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    Laura Woods sends Chelsea Twitter into meltdown as Arsenal fan reveals her Antonio Conte replacement at Tottenham

    ARSENAL fan and talkSPORT host Laura Woods sent Chelsea Twitter into meltdown after revealing her ideal Antonio Conte replacement at Tottenham.Conte’s deal at Spurs expires in the summer and there is uncertainty over the Italian’s long-term future in North London.
    Laura Woods has rattled Chelsea fans by claiming Spurs should hire sacked Blues boss Thomas Tuchel to replace Antonio ConteCredit: The Sun
    Antonio Conte (right) is in the final year of his Spurs contract while Tuchel (left) is availableCredit: Rex
    Spurs are deep in a top-four battle and are trailing in their Champions League round of 16 tie with AC Milan.
    Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is still widely loved among Spurs fans, has been linked with a return.
    However, another top drawer manager available is Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked by Chelsea earlier this season and replaced with Graham Potter.
    And talkSPORT host Woods, an Arsenal fan, says Tuchel would be a “great fit” at Tottenham, which got under the skin of Blues fans.
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    Woods said on talkSPORT: “I just don’t know whether it’s ever good to go back.
    “Of course we can look at the ones where they did go back and it did go well – Mourinho going back to Chelsea and that sort of stuff – but I don’t know with Mauricio Pochettino whether it would be the best move for him.
    “I actually think Thomas Tuchel would be a great shout. Managers who come back into the league and who have something to prove.
    “Seriously, though, I just think with Thomas Tuchel, in the small space of time that he came into Chelsea and arranged that team – they’d already got top four from Frank Lampard so they had a lot of young talent, he made a few changes and won the Champions League.
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    “I don’t know, I just think that kind of personality that he has, to go into a team like Spurs, who just look like they are devoid of enjoyment at the moment and lacking something.
    “Go get the best out of Son, go and put a rocket up them. I honestly think that would be a great fit.
    “I could be wrong, but I love Thomas Tuchel, I think he’s amazing.”

    One far from pleased Blues fan responded, saying: “Tuchel will never ever join a club without ambition. Know this and know peace.”
    Another tweeted: “If Conte and Mourinho didn’t win anything with Spurs – just know Spurs can’t be helped!” More

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    I’m an ex-Tottenham star the streets won’t forget… I sold my Ferrari after joining new club to live the simple life

    FORMER Tottenham star Adel Taarabt has revealed he lived an easier life at Benfica.The Moroccan spent seven years with the Portuguese giants before leaving in 2022 and insisted that it was another level to the club he also played for.
    Adel Taarabt has said that the best club he played for was BenficaCredit: Getty
    His Premier League season with QPR has gone down in Premier League folkloreCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The player was known for his flair during spells with QPR and Fulham.
    Taarabt is often hailed as a “streets won’t forget” player in social media posts as fans still rave about his skillful displays in the Premier League.
    But after struggling to settle at a club he eventually joined Benfica in 2015 and developed into a different type of player.
    While in Portugal, the 33-year-old’s mentality changed and he dropped to a defensive midfielder and became a regular for the team
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    Although he did have injury issues as well as a spell with the B team which meant that he had to wait almost four years to make his debut, he went on to make 79 league appearances.
    But he was more than impressed with the mentality of the club as he changed his lifestyle while at the club.
    He told French outlet 90football: “When I arrived at Benfica, I saw the 15-year-old boys, I was shocked! They are the first in the gym. After training, in the gym.
    “The Portuguese have the best mentality.
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    “I left London, arrived in Lisbon in a Ferrari.
    “I arrived at the car park, do you know what cars I saw? Peugeot 307, 407… Do you know how they dressed?
    “Adidas, Nike, sponsors. No Givenchy, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana.
    “I sold the Ferrari, I bought a Mercedes Class A, what a life! Magnificent, simple life”
    Taarabt also added that he believes Benfica is the best club that he played for, adding: “People would say to me: ‘You played for Milan, for Tottenham…’, but Benfica is another level.”
    He left the club in September after his contract we terminated but would go on to join UAE Pro League side Al-Nasr SC later that month. More

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    Mauricio Pochettino ‘wants emotional Tottenham return in summer’ but former manager could spark internal power struggle

