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      Maddison ‘shuts down’ Maupay live on TV after pair clash over Brentford star mocking Spurs ace with his celebration

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      JAMES MADDISON took brutal revenge on Neal Maupay as they clashed on the pitch and online — after the Brentford striker’s “s***house” celebrations.Fans initially thought Maupay had hit the bullseye for trolling – as he fired the Bees ahead in Wednesday’s Premier League game and mimicked the Tottenham star’s dart-player goal salute.

      James Maddison and Neal Maupay clashed in the Prem derbyCredit: TNT Sports

      Brennan Johnson helped Maddison get his own back by doing the darts celebration when Tottenham went in frontCredit: Getty
      But as the row rumbled on, Spurs’ England star ended up getting more than his own back – and not just because his side recovered to win 3-2.
      After Destiny Udogie levelled at 1-1, Maddison taunted Maupay when Brennan Johnson put Tottenham ahead – by doing his own oche-style rejoicing.
      More exchanges followed – and after the final whistle the ex-Leicester playmaker went on live TV to reveal his cutting words to the Frenchman over his rip-off goal tribute.
      A smiling Maddison told TNT Sports: “It was too early for that, too much time left in the game.
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      “I just said to him he probably hasn’t scored enough goals in the last few years to have his own celebration so he probably had to copy mine.”
      Maddison then posted on Instagram -with “A short story… COYS” plus a laughing emoji and a picture of Maupay’s imaginary darts’ celebration.
      England team-mate Jude Bellingham and darts sensation Luke Littler were among the superstars to respond to that post.
      Meanwhile, Maupay continued the extraordinary back-and-forth online.
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      Maupay and Toney sparked a string of confrontations with this celebrationCredit: Reuters
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      He posted: “Gutted we couldn’t get the win. More goals and less relegations in my career than James Maddison. We go again Monday Bees.”
      That response came after Ivan Toney joined his frontpartner in marking Brentford’s opener by darting off for some Maddison-style fake arrows.
      Maupay and Maddison then met awkwardly as both teams walked away after the goal.
      Stony-faced Maddison patted the ex-Brighton man on the back of his head a few times.
      Maddison and Co enjoyed giving it back to Maupay
      And it soon turned into a frosty exchange.
      Maupay patted Maddison on the chest in return a few times and, as the two stars tangled, they swapped what appeared to be testy words.
      One viewer responded: “Maupay & Toney doing Madders celebration for the Brentford goal. Top s***housery stuff.”
      Other fans labelled the taunt “so bitchy” while Maddison’s reposte was called “very salty”.
      But variations on the word “s***house” dominated the descriptions.
      One observer said just that along with the words: “Giving it the Maddison celebration after that finish, unreal.”
      It’s certainly not the first time Maupay has been accused of winding up rivals he was the focus of attention online.
      And he has admitted getting a kick out of annoying opposition supporters.
      In particular, he has a reputation for angering Arsenal and their fans.
      As a Brighton star, he infuriated Gunners’ players over an incident that injured keeper Bernd Leno and  flared up with Matteo Guendouzi, who ended up grabbing his throat.
      Then in February last year Maupay blocked Oleksandr Zinchenko with his body and collapsed to the ground clutching his face.
      Maddison later cast off Maupay’s antics and here celebrates Richarlison making it 3-1 to Tottenham in Wednesday’s Prem clashCredit: PA
      And his relationship with Crystal Palace followers is equally lacking in affection.
      After Wilfried Zaha cupped his ears towards Brighton fans to celebrate a goal, Maupay did the same to Eagles’ supporters after he equalised.
      But the Brentford ace was eventually on the receiving end on Wednesday night – as Spurs revived.
      He skirmished with Maddison on the touchline when Johnson put Tottenham 2-1 in front.
      One fan said of Maddison’s revenge: “Fair play, embarrassing stuff all round” while another wrote: “I’m crying now they’re mocking Maupay.”
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      Richarlison netted a third for Spurs, although Toney grabbed a consolation on 67 minutes.
      Outwardly at least, Maupay and Maddison appeared to calm their feud in the closing stages but fans weren’t totally convinced – and then came their jousting on social media. More

