TBR Football

Over the past year or so, Tottenham Hotspur fans have had to regularly put up with reports of Real Madrid interest in their star players.

Both Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro have been recipients of interest from Real given their strong form at Tottenham.

And whilst Ange Postecoglou would likely be loath to lose either, perhaps some Spurs fans may be tempted to cash-in on Porro, who isn’t proving to be the complete full-back in north London.

Porro struggled against Tamworth in the FA Cup, a defender who is brilliant in the final third, but is often found lacking at the other end of the pitch.

That being said, Tottenham are now being warned about the prospect of one their more recent signings one day swapping N17 for the Spanish capital.

Antonin Kinsky already tipped for Real Madrid move

Since he arrived at Spurs, Antonin Kinsky has made a very good impression, a young goalkeeper who is brilliant with his feet and showing a ton of potential overall.

However, Kinsky’s former teammate, Viktor Budinsky, has now warned Tottenham about one day losing their new goalkeeper to a ‘bigger club’, namely Real Madrid.

Budinsky played with Kinsky last season when the former Slavia Prague youngster was on loan at Pardubice in the Czech Republic second division.

Kinsky actually took the 31-year-old’s starting spot eventually, and in an interview in Monday’s printed edition of MF DNES, the goalkeeper has warned Spurs that they may only be a stepping stone.

Complimenting his old teammate, Budinsky said: “Great boy. Already at the first training session it was clear that he was different. Strong in the head, healthy, confident and purposeful. He can be even higher in three years.

Then speaking about Kinsky’s future, he continued: “At Real Madrid. Plus, he is learning Spanish, he’ll be ready, he won’t get lost there.

“When Tonda (Kinsky) came to us in Pardubice from Vyskov, who were playing in the second league, many would not have said that he would be in the Premier League within two years.

“And yet, I think Tottenham is an intermediate step for him, that an even bigger club is waiting for him.”

Guglielmo Vicario already competing for number one spot at Tottenham

Of course, Tottenham supporters will rest assured that the club should be in a pretty healthy position were Kinsky ever to be the recipient of a big bid from Real.

In addition, Spurs also have Guglielmo Vicario to return from injury, who may not have been expecting his number one spot to be under threat.

Tottenham fans have loved Kinsky’s performances thus far, particularly given how confident he’s looked under the threat of opposition corners – something that’s become a problem for Vicario.

An astute January signing for Spurs, a rare success in a window that is seldom used well across the Premier League.

A number of Tottenham players visibly struggled during the FA Cup clash against Tamworth on Sunday.

Spurs almost lost to the National League side in normal time amidst a late goalmouth scramble, before the floodgates finally opened in extra time as Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson scored, after an own goal from Nathan Tshikuna made it 1-0 to Tottenham in the 101st minute.

Pedro Porro struggled against Beck-Ray Besongbap Enoru, who works as a Sales Assistant at Zara when not playing for Tamworth, and the Spain international was even booked during his battle against the winger.

However, the Tottenham No.23 also showed his frustration with Timo Werner after a brainless moment from the Germany international.

Aimless Timo Werner cross leaves Pedro Porro baffled

Ange Postecoglou criticised Werner in public back in December after his woeful display in the 1-1 draw against Rangers, so the RB Leipzig loanee really needs to step things up.

The FA Cup clash against Tamworth – who sit 16th in the National League – therefore seemed like a fantastic opportunity for the German to show his class and impress the Australian, but he looked more like a Non-League player than a Premier League footballer on Sunday, with one decision baffling Porro.

In the 77th minute, as Werner had possession of the ball out on the left wing, he strangely decided to just dump an aimless cross into the box, one that no Tottenham player was even close to as Tamworth easily cleared it.

Seemingly fed up of Werner’s ineffective performance, Porro could be seen raising his arms in complaint, as if to ask the Tottenham No.16 what he was thinking.

It was one of two crosses attempted by the 28-year-old before Postecoglou replaced him with Heung-min Son ahead of extra time, both of which were unsuccessful.

SofaScore shows that Werner also missed two big chances, completed only one of his attempted six dribbles, and lost possession on 14 occasions.

Whether Tottenham will send Timo Werner back to RB Leipzig

After Postecoglou criticised the man from Stuttgart in public, and his performances continue to be ineffective, many have wondered whether Spurs will terminate the loan agreement with RB Leipzig.

However, Postecoglou confirmed Tottenham will keep Werner until the end of the season when asked what Spurs plan to do with the underperforming attacker, saying: “Yeah. The last thing I want is to lose another player at the moment.

