Newcastle United: £63k-p/w ace will "follow Saint-Maximin out"

Newcastle United are 'open' to letting fringe player Ryan Fraser leave St James' Park this window; however, the Scotland international is struggling to find a 'suitable' next destination, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Ryan Fraser leaving Newcastle United?

Chronicle Live journalist Mark Carruthers took to Twitter X to provide an update on the future of £42k-a-week ace Fraser alongside teammate Isaac Hayden, stating: "I suspect some will go on loan with Newcastle paying a proportion of their wages. There has been tentative interest in the likes of Hayden and Fraser and hopefully there’ll be some movement on them over the coming weeks."

Fraser has been out of the picture at Newcastle United for quite some time and made just eight appearances in all competitions for the Magpies last term, as per Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has detailed that he is on good terms with players on the fringes of his squad, stating in an interview with Chronicle Live: "I think with those players, in particular, it is very difficult for us as a football club because in an ideal world for their careers we'd want them to go and play football and have a good career at another football club. "But there's all sorts of difficulties associated with it, contract length, the amount of money they are earning and it is finding a football club that they want to go to as well."

He then added: "They are all great lads. I have no issue with any of them and I wish them well, but let's see what happens."

Howe and Fraser had quite a public falling out earlier this year and subsequently jettisoned Fraser to train with the Magpies' Under-21 side alongside calling his commitment to Newcastle United into question, as per The Daily Mail.

Prominent Newcastle United Twitter X account Mouth of the Tyne claimed last week that Fraser has held talks with Scottish champions Celtic and Sky Bet Championship outfit Leeds United over a potential move away from St James' Park.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones has indicated that Fraser is likely to follow Allan Saint-Maximin out of the exit door this summer in search of a new challenge.

Jones stated: "Newcastle are very much open to Fraser leaving but he is one of those that just hasn’t been able to find a move that is suitable. I have not heard anything to suggest he’s going to be able to work his way back into the plans so I think at this stage it is fair to assume he will follow Saint-Maximin out the door."

What now for Newcastle United?

Newcastle United have operated on a strategic basis this summer and boss Howe will hope to keep making smart choices in the market as his side prepare to juggle both domestic and European competition this term.

According to The Irish Examiner, AC Milan youngster Cathal Heffernan could be headed to St James' Park after spending a year at the San Siro.

tino-livramento-newcastle-transfer-opinion-premier-league

Southampton defender Tino Livramento is another player of interest to Newcastle United; however, his current employers are demanding a fee of £50 million for his services, as per talkSPORT.

Red Bull Salzburg defender Oumar Solet is being tracked by Newcastle United and Everton while he would be open to a move to the Premier League to continue his development, according to The Daily Mail.

Sunderland Submit £1.7m Bid To Sign "Random" Clarke Partner

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their pursuit of another centre-forward before the end of the transfer window…

What's the latest Sunderland transfer news?

According to Zorya Londonsk, the Black Cats have submitted an offer to sign Zorya Lugansk number nine Nazariy Rusyn as they chase a move to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

The report claimed that the club have sent in a bid of €2m (£1.7m) plus add-ons but there is no mention of whether or not that is enough to secure his services.

It is also stated that they are facing competition from other Championship clubs, who are unnamed at this point, and that could pile the pressure on Kristjaan Speakman to get this swoop over the line as quickly as possible.

How good is Nazariy Rusyn?

The 24-year-old marksman has been in impressive form for Zorya since the start of last season and would be a terrific signing for Sunderland if he is able to translate that over to English football this term.

Rusyn has showcased his ability to score and assist goals from a centre-forward position and could, therefore, be a dream partner for current Black Cats ace Jack Clarke in the final third.

Sunderland winger Jack Clarke.

During the 2022/23 campaign, the Ukrainian gem, who journalist Josh Bunting described as "random", made a significant impact on a regular basis as he plundered 13 goals and six assists across 30 league matches.

Meanwhile, Amad Diallo (14) was the only Sunderland player who scored more than ten Championship goals last term, and the Ivory Coast international has since returned to Manchester United upon the end of his loan spell at the Stadium of Light.

This suggests that Rusyn has the potential to be Tony Mowbray's biggest goal threat if he can replicate his Zorya form in England, particularly with Ross Stewart out with the Achilles injury that the Scotland international sustained in January.

Rusyn, who has scored once in two league games this season, also scored six goals in ten games for Ukraine at U21 level and could be a dream striker for Clarke to work with.

