Sports Mole

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has insisted that Joao Palhinha's move to Tottenham Hotspur will not take long to be resolved.

The Londoners managed to claim a victory against fierce rivals Arsenal during their pre-season campaign, winning 1-0 on Thursday thanks to midfielder Pape Sarr's long-range strike.

New boss Thomas Frank has brought back a sense of optimism to supporters following the team's disastrous displays in 2024-25, when they finished 17th in the Premier League.

Spurs have made a number of additions this summer in a bid to address the frailties within their squad, and they are reportedly closing in on a loan deal for Bayern midfielder Palhinha.

According to BILD reporter Heiko Niedderer, the Bavarians' sporting director Freund has expressed confidence that a transfer would soon be completed, saying: "If everything goes smoothly, it won't drag on endlessly. Soon."

The deal to bring the Portuguese defensive midfielder to England would also include the option to buy him permanently for £26.1m next summer.

Why Thomas Frank wants to reinforce in midfield

Tottenham performed well last season from an offensive perspective despite the club suffering an injury crisis, scoring 64 goals in the league, the joint seventh best return in the division.

However, Spurs also conceded on 65 occasions, their worst defensive performance across a league campaign since 1992-93, when they conceded 66 times.

Frank currently has a number of midfield options available to him, but the likes of Yves Bissouma have so far failed to impress on a consistent basis.

Palhinha is capable of playing well in a possession-oriented system like Bissouma, but he also demonstrated during his time in the Premier League with Fulham that he is a formidable defensive presence as well.

Frank found great success at Brentford using Christian Norgaard as the Bees' number six, and it is not surprising that he has looked to bring in Palhinha considering the two are stylistically similar.

Can Tottenham Hotspur challenge for the Champions League places?

Frank's primary challenge as Spurs boss will be to get his side back to competing in the Champions League on a regular basis, as while they qualified for the tournament thanks to winning the Europa League in 2024-25, their only realistic pathway to the competition in 2026-27 is through league placement.

The addition of stars such as Mohammed Kudus has significantly strengthened Tottenham's forward options, but it would be difficult to see the club closng the gap to Newcastle United and Chelsea without improving their performances out of possession.

Palhinha may be 30 years old, but if he can help stabilise Tottenham's defensive base in 2025-26, then the team's attackers will be better able to influence play in the final third without having to always track back.

An illustrious 10-year era is about to draw to a close in North London, as Tottenham Hotspur legend Son Heung-min has confirmed that he plans to leave the club during the summer transfer window.

The 33-year-old became just the 13th man to captain the Lilywhites to a trophy in last season's Europa League, having had his contract extended until the end of the 2025-26 campaign in a bid to finally earn him that precious winners' medal.

Having now achieved everything that he could possibly achieve - in his own words - Son is set to leave Spurs as their fifth-highest goalscorer of all time, as well as the highest-scoring non-Englishman the club has ever had.

Head coach Thomas Frank can already call upon Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert to fill Son's boots, but both men are far from the finished product, while Mikey Moore is spending the 2025-26 season on loan with Scottish Premiership giants Rangers.

The Lilywhites hierarchy are therefore facing a critical decision over whether to sign an out-and-out replacement for Son, but several left-sided attackers immediately spring to mind when contemplating a natural successor.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at seven players Spurs could target to succeed Son next season.

Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United | 21)

If Spurs are to go down the youthful route to sign Son's replacement, they should find Manchester United to be very receptive to any offers for the wantaway Alejandro Garnacho, whose relationship with Ruben Amorim is broken beyond repair.

Player and manager fell out in the wake of Spurs' success over Man United in the Europa League final, where Garnacho was only given 19 minutes as a late substitute, leading to a sly dig from the winger and a less dignified calling-out from his brother and agent.

Nevertheless, Garnacho still managed to hit double figures in both goals and assists across all competitions last season, while also ranking in the top 5% of wingers in Europe for progressive carries per game with 5.79.

Tottenham are understood to be interested in the 2004-born attacker, who will likely be allowed to depart for around £40m, although Garnacho has apparently earmarked another team as his preferred destination for a summer move.

Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig | 20)

Spurs signed Son from the Bundesliga as a fresh-faced 23-year-old, and there is every chance that they could turn to the German top flight again to pick out the South Korean's follow-up act.

