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    Chelsea and Tottenham want Evan Ferguson summer transfer with 18-year-old wonderkid impressing at Brighton

    CHELSEA and Tottenham are weighing up a summer move for Brighton wonderkid Evan Ferguson.Spurs regard Ferguson as a player who could develop into a potential long-term replacement for Harry Kane.
    Evan Ferguson has burst onto the scene out of nowhere and has shown a natural gift for goalscoringCredit: Rex
    Goal-shy Chelsea also rate the young striker highly, who was signed by the Seagulls when current Stamford Bridge boss Graham Potter and director of global talent Paul Winstanley were working together at the south coast club.
    Ferguson, 18, became Brighton’s youngest scorer in the Premier League when he netted against Arsenal on New Year’s Eve.
    He has added two more goals and two assists in seven appearances for the Seagulls.
    Ferguson, already a senior Republic of Ireland international, is also the youngest player from his country to score in the Premier League.
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    He joined Brighton from Bohemians in 2021 when he was 16.
    Ferguson is one of a number of brilliant young players currently thriving at Brighton who is attracting interest from elsewhere.
    Moises Caicedo found himself at the centre of a January transfer storm when Arsenal tried to swoop.
    The 21-year-old even tried to force the issue after publicly revealing he was keen on the move in an Instagram post.
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    But Brighton managed to hold on to the Ecuadorian and he has quietly got on with business back in the Brighton midfield.
    Red-hot Kaoru Mitoma, 25, also finds himself at the centre of transfer rumours after a brilliant run of form. More

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    Spurs lining up transfer swoop for ex-Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori and could offer Emerson Royal to AC Milan in return

    TOTTENHAM are reportedly eyeing a move for ex-Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori – and could offer Emerson Royal in return. The 25-year-old has seen his reputation grow hugely since leaving his boyhood club in 2021 to take a crack at Serie A.
    Tomori has grown as a defender during his time abroadCredit: Getty
    Emerson Royal has faced some criticism from Spurs fansCredit: Alamy
    He is now viewed as among the league’s best defenders and was a big part of the AC Milan side who won the title last season.
    But a return to the Premier League could be on the cards with Chelsea’s rivals Spurs expressing interest in the centre-back.
    That is according to Italian publication Calciomercato, who report that there is interest in bringing the ace to north London – and offering Emerson Royal in return.
    Tomori has impressed Milan fans with his speed, positioning and defensive awareness, all qualities that it is hoped could boost the Spurs defence.
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    The club could be set to try and improve their entire backline with longstanding club servants like Eric Dier and Hugo Lloris coming in for criticism at times this season.
    Royal has not evaded coming under fire from fans either as he becomes the latest player to try and fill Spurs’ problem position.
    Antonio Conte has regularly switched his starting right wing-back this season with the Italian seemingly not convinced by either Royal nor Matt Doherty.
    Pedro Porro was recruited in January to solve the issue, perhaps opening the door for Royal’s exit.
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    Both clubs will likely find transfer business easier to come by if they can offer players Champions League football.
    But it is far from guaranteed for either club with both Spurs and Milan suffering stuttering form since the turn of the year. More

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    Antonio Conte could give Tottenham team talk from TURIN as stricken boss recovers from gallbladder surgery

