Sports Mole

For the first time since Daniel Levy's shock departure, Tottenham Hotspur take to the field on Saturday evening, facing West Ham United in a Premier League London derby.

The Lilywhites have undergone seismic changes off the field during the international break, whereas the Hammers are riding high on the back of an unexpected first success.

Match preview

December 18, 2000. The last time Tottenham played a Premier League game without Levy overseeing operations in some shape or form; the Lilywhites drew 1-1 with North London rivals Arsenal on that occasion with Sol Campbell as captain, Tim Sherwood in midfield and Les Ferdinand leading the line.

Levy was appointed to the board of directors two days later, became executive chairman two months later, and was removed from his position 24 years later, an unforeseen but long-awaited major development in the eyes of many disillusioned Tottenham supporters.

The 63-year-old had overseen Spurs' rise from mid-table battlers to Europa League winners and Champions League contenders, but those above him felt that a shake-up could bring even greater success to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where ex-Arsenal chief Vinai Venkatesham is now CEO.

Levy's final match as executive chairman was a forgettable affair for him, Thomas Frank and his players, who were bested 1-0 by Bournemouth on home soil as their 100% Premier League record in 2025-26 came to an end, courtesy of an Evanilson effort.

In truth, a 1-0 scoreline flattered a tepid Tottenham side, who have now been beaten in 17 of their last 23 top-flight games not against newly-promoted teams and have also won just three of their last 16 London derbies in the competition.

Such statistics paint an ugly picture before a trip to a resurrected West Ham side, who may have been ruing the timing of the first international break of the season after defying their first three results of the season at Nottingham Forest's City Ground.

Graham Potter's men followed up humblings at the hands of Sunderland and Chelsea with an EFL Cup exit vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the Irons incredibly put three past the Tricky Trees without reply through Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Callum Wilson in Nuno Espirito Santo's farewell.

Forest's off-field turmoil may not have helped matters for the Garibaldi, but Graham Potter's side mercilessly capitalised to pick up their maiden victory of the Premier League campaign, but each of their last three successes in the top flight has come away from home.

Indeed, the Hammers have failed to triumph in any of their last six Premier League contests at the London Stadium - losing three and drawing three in front of their own fans - although they have found the net in their last five on familiar territory.

That streak includes a 1-1 draw with the Lilywhites at the London Stadium last season - the same result that occurred in this exact fixture in 2023-24 and 2022-23 - and Spurs have remarkably not won a Premier League game on West Ham's turf since the pre-lockdown days of 2019.

West Ham United Premier League form:

West Ham United form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

Two new Tottenham recruits could be in line for their Premier League debuts at the London Stadium, where Xavi Simons and deadline-day signing Randal Kolo Muani are primed to make their first appearances for the visitors, but only the former should be in with a chance of starting.

Kolo Muani, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke could find themselves in a three-way battle for the striker's spot if the latter can battle back from an ankle injury, while Yves Bissouma might also recover from an unspecified issue but is unlikely to force his way into the XI.

Kota Takai (foot), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (ACL) and Radu Dragusin (ACL) are also absent for the visitors, although the latter has now cleared a huge hurdle in his rehabilitation.

On West Ham's end, the Irons have just re-signed veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski on a short-term deal, while Igor Julio has also arrived on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion after snubbing a move to Crystal Palace, no doubt to Marc Guehi's dismay.

On a more negative note, Niclas Fullkrug is now sidelined with a calf strain and will not play again before the end of the month at the earliest, joining Luis Guilherme (shoulder) and the doubtful George Earthy (ankle) in the medical bay.

Wilson would be a straight swap for Fullkrug up front, but Potter could alternatively stick Bowen in a central role if he wishes to bring in super sub Crysencio Summerville, who came on in the 82nd minute of the win over Forest before providing an assist and winning a penalty in the space of a few moments.