Twenty-year-old Antonio Nusa has already made an impression both internationally and domestically since bursting onto the scene with Club Brugge, producing five goals and seven assists in his debut season for RB Leipzig last term.

Eerily, the 2005-born attacker also boasts that exact total number of contributions for Norway - albeit from just 15 appearances - and he has averaged just over five take-ons per game over the past year.

However, as Leipzig are about to lose Xavi Simons to Chelsea and could also lose Benjamin Sesko to either Newcastle United or Manchester United, Spurs could run into stiff resistance should they also try to lure Nusa away from the Red Bull Arena.

Jack Grealish (Manchester City | 29)

Moving up the experience scale, Manchester City's Jack Grealish - who celebrates his 30th birthday in just over a month's time - would mentor, cover for and compete with the likes of Tel and Odobert at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Once worth an astronomical £100m, the former Aston Villa sensation has failed to justify his nine-figure price tag across his four seasons at the Etihad Stadium, and a parting of the ways is now bound to happen sooner rather than later.

Tottenham are understood to be one of the teams keeping a close eye on Grealish's future, and the Lilywhites may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the England international, as another one of his suitors - Everton - are now prioritising a deal for Southampton's Tyler Dibling.

However, while Grealish has always been a phenomenal ball carrier and chance creator when given his freedom on the pitch, he would be highly unlikely to replicate Son's output in front of goal, and the signing of Mohammed Kudus may reduce the need for a player of the Englishman's profile.

Rafael Leao (AC Milan | 26)

Perpetually linked with an exit from AC Milan but yet to attract a serious suitor, Rafael Leao is currently set to enter his seventh season at San Siro, where he continues to put up stellar figures on the scoring and playmaking front.

Leao has produced at least 10 assists in each of his last four Italian top-flight campaigns, and he has scored at least 12 goals in all competitions in every season since 2021-22 too, giving him a total of 132 direct involvements from 260 games for Milan.

The Portugal international recently stole the show in Milan's 4-2 pre-season win over Liverpool, putting in a man-of-the-match display with a goal and an assist, but question marks remain over his consistency.

Furthermore, Leao's contract - which runs until 2028 - contains a €175m (£152.8m) release clause, and the Rossoneri are expected to demand at least €100m (£87.3m) to even entertain the idea of him leaving this summer.

Rodrygo (Real Madrid | 24)

Audacious but not entirely unattainable, Spurs could make their own Galactico signing by prising Rodrygo away from Real Madrid, in what would no doubt be a new record transfer for the reigning Europa League champions.

The 24-year-old has struggled to achieve the same lofty status as Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe at the Bernabeu, although 68 goals and 51 assists from 270 games is still nothing to be scoffed at, and nor is two Champions League titles.

After an underwhelming Club World Cup campaign in which he only played 92 minutes, Rodrygo is a player whom Real Madrid are thought to be open to selling for the right price this summer, and Spurs have been credited with a shock interest in the former Santos starlet.

North London rivals Arsenal appear to have cooled their interest in Rodrygo, but another Premier League club have supposedly agreed personal terms with the South American, so Spurs ought to move fast if they are to turn the attacker's head.

Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace | 27)

Only a matter of weeks ago, Spurs appeared to be looking good for a blockbuster deal for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, one of the hottest properties on the playmaking market after going from strength to strength in 2024-25.

The 27-year-old enjoyed his most productive Premier League season in terms of goal contributions last term - eight of his own and eight assists - but more importantly, his strikes proved pivotal in propelling the Eagles to FA Cup stardom.

However, Palace are currently bound for the Conference League amid their ownership quarrel with UEFA, whereas Tottenham could offer Eze the chance to play under the bright lights of the Champions League, although they are thought to have cooled their interest a while back.

Tottenham's call allowed Arsenal to jump to the head of the queue, but the Gunners are yet to agree a fee with Palace, so it is not impossible to envisage Eze's head being turned if Spurs re-enter the race with intent.

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC | 27)

During his forgettable first spell in English football, Ademola Lookman's most noteworthy contribution was probably his atrocious attempt at a Panenka penalty for Fulham in 2020, where he inexplicably wasted the chance to level a London derby with West Ham United in the 98th minute.

However, the London-born attacker has since redeemed himself with Atalanta BC, scoring 52 goals over the past three seasons, including an unforgettable and historic hat-trick in the 2023-24 Europa League final thumping of Bayer Leverkusen.

