TBR Football

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur scouts have been really impressed by Como 1907 midfielder Nico Paz.

The 20-year-old has been impressing in Serie A under new boss Cesc Fabregas following his summer move away from Real Madrid.

He is currently on six goals and five assists in 24 Italian top-flight matches with his team currently sitting 13th in the table.

But after just one season his time with the Italian club could be coming to a close with many clubs from across Europe becoming increasingly keen on him.

Tottenham have started work on scouting Nico Paz

Arsenal and Chelsea both checked on Nico Paz back in October but now, other clubs have also started work on him, including Tottenham Hotspur, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

Spurs’ scouts are very good at picking out young talent and TBR Football has been informed they were aware of him during his time with Real Madrid Castilla.

Paz is keen to return to the Santiago Bernabeu, however, given their surplus of midfielders and Arder Guler still waiting for his chance, that does not appear to be a particularly viable option at this stage.

The North London club do really like the youngster but it’s unclear whether he would be a priority as Ange Postecoglou’s squad is already well stocked with midfielders.

Could Nico Paz be a good alternative to James Maddison?

Paz could be a young alternative to James Maddison in the number ten role for Tottenham and someone he could learn from.

Maddison is enjoyed a strong campaign having produced 17 goal contributions in all competitions but he has struggled to stay fit.

The 28-year-old has missed 18 matches since signing for Tottenham and has completed 90 minutes on just three occasions.

Therefore, there could be the possibility that Postecoglou looks to bring in a more reliable alternative to Maddison in Paz.

Djed Spence sent a clear warning to Jeremy Doku after Tottenham Hotspur were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City in the Premier League.

Spence was surprisingly benched by Ange Postecoglou for the defeat as Pedro Porro returned to the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Doku started and caused the Spaniard several issues throughout the match and even set up Erling Haaland’s goal which won it for Manchester City.

Spence appeared to be frustrated at not having had the chance to face Doku but after the match, he made it very clear what would happen the next time Spurs play the champions.

Djed Spence fires warning to Jeremy Doku

Djed Spence warned Jeremy Doku on his Instagram that the pair will ‘meet again next time’ as the England defender was benched against Man City.

Spence and Doku are actually quite close having played together during the former’s loan spell in Ligue 1 with Stade Rennes in 2023.

The pair only played seven times together but it was mostly spent on the same flank in which they would have forged a strong relationship.

The 24-year-old looked to have been relishing the chance to face his former teammate, however, Postecoglou denied him that opportunity.

Doku won the Man of the Match award and in response to his Instagram post, Spence commented: “We’ll meet next time…”

Ange Postecoglou explains why he benched Djed Spence vs Manchester City

Postecoglou has revealed that he benched Spence because he has played an ‘enormous amount of time’ and felt that he needed a rest.

Tottenham also have options back available now and the manager was keen to use his squad having not had that luxury this season.

Speaking to the media after the match, Postecoglou said: “No, it wasn’t their turn, but like I said, it’s just, there’s no point having a squad and I can’t be sitting here bemoaning not having a squad and then not use it [when I do].

“Deki, Sonny and Djed have, you know, played an enormous amount of time, so having them have a little bit of a recovery and a breather, I thought was going to be helpful for us.”

TBR Football can exclusively confirm what Taylor Harwood-Bellis has decided to do this summer amid links with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and other Premier League clubs.

Harwood-Bellis has been a regular for Southampton this season, making 28 appearances including 24 in the Premier League.

Despite the 23-year-old’s efforts, however, Southampton remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, 13 points from safety.

The Saints are likely to be relegated this season, which is likely to lead to plenty of Premier League clubs looking at their main assets.

Alongside Tottenham and Aston Villa, the likes of Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Everton, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United are also circling around Harwood-Bellis.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis ready to leave Southampton

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Taylor Harwood-Bellis is set to be part of the Southampton exodus this summer.

