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Tottenham in talks to sign Antonio Rudiger

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Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks over the possible transfer of Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rüdiger to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next summer, according to CaughtOffside.

The German centre-back joined Chelsea from Serie A side AS Roma in the summer of 2017, and the deal proved defining, as he was instrumental in their FA Cup triumph that season, while the Europa League, UEFA Champions League, Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup followed in subsequent seasons.

Rüdiger is approaching the end of his contract with Madrid, meaning he will be free to secure a new club ahead of the 2026/27 season. The German international has found it difficult to fully cement a regular starting role with the Spanish giants this season, increasing the likelihood of a summer exit.

Despite his reduced role, the German, who turns 33 in March, has demonstrated that when fit, and it’s no surprise that several clubs, particularly in the Premier League, are now vying for his signature.

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham are among the Premier League clubs indicating interest in a summer swoop for the Germany international.

Bargain

It appears Spurs are already accelerating efforts to sign the 6 ft 2 in centre-back, as the report adds that the North London club have opened talks over his possible transfer to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next summer.

While Chelsea have decided not to pursue a deal for their former key player, Tottenham will still have to battle London rivals West Ham United and Crystal Palace to sign Rudiger, as both clubs have also held discussions to sign him, while Paris Saint-Germain have also sounded out their interest, CaughtOffside adds.

Bringing in Rudiger on a free transfer could be a smart addition for the Lilywhites, but it certainly shouldn’t be their Cristian Romero replacement, who is tipped to leave at the end of the season.

The Argentine, despite his occasional rashness, is a leader on the pitch for Spurs, and at the age of 27, he’s currently in his prime.

Rudiger, on the other hand, is nearing the latter stages of his career. While he’s still capable when fit, Spurs need to find a younger but equally capable option to lead their backline should Romero depart, with Rudiger only brought in as cover and the much-needed winning mentality to the dressing room.

Tottenham join race to sign Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White

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Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, according to Football Insider.

Gibbs-White, valued at £56m by Transfermarkt, was a subject of one of the most dramatic transfer window conundrums last summer.

Media reports confirmed a deal had been struck for his transfer to Tottenham, with the Englishman reportedly undergoing medicals in North London.

However, Forest threatened legal action over what they believed was an inappropriate method of poaching their player, and the deal was cancelled, with Gibbs-White disappointingly returning to his parent club and extending his contract soon after.

Days later, a post on the club’s social media sent the internet into a frenzy when he reiterated his commitment to the club, standing alongside club owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Whether he was happy to return remains contested, but what has been clear is his unquestionable commitment, with seven goals and four assists across all competitions for the Tricky Trees, who are now just three points adrift of the relegation zone.

It appears Tottenham are looking to reignite their interest in Gibbs-White following Forest’s poor season, as Football Insider claims that the north London club have joined the race to sign him in the summer.

Audacious swoop

The report adds that Forest will have a daunting task keeping Gibbs-White if they are relegated, as the attacking midfielder will seek a move away and is unwilling to play in the Championship, with Spurs, Manchester City, and Aston Villa now keen.

In a boost to the Europa League champions, having seen a proposed move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium fail last summer, the 2022/23 Forest Player of the Season would be open to a move in the coming transfer window, according to the report.

Tottenham have appointed Igor Tudor as their head coach for the remainder of the season, following Thomas Frank’s departure after a poor run of results that has kept the club in 16th place.

The Croatian won back-to-back Serie A titles with Juventus in 2001-02 and 2002-03, also starting in the 2003 Champions League final, which his side lost to AC Milan.

He also finished third in Ligue 1 with Marseille and has an impressive resume that could turn the tide at the club, starting with the clash against Arsenal on Sunday, 22nd February.

Tottenham lead race ahead of PL rivals to sign Pulisic

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in ‘pole position’ to trump their Premier League rivals in the race to sign AC Milan star Christian Pulisic, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The Lilywhites have been plagued by injury problems in the frontline this season, with Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, and Richarlison all sidelined due to their respective issues.

In addition, Spurs opted to let Brennan Johnson leave during the winter transfer window. So, the North London club have endured a dire campaign thus far, languishing in the relegation scrap.

Now, Fichajes state that Tottenham are prioritising reinforcing the flanks and have identified Pulisic as an ideal option, having been impressed by his recent eye-catching performances.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United have also expressed their interest in signing him and have made contact to enquire about the details of signing him.