The English winger created two chances and launched five crosses into the box against Ipswich Town on the opening day but was not rewarded with an assist as Luis Hemir Semedo struggled on his senior debut as virtually the only man within the box against four defenders.

Last season, Clarke was a constant creative threat on the left flank as he ended the campaign with 12 assists and 1.7 key passes per match across 47 league appearances.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man was Mowbray's outstanding creator as the 22-year-old wizard led the club in both statistics, which shows that he is capable of slicing open the opposition's defence on a regular basis to create opportunities for his teammates at this level.

That is why Clarke and Rusyn could be perfect for each other as the reported Sunderland transfer target's form over the last 12 months indicates that he has the ability to make the most of the chances that his potential new teammate could create for him in the Championship.

Wolves Want ‘Crazy’ Diego Costa Replacement At Molineux

New Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil will be aiming to delve into the transfer market in order to bolster his squad before it shuts in just under three weeks.

The Old Gold have seen more players depart the club than have arrived, with ten players, including Ruben Neves, Diego Costa and Nathan Collins moving on from Wolves, leaving them lacking in any real strength in depth.

All areas of the pitch needed vastly improved, although the frontline is arguably the key area which needs to be prioritised in the next few weeks.

Will Wolves sign a striker?

During the Premier League last season, the Molineux outfit netted just 31 goals across 38 games and this was the lowest total out of the whole division, signifying their need for a striker or two this summer.

Costa, who arrived on a free transfer in September last year, was a major disappointment. The former Chelsea hitman scored just once across all competitions.

With the 34-year-old leaving after less than a year in the Midlands, O’Neil will now be looking for a striker who could replace him and Wolves have shown interest in West Ham United forward Michail Antonio of late

Could Wolves sign Michail Antonio?

According to TEAMtalk, the Old Gold are keen on luring Antonio to the club in a bid to strengthen their attacking options.

The 33-year-old was also linked with Wolves during the January transfer window, yet no move materialised, but it appears they are back in for him during the dying embers of this transfer window.

The £69k-per-week Jamaica international enjoyed a decent season for West Ham during 2022/23, scoring a total of 14 goals across all competitions while he even helped the Hammers win the Europa Conference League last term, their first trophy in over 40 years.

His experience in the Premier League will be a big plus for O’Neil as Antonio has 61 goals during his senior career in the top flight and he could be the reliable goal scorer that they have craved over the previous two seasons.

West Ham striker Michail Antonio.

He doesn’t just offer a solid threat in front of goal either as the forward ranks in the top 14% for progressive carries per 90 (2.49) when being compared to positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues while ranking in the top 20% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.32).

This suggests he isn’t fazed when taking on opposition defenders and he tends to carry the ball deep in the final third, which could allow him to create chances for others.

Teammate Thilo Kehrer lauded him towards the end of last season, saying: “Michail [Antonio] is working like crazy up front at the moment!

“He is scoring goals as well, so we are really happy that we have him. Mich is a great teammate. A great personality and positive energy. We all have a lot of jokes and laughs with him. He makes everyone have a good time and he is also a hard worker too.”

Not only can he score goals, but Antonio is also a player who will give everything in the pursuit of success and O’Neil could do worse than luring him to the Midlands in place of Costa.

Leeds Move To Sign £20m "Real Deal" Has Now Been Hijacked

Leeds United were reportedly leading the race to sign Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer this summer, but Fabrizio Romano has given a worrying update as it seems the 49ers' pursuit has collapsed.

What's Cameron Archer doing at Villa?

At Villa Park, Archer currently pockets £20k-per-week, which he isn’t really earning considering that he’s nothing more than a fringe player having spent his career carrying out three loans with Solihull Moors, Preston North End and most recently Middlesbrough. But that could all change should he nail down a regular starting place elsewhere.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein previously revealed that the Midlands outfit are open to selling the 21-year-old amid strong interest, and CBS reporter Ben Jacobs name-checked the Whites as a potential suitor when asked who could be looking to secure his services in the Championship.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: “Leeds are one of the clubs, no doubt Middlesbrough are another. So I would expect movement on Archer between now and the end of the window."

According to Football League World, Daniel Farke and the 49ers were at the “head of the chasing pack” alongside Sheffield United for the centre-forward this summer, with his club having set a £20m price tag for their academy prospect.

