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    Tottenham ‘will consider Mauricio Pochettino ahead of ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel’ if Antonio Conte leaves

    TOTTENHAM will prioritise former boss Mauricio Pochettino over Thomas Tuchel if manager Antonio Conte leaves, reports suggest.Conte’s deal with Spurs runs out in June and his future remains up in the air as he has yet to show signs he will pen a new deal.
    Tottenham will prioritise Mauricio Pochettino over Thomas Tuchel if Antonio Conte leavesCredit: Reuters
    Former Chelsea boss Tuchel is among Tottenham’s candidatesCredit: AFP
    And the North Londoners have no option but to explore potential replacements.
    Thomas Tuchel is an obvious candidate as he is still a free agent after being sacked by Chelsea in September.
    According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, however, Tuchel is not the priority for the club’s hierarchy.
    In fact, Tottenham will consider other candidates including Pochettino ahead of the German tactician if they need a new manager.
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    Jacobs tweeted: “Told Thomas Tuchel is not Tottenham’s priority if Antonio Conte departs.
    “There will be other candidates, including Mauricio Pochettino, ahead of Tuchel for consideration should Conte exit.”
    Pochettino, who is also a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last year, earned plenty of recognition during his five-year stint at Tottenham.
    The Argentine head coach led Spurs to four top-four finishes in the Premier League.
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    The ex-PSG boss also took the North Londoners to the 2019 Champions League Final where they lost to Liverpool.
    But Pochettino was sacked just a few months after the final following a run of poor results. More

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    Tottenham ‘launch Nicolo Zaniolo loan transfer offer with obligation to buy’ but face competition from Prem rivals

    TOTTENHAM are interested in signing Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo on loan with an obligation to buy, reports suggest.However, Spurs will be facing competition from Premier League rivals West Ham as well as Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
    Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo has been linked with a loan move to TottenhamCredit: Getty
    That is according to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, who reports that the Giallorossi are open to selling the playmaker in the January transfer window.
    The Italy international has just 18 months left in his contract and Roma chiefs have debated about whether to extend his deal.
    Tottenham have been keeping tabs on the 23-year-old since August and their interest persists.
    The North Londoners’ managing director Fabio Paratici has proposed a loan deal with an obligation to buy as long as certain terms are met.
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    West Ham are also eyeing the Italian after finding themselves in a relegation battle in the Premier League.
    And Dortmund are still looking to bolster their attack after losing star striker Erling Haaland to Manchester City last summer.

    However, Roma have slapped a €40million (£35m) release clause and won’t accept any offers below €35m (£31m).
    In fact, Jose Mourinho’s side are already monitoring potential replacements in case Zaniolo leaves mid-season.
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    The versatile midfielder has amassed a total of two goals and three assists in 17 appearances across all competitions this season.
    The ex-Inter Milan star joined Roma in 2018 and has since registered 24 goals and 18 assists in 128 matches. More

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    Tottenham manager Antonio Conte ‘reflecting on his future’ after tragic deaths of three close friends including Vialli

    ANTONIO CONTE has always taken pride in living to work.But his traumatic last few months have made him realise that there is more to life than his job.
    Gianluca Vialli pictured with Antonio ConteCredit: Instagram @antonioconte
    Antonio Conte and Sinisa Mihajlovic pictured in 2021Credit: Getty
    Antonio Conte with Gian Piero Ventrone in 2022Credit: Getty
    The Tottenham manager has suffered three tragedies to close friends.
    Gian Piero Ventrone, Spurs’ beloved fitness coach, passed away in October from leukaemia at the age of 61.
    Serie A legend and great friend Sinisa Mihajlovic succumbed to the same dreadful disease last month, aged just 53.
    Conte was then mourning the loss of Gianluca Vialli, his team-mate for Juventus and Italy, along with the rest of the footballing world when the Chelsea hero died of pancreatic cancer a fortnight ago.
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    The Spurs boss, 53, said: “This season is a difficult season from a personal aspect.
    “To lose in such a short time three people that I knew very well, Gian Piero Ventrone, then Sinisa and now Gianluca, it was not simple.
    “For sure, when this situation happens it brings you to have important reflections.
    “Because many times we give a lot of importance to our work and we forget the family, we forget that we need to have more time for us.
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    “This season is making me have an important reflection on my future.”
    With his 15-year-old daughter at a key age regarding her education, Conte and his wife have decided it is better for them to continue to live in Italy while he is over in England.
    It makes sense given the “here today, gone tomorrow” nature of football management — but it means he has spent a lot of time alone during these difficult few months.
    While his assistant Cristian Stellini revealed earlier this month that Conte is not one to talk about his feelings with his staff, that he is a “strong man”, so the Spurs boss will have been carrying all that pain alone.
    And it does seem to have given him a new perspective on what is important.
    Conte explained: “When work is at the top of your mind, maybe we forget to stay with the family, we forget to spend time with friends.
    “But this is our passion and for the passion we lost a lot of things.
    “When this situation happens, you start to think maybe sometimes it is also good to give more time to your family and friends and yourself.
    “The work is not everything in life.”
    Conte’s difficult period has not been helped by his team struggling. Spurs are through to the last 16 of the Champions League and still in the hunt for the Premier League top four.
    But results have been poor of late, with three defeats in their last six league games.
    Some fans are starting to get frustrated, while others are unconvinced Conte’s heart is really in it given his contract expires in the summer and he is yet to commit to fresh terms.
    Asked how it feels to hear that his commitment is being questioned, particularly given what he has been through personally, Conte replied: “I don’t read and I don’t hear this but the people who know me can tell me that I could be not a good coach.
    “But about the commitment and what I give the club where I work, no club was unhappy about this.
    “Usually when I left the club they regret me a lot because they knew the way I work and the commitment I put into the club.”
    The former Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan chief even hinted that Spurs are keen for him to stay longer because of his tireless work ethic.He said: “I give everything for the club. Not only for Tottenham — for Inter, for Juventus, for every club where I was the coach.
    “It is normal that when I finish the day I am tired because I work a lot for the club. And for this reason the club want me to stay for a long period.”
    It does not get any easier for Spurs as they go to Manchester City tonight, facing what Conte reckons is “the best team in the world”.
    Tottenham can take heart from their 3-2 win at the Etihad last term, when Harry Kane scored twice.
    Spurs go into the game as underdogs, which may help given they have struggled with the pressure of being favourites in recent weeks.
    Yet Conte said: “If my team is going to play with a team at the bottom of the table or in first, I put the same pressure — because for me the pressure is a positive.
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    “The pressure allows me to give 100 per cent. If I’m relaxed and I don’t have energy, it’s not a good signal for myself.”
    Antonio Conte’s Tottenham suffered defeat to ArsenalCredit: AFP More

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    Arsenal ace Iwabuchi joins Tottenham on loan with club sealing transfer after Bethany England swoop

    TOTTENHAM have signed Mana Iwabuchi from Arsenal with the playmaker switching to the club on a temporary deal. The Japan midfielder, 29, has joined the team for the rest of this season having made three appearances in the top tier so far this term. 
    Mana Iwabuchi has become the second player to sign for Tottenham from a rival London club in the WSL this monthCredit: Getty
    The midfielder could be in line to make her debut for Rehanne Skinner’s side in their upcoming league game against Leicester CityCredit: Getty
    Iwabuchi’s January move follows Spurs’ swoop for Bethany England this month in a bid to boost their attacking threat. 
    The former Chelsea striker wasted no time in proving her scoring capabilities.
    She netted on her debut during her new side’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa away last time out. 
    Iwabuchi, who will wear Spurs’ number 20 shirt, could be in line to make her first appearance for Rehanne Skinner’s side when they take on Leicester City on Sunday. 
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    Of her temporary switch, the attacking midfielder who began her senior playing career at Japanese side Nippon TV Beleza in 2007, said: “Rehanne told me about the club’s ambitions, so I’m very excited to join this journey.
    “Now I’m a Spurs player I try to do my best.”
    Iwabuchi first moved to the Women’s Super League in December 2020 when she joined Aston Villa from German top-flight side Bayern Munich. 
    During her stint with the Frauen Bundesliga outfit the playmaker won the top tier title in Germany in the 2014-15 season. 
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    At the time the team also included Vivianne Miedema who played for Bayern from 2014 to 2017 prior to her Arsenal move.
    Other current WSL stars who also played for the German giants include Tottenham goalkeeper Tinja-Riika Korpela and midfielder Ramona Petzelberger. 
    In addition to being reunited with the duo, Iwabuchi’s loan will also see her back in the same club squad as her former Villa team-mate Asmita Ale. 
    Iwabuchi, who helped Japan to a memorable World Cup win in 2011, has made 85 senior appearances for her country netting 37 goals. 
    The forward, who is considered to be one of the WSL’s best playmakers, will no doubt be hoping to see more game time for the rest of this season.
    Iwabuchi’s arrival comes in the same month as Bethany England’s transfer to Tottenham from ChelseaCredit: Getty
    So far this term in the top-flight made three appearances from the substitutes bench. 
    Tottenham will hope their move for Iwabuchi will boost their creative flair in the final third with the club hoping to rack up more goals and wins in the league. 
    The team, who finished fifth last term, are currently eighth having lost four of their last five games across all competitions.  More

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    Man, 35, charged with assault after Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale kicked by Spurs fan

    A MAN has been charged with assault after Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was kicked during a Spurs match. Joseph Watts, 35, from Hackney, is facing assault charges over an incident at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.
    A man, 35, has been charged with kicking Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale
    Shocking footage later emerged appearing to show the Spurs fan escape through the crowdCredit: Sky Sports
    He is accused of assault by beating, going onto an area adjacent to playing area and throwing a missile onto a football playing area, police say.
    Both are contrary to the Football (Offences) Act 1991.
    He is due to appear at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 17 February.
    Tottenham Hotspur Football Club assisted The Met’s Football Investigations Team during their investigation.
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    Ramsdale was allegedly kicked by a Spurs fan when he went to get his gloves and bottle on Sunday.
    When picking up his bottle, a Tottenham fan jumped onto the advertising board and allegedly booted Ramsdale in the back.
    Shocking footage later emerged appearing to show the Spurs fan escape through the crowd after kicking Ramsdale.
    The English shot-stopper made seven saves during the match – a record which he has only bettered in one Premier League game.
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    He made two extraordinary saves in particular, from Ryan Sessegnon and Heung Min-Son, as well as a few from Harry Kane.
    Tottenham said in a statement: “We are appalled by the behaviour of a supporter that attempted to attack Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of today’s match. Violence in any form has no place in football.”
    A Football Association statement read: “We strongly condemn the incident involving a spectator that followed today’s Premier League fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
    “This is wholly unacceptable behaviour and we will work together with the police, the relevant authorities and the clubs to ensure the appropriate action is taken.” More

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    Spurs fan who kicked Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is unmasked in new footage – do you know him?

    SHOCKING new footage has emerged showing a Spurs fan escape through the crowd after kicking Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale.The player was assaulted at the end of Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Tottenham on Sunday, January 15.
    Tottenham Hotspur fan kicks Aaron Ramsdale and then runs back into the standsCredit: Sky Sports
    His face could be seen after he took off his scarfCredit: Sky Sports
    In a desperate bid to escape security, he frantically started climbing over seats through the crowd.
    The man, who covered his face with a scarf, then appeared to meet up with two men who knew him.
    He removed his face covering as he looked out of breath and fans tried to protect his identity by standing in front of him.
    When he was leaving the stadium he had taken off his jacket and scarf to change his appearance and quickly slipped past people going up the stairs.
    Ramsdale was handed a bottle of water after the incident.
    The Met Police later confirmed a man has been charged with assault.
    Spurs boss Antonio Conte said: “I didn’t see it before. If this situation happened [then] it’s not good, it’s not positive.
    “I think that in every moment we have to show respect. If we want respect, we have to show respect. Honestly, I didn’t see this [incident] but if this situation happens for sure I don’t like it.”
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    Tottenham defender Eric Dier said of the incident: “I didn’t see it, but obviously it’s just unacceptable really. There’s nothing more I can say other than it’s unacceptable and it shouldn’t have happened.”
    Tottenham said in a statement: “We are appalled by the behaviour of a supporter that attempted to attack Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of today’s match. Violence in any form has no place in football.”
    A Football Association statement read: “We strongly condemn the incident involving a spectator that followed today’s Premier League fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
    “This is wholly unacceptable behaviour and we will work together with the police, the relevant authorities and the clubs to ensure the appropriate action is taken.”
    A Premier League statement read: “There is no place in football for acts of violence, and under no circumstance should players be attacked or fear for their safety at games.
    “The League will support the clubs and relevant authorities in taking the strongest possible action against the individual responsible.”
    A PFA statement read: “Players have a right to be safe in their place of work. When a player is attacked we expect the laws and regulations that are in place to protect them to be properly enforced.
    “As the players’ union we treat this as a priority issue. We will be continuing to work with the authorities to demand that players and staff are better protected in their place of work.”
    Former Arsenal and England striker Lianne Sanderson tweeted: “That idiot that kicked or tried to kick @AaronRamsdale98 should be banned for life. Hate seeing things like that. What on earth is wrong with people.”
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    Mikel Arteta’s men are not even halfway through their Premier League campaign but this was a hugely significant triumph – one which may be pinpointed as the most crucial of the lot if they are crowned champions of England for the first time in 19 years. 
    Next Sunday, they face a resurgent Manchester United – the only team to have defeated them in the league this season – and next month they face City.
    He balanced on the side-line rail before jumpingCredit: Sky Sports
    The fan climbed back over the crowd to get away from securityCredit: Sky Sports More

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    Tottenham’s transfer plans for January revealed with under-fire Antonio Conte wanting three positions filled

