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    Arsenal and Tottenham battling it out for ‘frightening’ young defender backed to become one of world’s best stars

    BOTH Arsenal and Tottenham are keen on signing promising young centre-back Edmond Tapsoba, according to reports.Tapsoba has been linked with a move away from Bayer Leverkusen, with Premier League clubs circling.
    Edmond Tapsoba has been an important first-team player for the German club this seasonCredit: Getty
    Tapsoba was also nominated for African player of the Year in 2022Credit: Reuters
    The Burkina Faso international has made 46 appearances for his club this season, and his performances have attracted a lot of interest.
    According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, the defender has been an Arsenal target since his first season in Germany.
    However, Mikel Arteta’s side will now face competition from their North London rivals Tottenham to sign the star.
    Both clubs could do with bolstering their central defence over the summer.
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    After all, William Saliba’s injury was disastrous for the Gunners’ title charge.
    While Spurs fans believe that Eric Dier could do with greater competition.
    Tapsoba has also won 34 caps for Burkina Faso and played at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, which saw him nominated for the African Player of the Year award.
    Last year, the Bundesliga website sung his praises, calling him a “powerful and super-quick defender” with “frightening heading abilities”.
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    Meanwhile, his former coach at Vitoria Guimaraes has backed him for stardom.
    Ivo Vieira said: “I’m sure he will continue his development and become one of the greatest players in the world.
    “He can end up where he wants to. At one of the world’s biggest clubs.”
    Leverkusen are rumoured to be demanding around £60m to pry Tapsoba out of their hands.
    Arsenal have qualified for Champions League football next season, and they will be hoping to compete for the other major trophies as well.
    But Spurs are competing with Aston Villa to secure a position in the third tier of European football – the Europa Conference League – next year. More

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    Fans convinced Kane will have to manage Tottenham after Slot rules out move as they slam ‘another embarrassing episode’

    TOTTENHAM fans have mocked their own club by claiming Harry Kane could end up becoming their new manager.Earlier this week, Feyenoord boss Arne Slot was tipped as the frontrunner to succeed Antonio Conte.
    Some Tottenham fans have joked Harry Kane could end up as their new head coachCredit: Getty
    Arne Slot revealed on Thursday he is staying at FeyenoordCredit: PA
    But he snubbed Spurs’ interest on Thursday and has opted to stay with the Dutch champions next season.
    It comes after Xabi Alonso and Vincent Kompany both ruled themselves out.
    The likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, Luciano Spalletti and Brendan Rodgers remain in the frame.
    But the Lilywhites faithful are now so uninspired by the search for their new head coach that they hilariously joked Kane could be forced to do it himself.
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    Reacting to the news about Slot, one social media user said: “At this rate, Harry Kane will retire and become the next Spurs manager for next year.”
    While another added: “Hear me out, Harry Kane player manager, two birds one stone and all that.”
    And a third responded: “Harry Kane, player/manager incoming.”
    Kane, the club’s all-time record scorer, has been heavily linked with a move away from North London this summer as he prepares to enter the final 12 months of his Spurs contract.
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    Manchester United are understood to be circling for the England captain – who is set to miss out on European competition altogether next season if he stays with Tottenham.
    Meanwhile, other fans simply vented their anger at the club.
    A furious Spurs fan replied: “It’s hard to remember a time when I log onto this app [Twitter] and there is actual good news related to Spurs.
    “Another embarrassing episode. Throw the sink at Nagelsmann.”
    A fellow Tottenham supporter agreed, adding: “Another joke of a management search by this board. Completely embarrassing!” More

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    Tottenham star Harry Kane delivers damning verdict on ‘the failures of the club’ amid Man Utd transfer speculation

