TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur are likely to be busy on the transfer front this summer as Ange Postecoglou looks to strengthen his squad further.

Spurs have been busy over the last few transfer windows and it’s clear to see what Postecoglou is trying to do, but there’s still a lot of work to do.

Tottenham are currently looking at improving their attacking ranks, while also looking at more strength in depth in midfield.

One player Spurs are looking at is Tyler Dibling, who has made real name for himself at Southampton and has been one of the few shining lights for them this season.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has shared what he can “confirm” about Tottenham and Dibling ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window.

Tyler Dibling said to be ‘top target’ for Tottenham this summer

With Southampton all-but relegated, there’s little chance that Dibling will stay put at St Mary’s Stadium amid interest from Premier League giants.

Tottenham are really keen on the 19-year-old, but Manchester City are also following the Southampton ace, according to Romano.

“At the moment, I can confirm that for Tottenham, he’s kind of their top target,” Romano wrote on GiveMeSport.

“They love the player, they would love to bring him in in the summer transfer window – but again, it’s not going to be super easy.

“Manchester City – let’s see, because City at the moment are following the player, but from what I have heard, they haven’t started any concrete conversation.”

TBR Football recently confirmed that Tottenham feel they are favourites to sign Dibling this summer.

Why Southampton are said to have annoyed Tottenham and other suitors over Tyler Dibling

It has been reported that Southampton want just over £100million for Dibling, using the fee Manchester City spent on Jack Grealish as a reference point.

The Saints’ lofty valuation of the England Under-21 international is apparently frustrating the likes of Spurs and City, as well as other Premier League clubs.

Dibling’s contract runs until the summer of 2027, so it’s not as though he’s entering the last 12 months of his deal.

However, Southampton’s leverage is reduced by their seemingly imminent relegation, so it remains to be seen whether they can get £100million-plus.

Dibling would certainly be a great addition for Tottenham though, thanks to his quality, high ceiling, and versatility.

The 19-year-old’s main position is on the right wing and, with Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski both struggling for consistency there, he could be an alternative.

Dibling has also played as a No. 10, a centre-forward, a central midfielder and even a defensive midfielder over the past 18 months for Southampton, at senior and youth level.

Atletico Madrid have made the signing of Cristian Romero one of their primary priorities in the summer.

Romero is assessing his future at Tottenham as Atletico Madrid are one of the many clubs who are interested in snapping the World Cup winner up in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur would naturally be aware that Diego Simeone’s side have all the pulling power to attract the Argentine towards a move to the Spanish capital — with Diego Simeone proving once again this season that he remains capable of helping them compete for trophies.

Furthermore, Romero wishes to play Champions League football and at Spurs, he will be unable to do so in the following campaign as they sit in 14th place in the Premier League.

The question every Tottenham supporter will be asking is whether the club are prepared to sell Cristian Romero, who remains one of their most important players.

As for Romero himself, a crucial factor that could attract him towards a move to Atletico Madrid is the fact that he can finally be recognised as one of the best defenders in Europe.

James Maddison thinks Romero is underrated to this day and perhaps a part of the reason that is the case is due to Spurs’ woes this season in particular.

It is imperative to keep in mind that Tottenham were prepare to extend Romero’s contract and make him their highest earner last month.

But journalist Ben Jacobs has now revealed on GiveMeSport’s ‘Market Madness’ show that Tottenham are ready to sell Romero to Atletico Madrid after all: “I can tell you that Atletico Madrid have put the Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero on their list of options this summer and Tottenham’s position on a sale has now softened, so if we go back to the winter, Spurs were thinking of extending Romero.”

Jacobs also revealed that Atletico Madrid are looking to pay a fee of £33 million to sign Romero: “Now, as he heads towards two years left on his contract, Tottenham are prepared to sell and this is a move driven by Diego Simeone and I can tell you that Atletico Madrid have already made contact with the Romero camp and they’re looking to pay something in the region of €40 million or £33 million.”