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      Tottenham considering late transfer swoop for Bournemouth’s £50m-rated Dominic Solanke with deadline days away

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      TOTTENHAM are considering a late swoop for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.Sources believe Spurs are ready to try to push through a £50m-plus deal before the transfer window closes on Thursday.
      Tottenham are considering a late move for Dominic SolankeCredit: Getty
      The news comes after we exclusively revealed that Spurs were interested in signing the in-form forward.
      Bournemouth have already rebuffed an enquiry from Newcastle this month about Solanke’s availability, as well as rejecting interest from West Ham last summer.
      But Tottenham are prepared to test the Cherries’ resolve over the next two days.
      It would take a huge bid to persuade Bournemouth to sell.
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      But it is understood Bournemouth are looking at potential replacements in the French and Belgian leagues in case an offer comes in that is too good to refuse.
      Solanke, 26, is the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League with 12 goals and signed a contract extension last September that runs until 2027.
      The former Chelsea and Liverpool forward is thriving under Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
      But even the Cherries’ chief admitted before the window opened that he could not guarantee the future of Solanke and much-admired defender Lloyd Kelly.
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      Iraola said: “Dom (Solanke), Lloyd Kelly, they are some of our best players for sure. But you never know what’s going to happen every time the window is open.
      “Of course, I want to keep our best players.
      “If we are talking about these players, there is no doubt that they are playing really well. We’ll see what happens.”
      A week before Iraola’s comments, Bournemouth owner Bill Foley declared that the Vitality Stadium was “closed and bolted” when it came to key players leaving in January.
      But it appears that Tottenham may attempt to force it open before Thursday.  More

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      Tottenham could hijack Barcelona transfer for wonderkid Lucas Bergvall, 17, after Man Utd missed out

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      TOTTENHAM are preparing to hijack Barcelona’s move for Swedish prodigy Lucas Bergvall, according to reports.The midfielder, 17, has impressed a host of Europe’s top clubs while playing for Djurgarden in his home country.
      Lucas Bergvall has a number of big clubs chasing his signatureCredit: Getty
      He also had trials with Manchester United three years ago, but ultimately did not sign for the Red Devils.
      Djurgarden’s sporting director, Bo Andersson, recently hinted that a move to the Nou Camp could be on the cards.
      But The Mail now understand Tottenham have made an enquiry for the teenage sensation.
      Box-to-box midfielder Bergvall, who excels with his technical ability and passing range, has scored three goals in 28 appearances for Djurgarden.
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      He also made his debut for Sweden’s national team earlier this month in a 2-1 win over Estonia.
      And Barcelona remain the frontrunners to sign the wonderkid, with a price of £8.5million being reported.
      But Tottenham have now joined a host of other big clubs in pursuing him – along with Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt.
      It comes as Spurs man Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is linked with a move away from North London.
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      The Dane, 28, is being monitored by Fulham and Newcastle and could yet depart before the end of the January window on Thursday.
      But comments from Djurgarden chief Andersson will temper Tottenham’s expectations around signing Bergvall as it appears a Barcelona switch is close.
      He said: “Yes, I can confirm that we have been in contact and in dialogue with Barcelona.
      “But it’s not a negotiation yet. There was some contact with Barcelona last week but this week we haven’t spoken to them.” More

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      Inside Man City’s amazing Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hoodoo as stats make horror reading for Pep Guardiola

