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    Conor Gallagher unlikely to quit Chelsea with Spurs circling… but England midfielder not part of Poch’s long-term plan

    CONOR GALLAGHER is now “unlikely” to leave Chelsea this month – but Tottenham will not give up on signing the player.SunSport has learned that Mauricio Pochettino has made clear that selling Gallagher, 23, this month would be a mistake. 
    Conor Gallagher is unlikely to leave Chelsea in the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
    Tottenham won’t give up on Chelsea ace Gallagher and will come back in the summerCredit: Rex
    It means Spurs are unlikely to get their wish of a January transfer switch but they will come back in for him over the summer. 
    Our source said: “Tottenham want to sign Conor, but there’s a massive timing issue at play.
    “Chelsea had been open-minded to letting the player go a couple of months ago and Spurs thought the deal was in place. 
    “But in recent weeks Conor has become of vital importance to the team and the manager thinks letting him go now could lead to major problems in the second half of the season. 
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    “He’s not necessarily a part of Pochettino’s long-term plans but he is seen as a vital part of the project for the time being.
    “Gallagher is in no rush to leave the club and wants to help them to turn the season around.
    “He is also massively popular with the fans and the board will fear a massive backlash if they let him go and he takes Spurs, one of Chelsea’s biggest rivals, into the Champions League while they are left stuck in the middle of the table.”
    Ange Postecoglou wants to secure a midfielder in the break between Sunday’s trip to Manchester United and the FA Cup fourth-round game against Manchester City.
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    Gallagher has been a keen man for Chelsea this season, outperforming expensive signings
    He wants an all-action star who can be in imposing presence in the middle but also alternate with James Maddison in a more advanced position if required.
    Gallagher has been the player who best fits the profile, and Chelsea have previously indicated they are willing to do a deal for the right price.
    That could be up to £50million, although there are more potential complications. 
    “Conor is basically the player Poch trusts most for his tactical ideas, he is perfect for the 4-3-3 system.
    “So many others still need to get used to that system, and Pochettino is reluctant to let such a player go during such an inconsistent period of results so early in his time.”
    Gallagher is enjoying the greater responsibility at Chelsea, having captained the side in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell. More

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    Tottenham announce Radu Dragusin transfer as Romania star joins after ‘rejecting twice as much money from Bayern’

    TOTTENHAM have announced the signing of Radu Dragusin from Serie A outfit Genoa. The 21-year-old centre-back joins the north London side on a deal that will run until 2030.
    Radu Dragusin has signed for TottenhamCredit: Rex

    The deal is understood to be valued at around £21.5million plus add-ons.
    Spurs outcast Djed Spence will move the other way as he will join Genoa on loan for the remainder of the season.
    Dragusin had been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, but has chosen the to join Tottenham instead.
    He’s reported to have turned down double the money from the Bavarians in favour of making the move to the Premier League.
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    Dragusin is said to have left his agent in disbelief after making the decision, but is keen to progress his career over opting for financial benefits.
    The star’s agent, Florin Manea, admitted that an offer from Bayern was submitted while they were on the way to the airport.
    He told Romanian news outlet GSP: “We stopped dead. We were on our way to the airport. I said we have to think carefully and evaluate.
    “Bayern are one of the biggest clubs. I can’t believe I turned Bayern down! But that’s the decision.
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    “I took it with Radu and his family. I informed Bayern that this was the decision, that they came in at the last minute and that it was difficult to change our decision.
    “Maybe in the future, we will get there. We are a little overwhelmed.
    “To turn down Bayern… But it was ultimately what Radu and his family wanted.
    “He is happy. We’re going to Tottenham.”
    Menea revealed that the offer was substantially more than he is set to receive at Spurs.
    He said: “There was quite a difference [between offers]. Almost half as much, if not more, but never mind the amounts.
    “They were never a priority. We always choose the steps we think are right. I think he weighed that he always wanted to get to the Premier League.”
    Spurs welcomed their new man to the club on social media and revealed he will wear the number six on the back of his shirt.
    Dragusin is the second new arrival to Ange Postecoglou’s side this month after they sealed a deal for Chelsea flop Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig.
    Dragusin will wear the number six for SpursCredit: Rex
    He joins Timo Werner in north LondonCredit: Rex More

