Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Alasdair Gold

The extra £50m ENIC offered to Tottenham, James Maddison and the Harry Kane situation

Jam1e: "Just wondering what are your thoughts on Maddison? Do you think it will happen and when are we going to submit a bid?"

Alasdair says: "Maddison is a player who Spurs have looked at for years, since he started off at Coventry, and they've clearly regretted not pushing harder for him in the past. This feels like the summer when if they want to get it done, he's there to be signed.

"The price for someone with just 12 months left on their deal, as with Raya, is going to be a hurdle to overcome but ultimately Tottenham must decide just how much they want and need Maddison. He is a perfect fit for the Postecoglou system and with Newcastle moving for Tonali, albeit a different kind of midfielder, there are question marks over whether they will also splash out big on the Leicester man.

"With Maddison also represented by Base, who have a heavy presence at Spurs in Postecoglou, Son, Porro, Richarlison and many of the young stars of the academy, it feels like an easy fit if they can come to an agreement on the fee.

"A bit like the early move for Richarlison last summer, this feels like it could be a statement signing for Spurs that sends a message to the squad and the fans.

"There will be strong alternatives on their list, as there were for Raya, but Maddison feels like a big signing to excite everyone."

READ MORE: Leonardo Gabbanini - The man behind the scenes at Tottenham building Ange Postecoglou's team

terrato: "Is there any movement on the players we’re trying to sell? Apart from Lo Celso I haven’t seen anything on Dier, Lloris, Winks, Sanchez etc?"

Alasdair says: "The international break would have held up some transfer movement but I wouldn't be surprised if a few clubs sit it out for a little while knowing Spurs are desperate to move on so many players from what is a bloated squad. With some approaching the final 12 months of their deals the buying/loaning clubs know they have the upper hand because these aren't regular starters for the north London club.

"I know there is a little interest in Ndombele, a fair bit in Rodon (from a few Premier League clubs and French ones) and Lo Celso and various others, but it's about the fee. Sanchez had some interest in January as well and Winks' loan will have helped his interest.

"If Tottenham want to speed up the process then they will have to accept some cut price deals. I can see a familiar scenario at Spurs next month where we get a list of players announced to not be coming on the pre-season tour because they are "looking for a new club".

mattyice1311L: "I was wondering if you know any of the targets for centre-back for Spurs. I am a big fan of Tapsoba and also really like Castello Lukeba from Lyon."

Alasdair says: "The defence is the priority for Spurs in this window with three of the five positions they definitely want new faces in (keeper, two centre-backs, central attacking midfielder and a young winger) focused on improving the backline.

"Spurs like Edmond Tapsoba. The 24-year-old's pace and ability on the ball mark him out a really good fit for the Postecoglou system. He's still a work in progress but has a high ceiling. Arsenal looked at the Bayer Leverkusen man but reportedly turned their attention elsewhere due to his price tag so it's interesting to see how that affects Spurs as he still has three years left on his deal in Germany.

"Tottenham have also loved Marc Guehi for a while but the price tag for the 22-year-old Palace defender is going to be huge, if he's allowed to go this summer, and all of the top clubs in England and plenty abroad are monitoring his situation, so he would seem a tough get for Spurs.

"Tottenham have looked at Wolves' Max Kilman before and have been linked with Aymeric Laporte after he has struggled to get regular starts at City, along with Josip Sutalo and Roger Ibanez as well as Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson.

"Chief scout Leonardo Gabbanini will have plenty of other names lined up as well that fit Postecoglou's system, using the club's data analysts."

JMontgomery10: "How many in your opinion do you think we’ll get in this summer? Are there any other positions in particular we’re looking at other than the number role?"

Alasdair says: "The aim is at least five with the goalkeeper, two centre-backs, a central attacking midfielder and a preferably young winger. Of course that could increase depending on the opportunities that arise in the market that can't be passed up as well the need to replace anyone a good bid comes in for that hadn't been a definite departure before the summer."

JBgtr: "What's going on Harry Kane's situation? is there any possibility of signing new contract with Spurs?"

Alasdair says: "It's going to be a wait and see situation with Harry Kane. Spurs insist they do not want to sell him, particularly to another Premier League team. That leaves foreign clubs but the asking price for a 30-year-old in the last 12 months of his deal (regardless of how incredible he is) would be huge and that will put many off.

"There's also the question of whether Kane would want to move abroad at this stage. It's something he's said publicly that he doesn't want to do before and then there's Shearer's record, although it would surely be tough to turn someone like Real Madrid down if they did stump up the cash.

"Spurs will hope that he remains and loves playing in the Postecoglou system with the chances created for him and feels like he can get somewhere. Kane has always wanted to win things at Tottenham and if he feels like he can do that then he might just sign a new deal.

"Right now though the power is gradually creeping back into his hands and away from the clubs."

lasvegasspurs: "What are the chances we sign three new centre-backs this window? Do you expect Dier, Sanchez and Tanganga to all leave?"

Alasdair says: "I'd be surprised if there's a complete clear out of all the centre-backs apart from Romero. That's a huge overhaul, although one some might say is needed. Spurs will look at the bids that come in and decide who they will part with, but you would think that at least one will stay alongside Romero. Lenglet has also - at this point - left the club.

