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    Eric Dier’s career in limbo as ‘doubts’ emerge over England star just 42 days after Bayern Munich transfer

    ERIC DIER’S Bayern career looks to be coming to an end already – just 42 days after he joined the German champions.The Bavarian club are in full-blown crisis after losing their last three games on the bounce.
    Dier is unlikely to have his contract extended by BayernCredit: Rex
    Thomas Tuchel, the manager that brought in both Harry Kane and Eric Dier from Spurs, has already been dismissed by the club with the German undergoing a stay of execution until the summer.
    Dier has made just five appearances so far and the club are understood to be concerned about his lack of “pace” and “ability” according to The Daily Mail.
    The deal to bring him to the Allianz was structured in an unconventional way, with the defender currently on a six month loan from Tottenham.
    But his contract with Spurs is up in the summer, meaning he will be a free agent when the loan expires.
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    Bayern have the option to extend the deal by a further 12 months in the summer but that looks unlikely to happen at this stage.
    Dier has surprisingly moved up the pecking order since his move to Munich, with Bayern also having Matthijs de Ligt, Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upemacano to choose from.
    Upemacano has been struggling of late, being sent off in his last two appearances for the club.
    Dier has previously credited Kane with helping him adjust quickly to life in Bavaria.
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    He said it was a “dream” to join Kane in Bayern although he did rule out lodging in Kane’s £30million mansion.
    But his “dream” move is increasingly becoming a nightmare with Bayern now eight points behind Bayer Leverkusen in the title race.
    Fans are only just realising what Eric Dier sounds like after fears Bayern Munich star had pulled a Steve McClaren,
    Their Champions League threads are also hanging by a thread after losing the first leg of their round of 16 clash 1-0 against Lazio. More

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    Tottenham ‘absolutely convinced about signing Conor Gallagher’ as Chelsea’s transfer stance is revealed

    TOTTENHAM are convinced that signing Conor Gallagher from Chelsea this summer would be a great move.The England international, 24, is yet to extend his Stamford Bridge deal, which will run out in the summer of 2025.
    Tottenham are convinced to sign Chelsea’s Conor GallagherCredit: Alamy
    Ange Postecoglou is on the hunt for a midfielder with Spurs looking at another season without silverware.
    The Aussie wants an all-action star, an imposing presence in the middle but who could also alternate with James Maddison in a more advanced position if required.
    Gallagher fits that profile, and Chelsea have previously indicated they are willing to do a deal for the right price.
    And transfer expert Dean Jones has spelled out how keen Spurs are on Chelsea’s homegrown star.
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    He said: “Tottenham are absolutely convinced that he’s the kind of dream No8 that they’re after.
    “So from a playing style, and personality on the pitch, Conor Gallagher really does fit the ethos of where they want to take this team.
    “I’d say things that go against it at the moment are the fact that Conor Gallagher is Chelsea through and through.
    “And that does sometimes play into whether a player would be willing to join a certain team.
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     “I’m not ruling out that he would join Tottenham, but it’s something to consider.”
    The midfielder, 23, has risen through the Blues’ academy and has been outshining the club’s big-money summer signings including £115million Moises Caicedo.
    Incredible timelapse video shows Premier League clubs’ £27.5BN player sales since 1992 with Chelsea biggest selling club
    He has made 33 appearances this term and even skippered the Blues in Reece James’ absence.
    That shows why Tottenham are so keen – and it is unclear who they would go for if a move for Gallagher failed..
    Gallagher has been a key man for Chelsea this season outperforming expensive signing More

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    New Tottenham wonderkid Lucas Bergvall slams Bojan Krkic’s dad after Spurs transfer sparks bitter row with Barcelona

    NEW SPURS wonderkid Lucas Bergvall has hit back at claims that he used Barcelona to get a better deal out of Tottenham.Ex Barca scout Bojan Krkic snr, dad of the former Stoke star of the same name, also questioned Bergvall’s ambition after the highly-rated midfielder chose to leave Swedish side Djurgarden for North London instead of the Nou Camp.
    Tottenham beat off competition from Barcelona and other big clubs to sign Lucas BergvallCredit: Rex
    But Bergvall, 18, said: “They can say what they want. I know what the truth is.”
    Krkic snr claimed Bergvall’s girlfriend and mum steered him towards Spurs and his camp played Barca along to improve Tottenham’s offer.
    Krkic said: “Where is the player’s ambition? Barça would be the opportunity of his life right now.”
    When asked if the smears could be bitterness on Barcelona’s part, Bergvall said: “That could be the case, absolutely.
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    “There was a lot of speculation, but it’s nice that everything has settled down and that I can focus only on Djurgården.”
    Tottenham beat off a late challenge from two Premier League rivals to sign Bergvall, who had a trial at Manchester United when he was 14.
    Bergvall, who cost Tottenham an initial £8.5m, and is currently on loan at Djurgarden, will arrive in the Premier League – midway through the Swedish season that runs from late March to November.
    He revealed Spurs are working behind the scenes to prepare for his arrival, with either his mum or dad set to join him in England to help him settle.
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    Bergvall told Aftonbladet: “One of them is moving with me for the first month so that I can get into it, then we’ll have to take care of things. 
    “It’s nice to have someone you can lean on, especially in the beginning. 
    James Maddison gives young Tottenham fan ‘memory to last a lifetime’ as England star shows his true colours
    “It is clear that we are in contact [with Spurs] and they are working to sort everything out, but not so much as regards football.” More

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    ‘He goes really, really mad’ – Inside the change at Tottenham as Dejan Kulusevski lifts lid on Ange Postecoglou’s regime

    DEJAN KULUSEVSKI can praise Ange Postecoglou all day.Tottenham’s stars love playing for the popular Aussie, love his style and where it is taking them – but they definitely do not want to cross him.
    Dejan Kulusevski is loving the style of Ange PostecoglouCredit: Tottenham Hotspur
    The attacker has hailed the Australian managerCredit: Rex
    Kulusevski has been helping young adults start their coaching coursesCredit: Tottenham Hotspur
    The Spurs boss has charmed fans from all corners of English football since his arrival from Celtic in the summer, making an impact well beyond N17 with his dry wit and honest opinions.
    But he has one hell of a fiery side too.
    Kulusevski told SunSport: “He gets angry for sure.
    “There have been a couple of half-times when he thinks we’re not doing enough, playing safe and not pushing enough to win the game and then he lets us hear it.
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    “He goes really, really mad. But we always play better afterwards so it works!
    “It is not fun but it is part of the job, you cannot always just give love to players sometimes you have to be hard on them like parents do. It is not scary because it helps us in the end.”
    There is no denying it has worked. Only Manchester City and Liverpool have won more than Spurs’ 16 points from losing positions this season.
    Postecoglou has players and supporters on side like no manager since Mauricio Pochettino in North London, there are no longer protests or toxic chants if Spurs are struggling late on in a game – only hope.
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    His arrival has sparked a huge change of mood and culture at the club after the brutal messages and frustrating football from the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
    Kulusevski, 23, was called upon to sell the club to new signing and fellow Swede Lucas Bergvall a few weeks ago, and spoke in glowing terms about the club.
    Postecoglou dubbed ‘nicest man in football’ for response to fan’s question
    Bergvall, who also spoke to Postecoglou, ended up choosing Spurs over Barcelona.
    He said: “I met him and it was nice to see him because I know him a bit. I told him the truth, the same as what I tell everyone. How good this club is and the plans for the future.
    “I didn’t want to tell him which club to join because that is hard, but it is the first time I’ve played with a Swedish player.”
    Kulusevski also acknowledges that the sales pitch may well have been different a year ago.
    The winger added: “Yes, it has changed at the club, absolutely.
    “It has been a fantastic change and now it feels like the club is going on the right path and we are doing the right things.
    “We are more focused on better things. It is a different mentality, we have to improve.
    “It is not about we have to win otherwise it’s a catastrophe, it is about improving every day and if things are going to happen they will happen. It is more about the positive things.”
    It certainly helps that Postecoglou plays the style of football that Kulusevski has loved since he was a boy.
    The self-confessed football “nerd” who grew up playing Fifa all night and playing front-foot football during the day, loves the philosophy.
    And having considered a coaching career of his own, it is one he would stick to.
    The former Juventus man took time to help out with Tottenham’s Under-14s this week and paid a surprise visit to the club’s Spurred 2 Coach programme this week.
    The Foundation initiative helps young adults without coaching qualifications take the first steps towards earning FA badges and Kulusevski surprised last weeks participants by taking part in a training session with them in the shadow of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    He said: “I love teaching kids as they make you so happy. I would like to train kids in the future.
    “I played like that as a child.
    “When I grew up, we kept the ball on the floor and wanted to have possession, we didn’t want to be afraid of anybody.
    “That is exactly the same things as we are doing now. For a player to play this style is a blessing. It is brave and the most important in life is to not care about mistakes.
    “As a coach I would not care about mistakes. I would just want my players to feel free to express their talent as every man and woman has talent.”
    As well as playing like he did as a kid, Kulusevski is also dreaming like one under Postecoglou.
    The manager rarely replies to title talk by ducking the question, he simply asks ‘Why not?’ A message reinforced with the players.
    Kulusevski said: “We want to be the best, there is no reason why not we can be the best if we are doing this.
    “When we were kids we were all dreaming and then people tell you to stop dreaming, it is nice to try to become more like kids again thinking everything is possible.”
    The more realistic focus is a top four finish, returning to the Champions League, something which has been put into sharper focus by watching the tournament return this week.
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    He said: “It’s the worst thing seeing those games and you are not playing
    “You try to be positive and with your family. As a player you want to be on the biggest stage.” More

