Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur transfer update: 'Agreement' in place for January window signing of former Chelsea player

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign former Chelsea centre-back and current AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.

Ange Postecoglou's Spurs side have had their 2024-25 season derailed by injuries, and up to 10 players are set to miss out on the club's clash with Brentford on Sunday.

Centre-back Radu Dragusin was forced off last time out against Elfsborg in the Europa League on Thursday, and he joins fellow defenders Cristian Romero, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie on the treatment table.

DiMarzio claim that Postecoglou's defensive ranks could soon be reinforced, with Spurs said to be in advanced talks for Tomori's signature for a fee rising to £25m.

© Imago

Tomori in profile

The centre-back arrived in Serie A in the January window of the 2020-21 season after making just three appearances for Chelsea in the first half of that campaign.

Tomori started 30 of AC Milan's 38 league games in 2021-22, helping the Italian side win their first Serie A title in 11 years with the best defensive record in the top flight, and he was named in the team of the year by the Italian FA.

However, he has played fewer than 900 minutes for the club this term and it will ultimately be up to the defender to decide whether he wants to move to Spurs.

Tomori would certainly help alleviate some of Tottenham's defensive issues, with the defender's ability on the ball and immense pace making him a suitable candidate to play in Postecoglou's high line.

In fact, the 27-year-old has produced a top speed of 35.2 km/h in the Champions League this term, the second fastest of any AC Milan player.

Reports also emerged on Friday that Tottenham had agreed a deal with Bayern Munich to sign forward Mathys Tel, but fresh claims suggest that the forward would prefer a move elsewhere.

Spurs look set to go on a spending spree in the final days of the transfer window, and it would seem that the club still hold confidence in Postecoglou given they are looking to spend significant sums in January on the under-pressure manager.

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Preview: Brentford vs. Tottenham Hotspur

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At risk of suffering five consecutive Premier League defeats for the first time in over 20 years, Tottenham Hotspur make the short trek to the Gtech Community Stadium to meet Brentford in Sunday's London derby.

The Lilywhites relied on their young guns to sink Elfsborg 3-0 in Thursday's Europa League tie, while the Bees controversially got the better of Crystal Palace 2-1 in their last Premier League affair.

Match preview

© Imago

A little under 18 months ago, Ange Postecoglou wrote a new chapter of Premier League history as the first head coach to take an unrivalled 26 points from his first 30 games in charge of Tottenham, whose fans were dreaming of glory once again thanks to the attack-minded Australian.

However, a familiar sense of doom and gloom has now engulfed the North London outfit once again - at least in a Premier League sense - as they suffered a fate they had not been subjected to in over 112 years during last weekend's shocking 2-1 defeat to Leicester City.

Just eight points clear of the drop zone and a staggering 17 adrift of the top four, Tottenham remain without a single Premier League win in 2025, have prevailed in just one of their last 11 fixtures in the top flight, and Postecoglou could become the first Spurs boss since Osvaldo Ardilles in 1994 to lose five straight games in the competition.

All of the above has served to increase animosity towards unpopular chairman Daniel Levy and plunge Postecoglou's future into serious doubt, but the latter is still not believed to be in any immediate danger of the sack and was bailed out by players young enough to be his grandchildren in midweek.

After Spurs struggled to breach the Elfsborg backline for 70 minutes, the academy trio of Mikey Moore, Dane Scarlett and Damola Ajayi came up with the goods in a 3-0 Europa League success, one that ensured Tottenham would progress to the last 16 without an unwanted two-legged playoff.

© Imago

Upcoming hosts Brentford have dreamt European dreams of their own since becoming a settled Premier League outfit, but Thomas Frank's men must first crack the top half again before continental aspirations can come to the forefront of their minds.

The Bees have been walking in anything but a winter wonderland in recent weeks, but they picked up just their second win from 10 games at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park last weekend, thanks in no small part to a retaken Bryan Mbeumo penalty.