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      PEP GUARDIOLA said he still has one big ambition to achieve in England after leading Manchester City to a historic treble last season.The Etihad chief was asked what it was back in May and smiled: “To score a goal against Spurs away.”
      Erling Haaland and Manchester City stars after their defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last seasonCredit: Getty
      Raheem Sterling dejected after City’s first defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2019Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He put his hands together in prayer before adding: “Yeah I’ll stay because I want to beat Spurs away.”
      Five times they have tried since the gleaming new North London venue opened in spring 2019 – and five times they have failed.
      For a team who pride themselves on the number of goals they score, it’s an incredible statistic.
      On Friday night they have another chance to smash that hoodoo once and for all – and their 9,000 travelling fans might think they will never have a better chance.
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      City travel on the back of a 13-day break – and spent part of it enjoying some sunshine on a warm weather training camp in Abu Dhabi.
      And Ange Postecoglou’s men are weakened by injuries and international call-ups.
      Neutrals might think it is all set up for an away win – but we’ve been here before, several times.
      City were one of the first visitors to the new home of Spurs for a Champions League quarter final first leg in April 2019.
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      They had the chance to be one of the first scorers too – but Sergio Aguero’s 11th minute penalty was saved by Hugo Lloris as Spurs won by a single goal.
      Ten months later, they wasted another chance from the spot – again saved by Lloris but this time Ilkay Gundogan was the culprit.
      Oleks Zinchenko’s red card allowed Jose Mourinho’s side to take advantage and win with two second half goals.
      In November 2020, at least City did get the ball in the net at their bogey ground – only for Aymeric Laporte’s effort to be ruled out for a handball by Gabriel Jesus.
      Once again it ended in a 2-0 defeat for Pep’s men which saw Spurs go top of the table.
      The following summer, City tried to sign Tottenham’s captain and top goalscorer Harry Kane – maybe thinking he could help end the curse.
      But the move didn’t happen and the visitors looked toothless on the opening day of the 2021/2 season – as Son Heung Min scored the only goal.
      And on their last visit, 12 months ago, they saw a Riyad Mahrez effort cannon down off the underside of the bar and come out.
      Spurs went down to ten men late on but City still couldn’t find a way through – meaning Kane’s early strike was enough.
      Now though, Erling Haaland could be on the bench after finally shaking off a foot injury and his team travel to the capital on the back of six straight wins.
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      So surely they will get a goal this time – won’t they?
      But don’t bet on it.
      Pep Guardiola just wants Manchester City to score a goal at TottenhamCredit: Rex Features More

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      James Maddison breaks the ice between Tottenham team-mates after awkward clash

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      BRENNAN JOHNSON has revealed how James Maddison broke the ice between Tottenham’s £47.5million signing and Richarlison.Spurs attacker Johnson, then playing for ex-club Nottingham Forest, wiped out Richarlison with a brutal challenge at the City Ground.
      Richarlison saw his showboating at the City Ground backfire when he got wiped outCredit: Reuters
      Joker James Maddison put the clip of Brennan Johnson’s brutal challenge on Richarlison into Spurs’ group chat just a day after the £47.5m signing joined the clubCredit: Alamy
      Johnson put the Brazilian striker up in the air after he showboated by doing keepie-uppies in the Premier League clash back in August 2022.
      But the Welshman, 22, has opened up on going from enemies to team-mates after being reunited with Richarlison following his deadline day move to Tottenham back in September.
      Johnson said: “I had been at the club for a day. I looked at the group chat and Madders had put a video of me just lifting Richy.
      “He came over and said: “I remember it!” 
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      “It was a good ice-breaker.
      “He’s a good character. He’s a really good lad and he loves being here and playing football.
      “He played in Liverpool so he has got some scouse phrases which are really funny.
      “We have been clicked for a few goals. The way we both like to play suits each other. 
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      “He likes to get into the box and get across the front of his man and I like to get in behind and play or cross the ball early. I’ve been happy to assist him a few times.”
      Johnson has scored just once – away at Wolves – in 16 Spurs appearances with fans criticising his final product in recent weeks.
      But the forward, likely to start in tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth-round home tie against Manchester City, admits he is learning every day under Ange Postecoglou.