However, the Lilywhites are currently in ‘pole position’ in this race after intensifying efforts by holding initial negotiations, with the player’s existing deal set to expire at the end of next season.

The 27-year-old is valued at around £52m by Transfermarkt, and Milan might be forced to let him leave in the summer if they fail to tie him down to a fresh term over the coming months.

Pulisic to Tottenham

Pulisic is a left-winger by trait but is also efficient on the opposite side. However, he has been playing as a second striker in Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2 system this term.

In 21 appearances across all competitions, the USA international has scored 10 goals and registered two assists thus far this season. Moreover, he has been guiding his side to mount a title charge, sitting eight points behind table topper Inter Milan with a game in hand.

Pulisic is currently at the prime stage of his career could be a shrewd acquisition for Tottenham should they purchase him. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services during the offseason.

Meanwhile, after dismissing Thomas Frank, Tottenham have appointed Igor Tudor as an interim manager until the end of this campaign, and their next game is against arch-rival Arsenal next weekend.

Chelsea made contact to sign Tottenham star Lucas Bergvall in January

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Chelsea made a late attempt to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall in the recently concluded winter transfer window, according to David Ornstein.

Last summer, Chelsea were poised to add a new attacking midfielder, capable of playing multiple roles.

The club were heavily linked with Xavi Simons and reportedly held talks, but London rivals Tottenham trumped them to secure his signature on deadline day.

They also looked to sign Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, but a move did not materialise, as the Spaniard remained with the LaLiga champions and has since extended his contract until 2031.

With options now short, the Blues turned to Brighton & Hove Albion to sign Facundo Buonanotte on a one-year loan deal, where he featured eight times before cutting short his deal to sign for Leeds United in January for the remainder of the season.

With Buonanotte gone and fitness concerns for Cole Palmer, it appears Chelsea explored midfield options in the winter transfer window, as Ornstein claims the London giants made enquiries about a potential transfer for Bergvall to Stamford Bridge.

Amid his long injury this season, the 20-year-old has played a reduced role, leading to interest from the Blues in his services in January, according to the report.

Writing in The Athletic, Ornstein reveals that Chelsea’s interest stemmed from their failure to land Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz before he joined his former club, Aston Villa, who also made enquiries about Bergvall.

Chelsea have their own Bergvall in Reggie Walsh

However, despite the interest from both clubs, the report adds that Tottenham rebuffed every approach for the midfielder and made it clear they were not considering his departure from the club where he is contracted until 2031.

The Blues are already well stocked in central areas, with several options, including highly rated academy prospect Reggie Walsh.

The England U18 star became Chelsea’s third-youngest debutant, behind Ian Hamilton and Kingsley Whiffen, when he made his debut against Bergvall’s former club Djurgårdens IF in the 2024–25 UEFA Conference League semi-finals.

In the 5-1 win over Ajax this season, he surpassed Dominic Solanke’s 11-year record to become Chelsea’s youngest-ever UEFA Champions League debutant as well as the second youngest Englishman to debut in the competition, behind Jack Wilshere.

Having shown promise whenever called upon, the 17-year-old has proven reliable and, if given enough time, could become a vital player for the club.

Man Utd, Arsenal & Tottenham battling to sign Aleksandar Stankovic

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Manchester United are in a fierce battle with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur for the signing of Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stanković, according to TEAMtalk.

Stankovic progressed through Inter Milan’s U17, U19, and U20 teams before going on loan to Swiss club FC Luzern, where he caught the eye in 40 appearances.

A sustained opportunity in midfield never materialised, leading to another temporary spell with Luzern before completing a permanent transfer to Belgium last summer, signing with Club Brugge KV.

Since arriving at the 19-time Belgian champions, Stankovic has delivered standout performances in both the Jupiler Pro League and the UEFA Champions League. He featured in all eight European fixtures, contributing to a playoff berth alongside Atlético Madrid.

In total, he has made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven times and registering four assists for Ivan Leko’s side as they pursue the league title.

On the international stage, the 20-year-old, valued at £13m by Transfermarkt, further showcased his potential during the most recent break, becoming Serbia’s youngest World Cup qualifying scorer since Lazar Marković in 2013, with interest in his services continuing to grow.

According to TEAMtalk, Man Utd are among several Premier League clubs to express interest in a move for Stankovic in the coming summer transfer window.

Battle

While the Serbian midfielder strongly considers a return to Inter, he is also aware of growing interest from other clubs, particularly in the Premier League, the report adds.