“Now, Tottenham paid 43 million quid, so that’s €50 million and about six months ago when he was also being linked with Real Madrid, the price was about £60 million, €70 million. Now, it’s likely to be lower than that. But instead of it being Real Madrid, even though they are looking for a centre-back, my understanding is Atletico Madrid are the most serious suitor for Romero and there is a concrete possibility that Tottenham may be prepared to sell.”

Tottenham already have a Cristian Romero replacement in mind

For Ange Postecoglou, it would be ideal if Tottenham decide to keep Romero as it would be difficult to replace him if he does move to Atletico Madrid.

However, for every top club, it is especially crucial to have contingent plans in place just in case one of their stars players opts to leave.

With that being the case, Tottenham have been scouting Ousmane Diomande throughout the season and could be available for £50 million.

However, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle United are all keeping dabs on Diomande as well.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur boast one of the fiercest rivalries in the English game, with both sides regularly vying for bragging rights in North London.

Although the Gunners have been the better side in terms of overall status and silverware, the form book tends to go out of the window in North London derbies.

In terms of red cards, Arsenal v Tottenham is the fourth fiercest derby in English football, with 16 red cards handed out in Premier League encounters since 1992.

However, there was one particular Spurs defender who was known for being world-class without being dirty, so much so that Thierry Henry once sung his praises.

Arsenal icon Thierry Henry said Tottenham legend Ledley King gave him a tough time without being dirty

The player in question is Ledley King, who shone for Tottenham between 1999 and 2012.

King made 323 competitive appearances for Spurs, along with winning 21 England caps, and received just nine yellow cards throughout his entire career.

Henry, speaking to The Independent in 2006, admitted that King gave him a tough time without even needing to be rough.

Considering Henry was in his prime around then, many defenders sought to nullify his threat by hook or by crook – but King didn’t need to do this.

“I don’t like defenders who hold the shirts of other players,” Henry said.

“The only defender here who doesn’t do that and sometimes still gets the ball off my feet easily is Ledley King.

“He is the only guy who doesn’t hold players. He will get the ball off you without you even noticing. For me, that is a good defender.

“He plays without any contact yet is somehow still strong and gets the ball without doing any fouls.”

Ledley King’s Tottenham career

King was born in Bow in 1980 and played for Senrab FC – the famous youth team which also gave the world the likes of Jermain Defoe, John Terry and Ezri Konsa – as a youngster.

The defender joined Tottenham as a trainee in July 1996 and progressed through the youth system before making his first-team debut in May 1999.

King made 323 competitive appearances for Spurs, registering 14 goals and eight assists, and lifted the 2008 League Cup, the last major trophy won by the Lilywhites.

Sadly, King was plagued by chronic knee problems later on in his career, with Harry Redknapp admitting in 2008 that the player didn’t have any cartilage in his left knee.

“There’s no cure,” The Guardian quoted Redknapp as saying. “There’s no cartilage, nothing to operate on. It’s just bone on bone. So it’s just a question of managing it.

“It swells up after games and it normally takes seven days to recover but having played on Monday night he’s had less time than usual.

“He rarely trains, he mostly just goes to the gym to keep himself ticking over. But not running or anything like that.

“But even if he only plays 20 games a season, he’s worth having because he’s so good we have a much better chance of winning.”

Harry Redknapp was recently asked to build a combined XI of his former players and today’s current crop of Spurs stars, and was asked to pick between King and Micky van de Ven.

A lot could change at Tottenham this summer.

It very much feels as if Ange Postecoglou needs to – at least – reach the UEFA Europa League final this season if the Australian is to remain in charge, with Spurs embarrassingly sat 14th in the Premier League.

The Athletic are now claiming that Tottenham have made Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth their primary target if Postecoglou is sacked.

However, the Spaniard may not be the only new hire at Spurs, after Daniel Levy made an offer to Fabio Paratici.

Daniel Levy offers Fabio Paratici the chance to return to Tottenham

The Italian negotiator – who helped bring the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and Cristian Romero to Spurs – has been out of work ever since FIFA banned him from football for 30 months due to false accounting at Juventus, a decision which prompted his resignation from his Director of Football role at Tottenham in April 2023.