Sources close to the player have confirmed to TBR Football that the England international has recently changed agents, but that was a long-term decision and not directly related to a summer move.

Harwood-Bellis is ready to leave St Mary’s despite arriving from Manchester City last summer as he wants to try and secure a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of next year’s World Cup.

We can confirm that Newcastle, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Everton, Brighton and West Ham all have an interest in landing Harwood-Bellis.

Harwood-Bellis left City for £20million but, like with their deal for Liam Delap, they have plenty of options in his deal.

They possess a buy-back clause and also a sell-on fee which TBR Football is told is worth 25 percent to City.

Why Harwood-Bellis would be a good signing for Premier League clubs

Harwood-Bellis came through the ranks at Man City and took in a number of loan spells at the likes of Blackburn, Anderlecht, Stoke City, Burnley and Southampton.

He was a key player in Burnley’s Championship-winning campaign, where he earned plaudits from then manager Vincent Kompany.

Kompany said of Harwood-Bellis: “I’ve known Taylor for a long time so what everyone can see on the ball or what everyone can see when he goes into his challenges.

“I think his biggest quality, that is perhaps more difficult to see on the eye, is his leadership and his incredible drive and high standards.”

Ange Postecoglou has not been able to use Cristian Romero at Tottenham for some time now.

The Argentina international last appeared for Spurs in the 4-3 defeat against Chelsea on December 8th, a game in which he suffered a torn quadricep, while Micky van de Ven was also forced off injured.

Romero is close to returning after spending almost three months on the sidelines – with Tottenham giving the South American as much time as he needs to ensure another setback doesn’t occur.

However – with the international break on the horizon – Ange Postecoglou faces a difficult conversation with Cristian Romero.

Cristian Romero may want to partake in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

The Tottenham No.17 is very passionate about playing for his country.

Romero even expressed a desire to play for Argentina at the Olympic Games last summer – despite a gruelling 2023/24 campaign – saying: “I would like to be in the Olympic Games. I never had the chance to be there. Anything for the national team, obviously I would like to be there.”

Postecoglou was not a fan of that idea, retorting: “Certainly from our behalf as a club, we’ll always be looking at making sure there is a balance there. He hasn’t spoken to me about it, no one has spoken to me about it but I guess pretty strong advice would be, with the Copa America at the same time and hopefully us gearing up for a big season next year, I’d be suggesting rest is a better policy.”

Romero ended up not going to Paris for the tournament – although a reoccurrence of this delicate subject could soon happen, with Argentina scheduled to play two FIFA World Cup qualifiers on 21st March and 26th March against Uruguay and Brazil respectively.

These games will fall just after the Argentine returns to full fitness – barring any late setback – so Postecoglou will surely be wary of allowing one of his best players to take part in international duty, especially as Tottenham have a good chance of winning the UEFA Europa League this season.

Tottenham value Cristian Romero highly as contract plans made clear

The 26-year-old is highly thought of in N17.

TBR Football understand Tottenham are even ready to offer Romero a new contract on better terms than club captain Heung-min Son, with his current terms set to expire in June 2027.

However, the man from Cordoba is concerned by Tottenham’s lack of progress since his arrival from Atalanta in August 2021 – so Spurs will need to do some persuading.

Tottenham Hotspur aren’t having the best of seasons.

Indeed, Spurs sit mid-table in the Premier League, and they’re out of both domestic cups.

However, for the first time in a while, there’s reason for positivity at Tottenham.

Spurs have won each of their last three league games, and some of their players are emerging as star performers.

Djed Spence has earned huge praise as of late, winning two Man of the Match awards in recent weeks and scoring a goal vs Ipswich Town.

Spence wasn’t fancied by Ange Postecoglou when he first arrived at Tottenham, but now, the tables have completely turned.

According to Alasdair Gold, speaking on the Gold and Guest Talk Tottenham Podcast, the view within Spurs around Spence has now completely changed.