Lookman's feats in Italy have caught Spurs' eye - according to CaughtOffside - and the Nigeria international would also be able to replicate Son's versatility, having shone as a central striker, left-winger and second striker throughout his time in Serie A.

Inter Milan appeared to be Lookman's likeliest next destination earlier this summer, but the Nerazzurri have apparently moved on to Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku after seeing two bids rejected by Atalanta, so the door is now ajar for Tottenham to make their move.

Son Heung-min has reportedly agreed to join Los Angeles FC ahead of his Tottenham Hotspur exit.

The Spurs captain announced on Saturday morning that he has made the difficult decision to leave the club despite having a year left to run on his contract.

Son will leave a significant void in Thomas Frank's side after firmly establishing himself as a club legend during his 10-year stay in North London.

The 33-year-old is set to leave the club after netting 173 goals and providing 101 assists in 454 competitive appearances.Â

After helping Spurs win the Europa League in May, the South Korea international is now set to try a new challenge in the MLS.

Son agrees LAFC switch

According to GIVEMESPORT, the Tottenham star has agreed to complete a move to Los Angeles FC.Â

Los Angeles' South Korean Community is said to have been a major factor in Son's decision to join the MLS franchise.

Son will also get the chance to spend a year in the United States before he represents South Korea at the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the USA, Mexico and Canada.Â

The report claims that LAFC sent a delegation to South Korea, where Tottenham are preparing for Sunday's friendly against Newcastle.

LAFC are now working to finalise an agreement with Spurs over a permanent transfer, with the proposed fee expected to be less than the €40m (£35m) Tottenham had quoted the player's Saudi Pro League suitors earlier this year.Â

Son to reunite with former Spurs teammate

Son is set to enter new surroundings in Los Angeles, but he will link back up with a familiar face when he completes the move.

Steven Cherundolo's squad features former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who joined the MLS club from Spurs in January 2024.Â

Incidentally, another former Tottenham star, Gareth Bale, ended his club career with LAFC, scoring a dramatic equaliser in the 2022 MLS Cup final against Philadelphia Union, to force a penalty shootout, which was eventually won by the Black and Gold.

Son will join a club that are sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference after winning 10, drawing six and losing six of their 22 MLS matches this season.

When the majority of UK-based Tottenham Hotspur supporters were fast asleep in the early hours of Saturday morning, Son Heung-min dropped the bombshell that the Lilywhites faithful may or may not have anticipated; the Spurs captain would be leaving the club this summer.

Son made the announcement in a joint press conference with Thomas Frank ahead of Sunday's friendly with Newcastle United in South Korea, explaining that he had achieved everything that he could possibly achieve in North London after finally leading Spurs to glory in last season's Europa League.

The 33-year-old will lead Tottenham out as captain at least once more before an expected move to Los Angeles FC, and he will bid farewell to England with a stellar record of 173 goals in 454 matches for Spurs, making him their fifth-highest scorer of all time.

Son's 173 strikes inevitably include some long-range stunners and sensational solo efforts, and here, Sports Mole counts down the South Korean's best 10 goals in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt.

Thirteen is unlucky for some, although it was anything but for Son in September 2022, where the South Korean scored a scintillating hat-trick in a 6-2 thumping of Leicester City.

Son had been demoted to the bench by Antonio Conte amid a dry spell in front of goal, but after being introduced with his side 3-2 to the good, the rejuvenated attacker ran the Foxed defence ragged to put Spurs out of sight.

Fronting up to Wout Faes and Jonny Evans, Son's first of the night was an astounding curler into the roof of the net from 20 yards, before he left with the match ball under his arm.

One of many historic feats Son achieved in a Lilywhites shirt, the 33-year-old struck his 100th Premier League goal against Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023, and in customarily spectacular fashion.

Twenty yards away from goal in the left half-space, Son worked a shooting angle for himself before bending a wonderful effort into the far corner to bring up his PL century.

In doing so, Son became the first-ever Asian player to register 100 goals in the competition, helping Cristian Stellini's Spurs on their way to a 2-1 success in North London.

Only against Southampton (13) does Son boast more goals than he does against Leicester (10), who were the victims of another South Korean stunner towards the end of the 2021-22 Premier League season.