However, even though it initially appeared that the hierarchy were well-placed to successfully land their target before the end of the window, there has been a gutting update which supporters won't want to hear.

Middlesbrough's former loan striker Cameron Archer.

Are Leeds signing Cameron Archer?

Taking to X, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Aston Villa have struck a deal with the Blades for the transfer of Archer, meaning that Leeds are set to miss out on securing his services despite previously being out in front, with the fact that Paul Heckingbottom's side are in the top-flight likely a big deciding factor as to the striker's next destination. He wrote:

"Sheffield United are set to sign Cameron Archer on £18/19m deal from Aston Villa — medical booked #transfers. Villa will also retain a buy back clause as it’s part of the process — like Ramsey at Burnley."

How many goals has Cameron Archer scored?

At Middlesbrough last season, Archer clocked up a remarkable 17 goal contributions (11 goals and six assists) in 23 appearances in the northeast which shows how prolific he is, but he also made a positive impact even when the ball didn’t always hit the back of the net.

Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE…

The Walsall-born talent, who has the versatility to operate everywhere across the frontline, was averaging 1.8 shots and 1.2 key passes per second-tier game, form which saw him receive three man-of-the-match awards from WhoScored, highlighting the constant threat he can bring to the side in the final third.

Aston Villa’s “real deal”, as dubbed by presenter Jack Collins, additionally shares the same agent, Unique Sports Group, as Karl Darlow, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could have given chiefs a slight advantage in their pursuit, but it turns out that it wasn't enough having been pipped at the post meaning that the boss will have to turn his attention towards other options.

Man United could sign their answer to Rice with late transfer

Manchester United have previous for leaving things late in the transfer window and it looks like it could be yet another hectic period for the club ahead of Friday's looming deadline, with a number of issues still to resolve.

As Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst revealed earlier this week, there could still be multiple new signings made over the coming days, with the addition of a new left-back a particular priority following the loss of Luke Shaw to injury.

There is also a belief that United could target another midfield signing despite already bringing in the club's new number seven, Mason Mount, earlier in the summer, with various reports indicating that a late move for Tottenham Hotspur's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could be the on the cards.

What's the latest on Hojbjerg to Man United?

As 90min's Graeme Bailey revealed on Tuesday, the Red Devils are said to have been offered the chance to sign the Denmark international from their Premier League rivals, with the 28-year-old set to be allowed to leave if a suitable offer were to arrive from a potential suitor.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

The former Southampton man has been of interest to La Liga side Atletico Madrid throughout the summer window, although a possible £30m switch to the Spanish capital failed to pan out, thus opening the door for United to pounce.

The suggestion is that Erik ten Hag and co are considering midfield alternatives to Fiorentina ace, Sofyan Amrabat, hence the interest in prising Hojbjerg from north London in what would be a surprise, last-gasp approach.

How good is Hojbjerg?

There may be those of a United persuasion who would be concerned at the prospect of signing a player who is seemingly surplus to requirements at one of their rivals, although such a move could well prove particularly astute if Hojbjerg – who has been described as a "warrior" by Sky Sports reporter Nubaid Haroon – is to hit the ground running at Old Trafford.

Tottenham's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

One particularly intriguing factor regarding the £100k-per-week Dane is the comparison that can be made between himself and Arsenal's recent £105m addition, Declan Rice, with the pair said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities, according to FBref.

That likeness between the Spurs destroyer and Rice – who had been a reported target for the Red Devils prior to joining the Gunners – can notably be seen by their forward-thinking approach from midfield, with the Gunners ace averaging 6.84 progressive passes per 90, while Hojbjerg is only just behind as he averages 6.51 in that regard, across the last 365 days.

The pair are also both seemingly adept at dictating the tempo in the centre of the park as the latter man ranks in the top 8% among his European peers for pass completion, while the England international ranks in the top 16% for that same metric.

It is the duo's ball-winning prowess that particularly catches the eye, however, with Hojbjerg having averaged a solid three tackles and interceptions per game last term, while Rice was only just ahead after averaging 3.8 tackles per game in the 2022/23 campaign.

Equally, much like the former West Ham United man – who chipped in with six goals and assists in the league last season – the Tottenham titan can also impact proceedings in the final third, having registered ten goals and assists for the Lilywhites last term in the top flight.

With Rice evidently a highly-rated talent – as his lofty transfer fee would attest to – for Ten Hag to find his own version of the 24-year-old for potentially a fraction of the cost could well be an exciting prospect.

