Sports Mole

Liverpool slaughtered a sorry Tottenham Hotspur side 5-1 to clinch their second Premier League title and 20th English top-flight crown, equalling Manchester United's all-time record in the process.

Simply needing to claim a point to avoid waiting any longer, Arne Slot's holders-in-waiting did not follow the script in the first 15 minutes, as former flame Dominic Solanke stunned the Kop with a brilliant header from a corner.

However, the response from the Reds was the response of champions, as Luis Diaz's leveller, Alexis Mac Allister's latest thunderbolt and a tidy Cody Gakpo finish saw normal service resume and leave the hosts just 45 minutes away from stardom.

Not content to declare at three, Liverpool went for the jugular against their abysmal visitors and did not end the afternoon without a couple of goals in front of the Kop, as Mohamed Salah notched Premier League goal number 28 for the season before Destiny Udogie's own goal capped off a five-star afternoon.

Slot and Ange Postecoglou embraced on the touchline a couple of minutes before the full-time whistle, which triggered the best kind of Merseyside mayhem as red smoke engulfed the ground.

As Liverpool revel in a guaranteed first-placed finish, Tottenham remain down in 16th spot in the Premier League table, and the perennially serene Slot finally allowed himself to let loose when the party started.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

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The race for the crown is mathematically over today, but it was realistically over a long time ago, and a jam-packed Anfield can finally soak up the glory of a Premier League title win.

COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 did not stop thousands of supporting breaking social distancing regulations to gather outside the stadium, but Liverpool players lifting the trophy aloft in front of empty seats inside the ground was surreal in the worst sense of the word.

However, following a near-seamless transition into a post-Jurgen Klopp world, Liverpool are officially the best team in the land once again, and their fans could hardly have wished for a more emphatic way to rubber-stamp such a status.

Amid all the Liverpool delight, however, there is Tottenham despair, and Postecoglou has now equalled Ossie Ardiles's record for the most Premier League defeats by a single Spurs head coach in one season.

The Europa League of course takes precedence for Tottenham, but the manner in which they capitulated against the champions was nothing short of embarrassing, and even continental glory may not be enough to earn Postecoglou a stay of execution after Sunday's horror show.

Today belongs to the men in red, though, and with the evergreen Virgil van Dijk and Salah staying on to keep the Slot machine whirring next season, who knows what the Liverpool luminaries could achieve next.

LIVERPOOL VS. TOTTENHAM HIGHLIGHTS

Dominic Solanke goal vs. Liverpool (12th min, Liverpool 0-1 Tottenham)

Something about cats and pigeons.

Tottenham sew the smallest seed of doubt into Liverpool fans' minds, as James Maddison's corner is bang on the money for ex-Reds striker Solanke, who easily evades Diaz and heads into the far corner past a stranded Alisson Becker.

Luis Diaz goal vs. Tottenham (16th min, Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham)

Never in doubt.

Salah slips in Dominik Szoboszlai down the right-hand side of the Tottenham box, and the Hungarian squares for Diaz to scramble home the equaliser on his 100th Premier League appearance.

The linesman initially believed that Szoboszlai was just ahead of the last defender, but a VAR review shows that Kevin Danso just played him on, and Liverpool have their champions status back.

Alexis Mac Allister goal vs. Tottenham (24th min, Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham)

Death, taxes, and Mac Allister scoring screamers.

Tottenham have not helped themselves whatsoever since Solanke's opener, and the Lilywhites get caught playing out from the back as Ryan Gravenberch gets his body in the way of Archie Gray and the ball.

Mac Allister picks up the pieces, shifts the ball onto his left and rifles a wonderful 20-yard strike into the top corner; it was past Guglielmo Vicario in a flash, and that aforementioned seed of doubt has surely now been extinguished.

Cody Gakpo goal vs. Tottenham (34th min, Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham)

The trophy engraver can probably get a head-start right about now.

Mac Allister stands over a corner on the right-hand side, and the wind prevents him from launching a cross into the box a few times before he finally gets his delivery in.

Lucas Bergvall can only half-clear to Gakpo just inside the box, and the Dutchman works a yard of space before picking out the far corner with a wonderful finish through a sea of bodies.