Now – however – a story by Radio Rossonera claims that Levy has made a “rich” offer to Paratici in an attempt to lure him back to N17 ahead of AC Milan, who are also trying to hire the man from Borgonovo Val Tidone.

The Italian news outlet believe a meeting was held between the pair, and it is now up to the 52-year-old to make a decision.

TBR Football understand Paratici is leaning towards AC Milan – where he would be able to remain in his homeland.

What Ange Postecoglou has said about Fabio Paratici

If Postecoglou does remain at the helm and ends up working with Paratici, we would not anticipate any problems based on what the 59-year-old has previously said about him.

The man born in Greece said in January 2024: “Obviously I know Fabio and every now and then we’ll exchange messages or calls. He’s a smart guy and you can see that he’s got a great eye for talent.”

TBR Football can exclusively reveal that there is plenty of interest from clubs across European football to sign Leon Bailey from Aston Villa.

But Gabriel Agbonlahor has called out Bailey’s form as he has just two goals and four assists to his name in 26 starts across all competitions this season — with the Jamaican international being badly out of form.

Things have certainly taken a turn for the worse since February last year when Leon Bailey was rewarded with a four-year contract extension for his glittering displays. But now, the Aston Villa winger seems to be losing his place in the side to Marco Asensio, who is flying under Unai Emery.

With Bailey’s status declining at Aston Villa, several clubs look to be keen on signing him.

Tottenham and four other clubs keen on Aston Villa star Leon Bailey

Sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that one of the clubs that could be in the mix to sign Bailey is Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side admired the former Bayer Leverkusen forward before his £25 million move to Villa Park in 2021 and if the 27-year-old is made available, they could try and sign him.

Bundesliga clubs such as Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt are all keeping tabs on Bailey as well. Marco Rose

The Kingston-born wideman was incredible during his spell at Bayer Leverkusen and as a result, he is still held in high esteem within German football. Bailey was called “lethal” by Paul Merson and there is no denying that on his day, he is a menace for any left-back to come up against.

Even French giants Marseille, who are managed by Roberto De Zerbi admire Aston Villa’s Bailey, who Manchester United were eyeing as well.

Tottenham made a phone call about signing Leon Bailey

With the ex-Genk trickster being an experienced player who has plenty of experience for both club and country, he was always expected to generate interest.

Tottenham called about signing Bailey and as did Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano in the winter transfer window — which explains why the possibility of a move still appeals to them.

“What I can tell you is that Man United and Tottenham, both clubs called to be informed on Bailey. But again, it depends on Aston Villa and at the moment, there are still no open doors. We will see on deadline day what’s going to happen on that one.”

Argentinian manager Lionel Scaolni has revealed what he told Cristian Romero at half-time following the Tottenham Hotspur defender’s poor mistake against Brazil.

Argentina still romped to victory in Buenos Aires as they thrashed Brazil 4-1 and secured qualification to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Cristian Romero gifted Matheus Cunha with a goal, however, it proved to only be a consolation much to the relief of the Tottenham Hotspur vice captain.

Scanoli has now explained what he told the 26-year-old after his error in the match and what he made of how the defender responded.

Cristian Romero’s shocking error vs Brazil

Argentina looked to be cruising their way to a comfortable win over Brazil only for Cristian Romero to be caught in possession and punished by Cunha.

The 26-year-old was far too casual with the ball as he looked to play out from the back and had his pocket picked by the Wolves forward.

Romero made a similar error against Bournemouth as he was caught in possession by Evanilson which left Spurs fans questioning his fitness. Romero has just returned from three months out with a hamstring injury.

Lionel Scaloni’s half-time message to Cristian Romero

Lionel Scaloni reveals that he was very positive at half-time to Romero, who is linked with Atletico Madrid, although th e defender did not need it and produced a superb response.

The Argentinian media have also praised Romero’s response to the error and gave his performance against Brazil strong ratings.