After seeing his first attempt strike the post, the Cameroonian did not let his second bite at the cherry pass him by after Marc Guehi was penalised for encroachment, and a Kevin Schade header not long after ensured that Romain Esse's memorable debut goal would prove inconsequential.

Now 11th in the table with a nine-point gap to the top seven, Brentford have many wrongs to right on their own patch; they were formerly the best home team in the land but have now failed to win any of their last five games at the Gtech in all tournaments, losing four of them.

Frank's men were also conquered 3-1 when they visited the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September, meaning that Spurs could complete their first-ever league double over Brentford, although each of their three meetings at the Gtech have ended level.

Brentford Premier League form:

Brentford form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

© Imago

Of course, Tottenham's midweek triumph came with the new customary injury concern, as Romanian centre-back Radu Dragusin tweaked his knee in the second half; Postecoglou admitted after the match that the defender did not "look good".

Dragusin is expected to join Brennan Johnson (calf), James Maddison (calf), Wilson Odobert (hamstring), Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Timo Werner (hamstring), Dominic Solanke (knee), Destiny Udogie (hamstring) and Cristian Romero (thigh) on the sidelines for this one - the latter is now back in training, but Postecoglou has already ruled him out of contention for Sunday.

However, Dragusin had only come on as a substitute for the fit-again Micky van de Ven, who should be given the all-clear to start the London derby after being restricted to just 45 minutes in midweek; if not, Postecoglou can shift Ben Davies to the centre thanks to Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon's returns from Europa League ineligibility.

Postecoglou's opposite number Frank was forced into not one, but two changes at Selhurst Park, where Christian Norgaard and goalscorer Schade both failed to complete the full 90 minutes; however, he stressed that both were precautionary.

Both men are therefore expected to be given the all-clear for Sunday's game, where Fiorentina loanee Michael Kayode might also make his debut for the Bees following Mads Roerslev's loan move to Wolfsburg.

Kayode's availability cannot come quickly enough, as Rico Henry (hamstring) has suffered a new setback and joins Josh Dasilva (knee), Ethan Pinnock (thigh), Aaron Hickey (thigh), Igor Thiago (knee) and Gustavo Nunes (back) in the treatment room.

Brentford possible starting lineup:

Flekken; Kayode, Van den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter; Janelt, Norgaard; Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade; Wissa

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Porro, Gray, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Bissouma, Bergvall; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son

We say: Brentford 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

If there is any game in the 2024-25 Premier League that guarantees goals, it is surely Brentford vs. Tottenham, especially as the Bees have still not kept a single clean sheet on their own patch all season long.

Frank's men still ought to feel that a depleted Tottenham defence is there for the taking, but the hosts have faced more shots than any other Premier League side this season, and their wait for a first home win of 2025 - as well as Spurs' first top-flight win of the New Year - should continue in a frenetic stalemate.

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linked Yoane Wissa as forward drops transfer hint

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Brentford have reportedly named their asking price for Tottenham Hotspur-linked Yoane Wissa.

The DR Congo international has been in fine form this season, netting 11 goals in 20 Premier League appearances for Thomas Frank's side.

Wissa's impressive performances have led to transfer interest from Tottenham and high-flying Nottingham Forest.

Brentford have already rejected a £22m bid from Forest in the current transfer window, while Spurs have supposedly made contact over a potential deal.

© Imago

Brentford set Wissa asking price

Frank played down the speculation over Wissa's future earlier this month, replying "Good luck - that will not happen!" when asked about the prospect of the forward being sold.

However, according to The Standard, Brentford could consider selling Wissa if they receive an offer in the region of £40m before Monday's transfer deadline.

The report claims that a move to Tottenham seems unlikely in the current transfer window, but Forest remain keen to bolster their forward line with the addition of the Brentford marksman.

The Reds are believed to be willing to offer Wissa a 'hefty pay rise' to entice him to make the move to the City Ground, although they remain some way off from meeting Brentford's valuation.