West Ham United possible starting lineup:

Hermansen; Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, Diouf; Ward-Prowse, Soucek; Fernandes, Paqueta, Summerville; Bowen

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Sarr, Simons; Richarlison

We say: West Ham United 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur

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Whether West Ham can pick up where they left off before the international break remains to be seen, but Spurs were fortunate to only lose by one against Bournemouth, so Potter's men can no doubt hurt their derby foes in the final third.

However, a Tottenham side reinforced by some exciting new attacking options can bite back even harder to return to triumphant ways, in what ought to be a thrilling watch for the neutrals.

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

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma is expected to leave the north London club before the transfer window closes elsewhere.Â

The Mali international was heavily linked with a move away from Spurs throughout the summer, and a deal was even reportedly agreed with Turkish giants Galatasaray.Â

The midfielder has made 100 appearances in all competitions for the north London club, but he has become surplus to requirements under Thomas Frank, who is desperate to see the back of him.Â

The 29-year-old has not been included in Tottenham's match-day squads so far, further indicating that he would be sold at some point.Â

Bissouma could be off to Turkey or Saudi ArabiaÂ

According to a report from Football Insider, Spurs want to sell him permanently, but they understand it will be difficult thanks to his high wages.Â

The Turkish deadline is until 12 September, while the Saudi window is closing around two weeks later, which means a loan agreement is increasingly likely.Â

The former Brentford boss was reportedly unhappy with Bissouma's attitude, and he was dropped from the travelling squad for the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain due to persistent lateness back in August.Â

The report claims that the relationship between the pair is beyond repair, and it will be best for all parties involved if he is allowed a loan move.Â

A new era at Tottenham?Â

A new era begins at Spurs after executive chairman Daniel Levy was asked to step down after almost 25 years last week.Â

According to a report from Sky Sports News, Tottenham's majority owners, the Lewis family, could invest more money into the squad as they aim for higher ambitions than simply participating in the Champions League.Â

The wage-to-turnover ratio of 42% at the club is one of the lowest in the league, and there is a feeling that Spurs have not spent enough in the transfer market compared to their rivals.Â

While the news will surely excite the fans, they will not mind if Bissouma finds a way to move to either Turkey or Saudi Arabia before their respective deadlines.Â

Tottenham Hotspur will return to Premier League action on Saturday, when they travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United.

Thomas Frank's side suffered a 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth on August 30 in their most recent league match, and he will hope to win a third game as Spurs boss.

A number of players are expected to be absent for the weekend's clash, though the likes of Dominic Solanke are not expected to be long-term absentees.

Ahead of this weekend's clash, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news.

Yves Bissouma

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Knock

Possible return date:Â September 20 (vs. Brighton & Hove Albion)

Thomas Frank confirmed that Yves Bissouma will play not part in Saturday's clash against West Ham, but while he did not provide a specific timeframe, he does not expect the midfielder to be out for long.

Kota Takai

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Foot

Possible return date:Â Unknown

Central defender Kota Takai will have to wait to make his first appearance for Tottenham as a result of the foot injury that he picked up in July, and he is set to miss out for another few weeks at least.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Cruciate Ligament

Possible return date:Â October

Fellow centre-back Radu Dragusin has also been ruled out due to an ACL injury, though Frank confirmed that the defender will soon return to training in some capacity in the next week, and the Romanian could be in line to make his return in October.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â November 29 (vs. Fulham)

While Dejan Kulusevski's rehabilitation from a knee injury is progressing well, fans will still have to wait another two to three months to see him in action for the club again.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Cruciate Ligament

Possible return date:Â April

James Maddison's World Cup hopes were shattered when he suffered a cruciate ligament injury against Newcastle United in an early-August pre-season friendly, and he will not set foot on the pitch for Spurs for a number of months.

