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There is no escaping it: Tottenham Hotspur’s start to the season has been a disaster.

The North Londoners have picked up just four points from a possible 12 in the Premier League so far, and their 1-0 loss at home to Arsenal on Sunday has seen the pressure start to mount on Ange Postecoglou.

The current situation is a far cry from the one the team found themselves in this time last year, but they now have the chance to progress in a cup competition as Coventry City host them in the League Cup tonight.

It’s a must-win game for the trophy-starved Lilywhites, but following their abysmal display on the weekend and the level of opposition they’re set to face in the Sky Blues, Postecoglou can afford to make a few changes to his starting lineup, including giving one of his most exciting summer signings a first start in place of Pedro Porro.

Why Pedro Porro shouldn't start

So, one of the players that Postecoglou should consider dropping ahead of tonight’s clash is Porro, but not necessarily because of his performance in the North London Derby.

In fact, as football.london’s Spurs writer Alasdair Gold wrote, the Spaniard was ‘one of Tottenham’s better players’ on the day.

However, that was a low bar to cross, as despite losing the ball 16 times, misplacing four long balls, failing to complete his only dribble, losing five duels, and only delivering three of his nine crosses, he still got a 7/10 from the journalist.

That said, one of the main reasons the manager should consider dropping the former Sporting CP ace is to give him a chance to rest, as when fit, he’s one of the most integral players in the team.

For example, in just 37 appearances from the right-back position last season, the 25-year-old star scored four goals and provided seven assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 3.36 games.

Moreover, in resting Porro, Postecoglou has the chance to start one of his summer signings, who many believe is destined for a brilliant career right at the top of the game.

Why Archie Gray should start

Yes, Archie Gray is the summer signing who should come into the side in place of Porro and make his first start for the team.

Despite having just one full season of senior football under his belt, the 18-year-old gem joined Spurs from Leeds United in July this year for a whopping £30m. While that is an enormous sum of money, it’s an indication of just how highly rated the youngster is.

For example, months before the deal was even announced, respected analyst Ben Mattinson described the Durham-born gem as a “future £100m cm”, and while that may be his ultimate position, he actually spent most of last season playing on the right of a back four, where he should start tonight.

Right-Back

30

Central Midfield

10

Defensive Midfield

6

Attacking Midfield

3

In all, the “special” talent, as Mattinson dubbed him, made 52 appearances for the Peacocks last year, with 30 coming at right-back, ten in central midfield, six in defensive midfield, and even three in attacking midfield. This demonstrates that with the right coaching, he could be moulded into someone capable of thriving all over the pitch.

Moreover, he played in both legs of the Play-Off semi-final against Norwich City and the final against Southampton, showing that he’s ready to start in high-stakes matches, which can only bode well for his future development.

Ultimately, Porro will continue to be an important starter for Spurs this season, but he should make way for Gray to start his first game tonight, as while he’s still young, the talented Englishman could be a future superstar for the North Londoners.

Maddison & Romero axed, teen duo start: Predicted Spurs lineup vs Coventry

Postecoglou has to bounce back…

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 17, 2024

Setting their sights on the future, Newcastle United are reportedly among the clubs who are interested in signing a Championship gem whose brother is already hoping to break through in the Premier League.

Newcastle transfer news

Whilst much of Newcastle's summer was spent chasing Marc Guehi only to fail in their pursuit, the Magpies looked to have broadened their search for reinforcements ahead of 2025. Those at St James' Park have been linked with further moves for the likes of Anthony Elanga, having failed with a last-gasp bid on deadline day at the end of August, and Lille's Jonathan David.

David would be a particularly wise acquisition, given that he's set to become a free agent following a number of impressive seasons leading the line for Lille. The Canada international, still just 24 years old, could be in line to make his biggest move yet and may even arrive in Newcastle to form a frightening partnership with Alexander Isak.

Newcastle star was worth £29m when PIF arrived, now he's worth 245% more

He’s been a huge hit since his move to Newcastle.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 12, 2024

A duo who would solve any attacking problems for years to come, the Magpies have also reportedly set their sights beyond Isak and David, with one Championship gem on the agenda.

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Newcastle are very keen on signing Harry Gray from Leeds United, but aren't alone in their interest, with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal also eyeing a move to sign the young striker.

Of course, the name Gray is one that North London should already be familiar with, given that Archie Gray completed a move to Spurs worth a reported £30m this summer. Now, both the Lilywhites, their bitter rivals and Newcastle reportedly want to bring the midfielder's brother to the Premier League in 2025.

Still just 15 years old, Gray could have quite the decision to make amid such interest, which could one day see him square off against his older brother in the top flight.

