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Yaya Toure has claimed he was involved in Manchester City's transfer dealings during his time at the club and says he recommended Sergio Aguero.

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• Toure claims credit for deal to buy Argentine
• Aguero became a legend at the Etihad
• Also says he recommended Samir Nasri

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester City legend Toure has claimed that he was involved in the club's transfer dealings following his arrival at the club from Barcelona in 2010. He claims that the Citizens would regularly ask him for ideas, and he has claimed credit for recommending the iconic Aguero to the powerbrokers at the Etihad.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Toure joined Manchester City from Barcelona for a fee of £24 million in 2010, going on to become one of the club's greatest ever players and a key figure in their rise to domestic dominance. Aguero arrived from Atletico Madrid in 2011. He would leave City having scored 260 goals in 390 games, winning five Premier League trophies along the way, while also scoring the goal that won their first title.

• WHAT TOURE SAID

  Toure spoke to Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel and said: "Because of my experience, my knowledge, there was asking me 'who do you think would be good for us?' I'm saying Aguero, Samir Nasri, David Silva as well. A lot of players, because there was that trust. I was very pleased with it."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Toure is continuing to cut his coaching teeth in Saudi Arabia but he has yet to find a job in management.

Aggie Beever-Jones and Keira Walsh also bagged their first senior international goals in a huge win for the reigning European champions

England's Lionesses cruised to a comfortable 5-0 win over Belgium on Friday night to rise to the top of their Women's Nations League group and continue their undefeated start to 2025. Goals from Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Aggie Beever-Jones, Jess Park and Keira Walsh secured all three points for Sarina Wiegman's side on an evening of dominance, with the European champions unlucky not to be victorious by an even greater margin after Alessia Russo twice hit the same post in the first half.

Belgium have caused England problems in the past, beating them in the previous edition of the Nations League after the 2023 Women's World Cup, but while they were by no means terrible on this occasion, they struggled to create much against a sturdy and locked-in Lionesses defence, which set a solid foundation for plenty of positive things further up the pitch. It was midway through the first half when Bronze deservedly broke the deadlock from a fantastic Lauren James cross and then the full-back turned provider before the break, as her header was pounced on by Bright to double that advantage.

Though in a comfortable enough lead, England's pressure didn't relent after the interval. A brilliant cross from Mead gave half-time substitute Beever-Jones the chance to really make sure of the win, with her showcasing great movement and providing a clinical finish for her first senior international goal. Jess Park, another introduction from the bench, made it four after some superb pressing and, having seen Nicky Evrard tip a fantastic effort of hers onto the post earlier, Walsh joined Beever-Jones in finding the back of the net for the first time for the Lionesses when her deflected effort put the cherry on the cake late on.

GOAL rates England's players from Ashton Gate…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Hannah Hampton (7/10):

  Had great chemistry with a back four that featured three club-mates, resulting in some good defensive efforts between them and some solid distribution. Didn't have any real saves to make.

  Lucy Bronze (8/10):

  Great at both ends of the pitch, covering well at the back while offering a real threat going forward. Deserved her goal.

  Leah Williamson (7/10):

  Moved the ball consistently well and was defensively solid throughout.

  Millie Bright (7/10):

  Reacted well when needed in her own box and was great in possession. Brave to throw herself at Bronze's header to get on the scoresheet.

  Niamh Charles (7/10):

  Brought plenty of energy and did little wrong. Made a huge block to prevent Delacauw getting Belgium back into things at 2-0.

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  Midfield

  Keira Walsh (8/10):

  Covered well in defence, played some classy passes to kickstart promising attacks and finally got her first England goal late on, having come so close to it a few minutes earlier.

  Grace Clinton (6/10):

  Showcased great footwork throughout and constantly used it to get out of tight areas, while contributing some nice touches to the attack.

  Ella Toone (6/10):

  Showed good off the ball movement and had some nice moments.