“The other night after Rodrigo (Bentancur) went off, we had 11 first-team players out. We’re not letting anyone go at this point.”

To us, that just sounds like Postecoglou is only keeping Werner due to a lack of squad depth, rather than being an admirer of the German.

Heung-min Son and Harry Kane’s partnership at Tottenham Hotspur is the stuff of legends.

Kane would still like Son at Bayern Munich; emphasising how strong the pair’s bond remains on and off the pitch to this day. While Son hailed Kane as his favourite-ever teammate last year as well.

Alongside the Englishman, Heung-min Son raised hell as the pair combined for goals galore.

So much so that in February 2022, the duo set the Premier League record (37) of combining for the most goals as a pair, eclipsing the dynamic partnership between Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba at Chelsea.

Harry Kane would often spray a pass in behind the opposition defence after spotting the South Korean icon making a darting run.

The former Bayern Leverkusen winger’s electric pace would mean most defenders were left chasing their breath as he had all the time and space to put the ball in the back of the net.

Son marvelled at Ruud van Nistelrooy’s brilliance at Hamburg, who is widely considered one of the best strikers to have ever graced the game.

But the number nine who the Tottenham wideman has played with the most over the course of his career is the England captain.

In an interview with TNT Sports, Son initially revealed that Kane did not need any of his advice about the Bundesliga, as he has shown by becoming Bayern’s best player since his move to Germany in 2023.

“I think, still the German league is one of the best leagues also and when we’re talking about Harry [Kane], I don’t have to give him any advice. For me, he’s the best.”

Son was quizzed about where he ranks Kane in his all-time strikers list and the Spurs legend stressed the 31-year-old will always be in his top three.

“Because he’s my friend, obviously, you get some bonus points. He will always be [in] my top three, it doesn’t matter what happens, he will always be in my top three.”

“And especially, we had such an amazing connection and played together so and we combined together for so many goals and yeah, having this kind of a striker is always a dream.”

Kane picked Son as his ultimate striker as well, which highlights the mutual respect between the two once again.

Harry Kane told Heung-min Son he was “lucky” to play with him at Tottenham

After Son reached 400 appearances for Tottenham, the Bayern marksman sent him a video message congratulating him on the achievement.

“Obviously, I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of those appearances with you.”

Kane sang Son’s praises by admitting that he feels fortunate to have played with such a top player and character.

“So, it’s been a privilege, great guy, great footballer. Keep it going mate, I’m watching you every week, keep smashing it, keep scoring the goals, and I hope to see you soon. All the best, mate.”

Son would have been gutted after Kane’s move to the Allianz Arena was confirmed.

However, the pair still hold each other in high esteem.

Son and Kane’s duo was labelled “devastating”, especially on the break as they put a plethora of teams to the sword.

After both players retire, fans and pundits alike will look back upon their time at Spurs very fondly.

Tottenham Hotspur have made an enquiry about signing Marcus Rashford on loan with the forward eager to leave Manchester United this month.

Spurs have emerged as a contender to sign Rashford this month and have held informal talks over a potential deal.

Ange Postecoglou is keen to add another attacker to his squad and the 27-year-old fits the bill of being a versatile option.

One major hurdle in Rashford leaving Old Trafford on loan in January is his extortionate wages and Spurs’ feelings have been made clear.

Tottenham not keen on Marcus Rashford’s wages

Tottenham Hotspur would want Manchester United to shoulder the majority of Marcus Rashford’s £300k-per-week wages should they make a move, according to the Independent

The North London club have been considering the idea of signing him and have been investigating a potential loan deal.

However, United are not expected to agree to continue paying most of his wages if they were to loan him out, so a move to North London is unlikely at this stage.

Son Heung-min is Tottenham’s current highest earner on £190k-per-week so bringing Rashford to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would almost certainly blow that figure out the water.

West Ham United are the only other Premier League club to have shown an interest, although his next destination is likely to be abroad.

What is happening with Tottenham’s move for Randal Kolo Muani?

Tottenham’s main attacking focus for now is Randal Kolo Munai, however, TBR Football understands that Juventus believe they are now the player’s first choice.

The Old Lady are now working to finalise a deal early this week to beat the North London club to his signature, although Spurs have not given up just yet.

Any deal for the 26-year-old is expected to be a loan with an option to buy for around £50 million – quite a significant drop from the £76m fee PSG paid for him in 2023.

James Maddison was one of Tottenham Hotspur’s only bright sparks before the visitors took a 3-0 lead against Tamworth in the Third Round of the FA Cup.