Dominic Solanke

Status: Doubt

Type of injury:Â Ankle

Possible return date:Â September 13, 2025 (vs. West Ham United)

Dominic Solanke has not yet made his first start under Frank, but after struggling with an ankle issue in pre-season, he could be in a position to feature up front for Spurs against West Ham following the conclusion of the September international break.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players suspended for their Premier League clash against West Ham United.

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The fourth gameweek of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign will begin on Saturday afternoon, with Arsenal welcoming Nottingham Forest to the Emirates Stadium for an interesting affair.

Manchester City will host Manchester United in the pick of this weekend's fixtures, with that game taking place on Sunday, while there is a good-looking London derby in Saturday's late start, as West Ham United host Tottenham Hotspur.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the injury news, team news, doubts and absentees for every club ahead of the fourth set of fixtures in England's top flight.

ARSENAL VS. NOTTINGHAM FOREST (Saturday, 12.30pm)

ARSENAL

Out:Â Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Kai Havertz (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), William Saliba (Arsenal)

Doubtful: Ben White (knock), Christian Norgaard (knock)

FOREST

Out:Â Nicolas Dominguez (knee)

Doubtful:Â None

BOURNEMOUTH VS. BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (Saturday, 3pm)

BOURNEMOUTH

Out:Â Lewis Cook (knee), Enes Unal (knee), Adam Smith (hamstring)

Doubtful:Â None

BRIGHTON

Out:Â Solly March (knee), Adam Webster (knee), Julio Enciso (knee)

Doubtful: None

NEWCASTLE UNITED VS. WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (Saturday, 3pm)

NEWCASTLE

Out:Â Joelinton (groin), Anthony Gordon (suspended)

Doubtful:Â Jacob Ramsey (ankle)

WOLVES

Out:Â Leon Chiwone (knee)

Doubtful:Â Ki-Jana Hoever (knee)

EVERTON VS. ASTON VILLA (Saturday, 3pm)

EVERTON

Out:Â Jarrad Branthwaite (hamstring), Nathan Patterson (hernia)

Doubtful:Â None

ASTON VILLA

Out:Â Andres Garcia (knock), Boubacar Kamara (hamstring)

Doubtful:Â Matty Cash (foot), Amadou Onana (hamstring), Ross Barkley (knock)

CRYSTAL PALACE VS. SUNDERLAND (Saturday, 3pm)

PALACE

Out: Chadi Riad (knee), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Eddie Nketiah (thigh), Matheus Franca (groin), Caleb Kporha (back), Odsonne Edouard (Achilles), Adam Wharton (muscle), Ismaila Sarr (thigh)

Doubtful:Â None

SUNDERLAND

Out:Â Aji Alese (shoulder), Luke O'Nien (shoulder), Leo Hjelde (Achilles), Romaine Mundle (thigh), Dennis Cirkin (wrist), Dan Ballard (groin)

Doubtful:Â None

FULHAM VS. LEEDS UNITED (Saturday, 3pm)

FULHAM

Out: None

Doubtful:Â None

LEEDS

Out: Ethan Ampadu (ankle), Ao Tanaka (knee)

Doubtful:Â None

WEST HAM UNITED VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (Saturday, 5.30pm)

WEST HAM

Out:Â Luis Guilherme (shoulder), Niclas Fullkrug (calf)

Doubtful:Â None

TOTTENHAM

Out: James Maddison (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Radu Dragusin (knee), Kota Takai (ankle), Yves Bissouma (knock)

Doubtful:Â Dominic Solanke (ankle)

BRENTFORD VS. CHELSEA (Saturday, 8pm)

BRENTFORD

Out:Â Vitaly Janelt (ankle), Gustavo Nunes (thigh), Yunus Konak (ankle)

Doubtful: Paris Maghoma (unspecified)

CHELSEA

Out: Benoit Badiashile (knock), Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended), Romeo Lavia (unspecified), Levi Colwill (knee), Cole Palmer (hamstring), Dario Essugo (thigh)

Doubtful: None

BURNLEY VS. LIVERPOOL (Sunday, 2pm)

