Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur have identified Villarreal striker Georges Mikautadze as a signing that could take their attack to the next level, according to a report.

The Lilywhites were linked with a switch for the former Metz and Lyon man late last year ahead of the January transfer window, but nothing materialised during the most recent market.

Mikautadze only joined Villarreal in the last summer window, and the Georgia international has hit the ground running in Spain with 11 goals and five assists from his first 34 games at the club.

Mikautadze scored and provided an assist in Friday's 3-1 La Liga victory over Real Sociedad, and he was also on target in a 2-2 Champions League draw with Juventus during the league phase.

The 25-year-old is under contract with the Yellow Submarine for another five seasons, but according to reports in Spain - relayed by TheBoyHotspur - Spurs remain firmly interested in his services.

Tottenham 'willing to pay £52.1m' for Villarreal's Georges Mikautadze

The report adds that Tottenham would be willing to fork out around £52.1m to sign Mikautadze - whom they have admired for a while - next summer, a figure that would see Villarreal make a serious profit on the striker.

The La Liga giants forked out £26.9m to bring Mikautadze to the club from Lyon last year, while the French titans were under pressure to make major sales after their provisional relegation to Ligue 2.

Villarreal would find it 'difficult' to reject such a fee for the Georgian attacker, who would become their most expensive departure of all time if Spurs did end up coughing up over £50m for his services.

The Yellow Submarine's transfer record was broken last summer, when Atletico Madrid signed Alex Baena in a £36.5m deal, but Spurs would have no problem offering Villarreal an unprecedented fee.

Which attackers could leave Tottenham this summer?

Tottenham writing out a cheque for £52.1m is dependent on the Lilywhites avoiding a catastrophic relegation to the Championship, which remains a serious risk heading into the final stretch of the season.

Igor Tudor's men take on Nottingham Forest in a demotion six-pointer on Sunday, and defeat could drop them below the dotted line in the Premier League table if West Ham United get the better of Aston Villa.

Spurs' prospective relegation could trigger a mass attacking exodus of the likes of Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke, while Randal Kolo Muani's loan move would not be made permanent.

Regardless of whether Spurs stay up, Richarlison would be a candidate for a move away, as the 28-year-old is only under contract until 2027 with no sign of an extension in sight.

Today's Premier League predictions include Tottenham Hotspur's trip to Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United's home clash with rivals Sunderland.

Newcastle United vs. Sunderland (Sunday, 12pm)

The county of Tyne and Wear stands still at 12pm on Sunday, when Newcastle United and Sunderland contest a colossal Tyne-Wear derby in the Premier League.

The Magpies return home with their tails tucked between their legs after the events of midweek, but the Black Cats have struggled to curse those who have crossed their path in recent times too.

We say: Newcastle 2-1 Sunderland

While Sunderland are suffering from a handful of injury doubts - to key players too - there is an air of uncertainty about Sunday's showdown, but the visitors' recent attacking displays have not been pretty.

Derby day can still bring out the best and worst in both sets of players, but on this occasion, we are backing Newcastle to finally snap their disheartening winless run in the Tyne-Wear affair.

> Click here to read our full preview for Newcastle United vs. Sunderland, including team news and possible lineups

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Nottingham Forest (Sunday, 2.15pm)

Fresh from a first yet inconsequential victory under Igor Tudor, Tottenham Hotspur's quest for a maiden Premier League win of 2026 continues on Sunday, against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.

The Lilywhites and the Tricky Trees are separated by just one place and one point in the lower reaches of the Premier League table, and both are at risk of dropping below the dreaded dotted line if things go awry.

We say: Tottenham 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Whether Tudor is indeed just papering over the Tottenham cracks remains to be seen, but - whisper it quietly - Spurs finally look more like a football team again.

Forest's midweek fatigue should not play too big a part given Pereira's rotations, but with the hosts' attacking options all cutting the mustard recently, we have faith in the Lilywhites to finally snap their Premier League hoodoo and take a massive step towards survival.