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    Tottenham reach ‘verbal agreement’ on Eric Dier transfer with forgotten England star closing in on £3.5million move

    TOTTENHAM have reached a “verbal agreement” to sell Eric Dier to Bayern Munich, according to reports.The England international, 29, has entered the final six months of his Spurs contract.
    Eric Dier has played 364 times for TottenhamCredit: Rex
    Spurs have beaten Bayern to the signing of Radu DragusinCredit: Getty
    Dier has hardly featured under Ange Postecoglou, starting just once this season.
    With Tottenham beating Bayern to a deal for Genoa defender Radu Dragusin on Wednesday, Dier could be on the verge of sealing a Spurs exit.
    According to Sky Sport Germany, Dier has emerged as one of the Bundesliga giants’ top targets.
    He adds that Bayern would pay £3.5million for the out-of-favour ace.
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    And that Dier could agree an 18 month contract, with Bayern possessing an option to extend by a further 12 months.
    The defender joined Tottenham from Sporting Lisbon in a £4m deal in 2014.
    He has gone on to play 364 times for Spurs, including in the 2019 Champions League final.
    During his time at Tottenham he has also earned 49 England caps, going to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
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    While he has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern, Dier trained with Spurs as normal on Wednesday.
    In addition to Dragusin’s imminent arrival, Tottenham have announced the loan signing of Timo Werner from RB Leipzig.
    Upon joining Spurs, Werner said: “One-and-a-half years ago I left England, I watched the Premier League, not too much to follow every single club but Tottenham was always a club which I watched.
    “When I joined my old club, I said I wanted to be a winner and I wanted to win titles at the end, and in the end we won the Champions League so I think it shouldn’t be too bad to say that I’ve come here to also win titles and to win something.”
    Dier chats with new signing Timo Werner in training on WednesdayCredit: Rex More

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    Timo Werner’s starting Dream Team price revealed – what will German striker bring to Tottenham?

    GUESS who’s back?Tottenham have acted fast to supply Ange Postecoglou with recruits in the January transfer window by securing Timo Werner on loan until the end of the season.
    With several key players unavailable through injury or international duty, Spurs’ squad is in need of replenishment if they are to continue to compete at the top end of the table and the temporary acquisition of the German forward represents a signal of intent.

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    An interesting prospectCredit: Dream Team
    Werner will be added to Dream Team today with a starting price of £3million.
    At such an affordable price it’s worth analysing his viability and potential in full – just what will be bring to Dream Team this time around?
    Many Dream Team gaffers will remember Werner as a Chelsea flop but it may surprise some to learn that the 27-year-old averaged a goal or assist every other game during his two seasons at Stamford Bridge.
    He was considerably more productive than many give him credit for but there’s no denying his Premier League record was thoroughly underwhelming.
    Having arrived in West London with a reputation as one of Europe’s best goalscorers and Germany’s first-choice No9, Werner mustered only ten goals in 56 top flight appearances.
    Werner struggled in the Premier League last time aroundCredit: GETTY
    He fared better in the domestic cups and generally saved his best performances for Europe – he made a substantial contribution to Chelsea’s most recent Champions League success – but his ineffectiveness in the Premier League is the prevailing memory most fans have of his time in England.
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    Like Darwin Nunez (£4.1m), Werner lacks nothing in terms of effort and dynamism but his threat is often undermined by frustratingly wasteful finishing.
    In 2020/21, no player under-performed against their xG more than Werner in the Premier League – he edged out Neal Maupay (£2.1m) for that unwanted crown.
    Even during his first successful spell at RB Leipzig, where he made his name, it wasn’t uncommon for him to squander golden chances.
    In contrast, Son Heung-min (£4.8m) is statistically one of the most efficient finishers of the modern era.
    Any Spurs fan hoping the German forward will fill the void left by their captain all the while South Korea are active in the Asian Cup may need to temper their expectations.
    Werner’s form has been poor of late but perhaps a fresh start is what he needsCredit: Rex