According to Gold, here’s a belief within Tottenham that Spence has the potential to become one of the best full-backs around.

Tottenham believe Djed Spence has huge potential

Gold shared what he knows about Spence and the view of the defender within Tottenham.

According to the journalist, Spence is rated very highly within Spurs now and they believe he could become one of the best defenders around.

“It’s so important in that system as well. I feel like, from what I understand, there’s a real belief that now, if he keeps pushing on from within the club, there’s this belief that he could be one of the best fullbacks around in the Premier League especially, because he’s got everything in his game. But if you can train him up on all the defensive aspects and concentration aspects and everything as well, he could be such an all-rounder.

“He’s like a scary talent. What I would say, if I’m going to have any slight… I don’t even think it’s criticism, but it’s just kind of pointing out, I didn’t actually think he looked as good on the right as he does on the left, weirdly.”

Where will Djed Spence end up playing?

Tottenham believe that Spence will be a top player, but before he can flourish into a star, Spurs need to find a regular position for him.

Spence has played as a right-back for most of his career, but, as Gold says, he’s actually looked better as a left-back in recent times.

Spence has a lot more experience on the right than he does on the left, as the numbers show.

However, his best performances lately have been on that left side, and that does complicate things somewhat.

Destiny Udogie has been Spurs’ first-choice left-back in recent years, and Udogie has big potential too at the age of just 22.

As for that right-side, Pedro Porro has earned praise this season, and displacing the Spaniard long-term won’t be easy either.

Spence could be a top player if he keeps playing in this way, but it will be interesting to see how he fits into this Spurs side if Udogie and Porro are both fit and in form for a sustained period.

Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are a lot closer to each other in the table than many people would’ve expected at the start of the season.

Spurs have had a really poor campaign in the Premier League. They have won just 10 of their first 26 games and are currently 13th in the table, a place and two points above Everton.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have won three games on the bounce now, and with their injured players coming back, they are hoping to finish the season strongly.

Irrespective of what happens, Tottenham will need a very good summer transfer window. Reinforcements in multiple areas of their pitch are a necessity.

Now, an Everton player has been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham eye move for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite but two other rivals want him too

Jarrad Branthwaite has made a terrific name for himself in the Premier League.

The Englishman, still only 22 years old, has been amazing for Everton since the start of last season. He has been one of their best players and has attracted a ton of interest.

Manchester United tried really hard to sign Branthwaite last summer. They were desperate to get him, but they just couldn’t meet Everton’s demands.

CaughtOffside have claimed now that United remain interested in signing Branthwaite and are expected to try their luck again this summer.

But, they will not be the only interested party.

The report reveals that both Tottenham and Liverpool are expected to battle it out for Branthwaite’s signature before the start of next season.

Spurs were linked with Branthwaite last summer as well and they know how good he is. The 22-year-old has even scored against them in the Premier League.

Branthwaite’s current contract at Everton does not expire until the summer of 2027, but the Toffees have an option to extend that by another year.

Everton’s stance on selling Branthwaite this summer

Everton will begin a new era next season as they move to the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.

Toffees fans are hoping to see their club reach the next level once they move to their new home, and we’re sure David Moyes has some ambitious plans as well.

To achieve them, Everton will have to keep their best players, and Branthwaite is definitely one of them.

That is why the Merseysiders are planning to offer a new contract to the ‘incredible‘ defender, one which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2030.

It remains to be seen if Branthwaite would be open to extending his stay at Everton until then.

Ange Postecoglou has already made his decision on Son Heung-min’s future at Tottenham Hotspur for next season amid one of the toughest campaigns of his career.

Tottenham fans have scrutinized Son’s performances this term which has left many questioning whether it is time for Tottenham Hotspur to move on from him.

Postecoglou has several options now at left wing with the North London club well-equipped if they were to decide to cut ties with him.

Ange Postecoglou is not planning for Son Heung-Min’s departure at Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou is not planning for Son Heung-Min’s departure at Tottenham Hotspur next season, according to the Times.