Tottenham: Spurs Chiefs Eyeing "Gold" Defender Signing

Tottenham Hotspur could make a conditional late move for Leicester City defender Wout Faes as journalist Sacha Tavolieri shares news out of Spurs.

Who will Spurs sign?

In the last 48 hours, plenty of noise has surrounded the likes of Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson as manager Ange Postecoglou weighs up late Harry Kane replacements.

Spurs have so far sealed deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, youngster Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz, but rumour has it there could be more.

The north Londoners must apparently shift unwanted players out of the door to free up squad space first, though, as the likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Davinson Sanchez, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Eric Dier are linked to leaving the club.

Postecoglou, speaking earlier this month, was up front and honest over Tottenham's need to sell before the 11pm deadline tomorrow.

Ange Postecoglou

"The reality of it is we can't just keep acquiring players," said the Spurs head coach.

"We've got too big a squad as it is. It affects the training, the players themselves because they all want to play and be involved.

"It's not so much one has to happen for the other but our focus at the moment is trimming the squad down and seeing where that takes us in terms of reinforcements. We're assessing that on a daily basis. There's still two weeks to go in the window and I'm sure you'll see some movement."

With just over a day to go until the window shuts, it will be interesting to see if Spurs can indeed sell/loan enough players to move for transfer targets.

Indeed, this comes amid claims that Tottenham are still keen on signing more central defensive cover following the signing of van de Ven from Wolfsburg.

Faes, who dropped to the Championship with Leicester last season, is apparently very much liked by the Tottenham hierarchy as they eye a late move for him.

That is according to reporter Tavolieri, who took to X with some news that Spurs are interested in the Belgian, and could well swoop if they manage to sell Dier.

Leicester City' defender WoutFaes.

"Infos #THFC," wrote Tavolieri.

"Tottenham Hotspur already seeking several options in case Eric Dier leaves #Spurs including Wout Faes who’s is a profile appreciated by the management."

Faes started 31 top flight matches for Leicester last season, standing out as their most regularly-selected central defender.

What's been said about Wout Faes?

The Belgium international ace has been praised by members of the media, perhaps most notably former England star Gary Lineker, who said Leicester struck "gold" with Faes.

Meanwhile, former Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers once also heaped praise on his former defender.

"I've been very impressed," said Rodgers.

"He plays as if he's much older. He knows football – and having guys in your backline that know the game makes a huge difference.

"He's well-educated in football, you can see that in how he plays and his game is suited to the Premier League. He's aggressive for us. The types of defenders I like – he defends forward, he presses the game."

Spurs could bin £25m dud after signing Brennan Johnson

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer window held much importance given it was Ange Postecoglou’s first, and marked the start of what many hope will be a revolution set to expunge the failed tenures of Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo from their recent memory.

Poor recruitment strategies with regard to both players and managers have hampered a club that was once poised to enjoy a long-lasting stay around the top of the Premier League, but already their new manager has begun work on cultivating a new atmosphere, one of positivity and good energy at last.

It is fair to say great strides have already been made towards reaching that goal, with the signings of James Maddison, Micky van de Ven and more all aiding in the slowly returning feelgood factor surrounding the Lilywhites.

Therefore, that makes the £47.5m expended on Brennan Johnson an investment many are willing to believe in, given how the former Nottingham Forest flyer was so sought-after by Postecoglou.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Whilst many might baulk at the fee, should he prove to reach his potential and add to their already potent front line, it will take no time at all for that figure to become a coup.

Especially given his presence alone should likely force his teammates to start improving their respective games, knowing that a poor performance will be capitalised upon by the dynamic 22-year-old.

One such early casualty could be Dejan Kulusevski, whose displays on the right wing have left little to be desired after just four league games.

Why did Spurs sign Brennan Johnson?

As aforementioned, the signing of Johnson is one that has drawn plenty of interest, with some questioning such a lofty sum for an unproven asset.

Despite that, pundit Darren Ambrose still remains confident, telling The Transfer Show on Sky Sports: “He will hate me for saying this. But I think Brennan is a better player than his Dad was and he was a fantastic player. But the pace he has got. He must be one of the quickest players in the Premier League. He’s not a like-for-like replacement for Harry Kane. We know that.

Brennan Johnson, Notthingham Forest winger

“He is more of a wide player. But I think you can integrate him into that number nine role. It’s blase to say £50m isn’t a lot of money. But in the crazy world of football, it’s not that much. I think this would be a fantastic signing for Spurs."

