TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur’s move for Southampton winger Tyler Dibling could be complicated by the teenager’s latest decision over his future.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham are working to sign Dibling before next week’s transfer deadline with a potential loan with an obligation to buy deal.

Spurs are keen to reinforce Ange Postecoglou’s squad in the final days of the January window and are particularly looking for attacking options.

Dibling is a player who the North London club are keen to land, however, interest from elsewhere could scupper their plans.

Tottenham target Tyler Dibling is open to moving abroad

Tyler Dibling is open to moving abroad amid interest from RB Leipzig and the winger could follow the footsteps of Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho and Jamie Gittens in moving to Germany.

Tottenham are expected to launch an attempt to sign Dibling this month but interest from the Bundesliga club could be detrimental in their bid to land him.

Back in September, Tottenham had scouts watch Dibling and as he continues to impress for the Saints they now look to have firmed up their interest.

Mokbel told the Last Word On Spurs: “In terms of Tyler Dibling, I’ve had that name verified by an excellent source. He is a player that Tottenham are certainly interested in.

“But where that situation becomes complicated for Tottenham is that they are not the only suitors for Dibling. Dibling is one of the most sought-after young footballers in Europe.

“This guy is on the radar of a number of clubs in Europe and in verifying the information about Dibling, I discovered that RB Leipzig have got a solid interest in Tyler Dibling.

“From what I’m led to believe, he can see the merit of going abroad and almost follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho and Connor Gallagher. A lot more homegrown players are going to go abroad to get their opposites to play.”

How Tyler Dibling compares to Tottenham’s other wingers

Tottenham have plenty of winger options, however, there is a sense that with Heung-min Son past his best and the other still quite young, a more experienced option is needed.

Dibling is having a great season for Southampton but he is still very raw and would need time to provide an instant impact for Spurs.

The Lilywhites’ injury crisis only heightens the need for players who are ready now so adding another teenager might not be the best move.

Tottenham Hotspur’s defending is perhaps their ultimate Achilles heel.

Ange Postecoglou plays a gung-ho brand of football and some might argue that the way Spurs are set up is why they routinely ship an excessive number of goals.

This season, Tottenham have conceded an alarming 37 goals in 23 Premier games — highlighting how shambolic they are the back.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven’s injuries could be healed by the time the Lilywhites face Liverpool, which could certainly add a degree of solidity to their backline.

Ange Postecoglou predicted Tottenham to win games soon once all his injured players are back to full fitness as well.

However, Spurs cannot afford to be as porous defensively as they have been for much longer as outscoring teams will become their only viable solution to get over the line in games.

Tottenham “asked about” signing Olivier Boscagli

With Romero and Van de Ven both being quite injury-prone, it would make complete sense if Johan Lange prioritised the addition of a brand-new centre-back this month.

Since the pair have been injured, Tottenham have conceded a startling 22 goals in 13 games across all competitions.

Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas have revealed that Tottenham “asked about” signing PSV Eindhoven centre-back Olivier Boscagli as well as Feyenoord defender David Hancko, who Spurs were keen on signing as TBR Football revealed in December.

It has been reported that Ange Postecoglou’s side “considered” the addition of a left-sided centre-half.

However, Tottenham’s focus until the end of the January transfer window is to now sign a forward.

Tottenham are expected to make signings this January. Hancko was high on Tottenham’s list as sources told TBR Football recently confirmed that Feyenoord were open to a sale as well. Tottenham target Milan Skriniar seems Fenerbahce-bound as well.

However, the link to Boscagli is one that seems relatively fresh but considering Ange Postecoglou plays a possession-dominant system, the 27-year-old’s comfortability on the ball would have suited Tottenham.

The Frenchman is one of PSV Eindhoven’s main players, starting 27 games in all competitions this campaign.

Capable of playing as a centre-back and a left-back, his versatility would have been very useful to Spurs.

Olivier Boscagli stats vs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero

A statistical comparison between Boscagli, Van de Ven and Romero proves why he might have suited Tottenham to a tee.