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO allegedly “wants a nostalgic return” to Tottenham if Antonio Conte departs at the end of the season.The Argentine, who we revealed has eyes on the Chelsea job, has been out of work since being axed by French giants Paris Saint-Germain in July.
    Mauricio Pochettino ‘wants to return to Tottenham’ this summerCredit: AFP
    The 51-year-old former Southampton manager enjoyed a memorable five-year spell at Spurs and guided them to the Champions League final in 2019.
    Despite that, he was still axed the following November but is believed to have “remained on good terms” with chairman Daniel Levy.
    Now The Times says that Pochettino “is among the names being considered by Tottenham to replace Conte” as the Italian “is increasingly likely to return to Italy at — or before — the end of the season”.
    Since the South American’s departure, Spurs fans have been forced to watch three successive coaches that deploy a more pragmatic style of football.
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    But Poch, who still lives in Hertfordshire, “would change that” and he “also has a strong bond” still with supporters.
    However, the report adds that what “is less clear is whether Levy would swallow his pride” and also if managing director Fabio Paratici would want Pochettino remains in doubt “as it would provoke an internal power struggle and potential conflict over the tactical system”. 
    Paratici has brought in managers that prefer to play with wing-backs while Pochettino usually deploys a back four.
    Poch, who won Ligue 1 with PSG last season, turned down an approach by Aston Villa for a swift return to football last year.
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    And he has also thrown his hat into the ring to become England manager after Gareth Southgate.
    Spurs sacked Poch was sacked by Tottenham after five-and-a-half years in charge back in November 2019.
    Despite not winning a trophy for Spurs, he guided the club to four consecutive Champions League finishes.
    Prior to his arrival, Spurs had finished in the top four in just two of their previous 22 seasons in the Premier League.
    He also took the club to the Champions League final in 2019, but Liverpool prevailed as they won 2-0.
    After replacing Tim Sherwood in 2014, Poch took charge of 293 games, winning 159, losing 72 and drawing on 62 occasions. More

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    Tottenham slammed by local council after Beyonce contract breach – with extra sell-out gig STILL not approved

    TOTTENHAM have been slammed by their local council after selling tickets to a fifth Beyonce concert.The North London club are allowed to host six concerts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium per year as part of its current planning agreements.
    Beyonce is scheduled to perform at Tottenham’s stadiumCredit: Getty
    However the club can only sell tickets for six concerts per yearCredit: Rex
    Tickets could be bought for six different shows before the American booked another date – making it seven.
    Cabinet member for planning at Haringey Council Dana Carlin has said the decision has left her feeling “disappointed”.
    She also insisted that the planning process be followed.
    Carlin added: “Welcoming global superstars, like Beyonce, will attract thousands of music fans and benefits our local businesses.”
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    But on the impact for residents, she said: “It has to be balanced against this.
    “We are disappointed that we have got to this stage.”
    “Tottenham Hotspur have been advised that they must engage with the community, ward councillors and submit a planning application.”
    The additional date has meant that Spurs have breached its licence agreement.
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    The stadium authorities will have to submit a planning application to the Haringey council in order to host the American singer-songwriter for another date.
    Premium tickets can be bought for the show from £349, however, general admission tickets have sold out.
    The other two shows on sale at the moment are for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Wizkid. More

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    Arsenal legend Wojciech Szczesny ‘rejects Tottenham transfer approach with Juventus star refusing to join bitter rivals’

    FORMER Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny has reportedly REJECTED an approach from North London rivals Tottenham.The Poland international, 32, has spent six years at Juventus since departing the Emirates in 2017.
    Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny has reportedly rejected TottenhamCredit: Getty
    Spurs are seeking a replacement for Hugo Lloris, 36, who is expected to leave in the summer as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
    And sporting director Fabio Paratici has reportedly enquired about the possibility of signing Szczesny from the Serie A giants.
    But according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the ex-Arsenal man has slammed the door shut on a potential move.
    He is said to be keen on remaining at Juventus – where he is under contract until 2024 and could see that deal extended by a further year.
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    Spurs’ interest in Szczesny has caught some by surprise given the former Arsenal man has mocked the Lilywhites in the past.
    In 2016, when Tottenham were beaten 5-1 by already-relegated Newcastle on the final day of the Premier League season, he tweeted “Spurs” alongside a crying laughing emoji and a love heart.
    Then two years later, when Juventus knocked Spurs out of the Champions League, he tweeted:  “Great win and celebrations versus one of the best teams in North London.
    “FORZA JUVE! North London is red.”
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    When leaving the pitch, he also appeared to perform a “chin up” gesture to the Spurs fans.
    Tottenham are keen to sign a new keeper as Lloris approaches the latter stages of his career.
    The France No1 is sidelined for at least another month with a knee injury as Fraser Forster assumes the role in between the sticks.
    And Szczesny, who has played more than 200 times for Juventus, would have provided the squad with experience of winning silverware.
    He has claimed three Serie A titles and two Coppa Italias during his time in Italy.
    Gazzetta’s report states he could eventually be open to a move to the MLS towards the end of his career. More

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    Antonio Conte targeted for return to Serie A with Inter and Juventus ‘inquiring’ about Tottenham managers availability