    That being said, Werner is a willing runner and his work rate should lend itself to Postecoglou’s high-paced brand of attacking football.
    Regular Bundesliga viewers have been less than impressed with his performances this season but his potential shouldn’t be overlooked.
    Werner scored 95 goals in 159 games during his first spell with RB Leipzig and he averages a goal every 153.7 minutes at international level over a seven-year stretch.
    Postecoglou has teased the best form out of several Spurs players already but whether he can rejuvenate Werner is another task entirely.
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    One thing’s for sure, it would be a brave Dream Team manager that backed Werner immediately without a look at him in action.
    Spurs face Manchester United, Manchester City and Brentford before the end of the month.

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    Radu Dragusin flying to London to complete Tottenham transfer as Djed Spence swap deal agreed despite late hijacking

    TOTTENHAM have agreed a deal for Genoa defender Radu Dragusin.Spurs’ offer of £21.5milllion plus Djed Spence on loan looked set to get the transfer over the line.
    Radu Dragusin has chosen Tottenham over Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
    Dragusin has attracted attention following his impressive displays for Genoa
    But German champions Bayern then made an improved offer of £26.7m as they looked to steal him away from Ange Postecoglou.
    However Spurs have now reached “total agreement” with Genoa as their offer was accepted overnight.
    Dragusin is expected to travel to London on Wednesday morning to complete the move.
    The deal is worth £21.5m plus £4.3m in add-ons.
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    As part of the transfer, right-back Spence will join Genoa until the end of the season after his Leeds loan was terminated.
    Tottenham will still pay Spence’s wages after the player was convinced of the temporary move to Serie A.
    It came after Leeds boss Daniel Farke was unimpressed with the 23-year-old’s attitude, and it is understood there was little interest from Championship clubs borrowing Spence this month.
    The loan to Genoa includes an option to sign the wing-back permanently for £8.6m in the summer.
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    Djed Spence’s Leeds loan was terminated last weekCredit: Getty
    Should Dragusin complete his move before midday on Friday he could make his Premier League debut at Manchester United on Sunday.
    It is a huge coup for Postecoglou who always prioritised a new centre-back in this window to bolster his options.
    Full-backs Ben Davies and Emerson Royal have had to play in the middle of defence while first-choice pair Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been injured in recent months.
    Ashley Phillips, 18, who signed from Blackburn for £2m in the summer, was deemed not ready and loaned out to Plymouth earlier this week.
    And Eric Dier is set to join Bayern Munich after a decade in North London.
    Dragusin made his professional debut for Juventus in 2020 but struggled to establish himself as a regular first team player.
    He was subsequently loaned out three times to Sampdoria, Salernitana and Genoa.
    The defender completed a permanent move to Genoa in January of last year and has made 62 appearances.
    Dragusin will be Tottenham’s second signing of the January window after they brought Timo Werner in on loan from RB Leipzig. More

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    Meet Tottenham new boy Radu Dragusin who snubbed Chelsea, has sport star parents and whose Wag is a glam architect