Despite Son having signed a one-year extension option his poor form this season has left question marks as to whether the winger could still leave in the summer.

The Lilywhites are keen for Son to retire in North London, but at this stage, they have been unable to persuade him to commit to a longer-term deal.

Spurs appear to be well prepared for the South Korean’s eventual departure with Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore and Yang Min-hyeok all potential successors for the left wing.

But the North London club and Postecoglou are not thinking about life without the £22m winger and he looks set for at least one more season playing for Tottenham.

Is Son Heung-min past his best at Tottenham?

There has been a lot of discussion around whether Son has peaked at Tottenham and is starting to hit a decline having had a tough season.

Postecoglou has been tipped to drop Son when Dominic Solanke returns and with Odobert back from injury, Son may no longer be in Postecoglou’s strongest line-up.

Although against Ipswich Town, Danny Murphy claimed Son looked confident again as he recorded two assists for Brennan Johnson.

The winger has been one of the few Spurs players who has managed to stay injury-free this season and subsequently been asked to play so much football.

Over the last few weeks, Postecoglou’s squad has finally had some respite with no midweek matches allowing for players like Son to rest.

Therefore it’s no wonder the South Korean legend was able to produce one of his best performances of the season on the weekend, with fatigue having likely played a big role in his poor form.

Tottenham Hotspur fans are not happy with Daniel Levy.

The Spurs chairman has come under a lot of criticism for the way he is running the club. There are chants from the crowd every game, demanding that he leaves.

Tottenham supporters even held a protest against Levy and the ownership recently because the fan base has lost complete faith in the direction the club is going in.

Hugo Lloris, who captained Spurs for a long, long time, has now shared his reaction about Levy and protests around the club.

Hugo Lloris delivers honest verdict on Daniel Levy at Tottenham

Tottenham have had a really poor season so far.

Yes, the mood around the club is slightly better now after three wins on the bounce, but the fact that Spurs are 13th in the table right now shows that things have not gone to plan.

Injuries have played a big part, but fans are tired that the club has shown no real improvement on the pitch for several years now under Levy.

After the protests in and around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium recently, many people have weighed in on their opinion of Levy.

Lloris is the latest to do so, but the former Tottenham captain is still backing the Spurs chairman.

He told talkSPORT: “That’s not the first time (that fans have protested). But, I always used to repeat, Daniel has my support.

“I know from inside all the really good things that he has done for the club. He took the club at one level and he brought it to an amazing level. Today, Tottenham belong with the best clubs in the world.

“Obviously, when you face difficulties in the season and when you don’t get the results expected, he is always guilty, you know? We all know that the reputation of Spurs, lacking trophies, but at the same time, you have to realise that in 20 years, the club has become something huge in the football world. Not only on the pitch, but also off the pitch with a strong image all around the world.

“And I know that they are working, they all do their best to get that success. But again, for me, Daniel has been really huge for the club and he deserves a lot of credit.

“But, again, you cannot win trophies with one person. It’s about picking the right people and making the environment that is going to help the team to succeed.”

Tottenham fans will remain unhappy until one thing happens

Levy has done an amazing job off the pitch, but it’s what he has done on the pitch that has caused problems with the fan base.

Yes, the Spurs chairman has spent money in recent years, but the club’s wage bill is still small when compared to the other big clubs in the country.

That is why Tottenham have not been able to attract superstars in the market, and it also explains why Spurs have had no success in terms of silverware over the last 17 years.

Until that changes and Spurs win a trophy, Levy will continue to come under criticism, and he can’t blame Spurs fans for that as they are right to demand more.

Ange Postecoglou has issued injury updates on Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison with all three close to making returns.

Van de Ven and Romero have both been sidelined since Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat to Chelsea on December 8 having picked up new injuries in the London derby.

Solanke has also been sidelined for quite some time now having picked up a knee issue in late January, meanwhile, Richarlison went off with a calf injury against Liverpool.