He gets a yellow card for removing his shirt and showing off his "I belong to Jesus" vest - the same message Kaka famously sported - but that might be the most trivial booking of the season.

The perfect end to a near-perfect afternoon.

A Tottenham attack is stopped in its tracks and Liverpool break away through Szoboszlai, who has Salah free to his right and lays off the Egyptian just outside the Tottenham penalty area.

Udogie is powerless to stop Salah cutting inside onto his left foot, and the Golden Boot leader ends a four-game Premier League goal drought with a thunderous finish inside Vicario's near post.

A selfie with the Kop to celebrate a new contract, a second Premier League title, and a goal that makes him the competition's highest foreign goalscorer of all time.

Destiny Udogie own goal vs. Tottenham (69th min, Liverpool 5-1 Tottenham)

That Solanke header feels like an age ago for Tottenham now.

A deflected Diogo Jota effort falls into the path of Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose low ball across is intended for Salah, but Udogie accidentally taps into his own net in his attempts to deny the Egyptian a second.

MAN OF THE MATCH - ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER

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If Arsenal got Declan Rice half price, what did Liverpool get Mac Allister for?

Not just adding to his collection of wonder strikes, the Argentine fulcrum put in an energy-zapping display that typified his astounding season, also putting in six tackles, registering three shots and creating two chances for his teammates.

Team of the Season worthy? Hard to argue against it.

LIVERPOOL VS. TOTTENHAM MATCH STATS

Possession: Liverpool 63%-37% Tottenham

Shots: Liverpool 25-8 Tottenham

Shots on target: Liverpool 8-3 Tottenham

Corners: Liverpool 8-2 Tottenham

Fouls: Liverpool 16-9 Tottenham

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Party time.

And once that is over, Liverpool complete the formalities of their triumphant Premier League season, firstly heading to Chelsea on May 4 before hosting Arsenal seven days later.

Meanwhile, all Spurs eyes are now on the first leg of their Europa League semi-final with Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, which precedes a Premier League London derby away to West Ham United on May 4.

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Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed their starting lineups for Sunday's Premier League clash at Anfield, where the Reds need just a point to win the title with four games to spare.

Arne Slot has made just two changes to the side that edged out Leicester City 1-0 last Sunday, and the match-winner from that clash - Trent Alexander-Arnold - has unsurprisingly been recalled to the XI in place of Conor Bradley, who misses out due to a knock.

On the opposite side of defence, Andy Robertson has taken Kostas Tsimikas's place, but it is otherwise the same side that saw off the Foxes over the Easter weekend.

Slot has kept faith with Luis Diaz in the number nine position over Darwin Nunez, who recently seemed to hit out at his lack of game time amid claims that he is not playing due to one more start triggering a £4.2m payment to Benfica.

On Tottenham's side, Ange Postecoglou has made a whopping eight changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Nottingham Forest on Monday, evidently prioritising Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg with Bodo/Glimt.

Only Guglielmo Vicario, Djed Spence and Mathys Tel retain their places in the starting lineup, as the latter lines up alongside the recalled Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson in the final third.

Archie Gray is a notable inclusion in a rejigged midfield alongside Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison, while Kevin Danso and Ben Davies will line up in the heart of defence as Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are rested.

Liverpool starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz

Subs: Kelleher, Endo, Nunez, Chiesa, Jones, Elliott, Jota, Quansah, Tsimikas

Bournemouth vs. Man Utd (Sunday, 2.00pm)

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Aiming to become the sixth different team to complete the double over Manchester United this season, Bournemouth host the Red Devils at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Andoni Iraola's men are still fighting for European nights next season, whereas Ruben Amorim's squad could be forgiven for taking their foot off the pedal in the Premier League amid their pursuit of Europa League glory.

We say: Bournemouth 1-0 Manchester United

While the likely return of Bruno Fernandes should aid Man United on the creativity front, it remains difficult to pinpoint just where the goals might come from on the visitors' end, Lyon aside.

A settled Bournemouth squad can therefore limit the visitors to few chances and capitalise on the Red Devils' defensive deficiencies to succeed on Sunday, where Man United's thoughts may already be on their next Europa League mission.