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  Attack

  Beth Mead (8/10):

  A constant threat to Belgium. Positive and direct in her play all night to get some dangerous crosses into the box and create chances.

  Alessia Russo (7/10):

  Pressed well, made good runs and generally just linked up nicely with those around her. Really unlucky not to get a goal.

  Lauren James (6/10):

  Always looked to make something happen when she got on the ball and it was her cross that allowed Bronze to break the deadlock. Off at the break, potentially with a knock.

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  Subs & Manager

  Aggie Beever-Jones (7/10):

  On at the break, taking James' place on the left. Was a really lively introduction and showed fantastic movement to get on the end of Mead's cross for a first England goal.

  Jess Park (6/10):

  Was relatively quiet until she pounced onto a huge opportunity to make it 4-0 and clinically took it.

  Esme Morgan (N/A):

  Slotted into the centre of defence for the final 15 minutes.

  Nikita Parris (N/A):

  Continued her international renaissance with another appearance in the latter stages.

  Jess Carter (N/A):

  Gave former Chelsea team-mate Bright a deserved rest for the final 10 minutes.

  Sarina Wiegman (8/10):

  Didn't underestimate a Belgium team that have caused England real problems in the past, choosing essentially her best XI. They delivered a top performance and her substitutes were impactful, too. A great night.

Marcelo Bielsa is the man who finally ended Leeds United’s Premier League exile back in 2020 after a 16-year absence from England’s top flight.

The Argentine gave a generation of supporters memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime, with his style of play catching the eye, making it impossible to live with, leading to their eventual promotion.

However, that was only part of the 69-year-old’s success, establishing the Whites’ top division status after achieving a ninth-placed finish and looking as though they could build towards a European place the following campaign.

It wouldn’t last for the experienced manager, eventually being sacked halfway through his second season in the Premier League and replaced by American Jesse Marsch.

Bielsa would leave the former RB Leipzig boss with an impressive squad to work with at Elland Road, highlighting the excellent business he did in the market during his time in charge of the club.

Bielsa’s best signings at Leeds

One real reason behind Leeds’ success during their return to the top flight was striker Patrick Bamford – hitting the ground running at the very top level.

The striker grabbed 16 goals in the promotion season, before notching one better the following campaign, looking well worth the £7m fee after becoming a full England international during 2020/21.

He registered 33 goals during his two full seasons under the Argentine, playing the best football of his career and undoubtedly benefitting from his appointment in Yorkshire.

Winger Crysencio Summerville may have only featured nine times under the experienced boss, but he’s since made the club a huge profit in recent years after providing the goods on the pitch following his arrival in 2020.

Last season, the Dutchman registered 29 combined goals and assists in the Championship, subsequently earning a £25m move to West Ham United, after narrowly missing out on promotion.

However, the same can’t be said for one player who arrived at Elland Road with huge promise after his transfer back in 2020 under Bielsa’s guidance.

The player who Leeds struck gold offloading

Winger Ian Poveda had high hopes to be a success in Yorkshire after joining on a free transfer from English giants Manchester City back in January 2020.

He would only make 20 appearances during his first 18 months at the club, many of which coming off the substitutes bench, needing game time to progress and help him live up to his potential, with Bielsa dubbing him as “immense” during his time with the Whites.

However, his two loan spells with Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool would see him score just four times in 36 matches, but it was somehow enough to catapult him back into Daniel Farke’s plans last season.

The one-time Colombian international made ten appearances during the first half of the season, before yet another loan spell with Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday, Sadly, he was once again unable to deliver – failing to find the back of the net during his temporary stint.

His contract would expire during the summer, with Leeds deciding against extending his deal after his lack of impact during his four years contracted to the club, subsequently joining fellow second-tier side Sunderland on a free transfer over the summer.

However, the fresh start hasn’t worked out as the 24-year-old would’ve envisaged, appearing for just 44 minutes in the league to date and struggling to help the Black Cats’ own promotion ambitions.

Given his lack of form after his Elland Road departure, there’s no denying that the club made the right call in parting ways with the attacker.