Gray could follow similar path to Archie Gray

Gray certainly finds himself in an interesting position amid such interest. He could join his older brother and play alongside him for years to come in North London in what would undoubtedly be a wholesome moment. Or, he may well decide to ignite the classic narrative of sibling rivalry by joining the likes of Newcastle and instead squaring off against his brother.

A different type of player to the Spurs man, Gray is a striker and has already caught the eye of The Athletic's Phil Hay, who told the Square Ball podcast, as relayed by One Football: “I mean, Harry is another one they’ve been talking about for a long time as looking incredibly talented, masses and masses of potential. The thing you’ve seen with Archie; he manages himself really well.

“He lives as a footballer needs to. A proper professional even though he’s so young. He seems driven to develop and get better which I suspect is in the Gray genes. Big things expected of both of them.”

As the young striker continues to progress, it will be interesting to see whether Newcastle push on with their interest even further.

Leeds United have less than 24 hours to complete the remaining pieces of business that they would like to do before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Whites have needed to dip into the market after losing a number of their key players from the 2023/24 campaign, including Archie Gray, Glen Kamara, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter.

Joe Rothwell, Joe Rodon, Jayden Bogle, Alex Cairns, Manor Solomon, and Largie Ramazani have all been brought in, whilst Ao Tanaka is reportedly set to join from Fortuna Dusseldorf for around £3.4m.

Along with those additions, the West Yorkshire outfit have also reportedly attempted to bring in a number ten to bolster their options in the final third.

Leeds made bid for Championship star

According to Sheffield-based outlet The Star, the 49ers made a second offer to sign Sheffield United attacking midfielder Gustavo Hamer this week.

The report claims that the Whites made a player-plus-cash bid that included Joel Piroe going to Bramall Lane, but the Blades had no interest in taking the Dutch forward as they do not believe that he would not have been a suitable addition to their squad.

It states that the 49ers had already had a £13m proposal turned down to bring the Dutchman to Elland Road, which some senior figures at Sheffield United believed was designed to unsettle the player.

The Star add that the Blades are desperate to keep hold of the former Coventry City playmaker, who was described as a "beautiful" player by journalist Josh Bunting, and it remains to be seen whether or not Leeds will go back in with a third offer, having now had two bids turned down.

Bad news for Joel Piroe

Despite Leeds failing in their latest attempt to prise the attacking midfielder away from Sheffield, this update should come as bad news for Piroe.

If the Whites were prepared to send the left-footed forward away to one of their promotion rivals, whilst also offering cash alongside him, to sign another player in his position for the number ten role, that does not bode well for his future prospects at Elland Road.

He has only started one of the club's first three matches in the Championship this season, all in the attacking midfield position as Mateo Joseph has been preferred to him as the number nine.

Appearances

44

48

Goals

11

13

Assists

11

4

Big chances created

18

3

As you can see in the table above, Hamer's form over his last full season-and-a-bit in the Championship suggests that he would have arrived to offer far more than Piroe as a playmaker.

They both offer a similar goal threat from that role but the Dutchman is significantly more creative and could have provided the full package, as a scorer and a creator of goals, for Leeds.

Piroe, who was signed from Swansea for £10m+ last summer, does not excel when it comes to creating chances for others, as evidenced by his three 'big chances' created in 48 league games since the start of last season.

Last-gasp move: Leeds on the verge of signing a "top" Kamara upgrade

The Whites are looking to bolster their options in the middle of the park before the deadline.

ByDan Emery Aug 29, 2024

Daniel Farke, as shown by the pursuit of Hamer, appears to want more creativity from his number ten and that is why Piroe's days at Leeds may already be numbered, even if he does not leave in the current window.

Tottenham Hotspur have no plans to sell Harry Kane in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Alasdair Gold.

Is Kane leaving Tottenham?

It wouldn't be the summer transfer window without the usual stories linking Kane with a move away from Tottenham.

This summer has already seen links with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, with the saga only likely to rumble on in the coming weeks and possibly months.

Despite Spurs' floundering Premier League performances last season, Kane still managed 30 goals in 38 games – a tally that would normally win you the Golden Boot in an Erling Haaland-less season.

It is understandable, therefore, why his stock is so high in spite of his advancing age.

Kane is still yet to win a trophy in his professional career and the general feeling among fans is that he is quietly desperate to leave Spurs in the hunt for some silverware.

But, according to Alasdair Gold, Tottenham have absolutely no plans to sell the forward, despite growing interest from Bayern in recent days.

"I was talking to the club today and people within the club," said Gold. "And the feeling still, most importantly within the club, is that it is not in the plans to sell Harry Kane."