BURNLEY

Out: Zeki Amdouni (knee), Manuel Benson (Achilles), Jordan Beyer (knee), Connor Roberts (unspecified)

Doubtful: None

LIVERPOOL

Out: None

Doubtful:Â Jeremie Frimpong (thigh)

MANCHESTER CITY VS. MANCHESTER UNITED (Sunday, 4.30pm)

MAN CITY

Out: Josko Gvardiol (knock), Savinho (unspecified), Mateo Kovacic (calf), Marcus Bettinelli (muscle), Kalvin Phillips (ankle), Omar Marmoush (knee), Rayan Cherki (thigh)

Doubtful: John Stones (muscle), Phil Foden (ankle), Abdukodir Khusanov (knock)

MAN UNITED

Out:Â Lisandro Martinez (knee)

Doubtful:Â Matheus Cunha (thigh), Mason Mount (unknown), Diogo Dalot (muscle)

PREMIER LEAGUE GAMEWEEK FOUR: TEAM NEWS BY CLUB

ARSENAL (vs. Nottingham Forest)

Out:Â Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Kai Havertz (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), William Saliba (Arsenal)

Doubtful: Ben White (knock), Christian Norgaard (knock)

ASTON VILLA (vs. Everton)

Out:Â Andres Garcia (knock), Boubacar Kamara (hamstring)

Doubtful:Â Matty Cash (foot), Amadou Onana (hamstring), Ross Barkley (knock)

BOURNEMOUTH (vs. Brighton)

Out: Lewis Cook (knee), Enes Unal (knee), Adam Smith (hamstring)

Doubtful:Â None

BRENTFORD (vs. Chelsea)

Out:Â Vitaly Janelt (ankle), Gustavo Nunes (thigh), Yunus Konak (ankle)

Doubtful: Paris Maghoma (unspecified)

BRIGHTON (vs. Bournemouth)

Out: Solly March (knee), Adam Webster (knee), Julio Enciso (knee)

Doubtful: None

BURNLEY (vs. Liverpool)

Out: Zeki Amdouni (knee), Manuel Benson (Achilles), Jordan Beyer (knee), Connor Roberts (unspecified)

Doubtful: None

CHELSEA (vs. Brentford)

Out: Benoit Badiashile (knock), Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended), Romeo Lavia (unspecified), Levi Colwill (knee), Cole Palmer (hamstring), Dario Essugo (thigh)

Doubtful: None

CRYSTAL PALACE (vs. Sunderland)

Out: Chadi Riad (knee), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Eddie Nketiah (thigh), Matheus Franca (groin), Caleb Kporha (back), Odsonne Edouard (Achilles), Adam Wharton (muscle), Ismaila Sarr (thigh)

Doubtful:Â None

EVERTON (vs. Aston Villa)

Out:Â Jarrad Branthwaite (hamstring), Nathan Patterson (hernia)

Doubtful:Â None

FULHAM (vs. Leeds)

Out: None

Doubtful:Â None

LEEDS (vs. Fulham)

Out: Ethan Ampadu (ankle), Ao Tanaka (knee)

Doubtful:Â None

LIVERPOOL (vs. Burnley)

Out: None

Doubtful:Â Jeremie Frimpong (thigh)

MANCHESTER CITY (vs. Man United)

Out: Josko Gvardiol (knock), Savinho (unspecified), Mateo Kovacic (calf), Marcus Bettinelli (muscle), Kalvin Phillips (ankle), Omar Marmoush (knee), Rayan Cherki (thigh)

Doubtful: John Stones (muscle), Phil Foden (ankle), Abdukodir Khusanov (knock)

MANCHESTER UNITED (vs. Man City)

Out:Â Lisandro Martinez (knee)

Doubtful:Â Matheus Cunha (thigh), Mason Mount (unknown), Diogo Dalot (muscle)

NEWCASTLE UNITED (vs. Wolves)