    TOTTENHAM boss Antonio Conte is being lined up for a sensational return to Italy, it’s been claimed.The 53-year-old will return to the touchline on Wednesday night for the first time since undergoing gallbladder surgery in February.
    Antonio Conte’s Tottenham future is currently up in the airCredit: ALAMY
    The Italian has one year left on his contract with Spurs and has been linked with a move back to his homelandCredit: REX
    Conte will return to the touchline on Wednesday after recovering form gallbladder surgeryCredit: Reuters
    Conte will look to guide his troops to a comeback victory over AC Milan, who turned them over in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the San Siro on Valentine’s Day.
    But according to reports, he could return to the stadium next season as manager of one of Serie A’s big boys.
    That’s according to The Times, who claim Conte’s recent stay in his homeland recovering from surgery has “strengthened his desire” to return.
    Both Inter Milan and Juventus are said to be keen on acquiring his services.
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    It’s claimed Conte’s return to Italy could hinge on Spurs being dumped out of Europe’s elite club competition.
    It’s said an exit at the last-16 stage could “hasten” Conte’s departure from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    The former Chelsea and Inter boss has a year left on his contract with the north Londoners and has mulled over leaving them for pastures new.
    It’s understood, however, that he’ll see out the remainder of his deal if he’s “happy” come the end of the season.
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    But former Rangers hitman Ally McCoist reckons that both the Italian and striker Harry Kane will leave Spurs at the end of the season.
    The talkSPORT pundit said: “Right now, and it’s guesswork from me.
    “I think they’ll [Tottenham] be looking for a new manager a new centre-forward.
    “If I’m putting myself in Harry Kane’s shoes right now – and this will really finish the Spurs fans off this morning.
    “I’m probably thinking about going to the team [Manchester United] that got beat 7-0 yesterday [Sunday].” More

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    Man Utd confident of stunning Harry Kane transfer this summer after making contact with £200k-a-week Tottenham star

    MANCHESTER UNITED believe they will land Harry Kane this summer — if Tottenham finish outside the top four.Old Trafford chiefs reckon Spurs missing out on a Champions League place will see them lower their £100million asking price.
    Harry Kane could join Manchester United this summerCredit: Getty
    United have made contact with Kane’s camp through a third party and have been encouraged by the response.
    Kane turns 30 in July — and has achieved his ambition of becoming Spurs’ all-time top scorer.
    While United were hammered 7-0 at Anfield on Sunday, there is still a belief that Kane has a better chance of finally winning a trophy at Old Trafford than at Tottenham.
    The England captain’s £200,000-a-week deal is up at the end of next season and failing to make the Champions League puts suitors in a better position to negotiate a lower fee.
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    Kane said in January that there had “not been much talking” with Spurs over a new contract but he was “sure there will be conversations over the coming months”.
    Champions Manchester City are no longer in the running, having failed to land the striker in 2021.
    They have since signed Erling Haaland and the Norwegian has 27 Prem goals in the race for the Golden Boot.
    Kane has 18, with United’s Marcus Rashford on 14.
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    The Red Devils need another goalscorer to drive them on to be title challengers next season.
    Cristiano Ronaldo left in November and now his on-loan replacement Wout Weghorst has just one goal from 14 appearances.
    Spurs are currently in fourth place but lost 1-0 at Wolves on Saturday — while resurgent Liverpool are just three points behind them with a game in hand.
    Kane would link up with England pal Marcus RashfordCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal and Spurs set for summer transfer war for Borussia Dortmund ace Julian Brandt with Germans looking to cash in

    ARSENAL and Tottenham will battle it out to sign Julian Brandt in the summer, according to reports. Brandt, 26, will have 12 months left on his contract at Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
    Julian Brandt is attracting interest from Arsenal and TottenhamCredit: Reuters
    Bild have reported the Bundesliga title challengers are reluctant to lose the midfielder and remain intent on getting him tied down to a new deal.
    However, the length of his deal could force the club into a sale.
    Furthermore, interest from the North London rivals could see Brandt’s head swayed in favour of testing himself in England.
    The report adds Brandt wants a move to London after discussions with close friend Kai Havertz.
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    The Chelsea star has told Brandt about life in the capital, leaving him wanting to see what the fuss is about.
    Both Arsenal and Spurs want to add options to their teams in the summer.
    The Gunners will need more creativity and firepower throughout the squad as they prepare for a campaign in the Champions League.
    Meanwhile, Spurs would like to add to their creative options, with an overwhelming reliance on Harry Kane, who is expected to leave in the summer.
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    This season Brandt has offered exactly this to Dortmund.
    He has eight goals and four assists this season, including four goals in his last five league games.
    The performances have left club director Sebastian Kehl impressed too.
    He previously told Bild: “We see Julian’s development every day. He has taken a giant step forward – and we are very happy about that.
    “I am of course familiar with the contract situation and we are approaching the subject very positively and calmly.” More