> Premier League preview: Bournemouth vs Man Utd

> Surprise attacking starter: Predicted Man United XI vs. Bournemouth

> Semenyo watch and Cook concern: Predicted Bournemouth XI vs. Man United

> Amad, De Ligt, Zirkzee updates: Man United injury, suspension news vs. Bournemouth

Liverpool vs. Spurs (Sunday, 4.30pm)

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April 27, 2025 should be a date that goes down in Liverpool folklore, as the Reds need just one point against Tottenham Hotspur to be absolutely sure of the 2024-25 Premier League title.

Arne Slot's men will be crowned champions so long as they do not suffer a shock Anfield defeat to the Lilywhites, who have bigger fish to fry in Europe and cannot end the top-flight season soon enough.

We say: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Any Gooners pledging allegiance to Tottenham for a couple of hours should not get their hopes up, although all those associated with Arsenal surely gave up any chance of a phenomenal title comeback a while ago.

As Spurs are prioritising the Europa League and have been nothing but abysmal domestically this term, a full-strength Liverpool should have no problem easing to the win that will confirm what has been inevitable for some time.

> Premier League preview: Liverpool vs Spurs

> Son injury status confirmed: Predicted Spurs XI vs. Liverpool

> Three changes for the title: Predicted Liverpool XI vs. Tottenham

> Two out, any doubts? Liverpool injury list for Spurs clash

> Is Son's return a-foot? Spurs injury list for Liverpool clash

A full Anfield crowd could finally witness a Premier League-winning moment on Sunday afternoon, where Liverpool need just a point against Tottenham Hotspur to wrap up a first-placed finish.

Arne Slot's side hold a 12-point advantage over Arsenal with a game in hand, while the Lilywhites are a whopping 42 points worse off in the Premier League table, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news from both clubs.

LIVERPOOL vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

LIVERPOOL

Out: Joe Gomez (hamstring), Tyler Morton (shoulder)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Son Heung-min (foot), Radu Dragusin (ACL)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Johnson

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match .

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou will be at risk of matching an unwanted club record when the Lilywhites face Premier League champions-elect Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

While the Reds only need one point on April 27 to confirm their status as 2024-25 top-flight champions, the curtain cannot come down on the domestic season quickly enough for Tottenham.

After coming agonisingly close to Champions League qualification under Postecoglou last season, Spurs have regressed remarkably in the current campaign and enter the weekend in a shocking 16th place in the Premier League table.

Such a ranking would represent Tottenham's worst league finish of all time - eclipsing their 15th-placed standing from 1993-94 - and Monday's 2-1 loss to Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest was their 18th of the campaign.

Should Tottenham also come out on the wrong end of the scoreline on Sunday, Postecoglou will equal the record for the most amount of Premier League defeats for a single Spurs manager in one season.

Postecoglou could match unwanted 31-year feat in Liverpool fixture

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In the aforementioned 1993-94 season, Tottenham suffered 19 Premier League defeats under the tutelage of Ossie Ardiles, and they have never been beaten as many as 20 times in one campaign in the competition.

Spurs were also condemned to 19 losses in the 2003-04 campaign, but the Lilywhites had two different head coaches that year, as Glenn Hoddle was sacked in September before David Pleat took control of the reins.

The one consolation Tottenham can take heading into the weekend is that it is no longer possible for Spurs to be relegated, as they sit 16 points above 18th-placed Ipswich Town with five games left to play.

London rivals West Ham United are only one point back from Tottenham in 17th, though, and Spurs are a whopping 42 points below Liverpool, their second-highest deficit against a team whom they are facing next.

The only time Tottenham were further behind an opponent in the Premier League was in 2003-04, when they hosted an Arsenal side 43 points clear of them and witnessed their North London rivals win the league at White Hart Lane that day.

The omens are therefore extremely positive for Liverpool in that regard, and Arne Slot's men have also prevailed in two of their three meetings with Spurs so far this season, the outlier being a 1-0 loss in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.

Tottenham could break club record with five-goal Liverpool thrashing

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The Reds turned the tide in that two-legged battle with a 4-0 win on home soil, though, having already triumphed in a nine-goal spectacular 6-3 earlier on in the Premier League campaign, meaning that they have struck 10 times against Spurs this term.