> Click here to read our full preview for Tottenham vs. Forest, including team news and possible lineups

Aston Villa vs. West Ham United (Sunday, 2.15pm)

In danger of slipping out of the coveted Champions League positions, Aston Villa welcome relegation-threatened West Ham United to Villa Park in the 31st round of Premier League action on Sunday.

While 14 places separate the clubs in the table, West Ham are undeniably in healthier shape than their West Midlands hosts, who could lose a fourth successive top-flight match for the first time under Unai Emery.

We say: Aston Villa 1-1 West Ham

West Ham’s upswing in form and Bowen’s creative influence could expose Villa’s fragility at key moments.

While Villa may ultimately avoid defeat, the spoils could be shared in the West Midlands, with Emery steering clear of a fourth consecutive league loss for the first time in his career.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly targeting Jonathan David as they look to strengthen their attacking options in the summer transfer window.

After enjoying five successful seasons with Lille, David secured a move to Juventus last summer, but has struggled to consistently deliver at the level expected of him.

The Canadian forward has started 16 Serie A matches this season, making a further 12 appearances from the bench, while contributing five goals and four assists.

The 26-year-old has also been deployed in a deeper attacking role at times and has registered two goals and one assist in nine Champions League appearances.

With regular minutes proving hard to come by, speculation is growing that David could seek a move away from Turin, and Tottenham are believed to be monitoring the situation closely.

Tottenham eye move for Jonathan David?

According to a report from Football Insider, Spurs have begun exploring options to sign a new striker following a disappointing campaign.

The north London club have long admired David, but a potential move could hinge on their ability to secure Champions League football next season.

However, that scenario appears increasingly unlikely, with Tottenham currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League table and firmly entrenched in a relegation battle.

Furthermore, David remains under contract with Juventus until 2030, meaning any deal would require a significant financial outlay.

Spurs facing uncertainty ahead of summer window

Tottenham’s immediate focus will be on securing their Premier League status, with longer-term transfer planning likely to remain secondary for now.

Relegation would almost certainly trigger a major squad exodus and significantly weaken the club’s ability to attract high-profile signings.

Even if they avoid the drop, uncertainty persists over the future of Igor Tudor, who could face the sack amid the team’s struggles.

Separated by just one point and one place in the Premier League standings, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest face off on Sunday for precious points in the relegation dogfight.

Both sides enjoyed varying degrees of European success in the week, as Spurs claimed an inconsequential 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid, while the Garibaldi bested FC Midtjylland on penalties to make the Europa League quarter-finals.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest Tottenham and Nottingham Forest injury news ahead of Sunday's game.

TOTTENHAM vs. NOTTINGHAM FOREST

TOTTENHAM

Out: Yves Bissouma (muscle), Ben Davies (ankle), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Wilson Odobert (knee), Dejan Kulusevski (knee) and James Maddison (knee)

Doubtful: Dominic Solanke (hip), Joao Palhinha (head)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Gray; Tel, Simons, Richarlison; Kolo Muani

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Out: Willy Boly (knee), Jair Cunha (ankle), Chris Wood (knee), Nicolo Savona (knee), John Victor (knee)

Doubtful: Callum Hudson-Odoi (unspecified)

Inter Milan are reportedly intensifying their efforts to sign Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The Nerazzurri have long been admirers of the Italy international and previously attempted to secure his services during his time at Empoli in 2023.

However, the financial muscle of the Premier League saw the shot-stopper move to North London instead, where he has since established himself as a key figure.

Vicario has played 92 Premier League games for the London side and made a total of 116 appearances in all competitions, now in his third season with the 2025 Europa League winners.

With Spurs currently enduring a tumultuous season that has seen them drop toward the relegation zone, the 29-year-old is understood to be seeking a return to his homeland.

The Italian giants are now poised to act as they look to refresh their own options between the sticks.

Inter director reportedly travels to London for Vicario transfer talks

According to a report from Calciomercato, Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has flown to London to formalise interest in the goalkeeper.

The Italian giants are keen to capitalise on the disarray at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the club sit 17th in the Premier League table.

Vicario has reportedly given the green light for the move as he looks to escape the toxic atmosphere currently surrounding the Lilywhites.