    HARRY KANE fired a clear message at Daniel Levy by claiming “a lot needs to change” to stop Spurs being “failures”.Chairman Levy was taunted  after Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Brentford.
    Spurs striker Harry Kane admits there are huge problems at his clubCredit: Getty
    And Kane, who may have played his last home game for Tottenham, said: “A lot needs to change here for us to start being successful again.
    “There is a conversation to be had  in terms of the failures of the club.
    “My focus is to enjoy this final week as much as possible and try and finish the season with a win.
    “I am focused on this season and trying to help the team as much as possible. That is all I can do.”
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    England captain Kane, 29, netted a stunner to open the scoring against Brentford.
    But he looked shell-shocked as Spurs collapsed and shipped three second-half goals to leave their European hopes hanging by a thread.
    Spurs cranked up the music to drown out fans’ boos and Kane and his team-mates took part in a traditional lap of appreciation after full-time.
    Kane added: “You feel responsible. We have to take it on the chin and get ready for next week.”
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    He has 211 Premier League goals as he enters the final year of his contract —  49 short of  Alan Shearer’s record of 260.
    Match of the Day pundit Shearer  said: “I don’t think any Tottenham fan could complain if he said, ‘I’ve done my time and  have got to look elsewhere’.”
    Feyenoord boss Arne Slot left the door open on Sunday for a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    Dennis te Kloese, director of the Dutch club, revealed he had rejected an approach from Spurs — and expects Slot, 44, to do the same.
    But Slot, who has guided Feyenoord to a first league title in six years, said: “Everyone needs clarity quickly. I rejected Leeds in the winter and now I’m staying or leaving.
    “My departure can also be good for the club but if there is no dream club then I will stay.
    “It is not forbidden that I talk to other clubs.” More

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    Harry Kane waves at Tottenham fans during lap of honour, but Ryan Mason insists he was NOT saying goodbye

    TOTTENHAM interim manager Ryan Mason has dismissed suggestions that Harry Kane was waving goodbye to fans following the club’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Saturday.Kane, 29, joined his teammates on a lap of honour after the full-time whistle to mark Tottenham’s final home game of the season.
    Kane joined his Tottenham teammates on a lap of honour on SaturdayCredit: Getty
    The striker was seen waving to fansCredit: Alamy

    While walking around the pitch with his family, the striker was seen waving to fans amid ongoing speculation surrounding his future at the club.
    Some supporters believed he was waving goodbye to to Spurs after 14 years in north London.
    One person took to Twitter to say: “Dunno if this is the last time I’ll see Harry Kane but I will say my goodbyes just in case. Greatest ever player I’ve seen in a Spurs shirt. My striker.”
    While another added: “Is this the final Goodbye from Harry Kane?”
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    But Mason has insisted that Kane’s actions were not out of the ordinary.
    During his post-match press conference, the 31-year-old said: “No, he waves at the crowd every season.
    “I remember sitting here two years ago, and you guys were convinced he was leaving, saying the same thing.
    “It’s the last home game of the season so he wants to show his appreciation to the support he’s received, and we’ve all received this season.”
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    Kane has been heavily linked with a move away from Tottenham in recent months.
    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly eager to lure him to Old Trafford.
    But Spurs chief Daniel Levy is demanding £100m for the club’s all-time top goalscorer.
    Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also understood to be interested in signing the the striker. More

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    Tottenham ‘reopen talks with Nagelsmann for manager’s job but German coach demands assurance over key appointment’

    JULIAN NAGELSMANN is reportedly back in the running to be Tottenham manager but he is demanding assurances over the club’s new sporting director.The German, 35, was the leading contender to become permanent successor to Antonio Conte, who left the club in March.
    Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly back in talks with Tottenham to become managerCredit: Getty
    But Spurs appeared to have decided against making a move for Nagelsmann and insisted that they had NOT met the ex-Bayern Munich boss.
    However, now The Times says that talks have “resumed” but Nagelsmann “wants to know who will replace Fabio Paratici before committing himself” to the Premier League club.
    The Italian has been hit with a worldwide ban by Fifa which led to his enforced resignation from his position as managing director of football at Spurs.
    This fresh update states that Nagelsmann is “understood to have recommended candidates for the job” to Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.
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    His agent has previously claimed that his client, who was axed by Bayern Munich in March, snubbed talks with Chelsea to replace Graham Potter as the Blues were in “troubled waters”.
    That was as well as him having concerns over “their transfer policy” and “other issues”. 
    Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche, who worked with Nagelsmann at Leipzig, is one contender to replace Paratici.
    Brentford’s technical director, Lee Dykes, and Roma general manager, Tiago Pinto, are also believed to be in the running for the job.
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    Spurs have been without a permanent boss since Conte departed on March 27, 47 days ago. 
    The Italian’s assistant Cristian Stellini was handed the reins on an interim basis until he himself was sacked following the 6-1 defeat at Newcastle last month and replaced by Ryan Mason until the end of the season.
    Daniel Levy is still searching for Antonio Conte’s replacementCredit: Action Images More

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    Peter Crouch lifts lid on private chat with Harry Kane amid Man Utd transfer talk and reveals his ‘only one real option’

    PETER CROUCH has revealed Harry Kane refused to give a straight answer on his future during a private chat with the former Tottenham man.The England skipper, 29, opened the scoring with a breathtaking strike in the first half of Spurs’ home game against Brentford on Saturday.
    Kane’s contract at Tottenham is set to expire next summerCredit: Alamy
    Peter Crouch has revealed he had a private chat with Kane about his Spurs futureCredit: Getty
    Many are speculating whether it may have been Kane’s final appearance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium amid speculation surrounding a potential move away.
    He is preparing to enter the final 12 months of his contract in North London.
    Manchester United are being heavily linked with a move for the Lilywhites’ all-time record scorer.
    And Crouch, 42, who spent two seasons with Tottenham between 2009 and 2011, revealed before the game with Brentford that he had discussed Kane’s future with the man himself.
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    Speaking on BT Sport, he said: “I did ask him the question (is it his last home game for Spurs) and he was very diplomatic in his answer. I don’t think even he knows. 
    “He might have ambitions to go somewhere else and potentially win a trophy but it’s not just down to him, he still has a year left.
    “There’s a man at the club that doesn’t want to lose his star player and what would it mean to these fans to lose a player of Kane’s calibre?
    “Where can he go? Manchester City City is sewn up now. Manchester United is the only real option I can see. You can’t go to Chelsea. You can’t go to Arsenal.
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    “Newcastle is potentially an option but I still feel that’s a sideways move. Newcastle got great potential but I feel like he might as well stay at Tottenham.”
    Kane has scored 277 goals in 433 appearances for Spurs.
    And while the team have endured a disappointing campaign, Kane has maintained a fine goalscoring record – bagging 30 goals in 48 games.
    It is understood he would set Man Utd back around £100million if they attempted to sign him this summer.
    But the Red Devils are also interested in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, while Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos is also in the frame.
    After Crouch’s comments, Rio Ferdinand added: “You need the answer from him. We need to hear from Harry. He’s very guarded on what he wants to talk about regarding his future which is understandable.
    “It’s down to what he sees as the benchmark for his career. What does he want out of his career?
    “Does he want to beat the personal accolades of being top goal scorer for England, a one club man at Spurs and dominating all the stats? Or does he want more onus on it being a team sport and winning things as a team?'” More

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    How Tottenham could line up under Arne Slot with two England stars as top transfer targets for summer rebuild

    TOTTENHAM could have a whole new look next season if they land Arne Slot from Feyenoord.Slot, 44, emerged as a leading contender for the Spurs manager’s job after leading the Dutch club to a surprise Eredivisie title.
    Tottenham could have a whole new-look if Arne Slot joins from FeyenoordCredit: Getty
    Daniel Levy is already believed to be working on transfer recruitsCredit: PA
    SunSport revealed this week that Feyenoord plan to give Slot a hefty pay rise AND back him in the transfer market ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign.
    But whatever they offer will be dwarfed by the cash the London club can put on the table if they go for the ex-AZ Alkmaar gaffer.
    And Daniel Levy is also set to back him in the transfer market.
    We previously revealed how Spurs want to snap up England No 1 Jordan Pickford — despite Everton tying him down to a new 4½-year contract.
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    The North London club are preparing to change their goalkeeper in the summer with 36-year-old skipper Hugo Lloris’ days numbered.
    And Pickford is STILL their first choice even after committing to his long Goodison deal.
    Pickford’s value will depend on what happens with Everton at the end of the season.
    If they are relegated, there is an agreement that he can be sold.
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    Pickford’s price would be lower as a Championship player but the Toffees would still want around £35million — although that could be haggled down.
    We also reported how James Maddison is set to leave Leicester City even if they survive in the Premier League.
    Maddison is also about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, which means this is the last opportunity for Leicester to cash-in rather than risk losing him for nothing next year when his deal expires.
    Spurs are one of the clubs battling to sign the attacker.
    And there is no doubt that Slot would love to have both Three Lions stars among his ranks next term if he were to take charge.
    Meanwhile, the Daily Express are also claiming that Slot could raid a number of other relegated clubs to help his Tottenham rebuild.