Out:Â Joelinton (groin), Anthony Gordon (suspended)

Doubtful:Â Jacob Ramsey (ankle)

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (vs. Arsenal)

Out:Â Nicolas Dominguez (knee)

Doubtful:Â None

SUNDERLAND (vs. Crystal Palace)

Out: Aji Alese (shoulder), Luke O'Nien (shoulder), Leo Hjelde (Achilles), Romaine Mundle (thigh), Dennis Cirkin (wrist), Dan Ballard (groin)

Doubtful:Â None

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (vs. West Ham)

Out: James Maddison (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Radu Dragusin (knee), Kota Takai (ankle), Yves Bissouma (knock)

Doubtful:Â Dominic Solanke (ankle)

WEST HAM UNITED (vs. Tottenham)

Out:Â Luis Guilherme (shoulder), Niclas Fullkrug (calf)

Doubtful:Â None

WOLVES (vs. Newcastle)

Out:Â Leon Chiwone (knee)

Atletico Madrid allegedly hold an interest in signing a Tottenham Hotspur midfielder at some point in 2026.

Diego Simeone has just overseen a major rebuild at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the hope of closing the gap on Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Instead, Atletico have endured a dismal start to the campaign, failing to win any of their games against Espanyol, Elche and Alaves.

Already sitting eight points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, the vast majority of people will deem that Atletico are already out of the title race.

Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over some of their squad players such as Conor Gallagher, who was linked with a return to the Premier League towards the end of the summer transfer window.

Atletico considering Gallagher replacements?

Gallagher has accumulated just 86 minutes of football across the aforementioned La Liga triple-header, not playing more than 45 minutes in a game.

That pattern has extended since the Club World Cup, casting doubt as to whether Simeone will soon be attempting to sign an alternative.

According to Fichajes, Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is someone who is being considered by Simeone.

The 28-year-old has been a valuable asset to Spurs, contributing nine goals and eight assists from 117 appearances since the start of 2022.

However, the Uruguay international's contract is due to expire at the end of the season, making him an attractive option for clubs around Europe and potentially in South America.

Atletico would allegedly only consider signing Bentancur if he becomes a free agent, there being the option of negotiations being held as soon as January.

Simeone is said to view him as someone who could adapt seamlessly to his system and make an impact in the engine room.

Financial benefit a further positive?

Much may depend on whether Atletico are able to at least recoup the fee that they shelled out on Gallagher last year, believed to be in the region of £34m.

When Manchester United reportedly showed an interest over the past two weeks, Atletico were against any kind of loan agreement.

There are still just under four years remaining on the contract of the England international.

West Ham United will take on bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a blockbuster Premier League affair on Saturday.

The Hammers will enter the match off the back of a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, but Tottenham suffered a blow before the September international break, losing 1-0 at home to Bournemouth.

Here, Sports Mole provides details of how to tune into the contest.

What time does West Ham vs. Tottenham kick off?

The Premier League contest will kick off at 5.30pm UK time on Saturday.

Where is West Ham vs. Tottenham being played?

The match will take place at West Ham's home ground, the London Stadium.

It was 1-1 when the two sides locked horns in the corresponding Premier League game last season.

Each of the last three league fixtures between West Ham and Spurs at the stadium have finished 1-1, with Tottenham's last away success (3-2) over the Hammers coming in November 2019.

How to watch West Ham vs. Tottenham in the UK

TV channels

The Premier League contest at the London Stadium will be available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League for viewers in the UK.

Online streaming

Sky customers can access the Premier League match on Sky Go and on the Sky Sports app, while it is also available via Now TV's Sports membership.

Highlights

Sky Sports will show highlights on their social media and YouTube channels, as well as on their dedicated app. UK viewers can also watch the highlights of the game on Match of the Day, which will start at 10:20pm on BBC One.

What is at stake for West Ham and Tottenham?

There is simply no downplaying the importance of this match, with both sets of supporters viewing it as one of their biggest games of the season, and the atmosphere should be incredible.