The potential summer move comes as Inter look to resolve their own goalkeeping situation, with several senior figures facing uncertain futures at the San Siro.

Inter 'plan goalkeeping overhaul' as Sommer contract nears end

The potential arrival of Vicario could signal the end of Yann Sommer’s tenure in Milan as the veteran's contract approaches its expiration date.

Inter are also reportedly considering a departure for backup choice Josep Martinez, who has failed to convince the coaching staff since his arrival from RB Leipzig.

Securing a proven Serie A performer like Vicario would provide the Nerazzurri with long-term stability as they aim to remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will undergo a hernia operation next week.

Earlier on Friday, Vicario was a notable absentee from Italy's squad ahead of the Azzurri attempting to qualify for the World Cup.

At the time, it was suggested that Vicario would undergo tests on a fitness issue, with the 29-year-old being ruled out of Sunday's Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest.

While that has now been confirmed, Spurs have revealed that the decision has been made for the goalkeeper to undergo surgery during the March international break.

Major injury blow for Spurs

Despite Vicario being far from his best during the 2025-26 campaign, his recent recall has led to Spurs earning a draw at Liverpool and 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Vicario was instantly brought back into the team after Antonin Kinsky produced an error-strewn opening 17 minutes in the first of two matches against Atletico and was substituted.

However, Tudor must now show the Czech stopper his full backing for the mammoth showdown with relegation rivals Forest on Sunday afternoon.

Spurs will head into that fixture holding a one-point lead over the East Midlands outfit and are at risk of entering the March international break sitting in the Premier League relegation zone.

Although Spurs are currently of the opinion that Vicario could return at some point in April, it remains to be seen whether that will be the case at this stage.

How do Vicario, Kinsky compare?

Vicario has made a number of mistakes that have led to goals this season, yet his return of 13 clean sheets from 40 outings in the Premier League and Champions League has gone under the radar.

As far as Kinsky is concerned, his only appearances this season other than his Champions League nightmare have come in the EFL Cup.

He kept a clean sheet in a 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers, but featured in a 2-0 reverse to Newcastle United.

In 13 appearances for Spurs across all competitions, he has shipped 22 goals, keeping four shutouts.

The 23-year-old has not made a Premier League appearance since a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on May 16.

Fresh from a first yet inconsequential victory under Igor Tudor, Tottenham Hotspur's quest for a maiden Premier League win of 2026 continues on Sunday, against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.

The Lilywhites and the Tricky Trees are separated by just one place and one point in the lower reaches of the Premier League table, and both are at risk of dropping below the dreaded dotted line if things go awry.

Match preview

Mission improbable momentarily became mission possible when Tottenham hosted Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 showdown, buoyed by a well-deserved draw at Premier League champions Liverpool a few days before.

The Europa League winners ultimately fell short of completing a colossal comeback against Diego Simeone's men after their 5-2 first-leg disaster, but a gritty 3-2 success ended the winless rut and instilled further belief into a hitherto hopeless fanbase.

Holding Liverpool and beating Atletico in back-to-back games is no mean feat for any club - let alone a crisis club battling demotion to the second tier - and until 2.15pm on Sunday at least, things are looking a little less bleak for the Lilywhites.

That being said, Spurs remain in a lowly 16th place in the Premier League standings - just one point above the bottom three - owing to their 12-match winless run in the top flight since the turn of the year, their longest in the division since 1935.

The previous three teams who failed to win any of their first 12 Premier League games of a calendar year were all relegated come the end of the campaign - most recently Middlesbrough in 2016-17 - and Tottenham fans will likely not be surprised to learn that their side possess the worst home record of any Premier League team in 2025-26 (10 points from 15 games).

While Tottenham's continental efforts in midweek were in vain, the opposite was true for Vitor Pereira's Nottingham Forest, who did manage to overturn a first-leg deficit - albeit a much narrower one - to progress in the Europa League at FC Midtjylland's expense.

As much as the Tricky Trees had Nicolas Dominguez and Ryan Yates to thank for their crucial goals in their 2-1 second-leg victory, they were also the beneficiaries of the Danish side producing potentially one of the worst penalty shootouts ever witnessed in the professional game - two woodwork hits and one John Terry-esque slip.