"Tottenham have wanted two new centre-backs in each of the past two summer windows but have always been hampered by their inability to get players out to free up the space in the squad.

"With a year left on Dier and Sanchez's contracts any bid has to be looked at for them, while Tanganga and Rodon need regular first team football. It's down to what offers arrive for any of them."

NateS32: " Out of all the academy prospects, who do you think Postecoglou may give chances to the quickest from Dorrington, Devine, Scarlett, Parrott etc?"

Alasdair says: "Dorrington and Paskotsi are expected to be the two young centre-backs closest to being ready for the first team so Postecoglou will look at them in pre-season. Devine could well head off on the tour with the team if a loan move isn't sorted for him before then. For Scarlett and Parrott it's all about who can hit the net in pre-season enough to catch the eye of the Australian and get an extended stay at Spurs this season and some cup minutes.

I'm also interested to see how Jamie Donley pushes on this season after one in which he showed his versatility. Matthew Craig also looks like he's staying at Spurs so he should get some opportunities or a loan move.

He's only 15 but I'd also expect to see Mikey Moore getting more first team training time this season as they look to accelerate his development while also not pushing him too quickly."

CarolineFD: "Are there any plans for more pre-season games, besides the ones on the tour?"

Alasdair says: "I'd be surprised if there's not one on the final weekend before the season begins. There's a spot in the schedule and a fourth game will further help Postecoglou get his ideas across. Spurs often head out of the country on that final weekend for a fixture - unless the club have the stadium available to cash in with a first Postecoglou home friendly - so we'll see what's announced in the coming weeks. There are also usually one or two training ground friendlies before the tour."

macro spurs: "Apparently the club is willing to listen to offers for Hojbjerg given he is not suited to the way Ange wants to play. With Bentancur out until November, surely if Hojbjerg is sold then the club will look to replace him with another midfielder?"

Alasdair says: "Perhaps. When Bentancur is fit - he reckons in 2-3 months - obviously you'll have him, Bissouma, Skipp and Sarr if Hojbjerg does depart, with potentially Maddison as the more attacking midfielder. There's certainly a case that if the Dane goes then they could do with one more box-to-box player to add to those priority five signings mentioned below."

HotspurSam: "What players on international duty are we likely to see in Australia including those in the U21s please?"

Alasdair says: "I understand the international players are set to return from July 12, which is only a couple of days before they fly off to Perth, although some might come back earlier if they want to impress the new boss. Much will depend on their fitness and whether they are in Postecoglou's plans, but you would expect all of the key players need to make the trip to take on the Australian's methods.

"As for the U21s, depending on whether any loan moves arise beforehand, I'd hope we might see the likes of Dane Scarlett, Troy Parrott, Alfie Devine and perhaps one or both of Alfie Dorrington and Maksim Paskotsi and potentially Harvey White. Much depends on how many senior players Postecoglou wants to take."

Annie27: "Any idea what's going on with the women's team manager search please?"

Alasdair says: "I'm told the club are making good progress towards appointing a new women's team head coach so we'll see what that brings."

Tilewa: "Are we still in for a director of football, and if so, why not promote Gabbanini? He seems to know his onions and based on your article, is highly regarded."

Alasdair says: "They're still looking for a director of football type. The belief among those who know Gabbanini is that he could step up at some point from chief scout to a more senior role somewhere but I just wonder if at this point Spurs need a more experienced head to act as the go-between with Postecoglou and Munn. There's plenty of interest in Gabbanini and it will be interesting to see where his long-term future lies."

TomB: "Do you know what happened to the final £50m tranche of extra capital from the £150m that ENIC made available? Didn't it have to be drawn by the end of 2022? I don't remember hearing that it was drawn."

Alasdair says: "That was the original stance but when I asked the club back in February they confirmed that the commitment remains for the remaining £50m of the £150m from ENIC into 2023. So that's there to be used and there's nothing on Companies House at this moment to suggest it has been drawn out thus far."

TheRealMrFantastic: "Could you understand fans who are underwhelmed at Vicario replacing Lloris, or is that unreasonable?"

Alasdair says: "I get that he's an unknown to those who don't watch Serie A and cheaper than the ready-made Raya, so I completely understand where that sentiment is coming from. It looks like Spurs taking a cheaper route.

"On the other side of the coin, everyone I've asked who covers the Italian league says Spurs are getting one of the deals of the transfer window and Vicario was wanted by Inter, Juventus, Napoli and Bayern if they lost their keepers this year, while Manchester United and Brighton have looked at him, so he's very well regarded.

"Also, we look at clubs like Brighton and Brentford and marvel at how they grab players just before they become stars with good scouting and use of data and have a list of similar targets they can switch between if a price is deemed as lacking in value. It looks like Spurs may have done the same here so I'm hoping this is the start of a new way of working for the north London club.

"Paratici enquired about Vicario earlier this year so he's someone they've had their eye on for a while."

HotspurSam: "Is Gianni Vio staying with Spurs or has he left?"

Alasdair says: "We'll find out next week when it seems Postecoglou's staff is going to be confirmed. Vio is an interesting case because he floats around from club to club rather than as a part of a moving set of staff. It's down to whether the Australian believes the Italian's set piece routines are of benefit to him."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.