    Southampton are preparing for life in the Championship but midfielder Romeo Lavia looks certain to be one of the players to leave, with this report stating that “Spurs should definitely be involved” in the chase to sign him.
    Meanwhile, Saints defender Armel Bella-Kotchap is another being linked.
    The 21-year-old has struggled with injuries this season but the German ace has shone during his limited outings.
    Leeds United are also facing a fight to stay in the top-flight.
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    The Express claims that their 19-year-old forward Wilfried Gnonto is also on Spurs’ radar.
    And if Slot does get the green light to make a move for the above men, then long-suffering supporters could have an exciting new-look young side to cheer on next term – especially if they manage to hang on to club-record scorer Harry Kane to lead the attack. More

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    Pedro Porro has had three managers in as many months at Spurs but is adamant brighter times are ahead after tough start

    PEDRO PORRO has kept his sunny outlook despite the gloom at Tottenham since he arrived – and is confident brighter days are ahead.It is thanks to the smiley full-back’s Spanish trait of accentuating the positive, as well as the experience he has from overcoming many obstacles already in professional football.
    Pedro Porro joined Spurs from Sporting Lisbon in JanuaryCredit: Rex
    But it is also down to his biggest influence, his grandfather Antonio, to whom Porro says he owes his career because of the sacrifices he made to help make his grandson’s dream come true.
    And when facing his task of turning a tough start to life in North London into a success, Porro has the words of his beloved grandad in the back of his mind.
    The 23-year-old exclusively told SunSport: “In Spain, we say the sun will come up tomorrow and that’s how I feel. I’m an optimist.
    “I know it’s a huge change (coming to the Premier League) and I feel it’s something that’s within me.
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    “That inner struggle of working day in day out, it’s not easy to feel like that when things aren’t going your way from the beginning.
    “It’s a different city, a different country, a different type of football.
    “But my grandad always used to say that in life, everything has its price. You’re always going to have to struggle and you have to be ready for difficulties because going through bad times will always help you.”
    Tottenham will certainly be hoping that is the case after a difficult and disappointing season which has left them scrapping to qualify for Europe.
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    Porro arrived on deadline day in January, on an initial loan from Sporting Lisbon which will be turned permanent for £39million in the summer.
    He is onto his third manager already, following the departures of Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini, and has had some baptisms of fire including his debut, where the team were walloped 4-1 at Leicester, and the trouncing at Newcastle, conceding five inside 21 minutes.
    But Porro insists he is not one for giving in when times are tough.
    Born in the small Spanish town of Don Bonito, he “came from nothing” with his builder father Luis, who suffers with back problems, and supermarket employee mother Eva were always working.
    Due to his parents grafting to put food on the table, he was largely raised by his grandparents.
    PEDRO PORRO has had a manager for pretty much every month he has been at Tottenham.
    The Spanish defender was signed on loan by Antonio Conte on transfer deadline day in January.
    But since the fiery italian left the club in March, he has been coached by interim boss Cristian Stellini and then, after his axing, the latest caretaker, Ryan Mason.
    Porro, 23, said: “To be honest, it’s been a new experience. 
    “I am just trying to absorb the best of each coach. When I first arrived, Cristian stayed when Antonio left. The very little I worked with Antonio, I really enjoyed. 
    “I also came here because I felt I could improve with them. I am really learning from everyone. Even when Cristian left, I realised I learned a lot from him.
    “Now with Ryan I know him very well, I know how he works inside and outside the pitch. I really enjoy the way he works and it’s about learning from all of them.
    “What’s happened has happened and it’s not an easy thing to liaise with. But I’m trying to really learn from each coach.”
    Ever the optimist, smiley Porro has been trying to make the best of it – but it has been far from ideal for a foreign player arriving in a new country and new league.
    Spurs plan to bring in a new permanent head coach this summer, with Feyenoord chief Arne Slot and Luis Enrique among their targets.
    And Porro, who will see his loan switch from Sporting Lisbon be turned permanent this summer for £39million, believes stability in the dugout will help the North Londoners flourish next term.
    He added: “The most important thing is to have stability, to have the will to win and continue working.”
    Spurs are in a battle to make Europe for next season, despite competing in the Champions League this term.
    They currently occupy seventh, which would see them qualify for the Europa Conference League, and see Brentford at home on Saturday lunchtime as must-win.
    Some fans have turned their nose up at the Conference League, believing it might be better not to play continental football at all than be in it.
    But Harry Kane claimed otherwise earlier this month, claiming the third-tier European club competition could be a chance to end the club’s 15-year search for silverware.
    Porro added: “I agree with Harry. We have to be in Europe and we have to try to get as far as we can in Europe.
    “The team is together and we’re working towards our goals. That’s how we’re going to continue.”