He added: "So, I know we're looking at what, the last two days they've [Spurs] spent about £57m [Guglielmo Vicario & James Maddison], and obviously more to come as well."

"And that will lead some people to think it's a bit like Gareth Bale, 2013. Are they spending money that they're, you know, accounting for already that will come in? But I keep getting told that it's not the plan to sell Harry Kane."

This will come as good news to Tottenham supporters who will be desperate to hold onto their talisman for as long as humanly possible. God only knows where the Lilywhites would have ended up without his goals in recent seasons.

James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario will also be relieved to hear Gold's news, having both arrived at the club in recent days, with the idea of joining a Spurs side without Harry Kane certainly a less attractive prospect.

What's the latest on Kane to Bayern?

Bayern reportedly submitted their first bid for Kane several days ago; a deal which proposed a £60m fee, excluding potential add-ons. Spurs understandably rejected Thomas Tuchel's attempt to lure Kane to Bavaria.

However, Bayern are expected to bid again for the English marksman, with Kane himself keen on a move to the Bundesliga champions.

It will be up to Spurs whether they are willing to entertain offers for their star man, but, given Kane turns 30 in July, Tottenham may be tempted to cash in on the centre-forward while they still have time.

Leeds United are "willing to listen to offers" for goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summer, according to a fresh update regarding his future.

Is Meslier likely to leave Leeds?

The Frenchman has been an impressive servant for the Whites since joining from Lorient in 2020 – he previously spent a season on loan at the club – emerging as an exciting young 'keeper with a bright future ahead of him.

Meslier was unable to prevent Leeds from going down to the Championship last month, however, and his form left a lot to be desired during a key point in the campaign. The £30,000-a-week Frenchman has a deal at Elland Road that runs until the summer of 2026, but it seems increasingly likely that he will move on the pastures new before the new season gets underway.

A fresh update certainly suggests that that is the case, with Meslier seemingly closer than ever to heading out of the Leeds exit door this summer, with the club under new owners in the 49ers Enterprises.

What's the latest on Meslier future?

According to Football Insider, the Whites are "willing to listen to offers" for Meslier in the coming weeks, with the 23-year-old told by those at Elland Road that he is "free to leave", should his valuation be met.

The report goes on to add that "Leeds had previously hoped to secure a £40million-plus fee for Meslier, but his poor form in the final months of the 2022/23 season means that a bid of £30million could now seal a deal."

In truth, it would be a big surprise if Meslier was still a Leeds player come the opening game of the season at home to Cardiff City in August, with a move away now looking on the cards.

Ideally, the Whites would keep hold of him, given his long-term potential – Jack Harrison has hailed him as "talented" and "fantastic" – but it is understandable why he wouldn't want to be playing Championship football next season, with Leeds also looking to bring in some funds.

For that reason, Leeds should cash in on Meslier, with his current contract situation putting them in a strong bargaining position, allowing what should be a hefty amount of money to go toward new signings.

While the Frenchman's form was undoubtedly poor at times in 2022/23, it will still be a blow to lose one of the most gifted young players at the club, but the hope appears to be that the sale can end up benefiting the Whites in the long term.

Arsenal are preparing a fresh bid to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice and will continue talks, according to reliable journalist Simon Collings.

Who will join Arsenal this summer?

The Gunners have been actively pursuing a deal for the Hammers captain over these last few weeks with Rice standing out as a top target.

Arsenal, according to reliable media sources like Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, have already had multiple bids rejected for the 24-year-old and one was a club record.

However, despite this, it is believed Mikel Arteta's side are "serious" about capturing Rice this summer and remain confident they can strike an agreement with West Ham.

Alongside Rice, it is reported they have reached a deal to sign Chelsea star Kai Havertz, with some reports also claiming that Ajax defender Jurrien Timber may not be far behind him.

Southampton's Romeo Lavia is also at the centre of transfer talks and Arsenal are apparently close to agreeing personal terms with the 19-year-old, whilst talks with his club are "progressing".

Going back to Rice, the former Chelsea academy player will be subject to more intense interest from Arsenal, with Collings of The Evening Standard sharing an update.

As per his information, the Gunners are preparing an improved and fresh bid for Rice, after having their second offer of £75 plus £15m add-ons rejected.

Arsenal will apparently continue talks with West Ham as they seek to agree a move, despite the player currently being on holiday after international duty. Personal terms aren't expected to be an issue, either.

What's been said about Declan Rice?

The Three Lions ace was David Moyes' standout performer last term, averaging more interceptions per 90 than any other West Ham player (WhoScored).

He also marked himself out as their best-performing star by average match rating, with former England and West Ham defender Matthew Upon praising his real maturity at such a young age.