Son had already bagged one for himself at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, before producing one of his trademark tremendous finishes to launch the Lilywhites into a 3-0 lead.

The attacker collected possession from Dejan Kulusevski just outside the penalty area, aimed for the top corner and found it with panache, leading to astonished hands-on-heads reactions from Emerson Royal and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

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The pick of the bunch from the earliest days of Son's Spurs career, the South Korean once again followed up a fine strike with an even better one against Middlesbrough in 2016.

Already boasting one goal to his name at the Riverside Stadium, Son advanced to the left byline with red shirts swarming over him, but he managed to retreat and keep hold of the ball while doing so.

The angle then opened up for Son to let fly from just inside the penalty area, and let fly he did with a homing missile into the far side of the net, which left Victor Valdes rooted to the spot.

Taking their London rivals to the cleaners in November 2018, Spurs outfought and outclassed Chelsea at Wembley Stadium, where Dele Alli and Harry Kane quickly propelled Tottenham into a 2-0 advantage.

Meanwhile, Son was enduring an evening of frustration, as Kepa Arrizabalaga had the South Korean's number at first, albeit only until his solo brilliance shone through.

Son easily burned Jorginho for pace on the right wing, skipped past David Luiz as he cut inside and coolly slotted home Spurs' third to end the derby as a contest.

Anything Pedro Obiang could do, Son could do better, as the Tottenham captain stole a point for his side at home to West Ham United in January 2018 with a sumptuous screamer.

Obiang had already stunned the Wembley crowd into silence with his own long-range rocket, but Son responded in kind after being afforded all the time and space he needed to pick his spot.

Mark Noble meekly tried to get in the way of Son's 30-yard attempt, but it was a futile endeavour as the Spurs man unleashed a wonder strike into the top corner.

Spurs vs. Arsenal in December 2020 was one of the few occasions that season where fans were permitted entrance into the stadium, as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across the globe.

Those select few who witnessed that North London derby in person also witnessed another Son stunner, one unsurprisingly set up by his deadly double act partner Harry Kane.

Son charged at the Arsenal backline after a delicate flick from the England captain, and as the Gunners defence retreated, green grass opened up for the South Korean to fire away.

A few seconds later, Son was wheeling away in celebration after curling a magnificent strike into the far corner, before returning the favour to Kane in a 2-0 success.

The long-range curlers dried up as Son entered the final two years of his Spurs career, but the veteran attacker still had one last moment of magic left in him in December 2024.

Manchester United had threatened a comeback from 3-0 down in the second leg of their EFL Cup quarter-final, reducing the deficit to 3-2 before Son lined up a corner on the left-hand side.

Son's delivery missed all of his teammates but remarkably ended up finding its way in at the back post; Altay Bayindir's desperate pleas for a foul went unanswered.

Well, the best goal in the world was never not going to be the best goal on this list.

A couple of months before the coronavirus forced the closure of grounds across the globe, a bustling Tottenham Hotspur Stadium witnessed a Puskas Award-worthy goal from one of their favourite sons.

After Burnley failed to make the most of a promising situation, Son collected the ball just outside his own penalty area, left almost the entire Clarets team trailing in his wake and finished the most extraordinary solo run with the most composed finish.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank hailed Son Heung-min as one of the best wingers to ever play in the Premier League as he reacted to the 33-year-old's decision to leave the Lilywhites.

Ahead of Sunday's pre-season friendly with Newcastle United in South Korea, Son confirmed to the media that he would be leaving the Europa League winners this summer following 10 years of service.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man explained that he had achieved everything that he could in North London and was now seeking a fresh challenge, having become just the 13th Spurs captain to lift a trophy last season.

Son informed head coach Frank of his decision to depart before his public announcement, and the Spurs boss joined his skipper for an emotional press conference on Saturday, where he expressed his view that the 33-year-old was going at the perfect time.

"For me personally, I would love to work with him," football.london quotes Frank as saying. "He is a fantastic person and player. I’ve had the opportunity to watch him from a distance.

Frank hails Son as one of Premier League's best wingers as Spurs exit confirmed

"He has been here 10 years at Spurs, not just 10 years but 10 amazing years. He is a truly Spurs legend in every aspect. I actually think one of the best players who has ever played in the Premier League as a winger in my opinion.

"I like the club has been open to it because it is never easy to find that perfect timing and me coming in a little bit from the side I think it’s probably the perfect timing going out on a high.