However, the Red Devils face strong competition from Premier League rivals, with TEAMtalk reporting that Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham are closely monitoring the 20-year-old ahead of a possible summer move.

A strong run of results has lifted United back into Champions League contention, with statement victories over Manchester City and Arsenal marking an impressive start in the dugout for Michael Carrick.

With Casemiro due to leave when his contract runs out this summer, the current midfield options are Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, and Kobbie Mainoo.

Aside from Ugarte, that team leans heavily toward attack-minded qualities, which is where Stankovic could prove a natural fit.

Should a move be agreed, he could help anchor United’s midfield for the long term, playing alongside Kobbie Mainoo, while allowing Fernandes and Mount to operate higher up the pitch where they are most effective.

Chelsea to push hard to sign Tottenham target Verbruggen

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Chelsea are reportedly ‘preparing a serious push’ to trump Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, as per TEAMtalk.

After moving to AMEX Stadium from Belgian side RSC Anderlecht in 2023, the 23-year-old initially played as a rotational option in his debut campaign.

However, since Fabian Hurzeler’s arrival as the manager, he has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. The youngster has even secured his place in the Netherlands national team’s starting line-up.

Now, TEAMtalk claim that Verbruggen is ready to leave Brighton at the end of this season to take the next step in his career, with Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Tottenham showing strong interest.

However, Spurs are unlikely to be able to qualify for the Champions League next season, so Verbruggen might not want to move to north London.

Bayern Munich want Verbruggen as a potential long-term replacement for Manuel Neuer, who is set to turn 40 next month. The Bavarian club even enquired about his availability last summer, but the player didn’t want to leave at that time.

Chelsea want to sign a new goalkeeper to create competition for the inconsistent Robert Sanchez, with Filip Jorgensen struggling to push the Spaniard. They are ‘preparing a serious push’ to sign Verbruggen and are ready to match Brighton’s £50m price tag.

Verbruggen to Chelsea

Verbruggen, standing at 6ft 4in tall, is comfortable playing out from the back, good in the air, and efficient in playing the sweeper-keeper role.

Tottenham bought Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli as the long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris. However, the Italian has struggled to showcase consistency, making several high-profile errors this season.

Therefore, Tottenham could do with signing a new goalkeeper. Verbruggen is a talented player and could be a shrewd acquisition for Spurs or Chelsea should either club purchase him.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the West London club can eventually manage to secure the Netherlands international’s service by defeating the North London club in this race.

Tottenham Hotspur add Diego Simeone into shortlist for Thomas Frank replacements

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Tottenham Hotspur announced that they had parted ways with Thomas Frank earlier this week following a 2-1 home loss to Newcastle United, which pushed them to 16th in the Premier League standings, just five points above the relegation zone.

With the Danish manager’s departure, a decision that was made mainly due to the fans expressing their dissatisfaction, Spurs find themselves seeking a new man in the dugout once again and a concrete appointment might well wait until the summer.

Caught Offside has reported that Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has emerged as an ambitious target for Tottenham Hotspur, with his work in turning the La Liga giants into one of Europe’s top sides viewed favourably by the board.

Simeone has spent more than a decade in the Spanish capital and has become a favourite within the Atletico fans, but he could relish a challenge in the Premier League and a project at Tottenham, similar to what his current side was, may prove attractive.

Simeone’s appointment will be difficult

Unless Diego Simeone steps down at the end of the season or Atletico Madrid part company with him owing to a lack of silverware in the last five years, Tottenham Hotspur will find it very hard to lure the Argentine to London.

Although his stature among the fans is one aspect, he is among the best paid managers in the top five European leagues, so Spurs will need to offer him good money to bring him to the club while also paying Atletico a fairly hefty amount to buy his contract out.

Los Rojiblancos have also invested heavily on their squad to bring in players suited for Simeone’s system, which might make his exit an even more complicated proposition, unless Tottenham let him have a huge say in who they acquire during the summer.

Mauricio Pochettino leading Tottenham Hotspur shortlist for managerial candidates

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Tottenham Hotspur announced that they had sacked Thomas Frank from the managerial position on Wednesday after a 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle United, a result that marked their eighth straight winless outing in the Premier League.

While the club has not announced any interim appointment for the time being, it is very unlikely that they will have a fixed recruit in the dugout for their next game scheduled on February 22nd against Arsenal in the Premier League.

Ben Jacobs has reported, however, that three candidates make up Tottenham’s managerial wish-list with former boss Mauricio Pochettino topping the trio with Roberto De Zerbi and Andoni Iraola also believed to be in contention to succeed Frank.