But now the quartet are all closing in on returns from injury and are set to hand Ange Postecoglou huge boosts ahead of a busy end to the season.

Postecoglou expects Van de Ven, Romero and Solanke back in next ten days

Ange Postecoglou is expecting Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison all back from injury within the next week to ten days.

The Tottenham boss claims that the quartet are targeting games against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League or AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Postecoglou told Tottenham Hotspur: “They are all tracking really well, all similar times, hopefully in the next seven to ten days.

A couple of them are already training but, over that period, we’ll start incorporating them back into matchday squads.”

How many matches have Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke missed?

Van de Ven has played just 12 matches for Tottenham this season showing just how badly his season has been impacted by injuries.

The Dutch defender has missed a staggering 31 matches for Postecoglou’s team just this season alone with four separate issues.

Romero has also missed many games having been unavailable for 29 fixtures which has left Tottenham very short in defence.

Solanke has been out of action now for 12 matches and his absence from Spurs’ attack has been heavily felt.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the midst of one of their worst seasons for a long time.

The north London club sit in mid-table in the Premier League, and they’re out of both domestic cups already.

However, it hasn’t all been doom and gloom for Tottenham as of late.

Indeed, Spurs have won three league games in a row, and some of their players have performed well in recent times.

Archie Gray has received praise for his showings as of late, while Djed Spence has earned plaudits for his recent outings.

Speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast, Ian Wright has been discussing Djed Spence’s recent rise at Tottenham, and he shared what he recently told the full-back after another Man of the Match showing.

What Ian Wright said to Djed Spence

Wright and Spence have had a good relationship for some time.

Indeed, Wright has been a champion of Spence going back to his loan at Nottingham Forest, and he’s always been keen to see the full-back succeed.

Wright actually spoke to Spence after his most recent performance for Spurs, and he implored him to keep up his recent form because things are now starting to click into place.

“You know, I want to give flowers to Djed Spence, Tottenham. I want to give flowers to Djed Spence for the way that he’s come through and what he’s done. I remember speaking to Djed Spence, watching him now play for Tottenham and watching him being one of the star players and fingers crossed that he gets a mention for England or gets involved,’ Wright said.

But I remember when they beat us in the cup, the first time we wore the white shirts, no more red, and we played Forest, he was on loan from Middlesbrough to Forrest, and he was the man of the match in that game, ripped us to shreds, Forest beat us. And afterwards he came over, I was speaking to him, his mom, I think his dad was, I think his girlfriend was filming. And I said to him, my friend, listen, I don’t know what’s going on at Middlesbrough, why you can’t make the Middlesbrough side.

I don’t know what’s going on here where you’re playing here and you’re ripping this team to shreds, arse to shreds, what’s going on with you? And like, you know what I mean? He was kind of like, yeah”

“I said, listen, man, don’t waste it, bro. You’ve got something, man. You can’t, don’t waste it through anything like, oh, he can’t get on with this. Don’t waste it.

“And then watching him now for Tottenham, and I saw him at the last game.

“He came over, we had a little chat and I said, please, Djed, whatever you’re doing, continue to do it because it’s happening, bro. It’s starting to happen. And when I watch him now, I’ve seen him blast, we’ve just seen him score the other day.”

Djed Spence stats vs Ipswich

Wright spoke to Spence after his performance against Ipswich, and he gave him a glowing review.

It’s not surprising to hear that Wright was so happy for Spence. After all, he put in a brilliant performance against The Tractor Boys.

Spence scored his first goal of the season at Portman Road, and he showcased his abilities for Tottenham once again.

Spence wasn’t fancied by Ange Postecoglou at one point, but Spurs’ recent injury crisis has led to a run in the team, and, from here, the defender may never look back.

Spence finally looks like he’s the real deal, and in a season full of lows for Tottenham, Spence has been a bright spark for Spurs.