After the match, Scaloni told the media: “When you play this way, knowing they were coming to pressure us and if we waited we could find players further forward, it can happen. Footballers aren’t immune to these things. You have to pick yourself up and keep going.”

“At half-time, I said some positive things to him, but it wasn’t necessary. Afterward, he continued playing the same way. I told him to continue like this and that it wasn’t a problem, that it could happen, that it’s football. The team asks him to do that.”

Destiny Udogie is a very important player for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Italian joined Spurs from Udinese in the summer of 2022, but he was sent back on loan for a year. The left-back officially joined Tottenham after that spell, and he has impressed.

Udogie started his Spurs career brilliantly under Ange Postecoglou last season, but his second campaign has been a difficult one.

Injuries have affected him, and there have been games in recent months where he has had to make way for another very impressive player to take his place.

Udogie has now had his say on that teammate.

Destiny Udogie shares how his relationship is with Djed Spence at Tottenham

Djed Spence has turned his career around at Tottenham.

Almost everybody at Spurs expected him to leave the club in last summer’s transfer window, but the full-back ended up staying.

Even at that point, Postecoglou showed no real willingness to give regular opportunities to Spence. He played just 64 minutes of football in the Premier League in the first four months of the campaign.

Since then, Spence has featured regularly and has produced several excellent performances for Tottenham, especially at left-back.

Udogie, who is Spurs’ first-choice left-back, is delighted for Spence and has heaped praise on him.

He told Tottenham’s official website: “I think Djed is an incredible player. We are really close friends, we speak a lot and we try to help each other in the games. Everyone in the group is here to help and I hope he can help us as much.

“Since he’s come in, he’s having a top season. He’s helping the team a lot.

“We speak every day and try to help by teaching each other new stuff, so he helps me, I help him and it’s a great relationship.”

Daniel Levy will be delighted with Djed Spence for two reasons

Tottenham signed Spence in the summer of 2022, when Antonio Conte was at the helm.

The Italian made it clear that the full-back was a ‘club signing’ and wasn’t someone he requested to be recruited for his team.

Daniel Levy was the one who pushed for Spence, and he must be delighted now that the 24-year-old is delivering in Tottenham’s colours.

What will surely make the Spurs chairman even happier is the fact that Spence will now save millions in the transfer market for Tottenham because he offers cover in both full-back positions.

Levy can use that money to strengthen other areas of the pitch this summer.

TBR Football can reveal that Ousmane Diomande is set to leave Sporting CP this summer and Tottenham Hotspur have been watching him all season, particularly in recent months.

Several Premier League clubs love Diomande but Spurs are very much in this conversation and have liked him since his time as a youth player at FC Midtjylland.

The 21-year-old has been a key player Sporting over the last two seasons following his £6 million move from the Danish Superliga.

Tottenham Hotspur have been closely following the young defender this term and he is a player who they could move for in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham target Ousmane Diomande is valued at £50m

Ousmane Diomande has a £67 million release clause at Sporting, but sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that he could be available for £50 million.

Diomande is very high on Tottenham’s list of defensive options, however, they are not alone as several Premier League clubs are also in the race.

Sporting’s current director, Hugo Viana, who is expected to join Manchester City, is open to taking him to the Etihad Stadium when he finally completes the switch.

Meanwhile, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United are fully all versed on his progress and could also rival the North London club.

Tottenham may need to replace Cristian Romero

Tottenham are aware that Cristian Romero could be leaving this summer and they will need to replace him should he leave.

TBR Football reported earlier this week that Romero is ready to push for a move away from Spurs with Atletico Madrid targeting him.

The Lilywhites are already well stocked in defence though with Luka Vuskovic finally set to arrive in the summer and Kevin Danso having already impressed since his move from Lens.

Another defender will be brought in though and Diomande is one of the leading candidates on their list of targets.

It’s never easy to say goodbye to a club legend when age starts to catch up with them.