His youthful years mean he still has many years to resurrect his once-promising career, but the Whites’ supporters will be hoping that it doesn’t come against them towards the end of the season, as both sides look to do battle and return to the Premier League come the end of May.

Leeds have hit gold on Christiansen signing who's worth more than Godfrey

The Leeds United star has been phenomenal under Daniel Farke this season.

By
Ethan Lamb

Dec 19, 2024

Newcastle United have now made contact with the agents of a “phenomenal” £25 player, and he is open to a move to St. James’ Park, according to a report.

Newcastle keen on a defender

Newcastle’s search for a new defender continues as we enter the second week of the January transfer window, and they remain in the race to sign Lens’ Abdukodir Khusanov, with reports revealing they are now among the frontrunners for his signature.

Khusanov is not the only Lens centre-back of interest to the Magpies, however, as they are also in the running for the 20-year-old’s teammate, Kevin Danso, who could be brought in to play alongside Sven Botman.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Eddie Howe’s side are leading the race to sign AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, who could be targeted as a cheaper alternative to Marc Guehi.

Newcastle want to sign "outstanding" £58m star who's been better than Isak

Newcastle United will have a contingency plan in place in case Alexander Isak does leave.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jan 6, 2025

Milan would be looking for a fee in excess of £25m to part ways with Tomori, making him a far more affordable option than the Crystal Palace defender, who has a price tag three times higher at £75m.

According to a report from Football Insider, Newcastle have now made contact with the AC Milan defender’s camp to see whether he will be available this month.

Last summer, the former Chelsea man resisted a return to the Premier League, but he is now more open to the move, having fallen down the pecking order at the San Siro.

The Englishman has barely received any game time in the Serie A since October, although he did return to the starting XI for the Italian Super Cup semi-final and final, with his side prevailing 2-1 against Inter in the final.

As such, it remains to be seen whether the 27-year-old pushes to leave Milan, having forced his way back into starting contention over the past week.

What Tomori could bring to Newcastle

The centre-back has some Premier League experience, having previously played for Chelsea, and he was lauded as “phenomenal” by members of the media during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Since making the move to the Serie A, the five-time England international has also impressed, with journalist Josh Bunting previously stating he should be in contention for a call-up to his national side due to his positioning and reading of the game.

Newcastle are not expected to be in a financial position to make expensive signings this month, so a £25m deal for Tomori could make sense.

The only concern is the fact the AC Milan man has fallen out of favour at San Siro, but his recent reemergence in the starting XI could be a sign he has started to rediscover his best form.

Merengues and Culés faced off in the Legends Clásico at the Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca

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• Márquez is Javier Aguirre’s assistant with for Mexico
• Márquez played 242 games for Barcelona
• Represented El Tri in five World Cups

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rafael Márquez, former Barcelona player and current assistant to Javier Aguirre with the Mexican national team, took part in the Legends Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid – a match that featured iconic names such as Figo, Marcelo, Iker Casillas, Andrés Iniesta, Carles Puyol, and Rivaldo.

  The "Kaiser," who played for the Culés from 2003 to 2010 after a successful stint with AS Monaco in Ligue 1, shared that his move to Barcelona sparked a shift among fans.

  "Because of me, a lot of people switched from Madrid to Barcelona – but that’s just how it is, and I’m grateful for all the love they showed me and my teammates," said Márquez.

  Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have the largest global fan bases outside their home country, with 15.6% and 10.4% of international support respectively, placing them ahead of Manchester United (9.8%). That is is according to a report by the Chiliz Group, which surveyed fans across eight countries in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

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  WHAT RAFAEL MÁRQUEZ SAID

  Rafael Márquez won 12 titles with Barcelona before moving to MLS in 2010, when he signed with the New York Red Bulls. Reflecting on the fierce rivalry between Spain’s two most popular clubs, he said, "More than anything, it’s about enjoying this match. Games against Real Madrid are always different. It’s a pleasure to be here with my people, in my country, and to say that I once shared the field with my teammates on this pitch."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Márquez played 242 matches for Barcelona between 2003 and 2010. During his time with the club, the Mexican center-back scored 13 goals and provided 13 assists.