"He has worked really hard at his game, physically and technically," said Upson.

"David Moyes took him into the first team. As with all footballers, so many people have played a part and little bits. But Declan's main asset is that he has been able to take that all on board and make himself better."

"He is a very mature player for his age. He can handle responsibility amazingly well, which is why he was such a young captain in the Premier League.

"Players don't usually come into their own in that position until their late 20s. For someone of Declan's age, the level he is playing at now is exceptional."

Newcastle United hold a summer interest in the AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali as they look to bolster Eddie Howe's squad.

How old is Sandro Tonali?

The Toon now have Champions League football to plan for this summer and it seems as if PIF are keen to make the most of their European status.

Indeed, the Magpies have already been linked with a potentially sensational deal for the Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.

However, reports since the story broke have casted some doubt over a potential deal for the Italian with his asking price believed to be well above the reported £50m offered.

But it seems as if Dan Ashworth may have turned his attention to the other side of Milan with another midfielder who plays his football at the San Siro.

It is now believed the Toon hold a strong interest in Tonali this summer with a new midfielder seemingly on the radar for Howe.

There have also been links to the likes of Scott McTominay ahead of the summer transfer window, however, it seems as if Newcastle are looking to some of Europe's biggest names.

And speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Tyneside club are keen on bringing the 23-year-old Italian to St. James' Park:

"What we can say guys is, is that it's a reality. Newcastle like Sandro Tonali, Newcastle have Sandro Tonali in their list."

"To convince Sandro Tonali is going to be absolutely difficult, same as it was for Nicolo Barella. So this is the situation, let's see how the conversation will go. But for sure, this is a situation around Newcastle and Tonali. Interest, yes. Intention to bid too but the reality is that the player's side is absolutely crucial for Barella and for Tonali."

How much does Sandro Tonali earn?

The Italian has only just turned 23 years old but has become one of Milan's most-used players at the San Siro having made 30 starts in Serie A alone last season (via Transfermarkt).

On top of that, the Italian midfielder made 12 starts in their Champions League campaign as Milan made their way to the semi-finals.

Despite being still so young, Tonali has already racked up 130 appearances for Milan in total which only indicates how important he has become to this side.

And this may not bode well for the Toon if they are looking to land Tonali this summer for a reasonable fee given he still has four years remaining on his current deal at the San Siro.

Reports have suggested the Toon are looking to lodge a bid worth in the region of £50m, however, as Romano has claimed, that will be nowhere near enough.

And with that in mind, it will be intriguing to see how much it could potentially take to see the £76k-per-week midfielder prised away from the San Siro.

Manchester United appear to be stepping up their interest in Atalanta sensation, Rasmus Hojlund, according to the latest reports.

What's the latest on Hojlund to Man United?

As per one Italian journalist, writing on Twitter: "#ManchesterUnited will present a first offer of 60 million, today is the first choice. #Atalanta's request will be higher, but the negotiation can get underway."

While it is not stated whether that potential fee is in pounds or euros, Football Transfers have previously suggested that the Serie A side are likely to demand in the region of £60m if they are to part ways with the 20-year-old this summer.

The Red Devils are seemingly looking for suitable striking alternatives to that of England skipper, Harry Kane, amid reports that the Old Trafford outfit are unlikely to make a bid for the 29-year-old due to Tottenham Hotspur's unwillingness to sell.

Would Hojlund be a good signing for Man United?

On the face of it, the signing of a player who scored just nine league goals last season may not appear particularly exciting, although all the signs point to Hojlund simply being a "monster in the making", according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Also lauded as "remarkable" by current boss Gian Piero Gasperini – who has likened the Denmark international to fellow Scandinavian striker, Erling Haaland – the former Sturm Graz ace could be the man to lead the line for Erik ten Hag's side over the next decade or so.

The explosive marksman – who has been lauded as "scary quick" by journalist Sacha Pisani – could well be able to form a devastating attacking partnership with fellow youngster, Alejandro Garnacho at the Theatre of Dreams in the long-term, with the teenage Argentine having enjoyed a stellar breakout campaign last season.

Having scored seven goals during United's FA Youth Cup triumph in the 2021/22 campaign – including bagging twice in the final – the 18-year-old has since gone on to make his presence felt in the first-team, racking up ten goals and assists in all competitions.

Lauded as a "game changer" by Manchester Evening News correspondent, Samuel Luckhurst, Garnacho's rapid rise was notably laid bare following his standout cameo in the FA Cup showpiece defeat to rivals Manchester City, having made a 'real impact off the bench', in the words of the Evening Standard's Dom Smith.