Considering Spurs failed to score before the 101st minute, James Maddison, who played in his usual number 10 position tried to unlock the National League side’s defence with an array of dazzling flicks and fierce strikes.

However, Tamworth deserve all the praise in the world for putting in a resolute performance at the back and going toe-to-toe with Tottenham.

Even big names like Spurs winger Brennan Johnson struggled against Tamworth before getting on the scoresheet as Ange Postecoglou was forced into bringing on his main men such as Dejan Kulusevski, Son Heung-min and Dominic Solanke off the bench.

Gary Lineker felt Tottenham unfairly benefited against Tamworth due to replays in the FA Cup being scrapped away, as the Lilywhites’ superior experience and fitness levels aided them in the final 30 minutes.

Previously, Andy Peaks’ side would have had the opportunity to play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after the 0-0 draw after 90 minutes of regulation time.

James Maddison praised for classy gesture during Tottenham vs Tamworth

But due to the changing of the rules, Tamworth were denied the chance to see where they stand away from home in one of the best stadiums in Europe.

Ange Postecoglou was praised by the Tamworth boss for how “respectful” he was during a pre-match chat as well.

After Jasbir Singh announced on X that his partner had given birth to a child, Maddison congratulated him on the news while also praising his performance on Sunday.

“Congratulations. Top performance as well to go with it.”

Singh replied to Maddison, singing his praises for the time he gave to his Tamworth teammates during the contest to have a chat with them.

“Appreciate the tweet. Absolute gent, I think all our boys appreciate the time and effort you made with them.”

The Tamworth goalkeeper’s performance certainly caught the eye, as the statistics show as he kept his side in the game on several instances by making a plethora of excellent saves.

Ange Postecoglou also made a surprise remark about one of the opposition players after the game.

Ange Postecoglou told Tamworth star he could play for Tottenham

Tamworth’s Haydyn Hollis revealed Postecoglou’s message after the contest that he may well have said in jest about being good enough to sign for Spurs after pulling off a scintillating ‘Cruyff Turn.’

Hollis was being pressed by Pape Matar Sarr and he spun away from pressure in style.

“Their manager just said to me, ‘That’s good enough to get you in the door here.’

“I said, ‘Believe it or not I’ve never done it before’. But no, it’s not my game and you’ll never see that again.”

It was class all around from Tottenham who embraced the occassion.

Tamworth would have gained Spurs’ respect with how well they played as well.

The hosts would have been well within their right to sit back and defend all game.

But Tamworth took the game to Tottenham, as special gestures from Maddison and Postecoglou will live long in their memory.

Ange Postcoglou had a brilliant message for one of Tamworth’s players following Tottenham Hotspur’s FA Cup clash with the National League club.

The Tamworth star in question claimed the Man of the Match prize against the Premier League club for his impressive display.

The Non-League side more than did themselves proud as they took Postecoglou’s team all the way to extra-time where three second-half goals won it for Spurs.

Many of Tamworth’s stars will have returned to their regular day jobs on Monday but one of them was jokingly offered a contract by the Spurs boss.

What Ange Postecoglou told Tamworth’s Haydn Hollis

Tamworth defender Haydn Hollis has revealed that Ange Postecoglou told him that his roulette to beat Timo Werner and Pape Matar Sarr was good enough to get him signed for Tottenham Hotspur.

Hollis was named Man of the Match for his performance as he helped keep the North London club’s attack at bay for 101 minutes.

Hollis told BBC Sport: “Their manager just said to me, ‘That’s good enough to get you in the door here,’ I said, ‘Believe it or not I’ve never done it before’. But no, it’s not my game and you’ll never see that again.”

The 32-year-old defender is one of the club’s professional players and is also a coach for League Two Chesterfield’s academy.

The veteran started his career playing in League One with Notts County and signed for Tamworth in the summer after leaving Dorking Wanderers at the end of his contract.

Tottenham’s winners and losers from Tamworth scare

For as good as Tamworth were, Tottenham should feel somewhat embarrassed to have taken so long to beat the team 96 places below them in the English football pyramid.

Brennan Johnson produced a worrying display against Tamworth as he completed just one dribble and two crosses against the non-league side.

Pedro Porro was also embarrassed by Beck-Ray Besongbap Enoru on several occasions as the 22-year-old managed to dribble past throughout the game.

Tottenham could do with a new forward in this winter transfer window.