    FOR Spurs it promises to be a Rad signing.Tottenham have agreed a deal to bring the “Romanian Van Dijk” Radu Dragusin to the Premier League for £21.5million from Italian side Genoa.
    Radu Dragusin has agreed to join Tottenham in a £21.5m deal
    Standing at 6ft3in, Dragusin is a hulking presence at the backCredit: instagram @radudragusin5
    Dragusin is supported by his stunning Wag Iona StanCredit: instagram @radudragusin5
    Heading in the opposite direction is forgotten man Djed Spence, as Ange Postecoglou also closes in on a swoop for German forward Timo Werner.
    Dragusin could have been a star on our shores sooner – snubbing Chelsea as a teenager to sign for Juventus.
    He comes from sporting stock – with both his parents elite sports stars in their homeland.
    Meanwhile his glam girlfriend Iona Stan is an aspiring architect who is living the dream life of a Wag.
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    Start big
    Standing at 6ft3in with a striking top-knot and goatee beard, Dragusin cuts an imposing figure.
    It was in his blood to be an athlete, both his parents were involved in professional sport.
    Dad Dan played volleyball for Romania, while mum Svetlana also represented her country in basketball.
    But it was a cousin who introduced a young Radu to football.
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    He joined local side Sportul Studentesc before moving on to Regal Sport Bucharest who have an affiliation with Atletico Madrid.
    But the LaLiga side missed the boat on the centre-half, who moved to Italy in 2018 to link up with Juventus and their academy.
    Chelsea and PSG were also interested, but the Serie A giants moved fast to secure the talent – paying around £215,000 to secure the services of the then Romania U16 captain.
    “My brother called me and told me there’s a good young player [in Romania] and I sent him to see with his own eyes,” Florin Manea, the agent who brokered the transfer, told TMW.
    “He confirmed that initial impression by telling me he is a star, so I quickly reported to Juventus.
    “After about an hour, Matteo Tognozzi, Juventus’ chief scout, called me to say that Radu impressed everyone. Other teams were interested too, but the Bianconeri really wanted him.
    “He asked me, ‘Where can I become a great central defender?’ Chelsea wanted him too, but that’s why he chose Juventus.”
    Dragusin worked his way up the ranks at JuventusCredit: AP
    Centre back Dragusin idolises Juve legends Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo BonucciCredit: Getty
    Following the legends
    In 2020, Dragusin told Juventus TV: “I am inspired by Van Dijk, as well as Bonucci and Chiellini.”
    It was the latter two that he would get the opportunity to learn from in Turin.
    After making his way through the youth ranks, he was called up to the first team for a game against Lazio.
    A month later he made his debut in a Champions League tie against Dynamo Kyiv, coming on as a second half substitute.
    But, despite signing a four-year contract and being highly thought of, he consistently found himself on the fringes of the first eleven.
    Loan spells at Sampdoria and Salernitana hindered his progress, which convinced the Old Lady to offer Dragusin to Serie B side Genoa with an obligation to buy at the end of another loan.
    It was that move at the start of the 2022-23 season that would be the making of him.
    Starring role
    Dragusin took all the plaudits as Genoa gained promotion from Serie B.
    Incredibly, he missed just 45 minutes of a tiring campaign – contributing to his club’s impressive defensive record of conceding the second least in the division.
    After leaving Juventus, Dragusin became a key player for GenoaCredit: Getty
    Dragusin celebrates winning Serie B with IonaCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
    And he managed to find the net four times, as his aerial prowess proved to be a threat from set-pieces.
    His impressive form alerted Romania boss Edward Iordănescu, who called him up to the international set-up for all of his nation’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.
    It would prove to be a successful period for Romania, who topped their group over favourites Switzerland.
    With Dragusin at the heart of the defence, the Romanians conceded just five times in their 10 games.
    Starring in Serie A
    The stopper has continued to progress with his side cementing their place in Italy’s top flight.
    His development has been aided by coach Alberto Gilardino, a once prolific marksman for Parma, AC Milan, and Fiorentina.
    Dragusin said: “Gilardino has given us a lot confidence in our abilities, he told us to play with heart and give everything on the pitch.”
    Stopper Dragusin has proven to be one of Serie A’s most impressive competitorsCredit: Getty
    Dragusin celebrates scoring against Inter in Genoa’s final game of 2023Credit: Reuters
    That was in evidence in Genoa’s final game of 2023, before the winter break.
    The underdogs secured a vital point against Inter Milan to move seven points clear of the relegation zone.
    It was Dragusin who displayed that fighting spirit, netting an equaliser.
    Beautiful missus
    Away from the pitch, Dragusin is ably supported by his stunning girlfriend, Iona.
    Not much is known about how the pair met.
    However, they both appear on each other’s Instagram pages from 2021.
    She is an inspiring architect, who is studying at The Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urban Planning in Bucharest.
    When she’s not, she is living the life of a football Wag.
    On game day, you will find her cheering on her beloved in the stands.
    Gorgeous Iona lives the life of a WagCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
    Iona is Dragusin’s biggest fanCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
    Brunette beauty Iona is studying to be an architectCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
    Iona will be a big fan of London’s architecture when she moves to our shoresCredit: instagram @ioanastan_
    The artsy brunette looks and plays the part, dressing in designer fur coats and taking luxury holidays.
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    Their next port of call is London, where she will be able to indulge her love for shopping and iconic architecture.
    While Dragusin’s game under Postecoglou will, no doubt, continue to improve. More