The Monaco-born defender has a superior pass success rate (88.6%) than Van de Ven (90.8%), who is one of the Premier League’s best ball-playing centre-backs.

While Romero (90.8%) trumps Boscagli in this respect, it is important to note that the latter also plays 8.4 long balls per game while the former plays just 2.8 in comparison.

Defensively as well, the once-Tottenham target trumps both of Spurs’ centre-backs in both regards despite playing in a PSV side who are the league leaders of the Eredivisie unlike the Lilywhites, who are sitting in 15th place in the Premier League.

There is still time in the window for Spurs to try signing Boscagli, who seems to have all the traits a modern centre-back must to thrive in today’s day and age.

Following defeat to Leicester City, talk of Tottenham Hotspur potentially parting ways with Ange Postecoglou has only intensified.

Tottenham remained 15th in the Premier League after the defeat, and the club are edging closer to a relegation battle with every passing week right now – Postecoglou is currently unable to stop the defeats.

That being said, Tottenham are sticking by Postecoglou for now, the former Celtic manager is still being backed by Daniel Levy.

Of course, fans in N17 have also been voicing their displeasure towards Levy himself recently, who is also taking a significant portion of the blame.

Tottenham fans unveiled a banner criticising Levy during the aforementioned 2-1 loss to Leicester, a difficult period for the club all round.

Tottenham admire former Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac

That being said, if Levy does decide to pull the trigger on Postecoglou’s time in north London, there’s already one or two candidates emerging to start a new era at the club.

According to Mail Sport, Tottenham ‘admire’ former Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac, who is currently out of work.

Kovac’s agents were in contact with Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp last summer according to reports, who ended up appointing Arne Slot.

Kovac was sacked in March given the club’s on-the-pitch struggles, although that hasn’t deterred Borussia Dortmund’s interest in the Berlin-born Croatian.

In the report mentioned, Kovac is said to be of interest to Spurs and ‘available’, although it’s also added that he could be destined for the Dortmund job.

Daniel Levy is right to stick by Ange Postecoglou for now

Of course, with all these potential replacements being mentioned, it has to be asked – are they actually better than Postecoglou?

Tottenham also like Edin Terzic according to reports, another manager who has enjoyed mixed success in the Bundesliga.

But both Kovac and Terzic might also struggle to get results at Spurs, such is the depth of the injury crisis at the club right now.

Gary Lineker warned Tottenham about sacking Postecoglou recently, citing other recent examples in the Premier League.

And despite poor results in north London, it’s understandable why Levy is currently reluctant to let Postecoglou go, a manager who is dealing with so many issues at Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur’s shocking form in the Premier League means they are having to think about Ange Postecoglou replacements and Andoni Iraola would surely be a leading candidate.

Tottenham are set to stick with Postecoglou until the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool to try and turn the team’s form around.

Spurs are close to having Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero back which will be a major boost for the Australian manager whose team have been so unfortunate with injuries.

But in the meantime, the North London club will need to have a backup should Postecoglou fail to change the Lilywhites fortunes and their thoughts on Iraola have been revealed.

Tottenham would love to speak to Andoni Iraola

Tottenham would love to speak to Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola should they look to replace Ange Postecoglou, the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel.

Iraola is seen as ‘one of the brightest emerging managerial talents in the Premier League’ as he continues to impress on the South Coast.

The Cherries have now climbed into sixth place following their 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest and Champions League qualification is becoming a real possibility.

Mokbel told the Last Word On Spurs: “I think there is certainly admiration for the Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, he’s done a fantastic job down there on the South Coast. One of the brightest emerging managerial talents in the Premier League, without a doubt.”

TBR Football reported earlier this month that Tottenham identified Iroala and Thomas Frank as contenders to replace their current boss.

Why Andoni Iraola could be the perfect fit for Tottenham

Mokbel believes that Iraola ‘absolutely fit the bill for Tottenham’ given the ways his teams play and his ability to develop young players

“With what he’s done at Bournemouth and the way they play, a young vibrant team – that would absolutely fit the bill for Tottenham Hotspur,” added Mokbel.