Those who might laugh at such a deal are likely unaware of just how well-suited the Wales international is to Postecoglou’s system, which demands plenty from the attackers.

He even outlined this back in February, speaking on how he wants his strikers to earn their chances just like Kyogo Furuhashi did at Celtic: “It’s not just about his goals. They are the most important thing, but he works so hard. He’s another that, whatever rewards he gets, they are hard-earned. He’s not floating about just waiting for a chance. He’s running his socks off to do things other strikers won’t do because he knows it’s the right thing for the team.”

ange-postecoglou-spurs

Therefore, when comparing Johnson with other forwards across Europe, it is pleasing to see that he sits in the top 9% for progressive carries per 90 as well as the top 11% for tackles per 90 and the top 19% for blocks per 90, via FBref.

That’s without mentioning his eight goals and three assists in the league last season, starring for a side that narrowly avoided the drop in what was his first year in the English top flight.

It should come as no surprise to see him lauded, with his physical assets having been outlined by journalist Ethan Lamb too, who described him as a "speed demon" after being clocked as the fastest player in the Premier League last season.

However, to truly explain why Spurs decided that he was worth spending so much on, it simply takes the glowing testimony of Postecoglou himself: “He's a real threat in the front third, he's different from what we've already got, he's young and ambitious. It's no secret that's the model for me.

“It's just as much about the person as well as the footballer, and looking at him he's going to fit in really well with this group. He's ambitious and hungry and wants to take his game to the next level. The technical and the physical attributes he has, he should fit in really well.”

Such a ringing endorsement helps to summarise why fellow winger Kulusevski should be running scared.

How many goals has Dejan Kulusevski scored?

It is with great disappointment that Sweden international has started off this campaign in a similarly toothless fashion to his last, as the 23-year-old still seems miles away from the form he exhibited within his first six months at the club.

Joining from Juventus on an initial loan deal, Kulusevski scored five goals and assisted a further eight in just 18 Premier League games, spearheading their late push for that coveted fourth-place spot. However, the year following he would score just two goals across the entire season, coming under severe criticism.

He has remained a constant in the starting side though when fit, with the £25m unloaded this summer likely banking on the tricky winger recapturing that form of old.

dejan-kulusevski

And yet, his start to the season has proven unpredictable, with just one goal in five appearances across all competitions, but an average Sofascore rating in the league of 7.13.

Therefore, it seems he is still yet to escape the words of pundit and former Brighton and Hove Albion forward Glen Murray, who told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport (via TEAMtalk) back in September 2022:

“He (Richarlison) seems to be the only one (in a groove), Harry Kane to a certain extent. But Kulusevski has been blowing hot and cold. I would say he hasn’t hit the heights we saw him hit when he came in last season."

That being said, despite his form continuing to escape him, this trust the Swede somehow merits suggests it will be an exciting battle for that right-wing spot, at the very least handing Postecoglou more attacking options; not that they needed any after their 5-2 pummeling of Burnley at the weekend though.

Johnson's ability to play up front does make him a versatile option too, but Kulusevski must remain vigilant given what journalist Tim Spiers recently wrote regarding his favoured position:

"Staying wide is what Postecoglou wants from his wide forwards and the fact that Johnson is a right-footed, right-sided player may mean he’s asked to be the player Postecoglou likes to arrive at the back post from crosses directed from the left flank, something Kulusevski hasn’t proved a natural at, with the Swede’s strengths coming more from creativity than goalscoring."

Whilst Kulusevski must now up his game immediately if he is to keep their new £47.5m signing out of the team, the new boy must also seek to hit the ground running in order to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding that right wing position.

Tottenham could unearth Kane heir in 19 y/o "phenomenon"

Tottenham Hotspur have a rich history of academy production, with their current squad propped up by a strong youthful core, and teams of the past having been built around graduates who fans can relate with.

Making your way up and eventually featuring for your boyhood club is a dream every supporter has so to watch a youngster achieve it makes it that much more special when they perform. It is what made Manchester United's 'Class of 92' so special, and what led the Lilywhites to fall so madly in love with Harry Kane.

As one of the most famous products of the north London outfit, which has played host to some truly outstanding players in recent memory, the current England captain arguably stands out above all given the records he would shatter.

He outlived numerous managers, and although his departure was a gut-wrenching one over the summer, the renewed hope that Ange Postecoglou has brought has eased the pain that such a move would have otherwise facilitated.

Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian was appointed to oversee a revolution in N17, after numerous failed tenures that did not deliver on the silverware promised. Now, the former Celtic man is seeking to usher in a fresh, exciting era at the club, hopefully laden with the trophies they have been avoiding.

It is a testament to his start to life at his new club that few are complaining about Kane's sale, but that does not mean it is not worth mentioning.

Is Harry Kane a Spurs legend?

When they offloaded the 30-year-old, the north Londoners lost far more than just the goals they were essentially promised every year. Although, that by itself was astronomical.

The current Bayern Munich man made an astonishing 430 appearances for Spurs across his 19-year tenure, stretching back into his youth days, and would score 278 times.

His clinical nature saw him surpass Jimmy Greaves' record for most goals scored for the club, whilst Kane even added elite creativity to his game that made him one of the best strikers in the world. This was perfectly outlined during the 2020/21 Premier League term, where he scored 23 and assisted 14, winning both the Golden Boot and the Playmaker award in the same year.

During this period, he unsurprisingly earned praise, with pundit Paul Merson even noting: "He's got an all-round game and I personally think he's the best centre-forward in the world, he's the only player I know who has got the whole package. People will go 'oh (Erling) Haaland, he's 20, he scores goals, that's what he brings to the party'. Kane brings everything to the party.

"He's got an array of passing, he can put people in, he can join the play. I can't talk highly enough of the lad, I really can't, he's a special, special player."

This was extended even into his last year in north London, where his 30 league goals marked an astronomical figure for a side that had been so poor. Postecoglou may have pleaded with him to stay, but the £100m offer from the Bavarian giants proved too lucrative to decline.

Harry Kane's Premier League seasons

Goals

Assists

Average Rating

2022/23

30

3

7.44

2021/22

17

9

7.38

2020/21

23

14

7.63

2019/20

18

2

7.24

2018/19

17

4

7.29

All stats via Sofascore

The 58-year-old tactician would still speak highly of the man he oversaw briefly: "It's only fair on a day like today that our supporters do have a sense of mourning and loss, as despite the lack of success at the club, he's been a hero to them."

However, Kane's success has not solely been tied to his club form, as in March he actually surpassed Wayne Rooney to become England's all-time leading scorer. It was widely expected that, had he remained in England, Alan Shearer's Premier League record was massively under threat too.

Despite that, he is a man who no longer plays for the club, with all his successes now a thing of the past. Postecoglou is promising a brighter future regardless of that setback, with one of his youngsters potentially set to step up to fill this vacancy.

Who is Alejo Veliz?

As he acted shrewdly in the market to recover from such a crushing loss, the signing of James Maddison, in particular, having paid off as the Englishman only recently took home the Premier League Player of the Month award for August.

It is exciting to see the direction he seeks to take the Lilywhites, although that number nine position still feels rather empty.

Even with Heung-min Son's hat trick last time out, it is unlikely that the South Korean will play there for a full season, even with Richarlison's faltering form.

So, it will be a welcome sight to see youngster Alejo Veliz training with the first-team, with the Argentine one of those aforementioned summer additions that perhaps went under the radar. "Alejo is finally on the pitch, which is great." Postecoglou recently noted. "It was his first session yesterday. He's been impatient waiting to get started. It was good to have him involved yesterday and he'll be available from here on as well."

The 19-year-old joined for a £13m fee, with great reviews from his homeland. In fact, Daniel Bertoni, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1978, was desperate to praise the teenage striker: "Congratulations to Tottenham, who took Alejo Veliz from Rosario Central. For me, [Veliz is] a phenomenon.”

Postecoglou would supplement this by profiling his newest forward: "He’s got a lot of talent for a youngster. He’s got a great profile. He’s a big guy but he’s very mobile and he works hard."

To already be tearing up senior football at his age is a hugely impressive feat, with his 11 goals in the Argentinian top flight last term a fine figure to build on the six he had scored the year prior.

Adding to this, he also notched three times in four matches at the recent U20 World Cup, as if to emphasise his international pedigree too.

Although far from a similar profile to Kane physically, as he seems like a far more hard-working and brutish forward, the goals he could score might make him the heir to the position left vacant by their legendary ex-marksman.

With Richarlison once again faltering in front of goal, having recorded just one league strike last term and seen his position taken by a natural left winger already this season, it seems an opportunity is opening up for someone to step into Kane's place. Despite his youth, Veliz has all the attributes to be that man.