© Imago

Wissa addresses transfer speculation

Bees are still keen to retain Wissa's services beyond the end of the current transfer window, along with his fellow forward Bryan Mbeumo, who has also been linked with a potential move away.

Wissa had entered the final 18 months of his current contract, but Brentford have the option to extend his deal by a further year.

While Wissa is not expected to force through a move, he was coy when asked about his future in an appearance on French television this week.

"There's interest. If there's a transfer in progress I can't really say," Wissa told Canal+ as quoted by London World. "It's true there's been interest since the summer.

"Brentford are having a great season, and so am I. At the moment I'm just thinking about Brentford and we'll see what happens."

Wissa appeared to open the door to a potential departure when he was asked about whether he wanted to play for a top-six club.

"Why not?," Wissa said. "We have the chance of playing in the Premier League and things happen quickly. Right now, it's a dream but the most important is to enjoy myself and be decisive to succeed."

Providing there are not any transfer developments, Wissa could face one of his potential suitors when Brentford welcome Tottenham to the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday.

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Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Elfsborg

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Tottenham Hotspur will put their dismal Premier League campaign to one side when they welcome Elfsborg to North London for their final League Phase fixture in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Spurs are gearing up for their first meeting with Swedish opposition since losing 2-1 to Osters IK in the 1995 Intertoto Cup.

Match preview

Since putting Manchester City to the sword 4-0 at the end of November last year, Tottenham have alarmingly lost eight of their last 11 Premier League matches (W1 D2), with a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to relegation-threatened Leicester City last weekend representing their fourth top-flight loss in a row.

Despite going into half time in front, Spurs conceded twice in the opening five minutes of the second half and lacked a cutting edge in the final third to restore party. The damning defeat has since raised question marks over the future of manager Ange Postecoglou, who has come under increased pressure to turn the club's fortunes around amidst a well-documented injury crisis.

Spurs remarkably collected more points in their opening 10 games of last season (26) than they picked up in their first 23 fixtures of the currently campaign (23) and they are currently languishing in 15th place, closer to the relegation zone than the top seven. The Lilywhites are in a healthier position in the Europa League standings, though.

Indeed, Postecoglou's men ended a three-match winless run in the League Phase by beating Hoffenheim 3-2 in Germany last week and they now sit sixth in the 36-team table, knowing that a win over Elfsborg on Thursday will guarantee automatic qualification for the last 16. However, a draw or defeat could put them in danger of slipping into the playoffs.

Tottenham have only won two of their last 10 matches in North London across all competitions (D3 L5), but their impressive 16-game unbeaten home record in European competition (W13 D3) bodes well ahead of their contest with Elfsborg.

Elfsborg remain in contention to qualify for the knockout rounds of the Europa League for the first time in their history after accumulating 10 points from their seven League Phase fixtures, including back-to-back 1-0 home wins over Qarabag and Nice.

Gustav Henriksson scored the decisive goal midway through the second half to help the Yellow Ones edge past Ligue 1 side Nice and climb up to 20th in the 36-team Europa League standings, two points clear of 25th-placed Porto in the elimination zone.

Securing at least a point away against a struggling Spurs outfit would all but secure Elfsborg's place in the last-16 playoffs, but that could prove challenging for the Swedish side as they have lost seven of their last eight European away matches, conceding 24 goals in the process.

Managed by 32-year-old Oscar Hiljemark, Elfsborg finished their domestic campaign at the end of November last year - settling for seventh place in the Allsvenskan table after being pipped to the title on goal difference in the previous season - and they have since focused solely on the Europa League while taking part in a few friendly fixtures to maintain their fitness levels.

The Yellow Ones were last in action against Nice last week and they are now preparing for their first-ever game against English opposition, as well as their first meeting with a British opponent since playing out a goalless stalemate with Scottish giants Celtic in the 2013-14 Champions League qualifiers.

Tottenham Hotspur Europa League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Elfsborg Europa League form:

Elfsborg form (all competitions):

Team News

Tottenham's lengthy injury list includes Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Dominic Solanke (knee), Brennan Johnson (calf), Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner and Wilson Odobert (all hamstring) who all remain unavailable for selection.