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    Tottenham fans have wild conspiracy theory after club legend Gary Mabbutt draws team out against Man City in FA Cup

    TOTTENHAM fans targeted legendary ex-skipper Gary Mabbutt in an amusing conspiracy theory after he paired his old club with Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth-round draw.Not even Mabbutt’s status as one of Spurs’ most popular players ever could save him from online teasing after he conjured a tough home clash against the 2023 Treble winners.
    Luckily for Gary Mabbutt he is already a fans’ favourite as many supporters weren’t happy to see Spurs paired with FA Cup holders Manchester CityCredit: ITV

    Mabbutt peaked his club career with Spurs’ FA Cup glory in 1991Credit: PA:Press Association
    Tottenham have not won the Cup since Mabbutt hoisted it aloft following a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest in the 1991 final.
    At the time it meant Spurs had triumphed in the competition a record eight times.
    Since then, however, Tottenham’s biggest rivals Arsenal have moved to the top of the list on 14, with Manchester United on 12.
    And Liverpool, as well as Chelsea, now share third place in the table – as Spurs have been stuck on eight for 33 years.
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    Mabbutt’s history-making moment was not lost on Tottenham fans following Monday night’s draw.
    One cheeky supporter posted: “Gary Mabbutt absolutely determined to carrying on being the last Spurs captain to lift the cup.”
    In fact, Tottenham have gone without lifting any major silverware since beating Chelsea in the 2008 Carabao Cup final.
    And most fans were less than happy with the ‘reward’ for last Friday’s 1-0 third-round win over Burnley – a tie with Pep Guardiola’s FA Cup holders.
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    But one claimed: “Man City will be as cheesed off with that draw as Spurs. Away. At Tottenham. Their bogey team. It’s 50/50.”
    And a neutral follower argued: “One of the worst draws I’ve seen… the only interesting game is Tottenham vs Man City.”
    That might be a harsh verdict as Chelsea have been paired at home to Aston Villa and National League Eastleigh could host Erik ten Hag’s United.
    That’s if Eastleigh beat Newport in their replay and United see off League One Wigan. More

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    Chelsea flop Timo Werner arrives in London ahead of Tottenham loan switch as bargain transfer clause emerges

    TIMO WERNER is heading to London to complete his loan switch to Tottenham.The former Chelsea striker, 27, is due to be at Spurs this evening ahead of a proposed six-month temporary switch.
    Timo Werner is on the brink of joining Tottenham on loan from RB LeipzigCredit: AFP
    The Germany international has jetted into London to finalise the moveCredit: Rex
    Spurs have the option to make the move permanent in the summer for around £15million.
    German international Werner has only played 204 minutes for Leipzig this season due to injury and other players being ahead of him in the pecking order.
    He is desperate for game-time to give himself a shot at going to the Euros this summer.
    And RB Leipzig sporting director Mario Gomez suggested that is exactly what the striker will get at Spurs following talks with the North London side.
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    Ex-Bayern striker Gomez said: “It’s a win-win for everyone.
    “Germany benefits from it. We benefit from this because we get a player going.
    “He will play regularly, that’s what Tottenham have conveyed to us.”
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    Timo Werner will be hoping his Chelsea form won’t follow him to TottenhamCredit: Getty
    Spurs are light up top due to Son Heung-min being at the Asian Cup over the next month with South Korea.
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    Werner’s arrival will ease the situation, while a new centre-back remains a priority.
    Spurs are in negotiations with Genoa over Romanian defender Radu Dragusin, 21, but face competition from Bayern Munich and Napoli.
    Should Werner finalise his move before Friday, he could very well make his Spurs debut on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United. More