“Particularly with the way they are trying to go with the signings they are making under Johan Lange and Scott Munn and the recruitment staff there.

“If there was a chance for Tottenham to have that conversation with him with a view to appointing as possibly Postecoglou’s successor I think that’s a conversation they would definitely look to have. He would certainly be a contender.”

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has come under a lot of pressure recently.

Spurs suffered yet another defeat on Sunday, this time against Leicester City. They have now lost four games on the bounce and have just one win in the Premier League since the start of December.

That has pushed Tottenham down to 15th in the table, just eight points above Wolves and Ipswich Town, who are 18th and 19th respectively.

Some fans want Postecoglou gone, and Tottenham have several names on their shortlist to replace him if they decide to make that call.

Here’s the latest on one of them.

Tottenham have included Gareth Southgate in their shortlist but there’s a problem

Gareth Southgate has been out of a job since leaving his role as England’s manager in July 2024.

The 54-year-old did a decent job as the Three Lions boss, leading them to back-to-back European finals. Sadly, he ended up on the losing side on both occasions.

Southgate was linked with the Manchester United job a few months ago, but Ruben Amorim got the nod after Erik ten Hag’s departure.

Now, GiveMeSport have claimed that Southgate is on Tottenham’s list of targets if Postecoglou is shown the door in the coming weeks.

However, there is a problem.

The report claims that Southgate ‘is not currently eager to consider’ the Spurs job even though he is free at the moment.

What happened when Southgate last managed in the Premier League?

Southgate has been around the game for a long time, and he has even managed in the Premier League.

The Englishman began his managerial career at Middlesbrough in the 2006/07 season. He led his side to a 12th-place finish and his debut campaign and a 13th-place finish in the following year.

But, in his third season in charge, Boro suffered relegation after picking up just 32 points from 38 games. His last game as a Premier League manager was in May 2009, which is nearly 16 years ago.

Southgate continued at the helm at Middlesbrough in the following campaign, but he was shown the door in October of that year even though the club were a point off the Championship table.

The now 54-year-old hasn’t managed a club since, which makes him a very risky option for Tottenham if they seriously pursue him in the coming months.

James Maddison’s absence was felt by Tottenham Hotspur in their 2-1 defeat against Leicester City.

Tottenham were in desperate need of a creative spark after Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss put Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side into the lead in the second half.

Dejan Kulusevski seemingly looked exhausted against Leicester City, which could explain why he had little to no impact on proceedings off the right flank.

Whether James Maddison would have changed the game against the Foxes remains a mystery.

But Maddison makes Tottenham tick and he potentially could have helped Spurs’ cause off the back of his brilliant performance against Hoffenheim.

Unfortunately for Ange Postecoglou, the Englishman suffered a calf issue which meant he missed the game.

Maddison will himself be hoping that he can return to full fitness soon as he has had a mixed bag of a season.

The 28-year-old has registered nine goals and six assists in all competitions and while the numbers make for good reading, his performances have been hit-and-miss on several instances.

Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe has revealed that the Lilywhites are trying to ascertain the extent of Maddison’s knock, as it could be down to either fatigue or a genuine injury.

“James Maddison had an issue with his calf so assessing to determine the extent or whether just fatigue.”

Tottenham had 10 players ruled out due to injury against Leicester and it will become virtually impossible for Ange Postecoglou to turn things around at Spurs if some of his key players do not return to full fitness in time.

Postecoglou is still being backed at Tottenham with the former Celtic boss given until the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool to save his job.

Spurs are leading 1-0 after the first leg but a visit to Anfield remains a daunting task for any side in world football.

Pape Sarr started despite being injured against Leicester, which goes to show how Tottenham have fitness issues in every area of their squad.

Ange Postecoglou knows when Tottenham will start winning again

Ange Postecoglou feels Tottenham will redeem themselves once injured players like Maddison are available for selection again.

After Leicester beat Tottenham, Postecoglou said: “It’s a combination of mental fatigue that some of the players are feeling at the moment, but after that we created enough chances to overcome the deficit.”

“Ultimately it is about staying strong, we are going to get significant players back in the next two weeks – that’s all this group needs, they just need some help.”