Richarlison was forced off with a groin problem in the defeat to Leicester and will be assessed ahead of kickoff along with Pape Matar Sarr (fitness) James Maddison (unspecified), Djed Spence (knock), Cristian Romero (thigh) and Micky van de Ven (hamstring), the latter two have taken part in first-team training this week.

January signing Antonin Kinsky is ineligible for Thursday's clash, so Brandon Austin is set to deputise between the sticks, while Yves Bissouma and Micky Moore could be recalled to start in midfield and attack respectively.

As for Elfsborg, they currently have a clean bill of health and Hiljemark is expected to name a similar side to the one that began their victory over Nice last week.

Following the departure of Michael Baidoo to Plymouth Argyle earlier this month, Jalal Abdullai was handed a start as the central striker last time out and the 20-year-old is set to lead the line once again, with Arber Zeneli and Gottfrid Rapp providing support in attack.

Isak Pettersson, Terry Yegbe, Niklas Hult and Ahmed Qasem are among those who have played in all seven of Elfsborg's Europa League matches up to this point, and they are all in contention to be selected in Hiljemark's first XI once again.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Austin; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Gray; Bergvall, Bissouma, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Son, Moore

Elfsborg possible starting lineup:

Petterson; Buhari, Holmen, Yegbe; Hedlund, B. Zeneli, Ouma, Hult; A. Zeneli, Abdullai, Rapp

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Elfsborg

It is difficult to back against a struggling, injury-hit Spurs side at present, but they will be regarded as favourites to get the better of a relatively youthful Elfsborg team on Thursday.

If the hosts are boosted by a couple of players returning from injury, then they will fancy their chances of edging past their Swedish counterparts who have lost each of their last three European away matches.

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

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Tottenham Hotspur latest: Michel Vorm on why Ange Postecoglou's goalkeepers have struggled in the Premier League

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Former Tottenham Hotspur shot-stopper Michel Vorm has exclusively told Sports Mole that the goalkeeper situation at the club has looked calamitous at times, though they have not been helped by the demands placed on them.

Ange Postecoglou has already used four goalkeepers this season, with Antonin Kinsky fielded between the posts during his side's humiliating 2-1 defeat against Leicester City last Sunday, and he has faced scrutiny alongside shot-stopper Fraser Forster for his performances in 2024-25.

Current first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is not expected back until March, but even the Italian has faced criticism himself this term, with some fans arguing that he has struggled when pressurised during set-pieces.

However, Vorm suggested that external factors like the demands of Postecoglou could be impacting the form of Spurs' goalkeepers, telling Sports Mole: "Every goalkeeper has different attributes that one is better in than others, but it all starts with the style of play.

"What does a manager expect from the goalkeeper? From there on, the goalkeeper who plays has to work on playing from the back or whatever they ask from him. Vicario, normally if he's fit, he's the number one and he's done very well. Obviously, there was some criticism with the set-pieces, but this is something you can work on.

"[But] you need to balance because you get in trouble - at the end of [a] goal when the ball enters the net, everyone looks at you. Sometimes it can look very silly, especially if you want to try to play from the back, but you're not very comfortable in doing it."

Postecoglou insists that Tottenham should play out from the back and invite pressure, but the likes of Forster have struggled to adapt to the demands placed on him, and the goalkeeper made serious errors with the ball at his feet against Manchester United in the EFL Cup on December 19.

Should Tottenham change their approach without Vicario?

Leicester scored their equalising goal against Tottenham shortly after half time, and while Kinsky could have done better to prevent Bobby Reid's cross from finding Jamie Vardy, he was not helped by the fact the Foxes managed to bypass Spurs' aggressive press to get in a position to cross so easily.

Similarly, the insistence on playing out from the back with Forster despite his limitations has been detrimental, and has undoubtedly allowed opponents the chance to win the ball back high up the pitch.