    RECOVERING Antonio Conte will be “involved 100 per cent” in key Tottenham decisions in the Premier League clash with West Ham – despite being 570 miles away!Assistant coach Cristian Stellini will be on the touchline on Sunday for this London derby while absent Conte is back home in Turin resting up after gallbladder surgery.
    Antonio Conte is staying in Italy to recover from gallbladder surgeryCredit: PA
    Conte, 53, managed Spurs in their Champions League defeat in Milan last Tuesday but has remained in Italy after realising he had rushed back too soon after the emergency op.
    SunSport understands Spurs are exploring all options for Conte to communicate with the squad – perhaps even some form of video link in the dressing room.
    Stellini says all-consuming manager Conte will return only when he is fully fit but the pair have been speaking non-stop in the build-up about tactics and logistics.
    The 47-year-old said: “It’s not like last time when we had Antonio on the bed to rest immediately after the surgery.
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    “It’s a different time, Antonio is involved 100 per cent. Probably we have some communication with him better than the last time.
    “Antonio’s feeling was that maybe he underestimated the procedure after the surgery.
    “Coming close to the game, the stress and the tension he lives normally before a game creates some problem.
    “He needs to take it easy again. He’ll come back soon but not like he had hoped.
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    “My phone is on 24 hours a day. We have a call every day. Probably three times a day and every time he wants to come back.
    “Health is more important than football – this is the reason why the club, the doctors decided to take these responsibilities and leave Antonio in Italy after the last game.
    “It was a surgery with emergency. The inflammation was big and maybe they underestimated this situation.
    “He needs time to be 100% and Antonio not at 100% is not Antonio. That creates stress over stress. And this is dangerous after surgery like that.
    “When Antonio is 100%, he’ll come back and not one day before. We made a mistake before and we don’t want to repeat this.
    “People around Antonio like our doctor, the doctor that did the surgery, his wife and his family, to force him.
    “After the Milan game, I felt sad because maybe I didn’t push enough to the team this decision before.
    “I felt responsible because Antonio’s pain continued under stress. I don’t want to feel like this again.”
    Substitute boss Stellini is becoming a cult hero among Spurs fans and he has won all FIVE of the matches when he had been Conte’s stand-in.
    It happened three times during Inter Milan’s 2020-21 Serie A title triumph and Stellini oversaw Spurs’ Champions League win over Marseille in November – Conte was suspended – and this month’s victory over Manchester City.
    Asked how it felt to be the main man, Juventus and Genoa defender Stellini said: “It’s a bit strange for me because normally the assistant coach works behind the spotlight.
    “It’s a big responsibility and I feel this but it’s not the first day I’m here.
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    “When I see the players and the team during the training, I feel we are capable to win every game and to progress in the Champions League.
    “I sleep well. I have the team and I follow them every day and this gives me the feeling to be confident.”
    Here’s how Tottenham are expected to line up against West Ham More

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    Tottenham legend Chris Waddle issues Harry Kane warning to Man Utd and explains why Chelsea spent too much on Fernandez

    CHRIS WADDLE warned Manchester United that Tottenham superstar Harry Kane may not fit manager Erik ten Hag’s style.United continue to be linked with a sensational swoop for Kane, who is entering the final year of his contract in the summer and Ten Hag has prioritised the signing of a striker.
    Chris Waddle believes Tottenham star Harry Kane may not fit Manchester United’s styleCredit: Rex
    But Spurs legend Waddle has warned the Red Devils that the England captain could struggle to adapt to the Dutch tactician’s pressing on the ball.
    However, the 62-year-old insists the star centre-forward could still bring goals, especially if Ten Hag found a way to include him to his tactics.
    Waddle told SunSport: “It would be a bit of a strange one; Harry Kane’s a great footballer and his goal record is phenomenal, I think he could fit into most teams.
    “But normally I’ve got to say that Ten Hag likes somebody who starts the pressing, that’s why he’s brought in Wout Weghorst. Obviously he’s not Harry Kane but the lad works very hard, he brings players up the field.
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    “He likes to go and press and that starts Man Utd’s game plan. I don’t think that’s Harry Kane’s strength, turning and chasing different centre-halves down, he’s a different type of player.
    “If you’re going to play a different style of football then obviously Harry Kane, as he does for Tottenham, he wants to come off the centre-halves and link the play, gets into little pockets where he’s hard to pick up.
    “So, it would be a strange one I think for Ten Hag given the way he likes to play. It would look strange how Harry Kane would actually fit in with the way he plays. But he’s obviously a goalscorer and Man Utd want somebody.
    “I know Marcus Rashford’s doing it at the minute but they need somebody up there whose going to get 20 goals plus every season.”
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    Waddle, though, hinted United would be “taking a risk” if they tried to sign Kane in the summer, especially if they expect him to lead them to trophies.
    That is because of the 29-year-old’s advanced age and his high asking price.
    Waddle added: “It’s a hard one. Listen it’s going to cost a lot of money to get him out of his contract, whether these clubs are willing to pay.
    “I think he’s 29 now, so it’ll be his last big contract for a four or five-year deal I’d think. It’s a big decision for any club to say we want Harry Kane. I understand why a lot of big clubs are linked with him, because as I said he’s a very good player.
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    Chris Waddle believes Manchester United may be taking a risk with Harry KaneCredit: Getty
    “You’re taking a risk on him aren’t you, so it’s basically shelling out money to win honours. Now if you’re winning trophies then it’s been worthwhile, but if you don’t win trophies then a lot of people will say it wasn’t money well spent.
    “Everybody is a gamble at modern day prices, but the one thing with Harry Kane is that he is proven, and I’m sure Man Utd would be buying a player who could easily fit into Man Utd.”
    Kane would command a high fee, but no one has cost more than Premier League record signing Enzo Fernandez who joined Chelsea from Benfica for £107million in January.
    Waddle was impressed with Fernandez’s performances at the 2022 World Cup, where he helped Argentina win the title and was awarded as they competition’s best young player.
    But the former England international believes the 22-year-old’s fee should have been splashed for someone closer to the calibre of a proven star like Lionel Messi.
    Waddle said: “Well it was a lot of money, I watched him in the World Cup but, obviously Messi was a star for them. You look at their team and he’s not somebody who catches the eye.
    Chris Waddle hinted Chelsea should have spent Enzo Fernandez’s fee for a bigger starCredit: Rex
    “He’s a player who works hard, he’s a very good passer of the ball, he keeps the ball very well. He’s got a few different attributes than Jorginho had or Mateo Kovacic. I wouldn’t say he was streets ahead of them, so time will tell.
    “Chelsea will be good, because the players that they have signed are good players, but it’s going to take time which is why I’m waiting for them to kick in.
    “Would I say they’ve spent too much money on him? I’d probably say that about a lot of players. For me, he’s got to score goals, he’s got to make goals, he’s got to be an unbelievable player all over the park.
    “He’s not a dribbler, he’s not an exciting player, which then people might think if he’s playing at an average level then people will say why have you paid that much money?
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    “For me paying £110-115m, you need someone like Lionel Messi for that money, and he’s definitely not Lionel Messi.”
    Chris Waddle was speaking to The Sun on behalf of BETDAQ More