De Zerbi most attainable right now

Roberto De Zerbi and Olympique Marseille parted ways earlier this week after the French outfit’s 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, so he will be available to join immediately and also does not come with a release clause.

De Zerbi did a decent job with Brighton & Hove Albion, which is perhaps why Tottenham Hotspur are considering him. That said, it remains to be seen if he will be open to taking a new job immediately or prefers waiting until the summer.

Andoni Iraola is set to stay put at Bournemouth at least until the season ends, whereas Mauricio Pochettino will not be available until later into the summer owing to commitments with the United States national team at the FIFA World Cup.

Pochettino, as far as impressing the fans goes, is a very attractive option but his lack of achievements since departing Tottenham in 2019, especially losing Ligue 1 at Paris Saint-Germain, might compel the board into thinking twice over his appoitnment.

For now, Spurs are likely to hire an interim candidate with Ryan Mason expected to emerge into contention after being fired by West Bromwich Albion last month, and any concrete appointment might still be a few months away.

Tottenham ‘pushing hard’ to sign Real Madrid’s Endrick

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ‘pushing hard’ to sign Real Madrid forward Endrick, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

Although the Lilywhites won the Europa League last term, they decided to part ways with Ange Postecoglou after finishing 17th in the Premier League.

Thomas Frank was appointed as the new manager to succeed the Australian ahead of this season, and Spurs even enjoyed a bright start, winning three out of the first four league matches.

However, Tottenham have won only two out of the last 17 Premier League matches; as a result, they have found themselves in a relegation battle, sitting only five points above safety.

Despite the North London club’s poor form in the English top flight, they have managed to qualify for the round of 16 of the Champions League, having finished in the top eight.

Tottenham have now decided to part ways with Frank and are set to face arch-rival Arsenal later this month under a new manager.

Amid this situation, Tottenham have started exploring options to strengthen the squad next summer. Fichajes state that the North London club are planning to sign a new striker and are ‘pushing hard’ to sign Endrick after being impressed by his recent eye-catching performances for Olympique Lyonnais.

Endrick to Tottenham

Tottenham are set to intensify negotiations over the coming weeks and are prepared to launch a £100m proposal to persuade Los Blancos to cash-in on him.

After moving to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu from Palmeiras, Endrick struggled to find regular game time during the first half of this season. So, he decided to join Lyon on loan in January to play regularly and develop his career.

Upon moving to Groupama Stadium, the Brazilian has displayed his qualities in recent weeks but picked up a red card against Nantes in Ligue 1 last weekend.

Endrick is a left-footed versatile forward as he is comfortable on the right flank and the centre-forward position. The 19-year-old is a top-class player and possesses the potential to become world-class.

Chelsea lead race to sign Tottenham target Dusan Vlahovic

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Chelsea are reportedly in the ‘strongest position’ to beat Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, as per TEAMtalk.

After being appointed as the new manager last month, Liam Rosenior helped the Blues win four consecutive Premier League matches. They had an opportunity to climb up to fourth place in the table with a victory over Leeds United in midweek.

The West London club even managed to earn a two-goal lead courtesy of João Pedro and Cole Palmer’s goals. However, they ended up drawing the game.

Now, Chelsea are fifth in the league with 44 points from 26 games, sitting only one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United. Fifth position might be enough to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Meanwhile, the Blues have already started exploring options to strengthen the squad next summer. TEAMtalk claim that, following Liam Delap’s below-average performances thus far this season, Chelsea are planning to sign a new striker, even though Emanuel Emegha is set to join at the end of this campaign.

Rosenior’s side have identified Vlahovic as a serious option, with the Serbian increasingly likely to become a free agent in the summer.

The 26-year-old has entered the final few months of his current contract, and Juventus wanted to give him a fresh term with a reduced salary. However, the player hasn’t accepted that and is keen on playing in the Premier League.

Battle

Apart from Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham are also interested in him. However, the Red Devils are unlikely to make a move after signing Benjamin Sesko last summer.

Vlahovic is keen on joining a Champions League team, but Newcastle and Tottenham are highly unlikely to be able to qualify for this competition next season. So, Chelsea are in the ‘strongest position’ to secure his service.

Although Chelsea won’t have to pay a transfer fee to sign him, they will still need to invest a hefty sum to complete the deal, including a high agent commission, the player’s wages, and signing bonuses.