“Once they get their help I’m sure their fortunes will change. The guys coming back will not be low on confidence and they will drive the group.”

Tottenham fans will be hoping that at the very least, Maddison is deemed fit enough to come off the bench against IF Elfsborg or Brentford.

Tottenham are in desperate need of at least one new signing before the February 3rd transfer deadline.

Ange Postecoglou has overseen six defeats and one draw from his last seven Premier League outings with Spurs – leaving the north Londoners languishing down in 15th.

At this moment in time, the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner, Djed Spence and Wilson Odobert are injured.

Postecoglou was also booed for withdrawing Pape Matar Sarr and Richarlison during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against Leicester, although the duo are not 100% fit and both need to be assessed.

With so many players in the treatment room right now, it almost beggars belief that Tottenham haven’t even made one new signing – although TBR Football understand Spurs could secure a loan for Tyler Dibling including a summer purchase obligation.

Tottenham could sign Tyler Dibling

Sources have now informed Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent at TBR Football – that Tottenham could sign the Southampton No.33 on an initial loan deal before the February 3rd transfer deadline.

We understand the England U21 international has already told Southampton he does not plan to sign a new contract – with his current terms expiring in June 2027.

Despite that, the Saints do not want to sell Dibling this winter, and would demand a record fee for an English teenager – which Spurs already set back in June when spending £35m on Archie Gray.

TBR Football understand the 18-year-old has a £50m price tag.

Sources add that Tottenham do not have £50m to spend this winter, but could look to sign Dibling on an initial loan deal before paying the fee this summer.

There is believed to be huge interest across England and Europe in the Exeter-born winger, with Southampton hoping for a bidding war, and in no rush whatsoever to sell.

TBR Football understand Newcastle like Dibling – while Jurgen Klopp is also keen to bring the attacker to RB Leipzig.

Spurs have kept a close eye on the Southampton No.33

TBR Football revealed back in September that Tottenham were scouting Dibling – with Manchester United also keeping tabs on the youngster.

It means Spurs have gathered at least four months of scout reports on the Southampton wonderkid, who boasts four goals and two assists in 24 appearances across all competitions this season.

That should bring comfort to fans if a deal goes through, as it would be far from a panic signing.

After Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 loss against Leicester City, Ange Postecoglou would have been left scratching his head about how his Spurs side managed to clasp defeat from the jaws of victory.

Richarlison fired Tottenham into a 1-0 lead and Spurs looked fairly at ease for much of the first half.

But it took just five minutes for Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss to stage a heroic comeback for Leicester City and prove how fragile the Lilywhites are mentally at this point in time.

Whether Ange Postecoglou should remain as Tottenham’s manager is a debate that has only intensified since Spurs’ latest setback.

Gary Lineker suggested Tottenham should stick with Postecoglou for the time being.

However, Jamie O’Hara feels Ange Postecoglou should get the sack as he feels the 59-year-old looks out of his depth.

Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham will start winning when injured players return

O’Hara suggested Andoni Iraola to replace Postecoglou, who is doing a tremendous job at AFC Bournemouth as well.

As things stand, things look like they will continue to take a turn for the worse as Tottenham look far too easy to play against.

However, Ange Postecoglou is confident that once Tottenham’s injured players return to the fold, they will start winning games again.

Postecoglou said via BBC Sport: “It’s a combination of mental fatigue that some of the players are feeling at the moment, but after that we created enough chances to overcome the deficit.”

“Ultimately it is about staying strong, we are going to get significant players back in the next two weeks – that’s all this group needs, they just need some help.”

“Once they get their help I’m sure their fortunes will change.”

“The guys coming back will not be low on confidence and they will drive the group.”

Pape Sarr was not fit to start against Leicester as well, as Ange Postecoglou continued to drive his point home about how much the returns to fitness of some of his big boys can change their fortunes.

“The guys are trying as hard as they can at the moment, they gave everything again today. Some of them probably shouldn’t be out there, but that’s all you can ask for.”

“Once we get a couple of players back it will help them enormously. Everyone needs to acknowledge, the club, supporters, myself that the players are giving everything they can.”