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    Antonio Conte breaks silence as he hints at long lay-off with Spurs boss stuck in Italy after ‘underestimating’ surgery

    ANTONIO CONTE has broken his silence after remaining in Italy for a post-operation check.The Italian boss failed to fly home with Spurs after the club’s 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.
    Antonio Conte will remain in Italy after a post-operation checkCredit: Rex
    And now the ex-Chelsea boss has released a statement hinting at a long lay-off to allow him to recover.
    Taking to his Instagram, he said: “My great sense of responsibility towards the club, the players, the staff and the fans brought me to anticipate my comeback on field.
    “Sadly I underestimated the procedure, which wasn’t a routine operation, but a sudden and serious emergency.
    “My body has suffered my impatience and now I am forced to stop until my entire recovery.
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    “Who knows me, understands what a burden this is for me, but it is necessary. Come on you Spurs!”
    Conte was rushed to hospital to undergo gallbladder surgery at the start of the month.
    And he defied doctor’s orders to take charge of the clash against Milan.
    But following a post-op check, Conte will now remain in Italy at his family home while he completes his recovery.
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    In a statement, Tottenham confirmed Cristian Stellini would assume first team duties in his absence.
    Tottenham will be hoping to give Conte less of a headache by beating West Ham next weekend.
    The North Londoners were soundly thrashed by Leicester in a 4-1 defeat in their last Prem fixture.
    Providing Newcastle drop points against Liverpool, Tottenham could find themselves back in the top four with a win against West Ham.
    Speaking after the match on Tuesday, Conte said: “Frankly speaking in the previous match (against Leicester) I was completely out.
    “I have just had surgery and after two days my doctor told me I couldn’t go, I couldn’t make [the] effort.
    “So in the previous match I was distant from the pitch. Cristian was there replacing me and was able to share my ideas with the team, he really helped me out a lot.
    “I was wearing a medical device in that period, but I was still able to interact in a fair enough way with the team.
    “I was not 100 per cent [in] my physical shape but in the next game I will be fit and try to give my contribution.” More

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    Every Premier League club’s value revealed as greedy Man Utd and Spurs owners demand MORE than their worth for takeover

    EVERY Premier League’s club value has been revealed – as at least two major sides prepare for potential takeovers. The deadline for bids for Manchester United is set to close tomorrow as major bidders circle for control of one of the world football’s giants.
    The Glazers announced last year their willingness to sell Man UnitedCredit: AFP
    Tottenham’s Daniel Levy is the Premier League’s longest-serving chairmanCredit: Alamy
    Man United are estimated to lead the league in terms of club valuations
    Meanwhile reports yesterday suggested Tottenham were attracting the attention of Iranian-born US billionaire Jahm Najafi.
    United and Spurs are among the Premier League’s most valuable assets with the 20 clubs collectively worth tens of billions.
    The Red Devils sit top of the estimated valuation list compiled by Sportico, a sports business publication.
    They have a valuation of £4.8bn and are believed to have drummed up £583.2m in revenue in 2022.
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    But the Glazer family are believed to be looking for a £6bn fee, above the club’s reported value.
    The same appears to be the case at Tottenham with owner Joe Lewis believed to value the club between £4bn-£4.5bn.