Spurs: Ange without "top" player after weekend injury update

There has been some Tottenham Hotspur team news ahead of Arsenal as manager Ange Postecoglou is forced to cope without a "top player" he loves.

Arsenal vs Tottenham preview

Both the Gunners and Lilywhites go head-to-head this afternoon in a highly-anticipated battle of the north Londoners. Postecoglou's side are currently enjoying their richest vein of form for quite some time; winning four out of their opening five Premier League matches while remaining unbeaten.

Impressive victories over Bournemouth, Man United and Burnley just prior to the international break began to showcase Spurs' brand new attacking style under Postecoglou, but they were forced to dig deep against Sheffield United last weekend.

Gustavo Hamer's opening goal against the run of play gifted United a shock second-half lead, but two very late goals from Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski gifted Tottenham all three points and sent the home crowd into unbridled ecstasy.

Speaking after the match, Postecoglou urged supporters to carry on enjoying the thrill ride that is their newly-exciting Spurs team.

“No, no, no, let them go, let them go and enjoy it," said Postecoglou to the media.

"My role is not to burst people's bubbles. Let them get excited, let them get ahead of themselves. That's the beauty of being a supporter.

"They go through enough pain mate, you want to let them enjoy it. If they think we're going to be world beaters then great, that's up to us to match that expectation. Our supporters deserve to have some happiness and enjoy it any way they want to.”

Arsenal, meanwhile, are enjoying a near-identical run of form heading into the encounter. Mikel Arteta's men have clinched four wins out of a possible five as well, again remaining unbeaten, though in much grittier fashion.

Narrow wins over Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Everton best exemplify the winner's mentality Arsenal players have showcased – despite not being in true attacking free-flow right now.

Arsenal also put on the late, late show against Man United in a 3-1 win just before internationals. Goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus deep into added time handed them a vital three points to keep chase with title rivals Man City.

Indeed, Arsenal and Tottenham's face-off at the Emirates this afternoon has been set up as a truly mouth-watering encounter.

Tottenham team news

Speaking ahead of the game, Postecoglou gave an update on his squad's fitness levels and the Spurs absentees.

Ivan Perisic is of course missing the encounter after his disastrous ACL injury in training mid-week, with the Tottenham boss instead giving an update on the likes of Giovani Lo Celso.

The former has been sidelined since Spurs' second-round Carabao Cup tie against Fulham, and according to Postecoglou, he won't be returning against Arsenal.

Lo Celso is apparently still a few weeks away from coming back, alongside fellow midfielders Bryan Gil and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Postecoglou explained in a pre-Arsenal press conference:

"Everyone from last week is in a good space. In terms of longer ones, two or three weeks away. Bryan Gil, Lo Celso, Bentancur, hopefully over the next few weeks they will slowly get involved in training."

Postecoglou is a big fan of Lo Celso, saying as much in pre-season. The Argentine has also been called a "top player" by fellow professionals, so he may well have been a brilliant option to call upon today.

Thomas Tuchel reveals how he broke his toe during intense pre-match chat with Bayern Munich and Harry Kane ahead of Champions League clash

Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed he thinks he broke his toe during a pre-match chat with his players.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Tuchel broke his toe during pre-game chat
  • Clashed with a door as he went overboard
  • Bayern thrashed Lazio 3-0 to progress
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The German manager went overboard during his pre-match chat ahead of Bayern Munich's Champions League clash against Lazio on Tuesday and admitted he might broken his toe after clashing with the dressing room door.

  • Advertisement

  • WHAT THOMAS TUCHEL SAID

    At the post-match press conference, the Bayern boss said, "While giving my pre-match address, I made contact with a door and think I might have suffered a broken toe, at least it feels like that. It’s very painful and it’s why I couldn’t stand and sat down during the game. But it’s all good."

    He also spoke to Amazon Prime, where he added, "I received treatment immediately but didn’t have the courage to take off my shoe as I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get it back on."

  • Getty Images

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The Bavarian club headed into the clash a goal down from the first leg but they managed to stage a turnaround at Allianz Arena as they beat Lazio 3-0 to reach the Champions League quarter-finals courtesy of Harry Kane's brace and a goal by Thomas Muller.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN MUNICH?

    The reigning German champions, who are trailing Bayer Leverkusen by 10 points, will next take on Mainz in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus