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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

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    Tottenham transfer blow as ‘Bayern Munich make last-ditch attempt to sign top target in centre-back hunt’

    BAYERN MUNICH have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Genoa defender Radu Dragusin, according to reports.Dragusin, 21, has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs this month.
    Bayern Munich want to hijack Tottenham’s pursuit of Radu DragusinCredit: Getty
    The Lilywhites sent scouts to watch him in action earlier this season and they are now prepared to table a bid.
    However, according to German outlet Sport BILD, Bayern Munich are also interested.
    Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is understood to be keen on the prospect of signing the centre-back.
    However, Tottenham are still leading the transfer race for Dragusin.
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    The Romania international is reportedly valued at around £26million.
    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 last January and has since made 62 appearances.
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    Tottenham are also on the verge of signing Timo Werner on loan until the end of the season.
    The deal is expected to include an option to buy for around £14million. More

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    Djed Spence set for immediate Tottenham transfer exit just days after Leeds ripped up loan contract

    DJED SPENCE is reportedly set for another loan move away from Tottenham.The right-back returned from his spell at Leeds last week after the Championship side triggered his recall clause.
    Djed Spence is set to be loaned out again after returning to Tottenham from LeedsCredit: Alamy
    Spence made just seven appearances during his loan after recovering from a knee injury.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are planning to loan the 23-year-old out again for the remainder of the season.
    The report adds that he is expected to secure a move away from North London within a matter of days.
    Spence has played for Spurs just six times since signing from Middlesbrough in 2022.
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    He previously spent the second half of last season in France with Rennes after failing to establish himself at his new club.
    Ange Postecoglou also deemed him surplus to requirements after his appointment in the summer.
    As a result, the former England under-21 international had reportedly been put up for sale after his return from Leeds due to apparent “attitude issues”.
    However, Spence instead seems set for another loan move away from Spurs, where he is contracted until 2027.
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    Elsewhere, Eric Dier could also leave the club this week after agreeing terms on a move to Bayern Munich.
    As for incomings, former Chelsea striker Timo Werner is on the verge of becoming Postecoglou’s first January signing.
    The German forward will sign on loan from RB Leipzig with an option to buy. More

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    Former Premier League star with £7.6m in career earnings eyed for shock transfer by League One side Bolton

      FREE agent and former Premier League ace Josh Onomah is on the radar of Bolton.The midfielder, 26, trained at Stoke after a spell at Preston last season and wants to get back into a club as soon as possible.
    Josh Onomah was most recently at PrestonCredit: Getty
    He came through the academy at SpursCredit: Reuters
    Wanderers want new faces without spending big and Onomah would fit the bill.
    Onomah rose through the ranks at Tottenham and was tipped by many for Premier League success.
    He represented England extensively at youth level and was handed opportunities by Tottenham – largely in cup competitions.
    The midfielder was part of the England under-20 side that won the World Cup in 2017.
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    That age group included the likes of Dominic Solanke, Dominic Calvert Lewin and Kyle Walker Peters.
    The midfielder made 32 appearances for Spurs during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure but was never given an extended run of starts in the team.
    He finally left the club in 2019 to join Fulham following spells on loan at Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday.
    Injuries hampered his time at Fulham, with Onomah often in and out of the team.
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    He made 76 appearances for the Cottagers before leaving to join Preston in 2022.
    Injuries again hampered his ability to settle in the side and he made 13 appearances before leaving the club as a free agent.
    Onomah has been without a club this season but training with Stoke City has kept him fit and ready for a move. More

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    Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel gives brutal response as he’s quizzed over Eric Dier transfer from Spurs rumours

    THOMAS TUCHEL gave a blunt response when asked about a potential Bayern Munich swoop for Eric Dier.The Bundesliga champions have been strongly linked with a move for the out of favour Tottenham defender.
    Thomas Tuchel answered a question about Tottenham star Eric DierCredit: Getty
    Dier has struggled for game time at Tottenham this seasonCredit: EPA
    Dier, 29, has agreed personal terms with Bayern over a January switch.
    Asked about the England international, former Chelsea boss Tuchel gave nothing away.
    Quizzed how Dier sounds, Tuchel joked: “English!”
    He then kept his cards close to his chest, adding: “Have you already asked the sporting director? There will be no comment from me.”
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    Fans online, rightly or wrongly, claimed that Tuchel’s comments suggested that he wasn’t that keen on signing Dier.
    One wrote: “So Bayern Munich signed Dier without the manager’s consent.”