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    Tottenham face defensive crisis with trio injured as Ange Postecoglou rules out forgotten star for two months

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU has confirmed Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie and reserve goalie Fraser Forster will be out for their match against Wolves tomorrow. Ange Postecoglou’s side are sitting a tight fourth in the table just one point above Aston Villa.
    Destiny Udogie will not be making the match against Wolves tomorrowCredit: Rex
    Pedro Porro picked up a strain in training and is likely out for a couple of weeksCredit: Alamy
    Fraser Forster has fractured his foot and is probably out for a couple of monthsCredit: Rex
    Spurs’ chances of coming away from Gary O’Neil’s in-form team with three points have slimmed dramatically after Postecoglou announced the worrying new injuries.
    Both Porro at right back and Udogie on the left flank are integral to the boss’ style of play.
    Explaining the injuries in a press conference, Postecoglou said: “Pedro Porro picked up a strain at training. Probably a couple of weeks for him”.
    “Destiny Udogie picked up a knock, not too serious. Game next weekend, should be back”.
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    “Fraser Forster – fracture in his foot, probably a couple of months”.
    The loss of Forster, whose injury is the most serious, poses less of a threat seeing as the goalie has only made one appearance all season in the Carabao Cup.
    Emerson Royal is likely to replace Porro at right-back, while Ben Davies could line up on the left .
    Spurs’ have no doubt had an unlucky season when it comes to injuries.
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    £40million summer signing James Maddison has undergone a hefty spell on the bench with an ankle injury and has only returned to full fitness in the last few games.
    The same goes for Dejan Kulusevski who suffered a hamstring injury in September.
    Ange Postecoglou laughs ‘look at you’ after trolling entire press conference with transfer target Spurs missed out on
    Spurs were also put under pressure by the Asia Cup which deprived them of their absolutely vital captain Son Heung-min.
    And at the same time the AFCON temporarily took away Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma. More

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    Antonio Conte ‘would only accept Premier League job’ if he was certain he couldn’t get three dream roles

    ANTONIO CONTE would only agree to return to the Premier League if he couldn’t manage either Napoli, AC Milan or Juventus.Conte has been a free agent since March after his dramatic dismissal from Tottenham following a turbulent season at the helm.
    Antonio Conte hasn’t shut the door on a potential Premier League returnCredit: AFP
    The Italian tactician was sacked by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy after launching an astonishing attack on his “selfish” flops and the club’s “20 years” of underachieving in a ten-minute rant.
    According to The Mail, the 54-year-old has returned to Turin where he is enjoying a quiet life with his family and loved ones.
    The ex-Italy manager is taking some time off to “detoxify” himself following a few clashes with clubs chiefs and the media.
    The former midfielder is enjoying some much-needed rest following a rough campaign that also saw him losing close friends Giampiero Ventrone, Sinisa Mihajlovic and Gianluca Vialli.
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    Conte loves his time in Italy and is currently not keen on leaving his home country.
    However, the ex-Inter Milan boss hasn’t completely shut the door on a potential Prem return.
    After all, the ex-Chelsea manager experienced immense success at Stamford Bridge as he won the Premier League title in 2017 and the FA Cup a year later.
    In fact, no one came close to leading the Blues to the Prem title after he left six years ago.
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    However, Conte is more keen on working at Napoli and Milan in the Serie A.
    The popular head coach would also want another crack at Juventus where his managerial career took off 13 years ago.
    ‘Richarlison is right, his season is s***’ – Conte hits back at ‘SELFISH’ striker and hints he doesn’t deserve to play
    Conte wants to return to management but also wants to stay close to Italy and his family. More