Vorm expressed his belief that neither goalkeeper should be put in a situation that makes them uncomfortable, saying: "You can't ask some things like if it's, for example, Fraser Forster, you ask something where he's maybe not so comfortable in. Sometimes we have to play from the back because of the style of play, or what the manager is asking.

"Fraser obviously played before in the [Premier League], so [it's clear] that he's not the same type of goalkeeper as Vicario - that's already a big difference."

Tottenham have lost six of their last seven fixtures in the top flight - drawing the other - and have conceded 18 goals in that period, so perhaps it would be sensible to address the weaknesses in goal in order to rectify their form before they are drawn further into a relegation battle.

© Imago

How Postecoglou can get the best out of Kinsky and Forster

Spurs' defensive issues this term have not all been because of poor goalkeeping, with defenders Djed Spence, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven all absent against Leicester.

While Postecoglou cannot be expected to resolve all of his side's defensive problems, playing less aggressively when out of possession could make it harder for opponents to break through on goal, and shield the likes of Kinsky.

Vorm emphasised the importance of always highlighting the strengths of goalkeepers while masking their weaknesses, saying: "[Forster's] done well, but he's not as good with his feet as Vicario, [but] this is something they ask from him.

"That's why I always, as a former goalkeeper, try to make sure you highlight the things you're very good at. The things you're a bit less [good] at, you work on, but focus more on the things you're well in."

Forster is a reliable shot-stopper and good at dealing with crosses into the penalty area, and Spurs could benefit more if they asked less of him with the ball.

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Tottenham injury, suspension list and return dates for Elfsborg clash: Richarlison joins list of absentees

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Tottenham Hotspur conclude their League Phase campaign in the Europa League with a home fixture against Elfsborg on Thursday night.

Ange Postecoglou heads into this fixture under extreme pressure to keep his job after overseeing a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Although Spurs sit in sixth place in the League Phase standings for this competition, the Greek-Australian is aware that another surprise setback at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium may lead to the sack.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the showdown with their Swedish opponents, who could qualify for the last 24 by avoiding defeat in North London.

Dominic Solanke

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: March 8 (vs. Bournemouth)

Spurs' perpetual injury crisis worsened earlier this month as Dominic Solanke sustained a knee injury in training, one that Postecoglou expects will sideline him for around six weeks, although he will not need to go under the knife.

Brennan Johnson

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: February 16 (vs. Manchester United)

Welsh attacker Brennan Johnson hurt his calf in the recent North London derby defeat to Arsenal, and Tottenham will have to make do without his services for a few weeks.

Timo Werner

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: February 16 (vs. Manchester United)

Similarly, fellow wide man Timo Werner is nursing a hamstring problem that he suffered against Tamworth in the FA Cup, and he should not be back until mid-February either.

Destiny Udogie

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: February 16 (vs. Manchester United)

Destiny Udogie is yet to turn out for Tottenham in the current calendar year due to a hamstring injury, and the Italian is still approximately three weeks away from a competitive comeback.

Guglielmo Vicario

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: February 25 (vs. Manchester City)

Guglielmo Vicario should soon be entering the final stages of his rehabilitation from ankle surgery, but Antonin Kinsky will continue to guard the posts for at least another few weeks.

Cristian Romero

© Imago

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: January 30 (vs. Elfsborg)

Cristian Romero returning to training last week was an extremely welcome sight for Tottenham fans, but the last two fixtures have come too soon for the Argentine. However, it is plausible that the defender could receive some minutes on Thursday.

Micky van de Ven

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: February 2 (vs. Brentford)

Micky van de Ven was also estimated to return at the end of January, but as the Dutchman is not as far along in his recovery as Romero, this fixture may come too soon for the centre-back.

Wilson Odobert

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Fledgling attacker Wilson Odobert is still on the mend from the hamstring operation that he underwent in November, and the ex-Burnley man remains unavailable for selection until further notice.

Richarlison

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Groin

Possible return date: Unknown

Despite getting on the scoresheet for the second Premier League game in a row, Richarlison's afternoon ended on a low note as he was substituted with a groin injury. It is highly unlikely that he will be made available for this fixture.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players suspended for this game.

No Data Analysis info

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Team News: Spurs vs. Leicester injury, suspension list, predicted XIs

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Both still searching for their first Premier League win of 2025, out-of-sorts pair Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City meet in North London on Sunday afternoon.

The Lilywhites eked out a 3-2 Europa League win over Hoffenheim in midweek, while their visitors were slain 2-0 at home to Fulham last weekend, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs. LEICESTER CITY

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Dominic Solanke (knee), Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Cristian Romero (thigh), Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Wilson Odobert (hamstring), Destiny Udogie (hamstring), Brennan Johnson (calf), Timo Werner (hamstring)

Doubtful: Pape Sarr (knock), Yves Bissouma (knock), Djed Spence (knock)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Kinsky; Porro, Gray, Dragusin, Davies; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son

LEICESTER CITY

Out: Abdul Fatawu (knee), Wilfred Ndidi (thigh), Ricardo Pereira (thigh), Mads Hermansen (groin)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Stolarczyk; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Skipp, Soumare; McAteer, El Khannouss, Mavididi; Vardy

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Will Spurs put out the "fire" by signing three

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Tottenham Hotspur have no plans to make a mid-season move for Ajax striker Brian Brobbey, according to a report.

The Lilywhites have been rocked by the news that star attacker Dominic Solanke is set to miss the next six weeks with a knee injury, another crushing selection blow for the under-pressure Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian has been dealing with a double-figure absentee list for a large chunk of the winter period, which has undoubtedly contributed to the club's pitiful 15th-placed ranking in the Premier League table.

However, even though Postecoglou's team are down to the bare bones, they are yet to make an outfield addition to their ranks this month, only bringing in Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky so far.

With under two weeks left to go until transfer deadline day, the Lilywhites faithful are growing ever more restless for new faces, particularly in attack given that Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson and the misfiring Timo Werner are also in the treatment room.

Tottenham 'have no plans' to move for Brobbey

Fabrizio Romano - via the Daily Mail - claimed that Spurs had sounded out an emergency move for Ajax attacker Brobbey, whom they were prepared to rival West Ham United for.

However, the latest update from Sky Sports News reporter Michael Bridge suggests that the 22-year-old will not be touching down in North London, with the journalist saying: "Spurs want a forward and that is the prime target.

"There's been talk about Spurs entering the race for Ajax forward Brian Brobbey, but my understanding is that's not the case. They are in for a forward but I understand Brobbey is not that forward."

Brobbey has contributed 52 goals and 26 assists in 148 appearances for Ajax in all competitions, but the 2002-born attacker has often been found wanting in front of goal during the current season.

Indeed, Brobbey has found the back of the net just three times from 29 matches, including a solitary goal from 17 Eredivisie appearances, although he has provided seven assists across all tournaments.

Postecoglou: 'Tottenham playing with fire if no signings are made'

While Kinsky has made a positive impact in between the posts since arriving from Slavia Prague, Postecoglou admitted in Friday's press conference that Spurs would be "playing with fire" if no new outfielders go through the doors at Hotspur Way between now and the end of the window.

"We're sort of playing with fire by not bringing anyone in, but the flip side of that is the club is trying to change that situation," the former Celtic head coach admitted.

"This playing group needs help, there's no doubt about that. I have daily communication with Johan [Lange] in particular and he's trying everything he possibly can to get the help we need.

"My discussions with Johan and the club have been about trying to get some help for the players and I'll let them do their jobs. I've still got to manage this team and get them ready."

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Tottenham Hotspur vs. Leicester City: Head

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© Imago

Head-to-head record

Previous meetings: 122

Spurs wins: 61

Draws: 22

Leicester wins: 39

From 122 previous meetings between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City, Spurs' success rate sits at close to 50%, having prevailed in 61 of their competitive contests while only suffering 38 defeats down the years.