Timo Werner is still struggling to impress at Spurs after Ange Postecoglou publicly criticised the Germany international back in December – while Brennan Johnson also needs to step up in terms of his overall game, despite a respectable tally of 12 goals in 31 appearances so far this season.

TBR Football understand Tottenham were close to agreeing terms with Randal Kolo Muani – who PSG are happy to offload this month – although that deal now hangs in the balance with Manchester United and Juventus also keen.

Coincidentally, PSG look set to replace the France international with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – who could have been shining for Tottenham across the last two years instead of Napoli had Spurs been braver.

Tottenham declined chance to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for just £20m

As confirmed by Christian Emile – a football agent working for CAA Base, who have close ties to Tottenham – Tottenham and other clubs in England rejected the Georgia international before he found stardom in Naples.

Emile told Fabrizio Romano: “All those clubs you mentioned were interested in Kvaratskhelia, more so the clubs you heard in the media in Germany, England and Italy. This was true.

“At that time, Rubin (Kazan) were asking £20m… but I think clubs were not so secure to spend this £20m in the Covid times, they didn’t have much background information about him because he’s not coming from a big football country.”

Now – according to ESPN – Kvaratskhelia is close to sealing a €65m (£54.7m) move to PSG, after scoring 30 goals and providing 29 assists in 107 appearances for Napoli.

Liverpool look set to miss out on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG

TBR Football understand Liverpool are admirers of Kvaratskhelia as Arne Slot aims to improve his attack.

However, the man born in Tbilisi seems destined for Paris this month.

How to pronounce Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

One trending question regarding the man Tottenham could have signed concerns how to pronounce his name.

TBR Football can exclusively reveal that a deal for Randal Kolo Muani is expected to be a loan with an option to buy for around £50 million.

Kolo Munai has been made available for transfer this month with the Frenchman eager to leave in search of more game time ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are the contenders for his signature, however, the Old Lady have stolen a march over the competition.

Randal Kolo Muani makes Juventus his first choice

Juventus believe they are now Randal Kolo Muani’s first choice following talks with the forward’s representatives over the weekend, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

Tottenham held extensive talks for Kolo Muani earlier this month and were hopeful of landing the 26-year-old, although they were aware that talks were also ongoing with other clubs.

Juve are now hoping to get a deal done early this week to sign the French international and beat the North London club to his signature.

Tottenham have not given up on Kolo Muani, however, they had hoped he would have agreed to join them last week.

Any deal for the player will be an initial loan with an option to buy for around £50 million – which is significantly less than the £76.4 million PSG paid for him in the summer of 2023.

Why Randal Kolo Muani prefers Juventus to Tottenham

Tottenham’s lack of Champions League football this season and most likely next term too played a part in Kolo Muani’s decision.

TBR Football also understands that the player has leant on French boss Didier Deschamps for his advice and unsurprisingly he has talked up his former club Juventus.

Is yet to be seen whether the North London club will move for another option as Kolo Muani was seen as a great market opportunity.

Tottenham Hotspur needed extra-time to overcome National League opposition Tamworth in their FA Cup clash last weekend.

Ange Postecoglou fielded a relatively strong Tottenham team away from home, even with a north London derby in just a few days time.

The likes of Dejan Kulusevski, Son Heung-min and Dominc Solanke were all on the bench, but Spurs certainly had enough quality available to get the job done in the 90.

Either way, Postecoglou’s side eventually demonstrated their quality in extra-time, an opportunity they wouldn’t have had in the past were FA Cup replays still in place – something Gary Lineker spoke about following Spurs’ win.

Gary Lineker thinks ‘unfair’ extra-time rules favoured Tottenham

Discussing the game on ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast, Lineker thought it was ‘unfair’ that the game went to extra-time, a rule that favours bigger sides who can call on their greater strength in depth, as Tottenham did.

Lineker expressed that further rule changes needed to be considered by the FA, who hadn’t quite got it right.

He said: “A quick word on Tamworth Tottenham, purely because it went to extra time. And of course, Tamworth were at home, they were playing against Spurs.

“And a year or so ago, or any time before that, in the history of the FA Cup, it would have been a replay for Tamworth at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which would have been special.

“It doesn’t happen that often, but this was a situation where that would have happened. We still have extra time.

“Personally, I think if they’re going to take away replays, it should take away extra time because otherwise it really favours the strong teams because they’ve got bigger squads and they can put on their best players in extra time, like Spurs did, and they went on to win.

“So I think that’s unfair. They should, if they’re going to do away with replays, which I think, to be honest, as much as it’s a shame, but I think they need to find other way of supporting teams from lower divisions, lower leagues and non-league, etc.”