West Ham will be looking to build on their excellent win over Forest last time out, while Spurs will be under pressure to bounce back from their setback at home to Bournemouth.

The fact that the last three games between the two sides at the London Stadium have finished level suggests that it will be a tight affair, but it is difficult to know what to expect from these two inconsistent teams.

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The return of Savinho to Manchester City training is a “big boost” for Pep Guardiola’s side after a spell on the sidelines with an ‘injury’, Citizens expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has told Sports Mole.

Savinho has missed each of Man City’s opening three Premier League matches of the new season since sustaining an unspecified injury during a pre-season friendly win over Palermo, according to manager Pep Guardiola.

The 21-year-old, who was pictured in training towards the end of last week, was in the headlines for much of August because of speculation linking him with a summer transfer to Tottenham Hotspur that ultimately failed to materialise.

McInerney has questioned whether Savinho was really injured during a period of uncertainty when he “made it very obvious that he wanted to leave”, but he is pleased that the Brazilian has stayed put and he hopes to see the winger improve his clinical touch in the final third this season.

“I wanted Savinho to stay and I think Savinho is a cracking footballer,” McInerney told Sports Mole. “The only thing he missed last season was goals and he massively underperformed in front of goal. So bad in front of goal that it felt like an anomaly if that makes sense. I just don't see how he could be that bad in front of goal again.

“He was one of the least clinical players in European football (scoring one Premier League goal in 29 games last season) when previously he'd been a pretty average finisher, at Girona in particular (netting nine goals in 37 La Liga matches). Everything prior to that suggested that he was a pretty competent finisher.

Man City will need Savinho’s “inherent usefulness and quality” this season

“To me, when you look at that and it's such an outlier given how bad he was in front of goal last season, I can only presume that was just linked to confidence and the timing of him joining Man City - if he joined three years earlier I think he probably would have bagged 10 goals last season.

“I feel that Savinho does have that quality. It's just last season was a weird time for the club. It went utterly crazy in the middle of that campaign, around winter where City just lost their heads. I think Savinho had started really well, was a real bright spark for City and was inviting really lofty comparisons, and then he just lost his head as the team did and after that he struggled in front of goal.”

McInerney has backed Savinho to become an important player for Man City and the winger could be available to return ahead of a challenging run of fixtures against Manchester United, Napoli and Arsenal.

“I think Savinho has inherent usefulness and quality that City probably need this season,” said McInerney. “His athleticism, his skill, his versatility, I think he'll be a really, really useful player this year.

“I expect if he plays a lot, he'll score more goals than he did last season - it's not hard admittedly - but I also think he'll prove what a lot of people already know. He's a really great creator and he's a really smart footballer who will hopefully be better in a team maybe not [experiencing] quite as mad of a winter spell where City were losing every single week.

“I think it's a big boost to have him back. He wasn't injured in my personal opinion, it was very much just a transfer rumour thing where you keep the player out the limelight, but I don't think he's going to be unprofessional. I think he'll be fine. I think he’ll worked really hard and he's an asset.

“Oscar Bobb has been lent on that (right) side, but Oscar Bobb - despite being 22, which is not that young - is still very inexperienced at the highest level, as a starter. This is the first time he's ever done that professionally.

“I feel like Savinho being there gives us options because he's a different type of weapon on the right hand side and also can play on the left. He also gives us something that we know, whereas Bobb is still very much an unknown.”

Could Spurs reignite Savinho interest in January transfer window?

Even though the summer transfer window has closed, Savinho continues to be linked with an exit from the Etihad Stadium, as Tottenham are said to still hold an interest in the winger.

According to Fichajes, Spurs are ‘willing to give everything’ to try and prise Savinho away from Man City and are lining up a January offer in excess of £80m.