Even fewer clashes between Leicester and Spurs have ended level - just 22 - although one of those stalemates was fought at the King Power Stadium in August 2024, where none other than Jamie Vardy saved the Foxes' bacon.

A few months later in January 2025, Leicester incredibly went one better, conquering the Lilywhites 2-1 in North London to end a seven-match losing run in the Premier League under Ruud van Nistelrooy.

That terrific comeback win marked Leicester's third straight game without defeat against Tottenham, whom they previously slaughtered 4-1 in February 2023 before being demoted back down to the second tier.

However, Tottenham otherwise had Leicester's number during the Brendan Rodgers era, winning four straight games against the Foxes from May 2021 to September 2022, all of which were goal-laden classics.

Each of those four victories for Spurs saw both teams score, there were at least four goals in every game, and the two sides shared a remarkable 23 goals across those 360 minutes of football, one strike almost every 15 minutes on average.

Outside of league action, Tottenham have trumped Leicester in two major finals, beating the Foxes 2-0 in the 1960-61 FA Cup showpiece to complete a domestic double before a 1-0 triumph in the 1999 League Cup final.

Spurs legends also dominate the individual goalscoring column in this fixture - Harry Kane (19), Jimmy Greaves (13) and Son Heung-min (10) are all in the double figures - but perennial Big Six nemesis Vardy boasts 10 strikes of his own against Tottenham.

Previous meetings

Jan 26, 2025: Spurs 1-2 Leicester (Premier League)

Aug 19, 2024: Leicester 1-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Feb 11, 2023: Leicester 4-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Sep 17, 2022: Spurs 6-2 Leicester (Premier League)

May 01, 2022: Spurs 3-1 Leicester (Premier League)

Jan 19, 2022: Leicester 2-3 Spurs (Premier League)

May 23, 2021: Leicester 2-4 Spurs (Premier League)

Dec 20, 2020: Spurs 0-2 Leicester (Premier League)

Jul 19, 2020: Spurs 3-0 Leicester (Premier League)

Sep 21, 2019: Leicester 2-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Feb 10, 2019: Spurs 3-1 Leicester (Premier League)

Dec 08, 2018: Leicester 0-2 Spurs (Premier League)

May 13, 2018: Spurs 5-4 Leicester (Premier League)

Nov 28, 2017: Leicester 2-1 Spurs (Premier League)

May 18, 2017: Leicester 1-6 Spurs (Premier League)

Oct 29, 2016: Spurs 1-1 Leicester (Premier League)

Jan 20, 2016: Leicester 0-2 Spurs (FA Cup Third Round)

Jan 13, 2016: Spurs 0-1 Leicester (Premier League)

Jan 10, 2016: Spurs 2-2 Leicester (FA Cup Third Round)

Aug 22, 2015: Leicester 1-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Last 10 Premier League meetings

Jan 26, 2025: Spurs 1-2 Leicester (Premier League)

Aug 19, 2024: Leicester 1-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Feb 11, 2023: Leicester 4-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Sep 17, 2022: Spurs 6-2 Leicester (Premier League)

May 01, 2022: Spurs 3-1 Leicester (Premier League)

Jan 19, 2022: Leicester 2-3 Spurs (Premier League)

May 23, 2021: Leicester 2-4 Spurs (Premier League)

Dec 20, 2020: Spurs 0-2 Leicester (Premier League)

Jul 19, 2020: Spurs 3-0 Leicester (Premier League)

Sep 21, 2019: Leicester 2-1 Spurs (Premier League)

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Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Leicester City

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Two of the Premier League's crisis clubs go in search of long overdue victories on Sunday afternoon, as Tottenham Hotspur host Leicester City in North London.

Ange Postecoglou's team return to familiar turf after edging out Hoffenheim in the Europa League, while the Foxes' failures continued last weekend in a 2-0 home loss to Fulham.

Match preview

For all of Spurs' Premier League failures over the festive and New Year period, knockout football has provided Postecoglou's men with a safe haven, evidenced by their fourth straight win in such contests on Thursday evening.