  With the Culés, he won four LaLiga titles, two Champions Leagues, one Club World Cup, two Spanish Super Cups, one UEFA Super Cup, and one Copa del Rey. He is remembered for being part of the historic sextuple-winning Barcelona side under Pep Guardiola during the 2009–10 season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?

  El Tri will face Switzerland on June 7 at the University of Utah's stadium, and then take on Turkey on June 10 at Kenan Stadium in North Carolina. Both matches will serve as preparation for the Gold Cup.

Bayern Munich are keen to beat Man City and Real Madrid to the signing of Florian Wirtz, with the Bavarians' bosses working hard on the transfer.

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• Wirtz on Bayern, City, and Madrid's radar
• Leverkusen ready to sell star for €150m this summer
• Bayern bosses working hard behind the scenes

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Amidst competition from Manchester City and Real Madrid, Bayern Munich are preparing an ambitious move for Florian Wirtz worth €250 million (£210m/$280m), with the club's hierarchy strongly backing a potential transfer in 2025, according to a report from Sport BILD. Wirtz has been heavily linked with a move away from the BayArena, although he has a contract extension offer from Leverkusen beyond 2027, including a €125 million release clause starting in 2026. If he doesn’t renew, Leverkusen are reportedly open to selling him this summer for no less than €150 million.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bayern face competition from Real Madrid and City, but honorary president Uli Hoeness is personally involved, maintaining close contact with Wirtz’s father, Hans, to ensure that Wirtz joins them. He is joined by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, a member of the supervisory board, and club president Herbert Hainer, forming a powerful trio capable of facilitating a deal estimated at €250 million, including wages.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  More importantly, Thomas Muller’s departure at the end of the season will free up significant room in the wage bill. The 35-year-old veteran earns a reported €17 million annually — funds that could be redirected toward Wirtz’s salary, which would total around €85 million (£73m/$95m) over a proposed five-year contract.

  Beyond his on-field qualities, Bayern view Wirtz as a marketing asset. Like Muller, he is backed by Adidas — a Bayern shareholder — and is seen as part of a future star duo alongside Jamal Musiala, potentially replicating their visibility from Euro 2024.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR FLORIAN WIRTZ?

  While there's no telling which way Wirtz's future is headed, he will be hoping to help Leverkusen defend their Bundesliga title if this is indeed his final season with Die Werkself. Xabi Alonso's men are currently six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich with just five games to go. They will face St. Pauli on Saturday, April 19.

And just like that, Arsenal are well and truly back in the Premier League title race.

Mikel Arteta’s side went into the North London derby last night knowing that any dropped points would effectively end their domestic season and made sure that did not happen.

It might not have been the best display of finishing from the men in red, but the defence and midfield were immaculate and kept Tottenham Hotspurs’ dangermen from doing much of anything, especially the sensationally talented Dejan Kulusevski.

The Swedish international has been incredible this season, and while he was anonymous last night, we imagine the Arsenal faithful would be delighted to have a player like him in their team.

Fortunately, recent reports have touted another Premier League star who’s won comparisons to him this season with a move to the Emirates in what could be a game-changing transfer.

Arsenal target Kulusevski-esque attacker

According to a recent report from French outlet RMC Sports, Arsenal are one of several clubs interested in Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Alongside the Gunners, it has been revealed that fellow Premier League sides Manchester United and Spurs are keen on the attacker and that they could move to sign the Cameroonian before the month is out.

However, the report has also claimed that it will take a ‘big cheque’ to tempt the Bees into selling, something in excess of €50m, which comes out to about £42m. None of the interested parties have made a bid yet but they have been in contact to ‘gather information’ about what it could take to complete a deal.