Indeed, we’ve seen it countless times over the years. Chelsea released John Terry after years of great service at Stamford Bridge, while even Steven Gerrard had to leave Liverpool towards the end of his career.

Tottenham have had to get rid of some great players in recent years as their age has become a factor.

Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen were both sold as they entered their 30s, while Hugo Lloris was frozen out.

Now, Heung-Min Son is in a similar situation.

The Korean is 32 years old now, and Son has been heavily criticised this season and some have even called for Son to be sold.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Gabriel Agbonlahor has been discussing Son’s situation at Tottenham, and he’s suggested that Spurs are in a similar situation to Manchester City with Kevin De Bruyne.

Tottenham have their own Kevin De Bruyne situation

Agbonlahor spoke about Son and his decline.

The pundit says that it looks like Son has lost his pace, claiming that it may be time to move on, in the same way City may move De Bruyne on now.

“I look at a player like Son. Son has been an outstanding player hasn’t he for Spurs? At his best, the pace he has, but watching him over the last season and a half. He’s not showing that electric speed. He’s 33 in July, is it time for Spurs to move him on?” Agbonlahor said.

“Kevin De Bruyne is moving on at Manchester City, and it’s a similar sort of scenario.”

Kevin De Bruyne and Heung-Min Son’s decline in numbers

Son and De Bruyne are two all-time Premier League greats, there’s no doubt about it.

Indeed, Son was a world-class player in his pomp, but, as he approaches his 33rd birthday, you have to admit he’s a waning force.

The same goes for De Bruyne, and, unfortunately, the numbers do show that these two players’ trajectories are only headed in one direction.

Son isn’t a bad player by any stretch of the imagination. He’s still having some sort of an effect on Tottenham’s attack.

However, the numbers don’t lie, Son isn’t quite at the level he once was when he was winning the Golden Boot and while it may not be time to sell the attacker, it’s certainly time for Spurs to find a way to be less reliant on his abilities in the attack.

The days of Son being Spurs’ main man may soon be over.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero’s future is up in the air ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Argentina international is Spurs’ vice-captain and one of their most important players. However, injuries have really troubled him this season.

Romero was not happy with how Tottenham looked after his injury, and he publicly praised the help he received from his national team to get back to full fitness.

Now, there has been some speculation about his future, with Atletico Madrid interested in signing Romero in the summer transfer window.

But, could a return to Italy be on the cards?

Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti responds when asked if he wants to sign Cristian Romero

Inter Milan are one of the best teams in Italy.

Simone Inzaghi has made the Nerazzurri a force in the Serie A again, and they are once again the favourites to win the Scudetto this year.

Inter legend Javier Zanetti is the vice-president of the club right now, and the Argentine has his compatriot Lautaro Martinez leading his side’s line.

Following Argentina’s brilliant win over Brazil this week, reporters jokingly asked Zanetti if Martinez had asked him to sign Romero for Inter Milan.

The legendary full-back admitted that he is a big fan of the Tottenham star, but he also claimed that Romero would be ‘very expensive’ this summer.

He told TyC Sports: “It’s not easy because we are talking about very expensive players. The club’s sustainability is a challenge for everyone and a fundamental aspect.

“Romero is a complete defender. I was saying before the interview that Argentina can rely on a defender who knows how to play, who marks well, is focused and is a leader.

“I really like him a lot. He’s one of those old-school, complete defenders. He has proved to be a key player for Argentina.”

Romero’s stance on leaving Tottenham

Romero will enter the final two years of his contract at Tottenham this summer.

TBR Football exclusively revealed in February that Spurs are ready to pay Romero more money than Son Heung-min to convince him to stay.

But, there has been no agreement between the two parties yet.

However, TBR can reveal that Romero has not decided on his future yet and is still assessing his options ahead of the summer transfer window.

Playing Champions League football appeals to Romero – Inter and Atletico Madrid can both offer him that. Spurs will have to win the Europa League in order to make it into Europe’s elite club competition.

If that doesn’t happen, there’s every chance Romero will look for a new club this summer.