Sharing his thoughts on whether Man City would be prepared to part ways with Savinho in the winter window, McInerney said: “He's not going to randomly leave in a World Cup year to join Spurs mid-season if he nails down a starting spot (at Man City) and he's in really good form.

“The flip side of that is if Oscar Bobb nails down that starting spot (on the right flank) and [Savinho] doesn't get any joy playing on the left because [Omar] Marmoush or [Jeremy] Doku or whoever starts a lot, and then [Phil] Foden starts to get minutes ahead of Savinho.

January exit for Savinho “unlikely” but ‘not impossible’ amid Spurs interest

“If Savinho is not playing an awful lot, at that point the same argument (from the summer) comes in that he’ll want to get into [Brazil’s] World Cup squad and Tottenham might offer him more of a chance to do that because they might play him more.

“I still think at that point, in mid-season, City will probably just say no. There's a January tax and they'll be looking at making over £80m, otherwise come back in the summer and we can talk.

“I think the likelihood of him going in January is small, because I think City would have to still find a replacement and I just don't see City being fine with that personally.

“Stranger things have happened and it's definitely possible. To counter myself, Hugo Viana (Man City’s director of football) was very happy to be very active last January. A whole bunch of signings: Marmoush, Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Nico Gonzalez - so maybe we could sign a big player in January (to replace Savinho).

“I still would argue that it's unlikely, because I think it has to be really bad for Savinho to want to move, and even then City would have to find a replacement which feels unlikely to me.”

Tottenham Hotspur supposedly have a 'real chance' of making a January move for a former academy defender as they seek to resolve their home-grown issues.

Thomas Frank's squad for the league phase of the 2025-26 Champions League campaign was recently confirmed, but the Lilywhites were unable to name the maximum 25 players due to a lack of association and club-trained players.

In order to name the full squad allocation, at least eight players must have either been part of Tottenham's ranks or another club in English football for three full seasons between the ages of 15 and 21, as per UEFA rules.

However, Tottenham were only able to call up 22 players for the first phase of Europe's premier tournament, meaning that Frank was forced to omit a couple of high-profile names.

As well as the injured James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai, new signing Mathys Tel and experienced midfielder Yves Bissouma - who is still being heavily linked with an exit - were both left out of Frank's Champions League squad.

Tottenham have 'real chance' of making 23-year-old move in January

A "revengeful" Tel recently lifted the lid on his Champions League snub, but Tottenham are already making plans to rectify their home-grown problems and could apparently try to re-sign a former youth product when the window reopens.

According to TBR Football, there is a 'real chance' that the Lilywhites make a move for Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin over the winter, having been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old during the most recent window.

Cirkin was on the books in North London until 2021, and having represented the Lilywhites for at least three years between the ages of 15 and 21, he would count as a club-trained player for UEFA competitions.

The left-back played a critical role in Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League during the 2024-25 Championship campaign, but the Black Cats have since signed Reinildo Mandava and Arthur Masuaku, leaving Cirkin 'somewhat frustrated'.

The Dublin-born defender is also yet to make an appearance in the 2025-26 season due to a hand injury, although Regis Le Bris is hopeful of having him back in the ranks following the international break.

Tottenham could land Cirkin for 'significant' cut-price fee

Cirkin extended his contract with Sunderland back in the summer of 2023, but he has not put pen to paper since, and his current deal runs out at the end of the season.

As a result, the report adds that Tottenham may have the chance to re-sign the 23-year-old for a 'significant' cut-price fee in January, unless Sunderland run the risk of losing him for nothing when the season is over.

Cirkin never made a senior appearance for Spurs, but he was name-checked by then-head coach Jose Mourinho, who included him in matchday squads in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup.

"He’s 17, but he’s a kid with a lot of quality, and I look forward to bringing him to train with us, and to help his development," TBR Football quotes Mourinho as saying back in 2020.

Since leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Cirkin has scored eight goals and provided six assists in 116 matches for Sunderland in all competitions, including three goals and two helpers in 36 regular-season Championship matches last term.