Much like Hojlund, the winger's youth would suggest that he still has a way to go to truly reach his full potential, although again – like the Atalanta marksman – the early signs are so very exciting and promising for those at United.

The hope will be that if Ten Hag is to get his man this summer, the former Ajax boss can build his side around both Hojlund and Garnacho over the coming years…

Chelsea "really appreciate" Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia ahead of a possible summer move for him, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Is Lavia set to leave Southampton?

The 19-year-old had a tough season in terms of the team he is playing for, with Saints finishing bottom of the Premier League and heading back down to the Championship.

Lavia stood out as unquestionably one of Southampton's most impressive players, however, producing consistently impressive performances in the middle of the park. Despite his tenders years, he performed with real maturity, sitting in front of the defence and averaging 2.1 tackles per game.

The £25,000-a-week Belgian's displays haven't gone unnoticed in recent months, with many of the country's biggest clubs eyeing a summer move for him. Chelsea are one of those who have constantly been linked with snapping him up, but the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United are also believed to be in the conversation among others.

Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding Lavia's future, as the Blues' interest in him refuses to go away.

Are Chelsea keen on move for Lavia?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano said that Chelsea still rate Lavia highly ahead of a potential summer move, although there has been no real progress regarding a transfer of late:

"We know Chelsea really appreciate the player because of the director of Joe Shields. We will see where they go from that. But at the moment, this is not something advanced or imminent."

Lavia, who has been described as having a "supreme ability to pass" and has been hailed as a "monster", could be such a great long-term signing for Chelsea, potentially be viewed as the natural heir to N'Golo Kante, especially if the Frenchman's leaves when his contract expires this summer. The Southampton starlet's quality is summed up by the fact that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described him as "incredible", having left the Etihad to join Saints last summer.

At 19, Lavia's ceiling looks enormous, considering he is already proving himself as a key stater in the Premier League, and he is someone who could be Enzo Fernandez's midfield partner at Stamford Bridge for many years to come, making up for the disappointment of Sporting CP's Manuel Ugarte looking set to join Paris Saint-Germain instead of the Blues.

Whether Lavia picks Chelsea remains to be seen, though, with no European football certainly working against them, but it is encouraging to hear that they still rate him highly and haven't ruled out the idea of making a move for him.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is open to a potential move away from north London this summer but he and his camp are not agitating for a move.

Who wants to sign Harry Kane?

The 29-year-old striker is now coming into the final year of his deal with his boyhood club and speculation as to whether he will see that final season out remains rife.

Indeed, the England captain has finished his campaign for the Lilywhites having shone in what was a seriously underwhelming term for the club.

Kane was able to net a whopping 30 goals in the Premier League which was just six off the league's top scorer Erling Haaland who was playing Pep Guardiola's extraordinary Manchester City side.

And having impressed once again in a Spurs shirt, Kane is believed to have attracted the interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid.

This comes two years after the England captain was believed to be pushing for a move away from north London amid the interest from City.

However, speaking on the Five YouTube channel, David Ornstein has claimed this is not the case this summer with the striker's camp very much in contact with the chairman Daniel Levy:

"As far as I know, he is open to all opportunities, including Real Madrid, I'm not aware that he would not play outside the Premier League like some have suggested."

"Harry Kane, his family, they love Spurs, they're Tottenham supporters, it would do them no greater pleasure than to succeed, win trophies, compete in the Champions League with Tottenham, that is their ideal scenario.

"But we're not living in an ideal world. And that's why they are open to everything. I don't sense they're agitating, like some perceive them to be in the summer of 2021. I think there is communication on this occasion with Daniel Levy, which there wasn't at that time. And so I think things are very calm."

Will Kane sign a new deal?

There are contrasting reports over the interest coming from Madrid now with some claims from Spain suggesting Los Blancos could be willing to wait until next summer to make their move for Kylian Mbappe.

If this is the case then it could possibly halve Kane's options this summer to just United as Erik ten Hag looks to solve their issues up top.

However, it is believed Levy would be willing to allow Kane to run his contract down next season rather than allowing him to leave this summer for the Red Devils.

Given United are said to be so desperate to address their issues at striker this summer, missing out on Kane could potentially see them find an alternative long-term option.

If this were to be the case, then it could put some serious question marks as to where Kane could actually move.

And there is certainly potential for this to work in Tottenham's favour if Kane's options are to fade away as it could leave the £200k-per-week striker open to signing a new deal in north London.

As Ornstein suggests, it appears the striker would be open to staying at Spurs this summer and there is no burning desire to force a move, currently.

So if his options are to fade over the coming months, it could possibly leave Spurs his most attractive offer.