Ange Postecoglou knows improvement is needed for North London derby

Speaking himself after the game, Tamworth’s manager was pleased with Tottenham’s approach – he was glad that Postecoglou was ‘respectful’ and fielded a strong team.

Spurs’ reward is another away trip in the fourth round, although this time they’ll face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side, Tottenham’s Champions League rivals from last term.

However, Postecoglou’s thoughts will only be on the upcoming North London derby right now, a crucial one for both sides.

And perhaps Postecoglou should drop one Tottenham player who repeatedly struggled against non-league Tamworth.

Some big decisions for the Spurs boss, who would surely like to have more of his best defensive options available.

While Brennan Johnson did score an excellent goal in Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-0 win against Tamworth, his performance was worryingly unimpressive.

Ange Postecoglou has no choice but to admit that Spurs found it a real challenge as a whole to trouble the National League side too much for much of the game.

Ahead of the North London Derby on Wednesday night, if the Lilywhites do not buck up their ideas, Arsenal could put them to the sword.

Johnson’s game has been criticised at Nottingham Forest as he is able produce moments of magic but often, his all-round displays have underwhelmed. Such was the case against Tamworth, as the statistics showcase.

Johnson was compared to Raheem Sterling at Manchester City after he went on a goalscoring run earlier this season but aside from his output, the £47.5 million (ESPN) man’s latest outing exposed that aside from having an eye for goal, his game lacks plenty of other attributes a top winger needs.

The Tottenham wideman would have been relieved to get on the scoresheet during extra time.

Brennan Johnson’s goal can’t mask poor performance in Tottenham vs Tamworth

The Welshman seemingly found it impossible to take on Callum Cockerill-Mollett and resorted to playing aimless crosses constantly.

The former Nottingham Forest winger’s delivery was disappointing and considering Timo Werner was leading the line, it was a surprise to see him target the aerial route as a mode of chance creation constantly.

Johnson has been deemed “frustrating” at Tottenham and it was a shock to witness how out of ideas he looked against a National League side.

However, the 23-year-old often suffers with similar issues in the Premier League and largely, his goal contributions have dried up in recent weeks.

If Johnson was incredibly productive, perhaps Ange Postecoglou would have no choice but to start him regularly.

But that has not been the case recently and ultimately, Johnson lacks the productivity of elite wingers like Mohamed Salah and Vinicius Jr to demand starting despite putting in such consistently frustrating displays.

As the Spurs speedster has shown recently, once he stops scoring goals, there is not much he offers in terms of his all-round game such as creating chances, taking on defenders and driving with the ball.

Son-Heung min was spotted speaking to Tyler Dibling after Spurs’ 6-0 thrashing of Southampton this season and in fairness, it is understandable why Tottenham are looking to bolster their wide areas.

Ange Postecoglou requires his wide forwards to impact games consistently until the end of the season if Tottenham are to salvage their ongoing campaign, which is why Johnson’s showing should concern him as he was playing a National League side at the end of the day.

Naturally, the versatile attacker has suffered the same issues of finding it difficult to emerge as a threatening creator and dribbler in the Premier League as well.

Dejan Kulusevski should take Brennan Johnson’s place after Tottenham vs Tamworth

An alternative for Johnson for Postecoglou could be playing Kulusevski on the right-wing, who came off the bench and scored a decisive second goal for the visitors.

Kulusevski has been Tottenham’s best player this season as a number 10.

As a result, it would be unwise to play the Swede as a touchline winger.

Much like how Pep Guardiola pushed Josko Gvardiol as a de-factor wing-back, allowing a natural midfielder like Phil Foden to play centrally last season despite starting on the left-wing, Ange Postecoglou could take a leaf out of the Manchester City boss’ tactical playbook.

Foden set the world alight in such a role and Kulusevski, who Postecoglou raved about earlier this campaign could be given the license to similarly drift in centrally, with Pedro Porro holding the width on the right-hand side as Son could keep his place on the left flank.

James Maddison could start as Spurs’ attacking midfielder as a part of the midfield three alongside Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma. Alongside Maddison, Kulusevski could form an attacking midfield duo despite being deployed as a right-winger on paper.

In such a setup, Tottenham will remain solid in midfield while also being a threat going forward.

Ange Postecoglou should certainly explore such tactical ideas as Johnson is showing game after game that aside from scoring goals, his game is rather incomplete and his productivity remains rather unreliable in any case.