    While a second commented: “Clearly not his signing.”
    Another added: “In other words, Eric Dier is the idea of the sporting director not Tuchel’s.”
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    Dier has been out of favour at Tottenham this season.
    He did not play a single minute under Ange Postecoglou’s until the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea on November 6.
    The experienced defender has made four appearances in total this term, with his contract set to expire in June.
    Spurs have had to do without Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero for long stretches this season.
    While Ben Davies pulled up with an apparent hamstring issue during Spurs’ 1-0 FA Cup win over Burnley on Friday night.
    After the match, Postecoglou was asked if his side can afford to lose Dier given Davies’ knock.
    The Aussie gave a considered pause before answering: “Yes.”
    Dier has played 364 times for Spurs since signing from Sporting Lisbon for £4million in 2014.
    He played regularly as the North Londoners contended for the Premier League title under Mauricio Pochettino, and featured in the 2019 Champions League final.
    The 49-cap star earned his place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad for Qatar, but has struggled for form since.
    Read more on The Sun
    Tottenham are trying to sign Genoa centre-back Radu Dragusin, while Van de Ven has finally returned to fitness.
    Spurs have also bolstered their front line by agreeing a shock loan deal with RB Leipzig for former Chelsea forward Timo Werner.
    Timo Werner has agreed to join Tottenham on loanCredit: Getty More

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    Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou snaps ‘don’t question my integrity’ and brutally responds to Eric Dier transfer question

    TOTTENHAM manager Ange Postecoglou was in no mood to be questioned about Eric Dier’s absence from the Spurs squad yesterday.The defender wasn’t named on the Spurs bench for their 1-0 FA Cup third round victory over Burnley amid rumours that he has agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich.
    Postecoglou did not respond kindly to being asked about Eric DierCredit: Reuters
    But Postecoglou insisted that Dier’s absence was because of injury and not due to a transfer and gave short shrift to any reporter that suggested otherwise.
    The Aussie was asked if Eric Dier was injured in a post-match press conference and replied: “Yeah he’s injured.”
    When asked about the nature of the injury he said: “He just pulled up sore in training yesterday.”
    Postecoglou was then asked if there was any truth in Dier’s link with joining Bayern Munich to which he replied: “Separate issue mate but don’t question my integrity. When I say he’s injured, he’s injured.
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    “Didn’t train yesterday. Ask him. When I say he’s injured, he’s injured. Got nothing to do with anything else.”
    The reporter then dared to ask again whether there was any truth in the links with Bayern to which he said: “I got no idea. I’ve got no interest.
    “But when you ask me whether he’s injured… He’s injured, like I did not make that up. If he wasn’t injured I’d say he’s not selected, it’s easy for me to say.
    “Now in terms of anything else that’s happening? Not on my radar, not that I’ve heard of and if there is something I’m sure I’ll hear of it.”
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    Dier has reportedly already agreed personal terms with Bayern, with Spurs standing to receive around £4million for the defender.
    It is now up to Bayern to decide whether they will pursue Dier or other defenders.
    Ange was then asked if he can afford to let Dier go given Ben Davies picked up an injury in the game against Burnley.
    He simply replied: “Yes.”
    Spurs are still negotiating with Genoa over the signing of centre-back Radu Dragusin, who would replace Dier in the squad.
    And they are in advanced talks to sign Timo Werner from RB Leipzig, with the former Chelsea striker expected to finalise a deal to join the club tomorrow. More