agreed in order to ease the club’s notoriously problematic finances over the remainder of that deal.

Sport reports that Besiktas, Bologna and Ajax have all inquired about signing the 33-year-old but he isn’t interested in any of them and none could afford his contract, while Man United are said to have been in touch through intermediaries but haven’t made a serious move – United signed Senne Lammens in the summer.

The situation is considered likely to only be changed by Tottenham entering the bidding, as Spurs are thought to be able to afford to sign him on loan in January, with a permanent option that incorporates his current contract.

In addition, London’s “excellent” transport links with Barcelona are noted as a plus point towards a deal being done.

Ter Stegen deal looks perfect, on paper

For all Frank is trying to support Vicario the situation looks like it can only end with a move, barring a stunning reversal in form for player and club.

Ter Stegen is about as experienced as they come at the top level and should be able to provide leadership, and an element of star power for a Spurs side that is struggling to establish an identity following the exits of big names such as Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

Tottenham appear to be relatively serious as they enquired about Ter Stegen already this season, and while he is 33 that age is usually far less of an issue for a goalkeeper than any other position, although he has had some significant recent injuries.

It is understandable that the German doesn’t want to miss out on what he’s owed by Barca if he helped the club out by deferring previously, but if the numbers work for Spurs it could be an ideal scenario for a couple of seasons.

Finances and fitness clearly must fit for the club to make it viable, but otherwise the newly-formed hierarchy in the wake of Daniel Levy’s exit needs to find a very good alternative.

Simon Jordan has accused Micky van de Ven of trying to excuse himself and other Tottenham players of responsibility for their failings last season.

Tottenham famously lifted the Europa League trophy by beating Man United but finished a dreadful 17th in the Premier League last term.

Ange Postecoglou was sacked as a result and replaced by Thomas Frank, who himself is now struggling for form as Tottenham boss.

Star centre-back Van de Ven appeared in an episode of The Overlap from Sky Sports this week and discussed the differing tactics between the two managers, revealing that he and captain Cristian Romero had approached Postecoglou last season and said they needed to temper the Australian’s notoriously cavalier Tottenham set up.

Van de Ven shares behind-the-scenes Postecoglou talks

Reacting to the comments live on talkSPORT former Crystal Palace chairman Jordan indicated that he had no issue with senior players contributing to a manager’s decision-making process but questioned what the Dutch defender’s agenda was in making the discussions public.

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Jordan said: “I’m not entirely sure why Van de Ven needs to disclose the content of conversations with the manager. Perhaps to excuse their performances last year.

“It’s interesting that he talks about the fact that the only time they were playing was in the Europa League games… it’s an interesting set of observations.

“In isolation they look very condemnatory of the manager and look like the players are coming out of it without any responsibility for their individual performances on the field.”

Tottenham players need to approach Thomas Frank as well

Given Postecoglou’s reaction to any scent of criticism during his time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium he probably would take umbrage with the idea that his players had to tell him how to set up the team.

But since he seemed incapable of dumbing down the gung-ho approach, ironically outside of some key games on the way to winning the Europa League, there probably is also truth to what Van de Ven has said even if the centre-back obviously wouldn’t have let it out if the manager hadn’t changed.

It is true that Frank has tightened things up at the back this term, although Guglielmo Vicario keeps doing his best to make that irrelevant in the Tottenham goal, but it has gone from one extreme to the other with the attack looking extremely weak too often instead.

In light of Van de Ven scoring a goal-of-the-season contender against Copenhagen last month, and Romero netting twice in the recent draw at Newcastle, the two defenders might be the ones best placed to again go to their manager and this time tell him how to fix things going forward.

Ange Postecoglou has already had one failed managerial spell since his Tottenham departure, but he may be set for a swift return to English football.

Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham back in June, just two weeks after leading the North London side to Europa League glory, their first major trophy in 17 years.

The Australian was given another chance in the Premier League after Nottingham Forest sacked Nuno Espirito Santo, but lasted just 39 days at the City Ground before being dismissed.

Now, Postecoglou is being linked with his third job in six months, which would see him drop down to the Championship.

Ange Postecoglou linked with managerial return

Birmingham City boss Chris Davies is the current favourite to be the next Championship manager sacked, with his side sitting 13th.

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One bookmaker has Davies at 4/1 to be the next casualty in the second tier, ahead of former Spurs man Ryan Mason at West Brom and Gary Rowett at Oxford United.

Potential replacements are already emerging to replace the Blues boss, and Postecoglou is among the outsiders.

The former Tottenham manager is 16/1 to take over at St Andrew’s, according to one bookmaker, with Lee Carsley the current favourite at 4/1.

Ange Postecoglou will be squirming after Van de Ven comments

Micky van de Ven exposed Postecoglou’s tactical ineptitude in an interview on Tuesday, revealing that Tottenham players had to tell the Australian to play a more defensive style last season.

Despite criticism, Postecoglou stayed true to his high-line approach throughout much of his time at Spurs.

However, the former Celtic boss made the switch to a more conservative system for the Europa League final, which ultimately ensured that Tottenham lifted the trophy.

After guiding the North London side to a 17th-place finish in the Premier League and then having a dismal spell in charge of Nottingham Forest, Postecoglou’s reputation is at an all-time low.

It’s clear that he will struggle to get another big job, so dropping down to the Championship may be his only option if he wants to remain in English football.

Tottenham’s rumoured takeover looks to be completely dead in the water as the North London side close in on a new appointment.