If Tottenham concede at least five goals to the league leaders on Sunday, they will also break an unwanted club record for the most goals shipped against a single team in one season, which was set in 2001-02.

That year, Tottenham conceded 14 times to Chelsea alone, losing 3-2 and 4-0 to the Blues in the Premier League and 4-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals but prevailing 6-3 on aggregate in the League Cup semis.

However, Tottenham's Premier League transgressions will be forgiven if Postecoglou can lead the Lilywhites to Europa League glory, as Sunday's trip to Anfield precedes the first leg of their semi-final with Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.

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Liverpool should comfortably see past Tottenham Hotspur and win the Premier League title on Sunday, Reds expert David Lynch has insisted.

Arne Slot has the chance to follow in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp and become the second manager in the club's history to win the Premier League should his team earn at least a point against Spurs at Anfield.

Tottenham are currently in 16th place with just 37 points after 33 matchweeks, and they have lost 18 of their fixtures this term already.

Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch argued that Liverpool should prove far too strong for the Londoners, saying: "They're about as obliging an opposition as you could pick for a home game at Anfield this season to go and win the title because you can see goals. They give you a chance - they're not coming to try and ruin the party.

"They not going to try and sit in and make it a bore fest. It's a game that Liverpool should have real confidence in. It's a strange one because it'll still feel like a big event because on paper it's Tottenham, it's a big game at Anfield and yet you look at their league position, you look at recent performances and Liverpool should be wiping the floor with them.

"The fact is Spurs have partly checked out of this Premier League season anyway because all their eggs are in the Europa League basket given how important that is. That's the position they're in, so you couldn't have hand-picked better opposition for Liverpool to face."

Tottenham will play the first leg of their Europa League semi-final clash against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, and there is a possibility that boss Ange Postecoglou rotates his side on Sunday.

What could the game against Spurs be like?

Liverpool have faced Tottenham 32 times in the Premier League era at Anfield and have emerged victorious on 21 occasions while losing just twice.

The Reds have already beaten Spurs 6-3 and 4-0 in two of their three encounters this season, and they have not lost at home against the Londoners in the league since May 2011, a period encompassing nine victories and four draws.

Lynch pondered whether the likes of Mohamed Salah could enjoy a fruitful afternoon against Spurs when he told Sports Mole: "If there are goals, there's an opportunity for Salah to lay on some assists. That would be really nice, but it's been a while since Liverpool comfortably dispatched someone, so that would be nice if they could do that to seal the title.

"Because it's Tottenham you'd like to think that they're not going to want to make it hard either because it's Arsenal that Liverpool are up against. All the ingredients are there for Liverpool to put on a show and they're more than capable of beating this Tottenham side three or four nil.

"What a great day at Anfield that would be - that would be one that would go down in the history books. I'm sure there'll be tears and joy in the stands, so hopefully it's a straightforward one. I wouldn't like any late drama if possible because I'm getting a bit sick of that."

Slot's side scored a 76th-minute winner against Leicester City last Sunday and an 89th-minute winner against West Ham United on April 13, but supporters will hope that no heroics will be needed this weekend.

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How will winning the Premier League rank against Liverpool's other achievements?

When Liverpool won the title in 2019-20, fans were not able to celebrate in the manner that they wanted to due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Reds won the Champions League in 2018-19 under Klopp in the previous season, and that was the first trophy won by the club under the legendary German manager.

When asked about about where Slot's title win would rank among the Merseysiders' achievements in the modern era, Lynch insisted that it might mean more for the fans off the pitch than the players on it, telling Sports Mole: "In terms of the the overall impact when you think about the club winning the Premier League title in 2019-20, it was was hugely significant in what it meant for Liverpool.

"It re-established them and showed that the Champions League win the season prior wasn't a fluke. They won it at an absolute canter - they had it [practically] won before Covid. If Liverpool had stopped playing at that point they would have won it anyway and absolutely deserved it. The impact of it was a hugely significant moment, but I would say for fans this is going to be on a completely different level.