    But Sportico claim the club is the seventh-most valuable in English football at an estimated £2.57bn, way below Lewis’ reported asking price.
    Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham follow United as English football’s most valuable clubs.
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    West Ham are the highest-ranked outside of the traditional top six, with the Hammers rated at £535m.
    At the other end of the rankings, Bournemouth are estimated to be the least valuable club at £115m with Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Brighton also among those in the lower half.
    The Premier League could be set for another big takeover after Todd Boehly’s acquisition of Chelsea last MayCredit: Alamy
    Liverpool owner John W. Henry controls the Premier League’s second most valuable clubCredit: Getty More

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    Antonio Conte ‘will QUIT Tottenham in the summer with Mauricio Pochettino finally returning as manager’

    ANTONIO CONTE is set to “leave” his position as Tottenham head coach at the end of the season. And his incoming replacement will be none other than former Spurs gaffer Mauricio Pochettino.
    Antonio Conte is set to leave SpursCredit: Getty
    With former boss Mauricio Pochettino returning for a second stintCredit: Getty
    This is according to talkSPORT host Alan Brazil.
    Brazil, who scored nine goals for Spurs during his one season with them in 1983/84, has been disappointed with Tottenham’s performances this season.
    Their latest result in the Champions League saw them lucky to escape with a 1-0 defeat, while this compounded a 4-1 defeat suffered against Leicester at the weekend.
    Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Brazil said: “I’ve been disappointed with Spurs.
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    “But you look at the table, you look at what they’re left in, and I think that they can overcome Milan in London, I do.
    “I think they can go through at the next round.”
    However, Brazil also revealed information which suggests Spurs are looking to make a managerial change.
    He added: “I understand what Jamie was saying, I do, and I’ll say it again, I’m told that he’s [Conte] probably going to leave and Poch will come in.
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    “But whoever comes in has got to have money to improve – especially in the midfield area now that they’ve lost [Rodrigo] Bentancur who is a decent player on the ball.”
    Bentancur has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a UCL tear.

    Conte went against doctor’s orders in order to take charge of Spurs’ last 16 tie against AC Milan on Tuesday, having recently gone under the knife for gallbladder surgery.
    Today it was revealed the Italian has remained in Italy with his family following the game to help him recover from his surgery.
    In a club statement, Spurs confirmed Cristian Stellini would take on first team duties without the former Chelsea and Juventus manager, with a clash against West Ham up next.
    Brazil was also critical of club chairman Daniel Levy.
    He added: “I think something has got to give.
    “I think the chairman has to find some more money for whoever goes in, if it’s Poch, he can trust Poch, but I believe he’s got to find it.
    “Tottenham are not that far away, I’m not saying they’re an Arsenal or a [Manchester] City, but they’re not that far away.
    “They’ve been up there, but you have to invest.”
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    It comes amid the club being linked to a £3billion takeover by American-Iranian billionaire Jahm Najafi.
    However, current owner Joe Lewis reportedly wants a bid closer to £4.5bn if he is to sell. More

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    Bayern Munich ‘to step up Harry Kane transfer chase after internal analysis reveals he’s perfect striker for the club’

    BAYERN MUNICH remain keen on pursuing Harry Kane with internal analysis suggesting no striker would suit their club better, reports say. The England forward has long been linked with moves to the world’s biggest clubs after consistently knocking in the goals for Tottenham.

    His prolific scoring saw him break Jimmy Greaves’ long-standing goal record earlier this month when he bagged his 267th in the 1-0 win over Manchester City.
    With Kane’s contract expiring in the summer of 2024, speculation is once again mounting that he could be into his final years in North London.
    Bayern Munich are believed to have long admired the striker and Bild report that he remains in their sights.
    The German paper claims that in-club analysis has shown he would suit their team more than any other frontman in the world.
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    While it is not clear what analysis Bayern used, the German champions may need to only look at Kane’s goals numbers to tempt them into a move.
    The 29-year-old has scored at least 17 league goals in each of the last nine seasons since making his breakthrough from Spurs’ youth team.
    But his boyhood club now face a frantic fight to keep him as his contract expiration nears.
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    Manchester United are also believed to be eyeing Kane as they look for world-class options up front.
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    The Red Devils also have Napoli’s red-hot hitman Victor Osimhen in their sights. More