When Daniel Levy resigned from his role as Tottenham’s executive chairman back in September, there were whispers that the Lewis family were looking to sell their stake in the club.

A number of potential investors were linked with Spurs, including a consortium led by former Newcastle United director Amanda Staveley.

However, ENIC publicly stated that Tottenham were not for sale, and their latest move seems to indicate that they are remaining true to their word.

Tottenham set to poach Man City executive

Since Levy’s departure, there have been major changes at senior level, including the return of Fabio Paratici in October.

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Paratici was appointed as a co-sporting director, with Spurs promoting Johan Lange to work alongside him.

Now, according to David Ornstein, Tottenham are set to bring in Manchester City executive Carlos Raphael Moersen as their new director of football operations.

Moersen, more commonly known as Rafi, currently negotiates player contracts at City, and has also been involved with transfer dealings since Omar Berrada left to join Manchester United.

The Man City executive is expected to take on more responsibility at Tottenham and have a significant say in the club’s recruitment strategy.

It is yet another example of the Lewis family stamping their authority on Spurs in the post-Levy era, removing any doubt about their desire to remain at the helm.

Rafi Moersen has immediate problems at Tottenham

Tottenham are having a difficult season in the Premier League, and their squad clearly needs major reinforcements.

There has been some questionable recruitment by Spurs in recent windows, which has left them lacking quality in several areas.

To make matters worse, Thomas Frank is also under big sack pressure after his start to life in North London, with supporters growing frustrated at his style of play.

Moersen will have to quickly adjust to life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and make an immediate impact to ensure that the fanbase is brought back on side.

Tottenham are ready for a very busy January transfer window, as they attempt to turn their season around.

Thomas Frank could be facing the sack if Tottenham lose to Liverpool on Saturday, with massive changes possible ahead of the New Year.

However, with the winter transfer window now firmly in view, the Spurs hierarchy are evidently planning for a potentially vital winter sales period.

Tottenham have reportedly rekindled their interest in Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, with several new additions possible.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have also been urged to splash the cash on AC Milan star Rafael Leao, whilst Richarlison could be heading out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium door.

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Despite those big names, a raid on Arsenal could kickstart things in 2026.

Tottenham monitoring Arsenal forward ahead of potential January transfer swoop

Few players have crossed the North London divide between Arsenal and Tottenham, but one youngster may be set to do just that this winter.

The Talent Hunter has now reported via X that Arsenal forward, Nefeye Osazee, is “attracting serious interest” from a host of clubs.

Everton, Leeds United, Bournemouth and Tottenham have all been credited with an interest in the 16-year-old, whose exit is imminent.

Osazee looks set to leave Arsenal without a scholarship contract, despite being part of the Gunners team that won the Under-16 Premier League National Tournament in November.

Osazee could see clear pathway to starting Tottenham role

Given the fact that he’s still such a young player and has been unable to break into Arsenal’s senior picture, it would be unfair for the Gunners to hold too much of a grudge against him if he signed for Tottenham.

In the present, he may well view other clubs as holding a greater opportunity to break into senior football, but Spurs could be a very attractive prospect for Osazee in the long term.

With the aforementioned Richarlison looking likely to leave soon, and Dominic Solanke struggling with injury problems, Tottenham may still be searching for the man to spearhead their attack of the future.

Randal Kolo Muani is only a temporary addition from PSG, and 21-year-old Dane Scarlett also looks some way off being ready to lead the Tottenham line, and could also be moving on permanently in the near future.

Of course, Osazee would need to prove himself over the couple of years, but Tottenham may have found a huge piece of their future if they can win the race for his signature.

Tottenham are looking to use the January transfer window as an opportunity to add more flair and ingenuity to their attack.

Thomas Frank’s men have struggled to score goals in the absence of last season’s top scorer, Dominic Solanke, with the Englishman set to return at some point in the New Year.

That is why the Lilywhites have drafted up a shortlist of attackers, including Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who Spurs were linked with during the summer.

Semenyo is available for £65million due to a release clause in his contract, although Manchester City are the strongest contenders to sign the 25-year-old, and Frank could look elsewhere.

Tottenham make approach to sign Said El Mala

Cash was splashed in north London in the last transfer window, most notably the £55m shelled out on Xavi Simons.

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The Dutchman has largely struggled since moving to England, but that hasn’t deterred Frank from shopping in the Bundesliga.

Tottenham are in talks to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, Simons’ former club, as well as another teenage sensation.

According to SportBild, Spurs and Manchester United have launched concrete enquiries for FC Cologne starlet Said El Mala.

The report claims that the two Premier League giants would pay between £26m and £35m for the 19-year-old winger, although Cologne have already confirmed that their prized asset will remain in Germany until the end of the season.

El Mala has been in dazzling form in the Bundesliga this term, having already plundered six goals and three assists in 14 appearances.

For someone who doesn’t turn 20 until August next year, those returns have caught the eye, and if he continues performing at that rate, his value will skyrocket by the summer.

El Mala has drawn comparisons to Bukayo Saka

According to FBref, Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka is the eighth most statistically similar player to El Mala across Europe’s top five leagues, and there are multiple reasons why.

Capable of playing on either flank, El Mala has destroyed Bundesliga defences with his searing pace and incredible decision-making in the final third.

The Cologne youngster even ranks in the top one per cent of wingers across Europe for non-penalty goals per 90, while placing in the top three per cent for shots and the top four per cent for successful take-ons.

El Mala has been hailed as ‘remarkable’ by Cologne sporting director Thomas Kessler, and Spurs fans would surely love to see his talents in the Premier League.