"Knowing that a draw gives Liverpool the title - it's been 30 years of dreaming of that moment. Then on the final day when they actually lift the trophy, that dream's been there for so long, so it's absolutely massive. In terms of what it means for fans, people are going to be taken aback by the scenes of celebration that we see around the parade because [fans did not] have a chance to do that in 2019-20."

Having almost certainly won the Premier League in his first season despite no major incomings in either the summer or January transfer windows, perhaps supporters will have the chance to celebrate more than one league title before Slot's time at Anfield is finished.

April 27, 2025 should be a date that goes down in Liverpool folklore, as the Reds need just one point against Tottenham Hotspur to be absolutely sure of the 2024-25 Premier League title.

Arne Slot's men will be crowned champions so long as they do not suffer a shock Anfield defeat to the Lilywhites, who have bigger fish to fry in Europe and cannot end the top-flight season soon enough.

Match preview

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Wednesday night reportedly saw Liverpool players gather for an Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace viewing party, where defeat for the Gunners would have triggered wild celebrations on the red half of Merseyside, but a 2-2 draw was enough to keep the 'fight' going a little while longer.

However, Arsenal should only be in with the most minimal mathematical chance of glory for another 48 hours, as if Liverpool avoid losing to the Gunners' North London rivals on Sunday, they will finally have a Premier League title to celebrate in front of the Kop.

The Anfield stands were empty when the Merseyside mammoths finally conquered the land again during the COVID days of 2020, but Liverpool fans will soon be able to parade around their inflatable trophies as the players kiss the real one, thanks partly to a leaving local lad.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's deflected volley was enough to take down doomed Leicester City over the Easter weekend, meaning that unless Liverpool lose each of their last five games and Arsenal win each of their final four matches, Slot will become just the fifth man to win the Premier League in his first season in English football.

Only Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Manuel Pellegrini and Antonio Conte have ever managed that magnificent feat previously, and having overseen a 14-game unbeaten Premier League run at Anfield - including six wins from their last six - Slot can surely afford to wear a 'champions' t-shirt under his regular attire.

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Sitting a staggering 42 points worse off in the Premier League table, Tottenham have nothing but personal pride on the line for the remainder of the Premier League season and can once again do their bit to kill off the fleeting title dreams of North London rivals Arsenal.

Ange Postecoglou could hardly believe his eyes when a portion of Spurs fans cheered Manchester City's triumph over them last year, as that result all but ended the Gunners' pursuit of glory, and it will be utterly fascinating to see whether some of the Lilywhites faithful celebrate in the same manner if their side come out second best here.

While Spurs were challenging for the top four at this stage last year, the visitors' astonishing fall from grace means that avoiding a 17th-placed finish is the ultimate goal for the final five games, as Monday's 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest marked their fourth loss from their last five top-flight outings.

However, Tottenham fans should not be losing sleep over Premier League performances while there is a Europa League trophy to be won; they host Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their semi-final next Thursday and could battle Athletic Bilbao or Manchester United for the cup if they navigate their way past the Norwegians.

Liverpool Premier League form:

Liverpool form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

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Only two Liverpool players will not be able to take part in Sunday's season-defining contest, as Joe Gomez is working his way back from a hamstring operation but could return before the end of the season, while Tyler Morton's shoulder is still giving him grief too.

The champions-elect are well-stocked otherwise, and Slot will surely welcome Real Madrid-bound Alexander-Arnold back to the XI with open arms after his winner - and subsequent wild celebrations - at the King Power Stadium.

Mohamed Salah still needs just three more goal involvements to break the all-time Premier League record for a single season, but the electrifying Egyptian is on a four-game scoring drought in the competition, his longest of the campaign.

However, facing Spurs often brings out the best in the 32-year-old, who has scored 15 goals against the Lilywhites in all tournaments down the years, making them his second-favourite opponent only behind Manchester United (16).

On Tottenham's side, Postecoglou's squad is in good nick barring long-term ACL absentee Radu Dragusin and Son Heung-min, who is still rehabilitating from a foot injury and will not be involved at Anfield.

Destiny Udogie was a notable absentee from the matchday squad against Forest, but the Italy international was simply rested after his Europa League exertions against Eintracht Frankfurt, as were James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson from the first whistle.

However, Postecoglou ought to revert to his strongest XI to face the strongest team in the land on Sunday, where Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will be fine to pair up again after precautionary withdrawals last time out.