      Johnson told Tottenham’s official podcast: “I’m loving it. I can feel myself improving every single day working with the players and the manager. 
      “It’s everything I want to do at my age. I still have so much to learn.
      “I’m playing in a good style of football every week next to great players.” More

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      Arsenal and Man Utd blow as Premier League rivals ‘enter race for in-demand Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite’

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      TOTTENHAM are interested in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.The Toffees star, 21, has emerged as a key player under Sean Dyche this season.
      Jarrad Branthwaite has impressed for Everton this seasonCredit: Rex
      His impressive form has seen him linked with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
      According to the Mail, Spurs are also keen on Branthwaite, despite already improving their defence this month.
      Ange Postecoglou’s side beat off competition from Bayern Munich to sign Radu Dragusin from Genoa in a deal worth £21.5million plus add-ons.
      Djed Spence also moved in the opposite direction on loan as part of the deal, with Tottenham covering his wages.
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      Despite Dragusin’s arrival, Spurs remain interested in strengthening their back line.
      Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have both missed numerous games due to injury and, in the latter’s case, suspensions.
      Postecoglou had to make do with a makeshift centre-back partnership comprised of Emerson Royal and Ben Davies earlier in the campaign.
      Branthwaite joined Everton from hometown club Carlisle in 2019.
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      He went on to impress in loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, before breaking into Dyche’s starting XI this season.
      The strapping 6ft 5in defender is an England Under-21s regular and skippered Lee Carsley’s side in their last match.
      Gareth Southgate has kept an eye on his form this term, watching him in person at Goodison Park last month.
      Tottenham are trying to get a deal over the line for highly-rated Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa this month.
      The Lilywhites remain in talks with the Belgian side, who are said to be demanding £25m for the 18-year-old’s signature.
      A deal this month would likely see Nusa remain at Brugge on loan until the end of the season.
      As for outgoings, SunSport revealed earlier this week that Tottenham had rejected a £20m bid from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr for defender Emerson Royal.
      Royal, 25, is happy at Spurs, but the Saudi Pro League side could launch a new bid.
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      Tottenham may consider offers for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg before the end of the month.
      But they will only let him leave on a permanent deal or on a loan with an obligation to buy.
      Emerson Royal has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia this monthCredit: Rex More

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      Daniel Levy deserves credit – his Postecoglou gamble has Spurs in title race and he’s even making early January signings

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      SOME Tottenham fans would sooner name their kids Bukayo, Arsene or Thierry than praise Daniel Levy.But others must be feeling a little conflicted about the man so many love to hate right now.
      Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has played a big part in this season’s successCredit: Getty
      Things have changed so much in N17 that the calamitous end to last season, when Antonio Conte metaphorically set fire to the place on his way out, feels like a lifetime ago.
      But during those dark days it was Levy who was the target, with some justification, of the supporters’ ire via relentless taunts, match after match.
      They had had enough of the perceived lack of investment in the team, historically at least, increased ticket prices and silverware famine during his 23-year reign – and they wanted him out.
      How might they feel now, though, with Spurs suddenly looking like one of the most upwardly-mobile, sustainable and easy-on-the-eye clubs in the Premier League?
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      There will be those that refuse to give Levy a shred of credit under any circumstances.
      They would argue he stumbled onto the jackpot that is Ange Postecoglou, who they see as single-handedly reversing their fortunes.
      The Aussie has undoubtedly been the critical factor in the transformation, and it is true that other candidates were pursued, such as Julian Nagelsmann and Arne Slot.
      But ultimately Levy got it right by appointing Postecoglou, which may look an easy choice now but at the time it looked risky.
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      The 58-year-old had not managed in any of Europe’s major leagues. Other owners would not have taken the leap, even with the treble at Celtic.
      Postecoglou himself told journalists in a plush Perth hotel during Tottenham’s pre-season tour of Australia in July how he had been rejected by multiple Championship and Premier League clubs previously.
      Even Huddersfield were one of them – albeit back in 2019 – and the gruff boss likened his failed meetings with prospective English employers to that of a depressing set of Hollywood auditions.
      Now Postecoglou, by his own admission, has Spurs in a title race – and playing the kind of football that even the most ardent Arsenal fans would admit is thrilling.
      Levy took part in a fans’ forum in September and owned up to his mistakes in hiring ill-fitting, “trophy managers” like Jose Mourinho and Conte.
      He said he felt a lot of “pressure” after those misfires and needed to appoint someone who could take the club “back to its roots” of playing sexy football, even if it took longer to achieve success.
      Postecoglou has proved to be that man, masterminding Spurs into a position few could have dreamt of at that stage – and has been backed by Levy in the process.
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      It was the Aussie who pushed for unknown goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario – dubbed this week as the Premier League signing of the season by Robbie Keane – and he got him early.
      James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Brennan Johnson were all signed for considerable fees – even if the first two now look like huge bargains.
      Yes, Harry Kane was sold and there will be some fans who will never sway from the opinion that you should never sell your greatest-ever player.
      Flogging him to the relatively inoffensive Bayern Munich for £104million, given he was going for free in a year’s time, was probably the most palatable exit going.
      Spurs had not signed a player before January 12 in the winter window since the forgettable capture of Bongani Khumalo in 2011. This year, they signed two.
      In fairness, that was more due to how gettable Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin were at the time.
      Werner was out of favour at RB Leipzig and Genoa were happy to do a quick deal for Dragusin, though Spurs would have held on for longer for the Romanian as Postecoglou wanted him so much.
      But Levy still bucked a personal trend and signed them up quickly.
      Keeping scandal-hit Fabio Paratici on as a consultant after his resignation in April was controversial – but some will say worth it given his transfer prowess, as cynical as that is.
      Those close to Levy have noticed no particular difference in his demeanour this season.
      His poker face remains inscrutable whether things are going swimmingly or desperately.
      He continues to split his time at the training ground and the Spurs’ Lilywhite House office by the stadium in the same way as he did last season.
      And he treats Postecoglou in the same way as he did Conte, Mourinho and all the other bosses he has hired and fired over the years.
      In the age of clubs being owned by countries and hedge funds, he represents more of an old-school owner.
      And one whose consistent belief in self-sustainability, however annoying it may be to fans, is proving to be the correct call given the Prem’s new-found regulatory teeth.
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      Levy claimed at that fans’ forum that “I want to win as much as anyone else”; those close to him emphasise how much he cares. Some fans may never be convinced that he does.
      But to deny Levy has played some part in Spurs’ success story this season would be as short-sighted as it is to deny his failings in the past.
      Levy’s gamble to sign Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has paid offCredit: Rex
      Levy is also moving fast in January by signing Timo Werner for TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Tottenham also beat Bayern Munich for Radu Dragusin’s signatureCredit: Rex More