A sojourn to Porto will soon await Nottingham Forest in the quarter-finals, but not before Pereira's men continue their quest for safety in the Premier League, where their winless run stands at an unsightly seven matches.

A goalless stalemate with Fulham in gameweek 29 left the Garibaldi only above the relegation zone on goal difference, and also marked the visitors' 14th different Premier League game without scoring this term, second only to Wolverhampton Wanderers' 15.

However, Forest had no problems making the nets bulge in December's 3-0 triumph over Tottenham, who have now lost each of their last three top-flight matches against the Tricky Trees, also going down 2-1 in this exact fixture last term.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Nottingham Forest Premier League form:

Nottingham Forest form (all competitions):

Team News

For the first time in a long time, Tottenham's absentee list has now declined into the single figures, after Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Conor Gallagher, Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie all returned from injury or suspension in the Atletico second leg.

Richarlison is also back from a continental ban, while Dominic Solanke (hip) and Joao Palhinha (head) failed to make the cut on Wednesday but are looking good for returns this weekend.

However, Yves Bissouma (muscle), Ben Davies (ankle), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Wilson Odobert (knee), Dejan Kulusevski (knee) and James Maddison (knee) remain sidelined.

Previously a peripheral figure under Tudor, Xavi Simons sent a selection message to the manager with a brace against Atletico, and the Dutchman has almost certainly played his way into a start on Sunday too.

On Nottingham Forest's end, winger Dilane Bakwa was unable to complete the full 90 on Thursday due to an unspecified injury, although there are no serious concerns about the 23-year-old's fitness at this stage.

The same cannot be said for Willy Boly (knee), Jair Cunha (ankle), Chris Wood (knee), Nicolo Savona (knee) and John Victor (knee), all of whom are expected to remain out until after the international break.

Pereira's midweek selection was that of a man prioritising the Premier League survival fight, so expect the likes of Murillo, Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson and Igor Jesus to return to the XI in North London, but Callum Hudson-Odoi's availability is clouded in uncertainty after he was missing from the squad on Thursday.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Gray; Tel, Simons, Richarlison; Kolo Muani

Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:

Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Sangare; McAtee, Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Jesus

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Whether Tudor is indeed just papering over the Tottenham cracks remains to be seen, but - whisper it quietly - Spurs finally look more like a football team again.

Forest's midweek fatigue should not play too big a part given Pereira's rotations, but with the hosts' attacking options all cutting the mustard recently, we have faith in the Lilywhites to finally snap their Premier League hoodoo and take a massive step towards survival.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Igor Tudor could welcome three players back to his squad for Sunday's Premier League showdown with relegation rivals Nottingham Forest in North London.

The Croatian confirmed no fewer than five injury boosts in his pre-game press conference, including positive updates on long-term absentees James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Mohammed Kudus, all of whom are edging closer to comebacks.

Meanwhile, Joao Palhinha (head) and Dominic Solanke (hip) are expected to be available for the visit of Vitor Pereira's side, for which Richarlison will also return from a Champions League suspension.

The Brazilian sat out Wednesday's 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid due to accumulated yellow cards, shortly after netting his ninth Premier League goal of the season to rescue a point in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

Richarlison has scored more than double the Premier League goals of any of his Spurs teammates this season - despite only starting 14 top-flight games - and it would not be a surprise to see him start in place of Solanke, who did not train on Friday.

The ex-Everton man should join Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani in the attacking quartet; Simons is surely now in Tudor's good books after his brace against Atletico in the week.

With Richarlison now back in the ranks, Pedro Porro ought to drop into his more recognisable right-back role, as Radu Dragusin drops to the Tottenham bench.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Gray; Tel, Simons, Richarlison; Kolo Muani

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Igor Tudor has revealed no fewer than five injury boosts ahead of Sunday's crucial Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest in North London.

The Lilywhites are back in domestic action buoyed by their first victory under the Croatian, who oversaw a hard-fought 3-2 success over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday evening.