Following League Cup successes over Liverpool and Manchester United and their FA Cup beating of Tamworth - albeit a highly unconvincing one - the Lilywhites ran out 3-2 victors on Hoffenheim's soil, where a Son Heung-min double inched them ever closer to a top-eight finish.

While Tottenham's non-Premier League feats have marginally alleviated the pressure on Postecoglou - whose bold second-season trophy claim could still come to fruition - the Australian's side can certainly be considered relegation candidates amid their shocking top-flight predicament.

Last weekend's 3-2 loss to David Moyes's Everton marked the hosts' third defeat on the spin in the Premier League, where they remain winless since demolishing lowly Southampton on December 15, and the Lilywhites are just eight points clear of the drop zone in 15th spot.

In fact, the aforementioned Saints are the only side to have both lost more Premier League games and conceded more Premier League goals than Tottenham since the start of December, and Postecoglou's injury-hit crop have accrued just two points from their last 18 on offer at their home ground.

As is the case with their hosts, leaky Leicester have only had knockout successes to shout about so far in 2025; a 6-2 decimation of Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup third round is sandwiched in between a harrowing septet of consecutive Premier League losses.

Just three days on from going down 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace, Ruud van Nistelrooy's men suffered the exact same fate when Fulham paid a visit, succumbing to Emile Smith Rowe's brave diving header and an Adama Traore effort in the second 45.

While only Championship-bound Southampton have performed worse than the 19th-placed Foxes this season, the gap to safety is still just two points, and the visitors ought to be encouraged by the fact that Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers face the top two - Liverpool and Arsenal - respectively this weekend.

However, what is not encouraging is a dreadful sequence of just one win from 14 Premier League matches, and Leicester are yet to keep a clean sheet away from home in the 2024-25 top-flight season, losing each of their last five on rival turf.

Speaking of the Foxes shipping goals away from home, they have conceded at least three goals in each of their last five Premier League defeats on Tottenham's turf, although a Steve Cooper-led Leicester outfit came away from August's encounter with a creditable 1-1 draw to their name.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Leicester City Premier League form:

Leicester City form (all competitions):

Team News

Bereft of good news on the injury front for weeks, Tottenham at least had Rodrigo Bentancur and Fraser Forster back from concussion and illness respectively against Hoffenheim, but Djed Spence, Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma remain touch-and-go due to knocks.

Antonin Kinsky will definitely return to the fold after missing the Europa League win, where Richarlison completed just under an hour up top as Postecoglou prepares him for his first Premier League start of the season on Sunday.

Indeed, the Spurs boss has now confirmed that Dominic Solanke faces up to six weeks on the sidelines with a new knee injury, joining Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Cristian Romero (thigh), Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Wilson Odobert (hamstring), Destiny Udogie (hamstring), Brennan Johnson (calf) and Timo Werner (hamstring) in the well-occupied infirmary.

Leicester's injury situation is not quite so debilitating, but the Foxes still cannot call upon Abdul Fatawu (knee), Wilfred Ndidi (thigh) or Ricardo Pereira (thigh), while Mads Hermansen's groin issue will not heal in time either.

However, new signing Woyo Coulibaly should be eligible to make his Premier League debut this weekend, albeit most likely as a substitute, while both Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks shall reunite with their old employers.

Van Nistelrooy should not be averse to some alterations amid his team's abysmal sequence, although Facundo Buonanotte may not be among the players to benefit following claims that he was on the receiving end of a dressing-down from his manager last weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Porro, Gray, Dragusin, Davies; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son

Leicester City possible starting lineup:

Stolarczyk; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Skipp, Soumare; McAteer, El Khannouss, Mavididi; Vardy

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Leicester City

Even in their current state - both fitness-wise and results-wise - a Spurs side who rarely come up short in front of goal should run into few obstacles against an ailing Leicester outfit this weekend.

Postecoglou's men gave themselves a much-needed shot in the arm in midweek and have our backing to ease their demotion fears at the expense of Leicester's.

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

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