That claim seems to have been backed up by Arsenal insider Connor Harrison who has revealed in the last 24 hours that the Gunners have been speaking to his agent since last summer.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Mbuemo’s immense ability and Arsenal’s need for attacking reinforcements, it’s one well worth pursuing, especially as he’s won comparisons to Kulusevski this season.

How Mbuemo compares to Kulusevski

So then, before we look at some of the other reasons why Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Mbuemo this month, let’s examine this comparison to Kulusevski and where it has come from.

It primarily stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in the Premier League this season, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and, in this instance, has concluded that the Swede is the fourth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Cameroonian.

We can better understand how this conclusion was reached by looking at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots, live passes, goal-creating actions, tackles won and more, all per 90.

However, while comparisons to a player of the Spurs ace’s calibre – who already has 16 goal involvements to his name this season – is certainly encouraging, it’s obviously not the sole reason why Arteta and Co should be signing the Brentford star this month.

One of the other most significant reasons is his own attacking output, as in just 25 appearances this season, the “unplayable” 25-year-old, as dubbed by Bees boss Thomas Frank, has scored 13 goals and provided four assists, meaning he’s averaging a goal involvement every 1.47 games.

On top of that, the “incredible” former Troyes star, as dubbed by manager Thomas Frank, can play off the right and down the middle, which could see him provide competition for Bukayo Saka – when fit – and Kai Havertz, thus ensuring nobody’s level can drop.

Ultimately, Arsenal are crying out for a forward signing this month, and from how unbelievably well he has played this season, Mbeumo could be the perfect one, and their own Kulusevski to boot.

Arsenal have been trying to sign £51m star "for years" and "will" get him

There’s optimism he’ll make a move to N5.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 16, 2025

Endrick has been told to cut out the tricks at Real Madrid, with Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti less than impressed with “theatrical stuff”.

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• Teenager handed first La Liga start
• Drew a blank against Getafe
• Urged to favour substance over style

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazilian wonderkid has endured a testing debut campaign in European football. He arrived at Santiago Bernabeu with a reputation as being one of the hottest prospects on the planet, but still has much to learn at 18 years of age.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Endrick has taken in just 213 minutes of La Liga action this season, with 64 of those coming when being handed his first league start in a meeting with local rivals Getafe. The youngster drew a blank in that contest before being replaced by England international Jude Bellingham.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Endrick had opportunities to hit the net, with just one Liga goal to his name so far, but fluffed his lines. One effort saw him attempt to dink Getafe goalkeeper David Soria when he should have gone for power.

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  WHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID

  Ancelotti told reporters afterwards of the South American needing to favour substance over style: “Endrick had two good chances. For the first, I think he couldn’t have done much better. The second might have been offside but he has to learn from that. Young players need to strike the ball properly, not this theatrical stuff. Theatre in football doesn’t exist.”

Manchester United and INEOS have a deal in place with a “monster” £33 million transfer target, according to a report.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils have just over a week in this January transfer window to sign a new left wing-back and move on any other players that Ruben Amorim doesn’t want to be a part of his squad. The Premier League side confirmed the temporary departure of Antony on Saturday, as he joined Real Betis on loan for the remainder of the season.

Man Utd now plotting cheap deal to sign "amazing" versatile midfield gem

He’s on their radar…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 26, 2025

The Brazilian’s departure now frees up the chance for United to bring in a left wing-back, a position that is seen as a key to strengthening. But as well as looking to strengthen that area of the team, United also have their eyes on a few other potential signings. It’s been claimed that Man Utd are preparing a move to sign Achraf Hakimi from Paris Saint-Germain, whose contract expires in over a year’s time.

As well as looking at Hakimi, Man Utd are plotting to sign Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoume, but this may not occur until the summer. The 22-year-old would not cost the Red Devils a substantial fee; therefore, there is an opportunity for United to make a much-needed bargain move at the end of the campaign.