Tottenham had 10 players sidelined through injury against Leicester.

Daniel Levy’s Ange Postecoglou’s sack verdict after Tottenham vs Leicester City

Tottenham have not planned to sack Ange Postecoglou despite their defeat against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side, who entered the fixture having lost seven league games in succession.

Leicester jumped from 19th to 17th place in the league table while Spurs remain 15th.

Ange Postecoglou has not lost the Tottenham dressing room yet, which could suggest why he also still feels they are well-capable of turning their season around.

Heung-min Son’s view on Tottenham’s defeat to Leicester when talking to his teammates was a “lack of concentration.”

However, experienced players like James Maddison and Cristian Romero could perhaps bring a sense of leadership that is missing from Tottenham’s displays once they return to full fitness.

Tottenham have decided when they plan to give Ange Postecoglou until to turn things around at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The North London club are about to face a season-defining run with huge clashes in the Europa League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Their hopes in the Premier League are all but over after they suffered an eighth defeat across their last 10 matches by losing to Leicester City.

The pressure is on Postecoglou big time, however, Daniel Levy will also be aware that he cannot continue to keep sacking managers, having been through 16 in his 24-year tenure.

Tottenham Ange Postecoglou until Liverpool clash

Tottenham are set to give Ange Postecoglou until the Carabao Cup semi-final to try and turn the team’s form around, according to ESPN.

Spurs head into the second leg at Anfield with a 1-0 lead and whilst there is still a long way to go, Postecoglou at least deserves the chance to protect his lead.

In between then, Spurs face IF Elfsborg in their final Europa League group stage game and then Brentford in the Premier League.

The defensive duo have both played just once since the middle of November after suffering new injuries in the defeat to Chelsea on December 8.

Dominic Solanke, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert are all expected to be unavailable for the trip to Merseyside.

Who could replace Ange Postecoglou if Tottenham sack him?

TBR Football understands that Spurs have not held any discussions about the prospect of Ryan Mason taking charge as interim boss.

That is also the case for potential permanent replacements with Levy yet to make contact with any head coaches

The North London club insist they are aligned from squad to boardroom and that the injury situation is something they have never come across before.

Tottenham are currently closer to the relegation zone than the top half of the Premier League.

A disastrous run of seven Premier League games without a win – six of those ending in defeat – has left Ange Postecoglou and Spurs 15th in the table.

All eyes are currently on Daniel Levy – who acted swiftly in firing the likes of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte across recent years, long before things became this bad.

Postecoglou was even booed by Tottenham fans after withdrawing Richarlison and Pape Matar Sarr during Sunday’s shock 2-1 defeat against Leicester, while supporters also unveiled a banner against Levy and ENIC.

In the midst of the madness, Spurs have now done something not seen at the club since 1912.

Tottenham Hotspur make unwanted club history with defeat to Leicester City

No matter how bad things have been during ENIC’s 24 years in charge, Tottenham had never lost to a side on a seven-game losing run in the league under their ownership, until now.

As Opta revealed after Sunday’s shock result in north London, this current Spurs side have now become the first since a loss against Notts County in 1912 to taste defeat against a team on a seven-game losing run in league action.

Tottenham’s next five fixtures as Ange Postecoglou aims to turn bleak situation around

Tottenham now face a pivotal moment in their season.

Next up for Spurs and Postecoglou is a UEFA Europa League clash against Elfsborg – which Tottenham must win to ensure an automatic place in the Round of 16.

If they drop below ninth place, a two-legged playoff awaits.

Spurs then face a tricky Premier League test away to Brentford – only Liverpool boast a better record at home this season.

Speaking of Liverpool, Tottenham then embark on the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against the Reds at Anfield, holding a 1-0 lead thanks to Lucas Bergvall.

Next up, Spurs must contend with an FA Cup clash at Aston Villa, before welcoming Manchester United to N17 for a Premier League encounter afterwards.

As you can see, Postecoglou needs to ignite a swift upturn in form – or else Tottenham could be out of two cup competitions within two weeks.