Spurs' success was not enough to overturn a 5-2 deficit from the first leg, but it did extend their unbeaten run to two games after another inspired display in a 1-1 draw with Premier League holders Liverpool at Anfield.

For Atletico, Tottenham were strengthened by the returns of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Lucas Bergvall, Conor Gallagher and Destiny Udogie, although Dominic Solanke was absent with a hip issue.

However, speaking to the media on Friday afternoon, Tudor expressed optimism that the striker would be fit to face Forest, saying: "Dom didn't train but probably tomorrow he will train with the team and I think he will be available. He had a hip problem but I think he will be OK."

Tottenham could welcome three players back for Nottingham Forest clash

Solanke is one of three Spurs players who could be back for the visit of Vitor Pereira's side, as Joao Palhinha has completed concussion protocols after his nasty clash of heads with Romero at the Wanda Metropolitano, and Richarlison is back from a Champions League ban.

Further good news arrived in the shape of thigh victims Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur, the former of whom could return for the trip to Sunderland on April 12 after the international break, while Bentancur is also "edging closer".

Meanwhile, long-term knee victim James Maddison - who has not played a single minute of competitive football this term - is on course to return before the curtain closes on the 2025-26 season.

"Yeah, Maddison is already doing some interesting things with the ball and sprinting, he is positive," Tudor replied when asked if Maddison could feature before the end of the campaign.

Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Wilson Odobert (knee), Ben Davies (ankle) and Yves Bissouma (muscular) remain sidelined, but Spurs have nevertheless received six slices of good news for the relegation run-in.

Tottenham vs. Nottingham Forest: Why Richarlison return stands out for Spurs

In Kudus, Bentancur, Maddison, Palhinha and Solanke, Tottenham have been blessed with five boosts on the fitness front, but Richarlison's return is arguably the most important.

The Brazilian played no part in Wednesday's win over Atletico due to accumulated Champions League yellow cards, although the Randal Kolo Muani, Xavi Simons and Mathys Tel-inspired Lilywhites did not falter in his absence.

Nevertheless, Richarlison has a case to come straight back into the XI after his equaliser at Anfield, which was his ninth Premier League goal of the season so far.

Those nine efforts have come despite Richarlison starting less than half of Tottenham's Premier League games this season - 14 from 30 - and he has netted twice as many top-flight goals than any of his teammates.

Whether he is stationed on the left or leads the line, the South American should be a shoo-in for the XI against Forest if Solanke is spared.

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero has refused to be drawn on speculation linking him with a move away in the summer.

The Londoners put in a spirited display at home against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with the club hoping to overcome a 5-2 deficit in the Champions League.

Spurs won the second leg 3-2 but still exited the competition at the round of 16 stage, leaving the Premier League as the only competition that they are still in.

The club are one point above the relegation zone, and there are fears that demotion could lead to a mass exodus in the summer.

Speaking to reporters after match, centre-back Romero insisted that his only priority was on Tottenham's final Premier League games, saying: "The truth is that I’m focused on the situation we’re in.

"I have a lot of respect and affection for the club and I want to finish the season in the best way possible. We’ll see later but the most important thing now is to recover energy to help Spurs."

The defender has been linked with a move to Atletico in recent weeks, and he did not deny that he could leave in the summer transfer window.

Summer transfer window: Should Tottenham sell Romero?

There is no doubting that Romero has the capacity to play for sides wanting to win silverware given he helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup.

While the defender is talented, he has often lacked discipline at key moments, with the cente-back having recieved two red cards and 10 yellows in the Premier League this season.

There are also serious concerns about his ability to stay fit given he has only once started at least 30 league matches for Tottenham in five seasons, and he can only start a maximum of 28 top-flight games this term.

The 27-year-old is contracted to the Londoners until 2029, so the club will have full control over his future, but they should seriously contemplate his sale if Romero continues to be unreliable.

Micky van de Ven exit: Are Spurs facing a defensive crisis?

Romero is not the only centre-back with an uncertain future considering Micky van de Ven has been consistently linked with a move away.

The Dutchman has also been unreliable from a fitness perspective, but it may be risky to lose both starting centre-backs in one summer.