Liverpool possible starting lineup:

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Johnson

We say: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Any Gooners pledging allegiance to Tottenham for a couple of hours should not get their hopes up, although all those associated with Arsenal surely gave up any chance of a phenomenal title comeback a while ago.

As Spurs are prioritising the Europa League and have been nothing but abysmal domestically this term, a full-strength Liverpool should have no problem easing to the win that will confirm what has been inevitable for some time.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in a two-horse race to sign talented Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Axel Tape, who is set to leave Les Parisiens as a free agent this summer.

The 2007-born defender made his debut for Luis Enrique's side earlier this season, starting a 4-2 Coupe de France sixth-round win over Espaly back in January.

Tape has also made five matchday squads across the Ligue 1 and Champions League campaigns, including an appearance as an unused substitute in January's 4-2 Champions League win over Manchester City.

The Bondy-born defender has also showcased his talents at the other end of the field, scoring three goals in 11 appearances for PSG's Under-19 side, but he is out of contract in the summer.

Tape is still registered to PSG as a youth player, and according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, the teenager has turned down the chance to sign his first professional contract with the Ligue 1 champions.

Tottenham 'pushing' to win race for Tape

Tape's path to the first team at PSG is blocked by the likes of Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, Lucas Hernandez and Willian Pacho, as well as the seldom-seen Presnel Kimpembe.

As a result, the France Under-18 international is preparing to advance his career elsewhere, and Spurs are supposedly one of two clubs pushing to conclude a free transfer.

However, Hawkins states that Bayer Leverkusen are currently 'well-placed' to sign the 17-year-old, who can play as a central midfielder as well as in the heart of defence.

The reigning Bundesliga champions are confirmed to be waving goodbye to Jonathan Tah when his contract runs out in the summer, while Piero Hincapie has often been tipped to leave too.

Meanwhile, Spurs' long-serving defender Ben Davies is out of contract in a few months' time, while Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero's futures have also been called into question amid Tottenham's disastrous season.

The Lilywhites can still salvage their campaign by winning the Europa League, but they are down in 16th place in the Premier League table, and Romero is said to be on the radar of both Madrid clubs.

Spurs could repeat Luka Vuskovic transfer trick with Tape

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Leverkusen may expect to have the upper hand over Tottenham based purely on both teams' performance on the field, but the English club have recent when it comes to striking deals for embryonic defenders.

Last summer, Spurs snapped up talented 18-year-old Croat Luka Vuskovic, who will officially join the Lilywhites from Hajduk Split on July 1 in a deal worth £9.4m.

Vuskovic has been plying his trade on loan at Belgian outfit KVC Westerlo this season and is enhancing his reputation as a prolific defender, managing an eye-catching seven goals and three assists from 32 games.

The Croatian - who is just six months older than Tape - has a very bright future ahead of him at Spurs, and the prospect of a partnership with Tape in 10 years' time is a very exciting one.

The final whistle on the 2024-25 Premier League season cannot come quickly enough for Tottenham Hotspur, who face a daunting trip to champions-elect Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Ange Postecoglou's men were condemned to a harrowing 18th loss of the top-flight campaign on Monday night, falling to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nuno Espirito Santo's side as their former boss had the last laugh.

Sitting in an embarrassing 16th place in the Premier League table, Spurs are at least safe from the threat of an unthinkable relegation, and their focus is undoubtedly on the Europa League ahead of a critical semi-final with Bodo/Glimt.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Liverpool, who will be crowned champions with just a draw this weekend.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Radu Dragusin will remain in the care of the Tottenham medical team over the summer, as the Romanian centre-back will be out for several more months with the serious ACL injury he sustained in early 2025.

Son Heung-min

Status: Out

Type of injury: Foot

Possible return date: Unknown

Son Heung-min had been playing through the pain of a chronic foot problem for a while before finally hitting the pause button, and Postecoglou has admitted that he is not sure when his captain will be fully fit again.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR'S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players suspended for this match.