"Been here for 10 years, won a well deserved trophy. Been a key player for many seasons. It’s almost the perfect ending to a happy family."

The Dane also confirmed that Son would start and captain the Lilywhites in Sunday's showdown with Newcastle in his homeland, where the South Korea legend may or may not be making his final appearance in a Tottenham shirt.

The Europa League winners also take on Bayern Munich next Thursday, where Son could come up against former deadly double act partner Harry Kane one last time, before taking on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13.

Son to leave Tottenham: Where will the Spurs legend go next?

Son was inevitably quizzed on his next career move following his exit bombshell, but the former Bayer Leverkusen attacker refused to discuss transfers, insisting that his complete focus was on Newcastle.

However, the 33-year-old is expected to make the move to MLS outfit Los Angeles FC, who were reported to have been advancing in conversations with the Europa League-winning captain last week.

Son is also understood to be a target for clubs in the Saudi Pro League, but the attacker's preference is to move to MLS, where he would replace Olivier Giroud following the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker's switch to Lille.

Son sits fifth in Spurs' all-time scoring charts with 173 goals from 454 appearances, making him the highest foreign goalscorer in the club's history, while he also boasts an eye-catching 101 assists for the Lilywhites.

The 33-year-old also became the first Asian man to win the Premier League Golden Boot in 2021-22 - sharing the accolade with Mohamed Salah - prior to which he also claimed the Puskas Award in 2020 for his sensational solo effort against Burnley.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has confirmed that he will be leaving the Lilywhites this summer following a decade of stellar service.

The 33-year-old's contract was extended until the end of the 2025-26 season earlier this year, as then-manager Ange Postecoglou was keen to ensure that his skipper had the best possible chance of winning a trophy in North London.

Son's silverware goal was achieved in last season's Europa League, and the South Korea international's future has been the subject of increasing uncertainty ever since, as clubs in MLS and Saudi Arabia are believed to be targeting him for a summer move.

The attacker is currently with the Spurs squad in South Korea ahead of Sunday's friendly with Newcastle United, and he gave an emotional press conference on Saturday, where he confirmed his plans to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the current window.

"Before we start, I just want to share the information that I have decided to leave this club this summer. Respectfully, this club is helping me to make my decision. I just want to share this before we start," football.london quotes Son as saying.

Son explains Tottenham exit decision ahead of expected Los Angeles FC transfer

"It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. I have spent 10 years at Tottenham. The main reason is I have achieved everything I can at Tottenham.

"I need a new environment for a fresh challenge. I’m grateful the club have respected my decision and wish Spurs well for the next season."

Asked when he made the decision to leave the Lilywhites, the former Bayer Leverkusen man confirmed that he had set his sights on a new chapter some time ago, adding: "It's been a while since I decided to leave the club.

"It was not easy days or weeks for me. I always try to be happy and I'm happiest when I'm playing football, but, it's not easy to leave the club where I spent 10 years light-hearted."

Son refused to reveal where he would go after leaving Tottenham, but the Spurs captain is expected to join MLS outfit Los Angeles FC, who are said to be in advanced talks to sign him once Tottenham return from their pre-season tour of Asia.

Son's Spurs legacy analysed as exit decision confirmed

Any man who captains Spurs to a slice of silverware achieves legendary status in North London, and Son will cross the Atlantic having cemented his legacy at White Hart Lane and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for decades to come.

The 33-year-old can proudly claim to be the highest non-English scorer in Spurs' history, finding the back of the net 173 times to sit fifth in the club's all-time male scoring charts.

Only Harry Kane (280), Jimmy Greaves (268), Bobby Smith (208) and Martin Chivers (174) registered more competitive goals for Tottenham than Son, who also laid on a terrific 101 assists for his teammates in his 454 appearances, the latter being the seventh-most in the club's history.

Not a single Spurs fan should forget Son's extraordinary solo run and finish against Burnley in December 2019, which earned him that year's Puskas Award, and he also shared the 2021-22 Premier League Golden Boot with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.