Report claims Man Utd have deal in place with £33m target

But while the Red Devils look at Hakimi and Agoume, signing a left wing-back now is a priority, and according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport relayed by The Faithful, Man United have agreed a deal with Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu, seemingly on personal terms.

Dorgu has become a top target for United in this transfer window, and even though the Red Devils have seen two bids turned down by Lecce for the player, according to Fabrizio Romano, United have not given up on signing Dorgu. Romano reports that negotiations continue between the two clubs, as Lecce want €40 million (£33 million), and United could offer more add-ons to make the deal happen.

United are trying to “increase the pressure” on Lecce by doing a deal for Dorgu, as agreeing personal terms means they are a step closer to a deal. However, United are very tight when it comes to PSR, so they are trying to find a way of reaching a fair price while not putting themselves in jeopardy of breaking rules.

Dorgu, who has been dubbed a “monster” in the past, has become a top target for United, as the lack of availability at left-back or left wingback has been a concern for the Premier League side for over 18 months now. Tyrell Malacia could reportedly leave on loan in this transfer window, while Luke Shaw continues to struggle with fitness, as he remains on the sidelines through injury.

Dorgu has really impressed in Italy, not only for his defensive ability but also for his attacking threat and versatility, which is on show most weeks, and given how United have struggled on both flanks this season, his arrival could be perfect for what Amorim is looking for.

Tottenham Hotspur have held “concrete talks” to sign a £20m+ attacking “monster”, according to a Sky Sports journalist.

Tottenham qualify for Europa League last 16 with win over Elfsborg

Ange Postecoglou’s side got back to winning ways on Thursday evening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with youngsters Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore all scoring in a 3-0 Europa League win over Elfsborg to book their place in the last 16.

Talking after the win, Postecoglou said: “It was “Made in Tottenham” tonight. It’s brilliant for the club and I’m sure there are academy coaches and players who won’t sleep because they are pretty excited. We’ve got a big week coming up and we’ve got to try to manage the load of our players and try to protect them.

“We kind of knew we would have to rely on some young players tonight and all the way through this campaign to be honest. I thought they stood up really well. The whole group played well but we were going to need some young boys to make an impact and not just the three goalscorers.

“We had a couple of 18-year-olds in there as well who continue to drive us on. So it’s a great night for the club and something the whole academy should be proud of.”

Attention now turns back to the Premier League and the transfer market, with Monday evening’s deadline fast approaching.

So far, Spurs have only brought in one new player in goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, although Postecoglou admitted he could do with more due to the sheer number of injuries in the squad.

Tottenham reach out to agents over signing "remarkably quick" £25m defender

Spurs could still get a centre-back over the line.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 31, 2025

Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel has been heavily linked with a permanent big-money move to north London, with a verbal €60m agreement being reached and Levy travelling for talks. Since then, it has been claimed that Tel will not join Spurs and has informed them of their decision, as per Fabrizio Romano, but another attacker is of interest to Spurs, albeit for the summer window.

Tottenham hold “concrete talks” to sign Tzimas – Sky Sports

According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg in the last 48 hours, Tottenham have held “concrete talks” to sign Stefanos Tzimas, currently playing at 1. FC Nurnberg.

Any transfer would cost around €25m (£21m) in the summer, with top-flight rivals Aston Villa also in discussions with the attacker. However, it is Brighton & Hove Albion who are leading the race for Tzimas at this moment in time.

Tzimas, described as a “monster”, is currently on loan at Nurnberg from PAOK but the German side plan to activate a permanent transfer for €18m before potentially selling the teenager on straightaway.

The Greek forward has been in impressive form during the 2024/25 campaign, scoring 10 goals in 17 appearances in all competitions. That has resulted in praise from German football expert Tobias Kroger, who compared Tzimas to Benjamin Sesko.

“He reminds me a lot of Benjamin Sesko. He has a really interesting all around package for a striker: He’s good in the air but also quick for his height. He is good at making runs into open spaces but is also clinical in one-vs-one situations with the keeper. His link-up play is also very good. His technique is also very good but not elite.”