    TOTTENHAM are in the market for three players this January – but the future of Antonio Conte could potentially complicate any deals, reports say. Only two weeks remain before the window slams shut and Spurs are one of seven Premier League teams yet to make a signing.
    Antonio Conte has cut a frustrated figure on the Tottenham touchline in recent weeksCredit: Getty
    A clamour for new faces appears to be growing among fans amid a sticky run of form.
    The Times reports that there are still three positions the club are eager to fill.
    A left-sided attacking player, a right-wingback and a central midfielder are believed to be top of Conte’s wish-list.
    Spurs spent over £170m during the summer recruiting big stars like Richarlison and Christian Romero.
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    But Conte has grumbled previously about Tottenham’s lack of spending power compared to their Premier League rivals.
    The contract of the situation of the head coach has further complicated transfer plans, the Times adds.
    The Italian’s deal runs out at the end of the season and the Spurs hierarchy fear bringing in new players who are then not fancied by Conte’s potential successor.
    Despite the lack of incomings, the North London club have been linked to a number of players in this window.
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    Defender Pedro Porro is believed to one of the targets but Sporting Lisbon are reluctant to let him go this window.
    They are reportedly insisting that Spurs cough up almost £40m.
    Meanwhile, Jordan Pickford is another high-profile star who who has caught Spurs’ interest, according to reports.
    Conte expressed frustration with the “crazy” expectations on Spurs following their New Year’s Day defeat to Aston Villa.
    He ranted: “I remember very well in the summer people talked about Tottenham as title contenders but it was a bit crazy to see this.
    “To become title contenders, to become a team ready to fight to win something, you need to have a solid foundation, which means to have 14 or 15 strong players, with quality, and the other young players to develop.
    “Every season, you can add two players – but two players priced £50m, £60m, £70m.
    “In this way, it means you are signing important players who can improve the quality and the level of your team. But this is a process, guys.”
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    Sunday’s North London derby defeat means Spurs have now lost three of their last four home league games.
    They have also fallen five points behind Manchester United and Newcastle in the race for top four. More

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    Five keepers Tottenham could sign to replace Lloris including Oblak and Pickford after Frenchman’s derby blunder

    TOTTENHAM are making plans to replace Hugo Lloris as their No1 this season.The Frenchman is under contract at White Hart Lane until 2024, but has endured a torrid season.
    Hugo Lloris made a terrible blunder against ArsenalCredit: Getty
    The Frenchman couldn’t believe his gaffeCredit: Alamy
    Lloris, 36, has made more errors leading to goals than any other player in the Premier League this term.
    His latest blunder came against Arsenal in Sunday’s North London derby, inexplicably fumbling the ball into his own net.
    Tottenham have begun the process of sounding out successors for Lloris, who has been at the club since 2012.
    Here, SunSport takes a look at some of the potential contenders to become Spurs’ new first choice stopper for next season.
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    JORDAN PICKFORD
    Tottenham possess an interest in Everton stopper Jordan Pickford.
    Despite the Toffees’ struggles this season, a more mature Pickford has impressed between the sticks.
    The England No1’s Goodison contract runs until 2024 and he is understood to be happy on Merseyside.
    But Everton getting relegated to the Championship could force them to sell their star stopper, with Spurs well placed to pounce.
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    Jordan Pickford has impressed despite Everton’s plightCredit: Getty
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    DAVID RAYA
    Like Pickford, Brentford’s David Raya will also have just one year remaining on his contract at the end of the season.
    The two-cap Spanish international was claimed to be “high on Spurs’ list of targets” by the Telegraph earlier this month.
    Raya, 27, could opt for a new challenge after four years at Brentford.
    Recently chatting to Spanish paper AS about his future, Raya said: “Every player has goals and wants to improve. Now I am focused on my team and in the summer, we will see what happens.”
    David Raya is a commanding figure for BrentfordCredit: Rex
    JAN OBLAK
    The Atletico Madrid stopper emerged as a shock Tottenham target earlier this season.
    Amid reports that his previous £107million release clause had been “significantly lowered”, Jan Oblak was linked with Spurs last September.
    Oblak, 30, has been at Atletico since 2014, but the Spanish side are now reportedly open to parting ways.
    He has made 377 appearances in total for Diego Simeone’s side, keeping an impressive 183 clean sheets.
    Jan Oblak emerged as a shock Spurs target earlier this seasonCredit: Rex
    ILLAN MESLIER
    Despite having already made over 100 appearances for Leeds United, Illan Meslier is just 22-years-old.
    The Frenchman is a compatriot of Lloris and has represented his country at youth level.
    Meslier will have an eye on succeeding the Spurs No1 as France’s first choice at some point and will likely feel that a transfer will boost his case.
    Chelsea and Newcastle have also been linked with the Leeds star.
    Illan Meslier could replace his French compatriot at White Hart LaneCredit: Getty
    ROBERT SANCHEZ
    Like Raya, Robert Sanchez has earned two Spain caps.
    The Brighton star, 25, hasn’t looked back since become the Seagulls’ No1.
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    A good shot-stopper that is competent with the ball at his feet, Sanchez is likely to be in demand.
    With his contract running until 2025, he has also been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea.
    Robert Sanchez quickly became a star at BrightonCredit: Reuters More