Joao Palhinha is reportedly close to joining Tottenham Hotspur from Bayern Munich after he completed his medical on Friday.Â

Spurs have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Palhinha on loan for the 2025-26 season, and the deal includes the option to make the transfer permanent for £25.9m at the end of the campaign.Â

Palhinha enjoyed a successful spell with Fulham, where he made 68 Premier League appearances before completing a move to Bayern last summer.Â

The move did not work out as he had planned, as he failed to establish in Vincent Kompany's side, managing just six starts in 16 Bundesliga appearances.Â

The German champions made him available for transfer this summer, and Spurs favoured a loan move over a permanent deal.Â

Palhinha completes Tottenham medicalÂ

According to Fabrizio Romano, Palhinha has completed his medical ahead of his move to Tottenham.Â

The transfer expert adds that formal steps will follow soon to complete the deal, where Spurs will reportedly pay Palhinha's salary for the next season.Â

Palhinha did not get enough opportunities to impress Kompany during the Club World Cup, and it became clear that his future lies away from the Allianz Arena.Â

The former Sporting CP midfielder is behind Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Konrad Laimer in the pecking order, and a move to the Premier League could revitalise his career.Â

Yves Bissouma could leave Tottenham if Palhinha arrivesÂ

Tottenham have already signed Mathys Tel permanently for Bayern this summer, and it appears that they are close to signing another player from the same club.Â

Palhinha would add experience and quality to Thomas Frank's squad, and he could represent an astute piece of business.Â

His potential arrival could impact Bissouma, whose future has come under speculation in recent weeks, and has been linked with a move away from the north London club.Â

Palhinha could still face competition from Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, and Pape Matar Sarr for the starting role, but nevertheless, he can expect to get more minutes than he did under Kompany.Â

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is keeping his fingers crossed that Dominic Solanke will be available for Sunday's pre-season friendly with Newcastle United in South Korea.

The English striker sat out Thursday's 1-0 triumph over North London derby rivals Arsenal owing to an ankle concern, but Frank issued a positive update in his post-match press conference.

The Dane expressed hope that Solanke would be given the green light to play on Sunday, but if the game comes too soon, he can be pencilled in as a certainty for the meeting with Bayern Munich on August 7.

Solanke should be restricted to minutes off the bench even if he is passed fit, though, so Richarlison could continue at the tip of the attack, supported by Mohammed Kudus and South Korean national hero Son Heung-min.

Pape Sarr settled the North London derby in Spurs' favour with a phenomenal long-range lob, and the Senegal international ought to reprise his role in the middle of the park alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, who will soon face added competition from Joao Palhinha.

However, James Maddison could be a straight swap for Lucas Bergvall in the most advanced midfield position, while the likes of Kevin Danso and Archie Gray are alternatives at the back.

Frank's defence stunted the Arsenal attack expertly in midweek, though, so Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence should continue as Guglielmo Vicario's four-man shield.

Tottenham possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Maddison, Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Son

Fresh off a memorable North London derby triumph over Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur seek to banish their curse against bogey team Newcastle United in South Korea on Sunday.

The Lilywhites have lost each of their last three Premier League games against the Magpies, although Eddie Howe's men have coincidentally suffered three straight friendly defeats, and here Sports Mole provides everything you need to know about how to tune into the match.

What time does Tottenham vs. Newcastle kick off?

Tottenham vs. Newcastle is a 12pm kickoff in the UK.

Meanwhile, the game begins at 8pm local time in Seoul, South Korea.

Where is Tottenham vs. Newcastle being played?

Sunday's match is taking place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, which was opened ahead of the 2002 World Cup and hosted three games at the tournament, including Germany's semi-final win over South Korea.

The ground was also the location of the 2007 Under-17 World Cup final, where Nigeria triumphed over Spain on penalties in the final.

How to watch Tottenham vs. Newcastle in the UK

TV channels

Tottenham vs. Newcastle is not being shown on terrestrial TV in the UK.

Online streaming

Tottenham's SPURSPLAY streaming service and Newcastle's NUFC TV offers full, uninterrupted coverage of Sunday's game.

If watching the match via NUFC TV, fans will pay either £4.99 or £6.99 for the fixture as a standalone, or prices for all of Newcastle's pre-season games range from £9.99 to £29.99 depending on level of membership.

Highlights

Both Tottenham and Newcastle should post match highlights on their official websites at full time, as well as their YouTube channels.

The two clubs' social media accounts will likely also upload snippets of the action during the game, as should journalists and other media attending the event.

What is at stake for Tottenham and Newcastle?