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    Brentford star Neal Maupay reveals he wants transfer after rows with two England stars

    NEAL MAUPAY wants to call it quits with Everton and return to Brentford next season.The forward is on loan at the Bees from Goodison Park, where he has only made 12 Prem starts since arriving 18 months ago.
    Neal Maupay ‘can’t hide’ his desire to be with BrentfordCredit: Rex
    The frontman clashed with Kyle Walker in Brentford’s 3-1 defeat to Man City
    Maupay has clashed with two England stars in recent Prem games – Tottenham playmaker James Maddison and Manchester City defender Kyle Walker.
    But he is more than content with life on the pitch and insists Brentford has “always been my club”.
    Maupay left the Bees for Brighton in 2019 in a deal worth £20million.
    But his switch to Everton three years later has not worked – and he was loaned back to West London in September.
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    Now Maupay, 27, wants to stay at Thomas Frank’s side, although he is in the dark over where his future lies.
    He said: “I’m not the person to decide but I feel happy here. I want to stay. There’s no hiding that.
    “Brentford’s always been my club.  They are the ones that gave me my chance. I’m grateful to be here and will do my best to help the club.
    “I feel great. I’m happy. Hopefully, Brentford feel the same way.”
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    Frenchman Maupay knows Bees’ survival hopes will be tested with Liverpool and Manchester City to come next.
    He said: “I don’t know if we can be optimistic. They’re two of the best teams in the world. 
    Fans love Lisandro Martinez ‘schooling’ Neal Maupay after Everton star confronts Man Utd ‘Butcher’
    “We have to be ready. Everyone expects us to lose  but we have nothing to lose.
    “With our quality and a good plan, we can get something.” More

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    Bayer Leverkusen 3 Bayern Munich 0: Harry Kane looks destined to remain trophyless as hosts move five points clear

    BAYERN MUNICH suffered a shock 3-0 thrashing by rivals Bayer Leverkusen a major blow to Harry Kane’s title hopes.Kane, 30, hasn’t won a single piece of silverware throughout his glittering 11-year career, despite becoming Tottenham and England’s record goalscorer.
    Bayern Munich star Harry Kane’s title hopes were dealt a massive blowCredit: Getty
    Bayer Leverkusen destroyed Bayern with a score of 3-0Credit: EPA
    Xabi Alonso extended Leverkusen’s undefeated streakCredit: Getty
    Alonso has been linked with a return to Liverpool to replace Jurgen KloppCredit: Reuters
    The star striker appeared to have done his chances of breaking his hoodoo following his £104million move to serial trophy winners Bayern last summer.
    However, the England captain experienced defeat on his debut in the German Super Cup against RB Leipzig before a shock elimination from the German Cup by third-tier minnows Saarbrucken.
    And Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen took charge of the title race with a dominant victory over the Bavarians at the BayArena.
    Josip Stanisic opened the scoring after just 18 minutes and Alex Grimaldo doubled the hosts’ lead in the 50th minute.
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    The triumph was complete in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Jeremie Frimpong beat Bayern’s star goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to seal the three points for Alonso’ undefeated side.
    Leverkusen are now top of the Bundesliga table with five points separating them from Kane and Eric Dier, who was also in Thomas Tuchel’s starting line-up.
    The Three Lions skipper’s impact was limited throughout the crunch clash despite him being Bundesliga top scorer.
    The result will have sent shockwaves around Europe amid intense speculation linking former Liverpool star Alonso with a massive Anfield return to replace Jurgen Klopp at the helm.
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    Klopp announced he will be leaving the Reds in June after nine stunning years at the Kop as he’s running out of energy.
    The Merseysiders reportedly made contact with the Spanish tactician three months ago.
    Harry Kane sets ANOTHER record at Bayern Munich after bagging 24th league goal of the season
    The purpose was to establish if the 42-year-old would be interested in leaving Leverkusen.
    The Real Madrid legend has addressed rumours linking him to Liverpool but remained coy.
    Alonso said: “At the moment I am really happy here and enjoying my work.
    “Each day and game is a challenge. We are in an intense and beautiful journey here at Leverkusen.
    “Speculation is normal, but I have great respect and admiration for what Jurgen has done at Liverpool.
    Kane was very limited throughout the game against Leverkusen
    That is despite Kane topping the goalscoring charts in the Bundesliga
    Kane hasn’t won a trophy throughout his 11-year careerCredit: AP More