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Nottingham Forest reclaimed third place in the Premier League as they secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Nottingham Forest flew into the lead as Elliot Anderson struck inside six minutes, and though Chris Wood was initially denied a second due to offside, the striker nodded home just minutes later to make it 2-0 to the Reds after only 16 minutes, giving them complete control of the match at the break.

Tottenham unsurprisingly dominated possession as Nottingham Forest focused on defending their lead throughout the second half, but aside from Harry Toffolo's sensational goal-line clearance and a late header from Richarlison to make for a nervy ending, the Reds remained largely untroubled and held on to their lead to secure all three points and climb back to third in the standings.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Few would have predicted at the start of the season that Nottingham Forest would be competing for a Champions League spot and Tottenham would be languishing in the bottom half at this stage, but today perfectly showcased why these teams occupy their current positions.

Nuno Espirito Santo's men were simply far too good for Ange Postecoglou's side, especially in the opening stages, as the Reds elegantly picked Spurs apart with virtually every attacking opportunity, and they were certainly rewarded for their efforts as they took a 2-0 lead after only 16 minutes.

That rapid start enabled Forest to revert to their usual defensive tactics, and while Tottenham did create a handful of chances, a real lack of attacking quality at the final moment - other than for Richarlison's headed goal - meant Spurs were unable to get their way back into the match.

Postecoglou's half-time changes - swapping both of his central defenders - clearly suggests that his focus lies on their upcoming Europa League semi-final, but a dismal performance today will certainly dent their confidence heading into that tie.

There appears to be a real lack of physicality, quality, desire and belief from this Tottenham team at times, and Postecoglou will have to improve their morale before their semi-final if the manager is to have any chance of retaining his job in North London, with a Europa League trophy likely required to secure his future.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. NOTTINGHAM FOREST HIGHLIGHTS

Elliot Anderson goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (5th min, Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Nottingham Forest)

Forest have an early lead!

Anthony Elanga's corner fails to beat the first man, but Pedro Porro's headed clearance is a poor one, falling to Anderson just outside the Tottenham penalty area.

The midfielder connects brilliantly with the ball, and his strike deflects off Rodrigo Bentancur, bounces in front of Guglielmo Vicario and sails over the keeper's hands into the top corner.

Chris Wood goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (17th min, Tottenham Hotspur 0-2 Nottingham Forest)

Wood will not be denied this time!

Elanga has the ball on the left wing and is given time to cut onto his right foot and whip a cross into the centre of the Spurs box, where Wood has positioned himself between the two central defenders.

Vicario attempts to come out and claim the cross, but Wood comfortably beats him to the ball, heading into the empty net and doubling Forest's lead.

Richarlison goal vs. Nottingham Forest (87th min, Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Nottingham Forest)

Richarlison pulls one back for Tottenham!

Spurs continue searching for a way back into the match, moving the ball wide to Porro on the right wing, and the full-back wastes no time in delivering into the box.

The Spaniard's cross finds Richarlison, who expertly directs his header into the far left corner and out of reach of Matz Sels! Do Spurs have time for an equaliser?

MAN OF THE MATCH - ELLIOT ANDERSON

© Imago

Anderson has been an unsung hero at times for Nottingham Forest this season, and the midfielder delivered yet another wonderful performance in the heart of the pitch tonight.

Anderson scored the first for Forest, with the help of a slight deflection, and was unlucky to not grab an assist after Wood was marginally offside, while he also made an impressive eight passes into the final third.

The midfielder is not just a phenomenon in possession, also winning the most duels in the match with 12, making one interception and one tackle and an impressive seven recoveries.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. NOTTINGHAM FOREST MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham Hotspur 70%-30% Nottingham Forest

Shots: Tottenham Hotspur 22-4 Nottingham Forest

Shots on target: Tottenham Hotspur 6-3 Nottingham Forest

Corners: Tottenham Hotspur 7-1 Nottingham Forest

Fouls: Tottenham Hotspur 11-12 Nottingham Forest

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Tottenham's attention may well be on their upcoming Europa League semi-final clash with Bodo/Glimt, but Spurs must first contend with a challenging matchup against Liverpool in the Premier League next weekend.

As for Nottingham Forest, their hunt for a Champions League place through the Premier League will take a brief pause next weekend, as Espirito Santo's men will travel to Wembley Stadium to face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.

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