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      Tottenham in talks over third January transfer in bid to beat Chelsea to ‘one of Europe’s most exciting young talents’

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      TOTTENHAM have held talks with Club Brugge over a possible move for Norwegian wonderkid Antonio Nusa.The 18-year-old has been labelled “one of Europe’s most exciting young talents”, with Chelsea also said to be interested.
      Tottenham have held talks with Club Brugge over a deal for Antonio NusaCredit: Getty
      The 18-year-old has been tipped as ‘one of Europe’s most exciting young talents’Credit: Getty
      Spurs have joined the transfer race for Nusa who the Belgian giants are demanding £25million for.
      The deal must include a guarantee that he stays in North London for the rest of the season.
      Brugge rejected a £23m offer from Chelsea on deadline day in the summer.
      But any possible switch could see Nusa loaned back to the Belgian side – in a similar manner to the previous signings of Destiny Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr.
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      Both those players were signed by Udinese and Metz respectively then farmed straight back to the selling club.
      And now they are starting regularly in the first-team – and that would be the long-term hope for winger Nusa.
      Born in the southern village of Langhus, Nusa came through at Oslo outfit Stabaek before joining Brugge in 2021.
      Despite his tender years, he has already racked up 52 appearances for Brugge and scored five goals – and has played in the Champions League.
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      He also has four caps for his country and one goal, in a squad that also includes Oscar Bobb, Martin Odegaard and, of course, Erling Haaland.
      Spurs were tracking Nusa in the summer, along with Brentford, but are now ready to act to beat rivals to one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
      But Spurs will not just face London rivals Chelsea as clubs across Europe are reportedly interested in the youngster.
      Ange Postecoglou is keen to bolster his frontline in the January transfer window.
      He has already recruited ex-Chelsea striker Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig earlier this month.
      And they have also signed centre-back Radu Dragusin on loan from Genoa. More