Nottingham Forest have sacked Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach, with Ange Postecoglou an early frontrunner to take over the reins at the City Ground.

Nuno's position at Forest has been uncertain ever since he admitted last month that he was "not so close" with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

It was then reported that Nuno had a strained relationship with sporting director Edu, who was appointed to the role by Marianakis in November 2024.

Forest's hierarchy have ultimately decided that Nuno's position has become untenable, confirming in a statement that he has become the first Premier League manager sacked of the 2025-26 season due to "recent circumstances".

Nuno was a popular figure with the Forest fanbase after he led the team to safety in the 2023-24 campaign, before he steered the club to a seventh-place finish last term.Â

For a significant part of the season, Forest looked to be on course for a top-five finish and subsequent Champions League qualification, but they did at least upgrade to the Europa League following Crystal Palace's demotion to the Conference League.Â

Ange Postecoglou emerges as leading candidate for Forest job

Nuno will not get the chance to lead Forest in Europe, but the club could turn to a man who knows how to win the Europa League.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Postecoglou has emerged as the 'leading candidate' to replace Nuno as Forest head coach.Â

Postecoglou is searching for his new challenge after being relieved of his duties as Tottenham Hotspur boss at the end of last season.Â

The 60-year-old ended Spurs' 17-year trophy drought by leading them to Europa League glory in May, but that success was not enough to keep his job after finishing in 17th place in the Premier League.Â

While Postecoglou is the early frontrunner, Forest have reportedly spent the international window 'sounding out' possible managerial candidates.Â

Could Nottingham Forest turn to Mourinho?

In addition to Postecoglou, Jacobs reports that another former Tottenham boss, Jose Mourinho, is on Forest's managerial shortlist.Â

Forest have 'discussed' Mourinho as a potential option, with the two-time Champions League winner looking for a return to management following his recent dismissal by Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce.

Mourinho boasts a wealth of Premier League experience after overseeing 217 wins, 84 draws and 62 defeats in 363 top-flight matches during his time with Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.

Like Postecoglou, Mourinho has experience of winning the Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup), having previously won the competition with Porto and Roma.Â

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli could supposedly be set for a dramatic return to England in what may prove a career-saving move.

The 29-year-old is without a club after parting ways with Italian side Como by mutual agreement, having barely featured during his short spell there.

Alli's only appearance under Cesc Fabregas came against AC Milan, where the midfielder was dismissed just nine minutes after coming off the bench in what was his first competitive match in two years.

Dele has endured a turbulent time in recent years and even admitted that he once considered walking away from the game entirely, with his latest setback marking another difficult chapter.

However, The Daily Mail reports that there may yet be light at the end of the tunnel, with three English clubs showing interest in the former Spurs man.

Dele Alli set for revival with Championship side?

Dele enjoyed his finest years at Tottenham, where he made 269 appearances, scoring 67 goals and providing 59 assists.

The 29-year-old was a key figure in Spurs’s run to the 2019 Champions League final and twice claimed the PFA Young Player of the Year award during his peak years in North London.

The midfielder eventually departed the club in 2022, but his career has faltered since with unconvincing spells at Everton, Besiktas and most recently Como.

Now, Championship sides Wrexham United, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion are reportedly weighing up a move to hand him a chance at redemption.

A lifeline back to the English top flight for Alli?

Dele boasts extensive Premier League experience, having spent around nine years playing at the highest level in England.

It means that the reported interest from the three Championship clubs is not particularly surprising, with all of them harbouring ambitions of promotion.

Wrexham and Birmingham have made steady progress in recent years, climbing through the EFL ranks and now standing as genuine contenders for top-flight football.

West Brom are also firmly in the mix and currently occupy second place in the Championship, which could complicate the promotion hopes of their rivals.

For Dele, a move to any of the three clubs would not only offer valuable Premier League know-how at no transfer cost but also the chance to breathe new life into a career that has long appeared in decline.