Tottenham are putting their unbeaten pre-season record on the line in South Korea, as Thomas Frank's men boast two wins and two draws from their four fixtures so far, but they have been beaten in five of their last six games against the Magpies.

However, Newcastle are desperate to snap a disheartening run of three straight defeats in pre-season friendlies, having been slain by Celtic, Arsenal and most recently a K-League XI in non-competitive action.

Champions League-bound Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United bring the curtain down on their pre-season tours of Asia in Sunday's blockbuster showdown at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea.

The Lilywhites are riding high off the back of a historic North London derby triumph against Arsenal, whereas the Magpies are reeling from a third straight friendly defeat.

Match preview

Paying homage to the likes of David Beckham and Xabi Alonso, Spurs midfielder Pape Sarr settled the first-ever North London derby to be contested outside of the UK on Thursday, scoring a sensational winner from close to the halfway line in Hong Kong.

Had the contest been fought in the Premier League, the VAR probably would have taken a closer look at a perceived trip from Richarlison on Myles Lewis-Skelly in the lead-up to the goal, but take nothing away from Sarr's sensational effort, which left a helpless David Raya scrambling.

Thomas Frank's troops kept a toothless Arsenal attack at bay without too much fuss in the second half, thus extending their unbeaten friendly record at the expense of their rivals', making it four games without defeat under the Dane's wing.

The Europa League holders now boast a respectable two wins and two draws from their four warm-up matches so far - even if those stalemates were uninspiring ones against lower-league sides Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town - and two incredibly tough assignments are left on the agenda.

Following Sunday's scrap with the Magpies, Tottenham head back to Europe for a date with Harry Kane's Bayern Munich on August 7, nine days before their Premier League opener at home to newly-promoted Burnley.

While Spurs have started the summer as they mean to continue, the less said about Newcastle's pre-season preparations the better, both from an on-field and off-field point of view.

Eddie Howe's Magpies convincingly put four past Carlisle United without reply in their opening fixture, but they have since been condemned to a trio of dampening defeats to Celtic, Arsenal and most recently a K-League XI.

Kim Jin-gyu's first-half effort propelled the Suwon hosts to a 1-0 success on July 30, as a Newcastle outfit boasting the likes of Sandro Tonali, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon failed to break the K-League XI backline; a penny for Alexander Isak's thoughts.

The Swede - who is nursing a 'minor thigh injury' if Newcastle's word is to be believed - has supposedly now been the subject of one official failed bid from Liverpool, but while the Magpies' money men negotiate a Premier League record deal with the Reds, Howe's men have a hoodoo to extend.

Indeed, Newcastle have bested Tottenham in five of their last six meetings - winning each of their last three head-to-heads in the Premier League - but the time is surely nigh for an on-song Spurs side to lift that Geordie curse.

Tottenham friendly form:

Newcastle friendly form:

Team News

As well as the sextet of infirm players left at home - Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Kota Takai, Manor Solomon, Destiny Udogie and Bryan Gil - Tottenham continued to make do without Dominic Solanke in midweek owing to his ankle concern.

Frank told the media after the match that he was hopeful of having the striker back in time for Sunday's game, but if the Magpies clash comes too soon, he will certainly be available to face Bayern Munich.

Speaking of the Bundesliga champions, Spurs are understood to be closing in on the signing of Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha on loan with an option to buy, but there is no chance of him making his debut here.

Solanke can empathise with a Newcastle counterpart over ankle injuries, as Joe Willock sustained such a problem in the dying embers of Wednesday's defeat, although Howe does not believe he is suffering from a major issue.

Regardless, it would be a surprise to see the ex-Arsenal man line up on Sunday, so a well-rested Bruno Guimaraes will surely come back into the midfield pack, potentially alongside Joelinton if Lewis Miley is also granted a break.

Sven Botman remains touch-and-go after tweaking his groin against Arsenal, but Howe's Isak-less squad is in good nick otherwise.

Tottenham possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Maddison, Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Son

Newcastle possible starting lineup:

Pope; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Osula, Barnes

We say: Tottenham 2-1 Newcastle

Whether the Isak speculation is playing on the minds of Newcastle's players only they can answer, but Howe's men are seemingly yet to adjust to the absence of their star striker on the field.

The Magpies' stellar head-to-head record against Spurs will therefore surely count for nought, as Frank's men extend their unbeaten sequence and prolong Newcastle's misery.

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