    Antonio was the one who took him to matches but he was very close to grandmother Maria del Carmen, who sadly passed away last year before he joined Spurs.
    Porro honed his considerable technical ability playing indoor football and took the bold decision to leave home at 13 to go to Rayo Vallecano in Madrid.
    He reflected: “I remember the very first week, I wanted to leave. That’s the truth. 
    “I was super young. I was used to being with my grandparents, I was used to having my meal there when I came home, to have the love of the family.
    “But I believe that if I am making a living as a footballer, it’s because I overcame those difficult moments. I believe it made me stronger.”
    Spurs fans may know Porro as a wing-back, but he grew up as No10, idolising Andres Iniesta.
    His impressive set-piece delivery, which has seen him take over as free-kick and corner taker for Tottenham, only came about from his practising them after training with Spain Under-21s “for fun”.
    He already has two goals and two assists in the Premier League, forming a fruitful early partnership with Harry Kane, whom he calls a “killer in front of goal.
    Tottenham defender Pedro Porro was speaking to SunSport at an event at Riverside School in Wood Green, North London
    Porro was all smiles as he put on an inclusive football session with the students, who have a range of learning difficulties
    Defensively, though, it has been a tricky adjustment.
    Ex-Spurs boss Tim Sherwood laid into him on punditry after that Leicester debut to forget, while Porro was brutally exposed at both St James’ Park and Anfield.
    The wing-back, once of Manchester City but who never played a game for the reigning Premier League champions, said: “I have plenty to learn and I am aware of that. 
    “I am a very young player, I work day to day towards improving. I watch the videos, I am working with the team that’s helping me. I’ve been a defender for the past three years but I’ve always been a forward. 
    “The Leicester match really taught me a lesson. Afterwards I thought you either get your things together or you’re going to have a hard time.”
    Porro has spoken before of his reaction to Sherwood’s hammering of him after that Leicester game and brought it up here as well, branding it “strange”.
    He also branded Foxes playmaker – and Spurs target – James Maddison as his toughest opponent so far in England.
    But throughout all the challenges and the flak, Porro has maintained his happy-go-lucky disposition, together with what is becoming a trademark beaming smile.
    He added: “I came from nothing and I know what I have achieved. 
    “I keep my feet on the ground. You have to enjoy life and always have a positive outlook.
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    “There are going to be bad days. But the sun is always going to come up.”
    Pedro Porro was speaking at Riverside School in Wood Green, where he joined students with a range of learning difficulties for an inclusive football session delivered by Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. His visit forms part of the wider work delivered by the Club and its Foundation to create life-changing opportunities and experiences for young people across its community. More