White Hot Lines  

   News about one deal that has been done and that is the exit of Ismail Azzaoui to Wolfsburg for an undisclosed fee.  The 17 year old had just broken into the Under-21 side at Hotspur Way, but has been released to join the Bundesliga club and at least Spurs have got some money for him, although the decision to allow him to leave appears a strange one.
   Transfer rumour explosion as we approach less than 18 hours to go the the window slamming shut.  The Axel Witsel rumour seems to have been terminated by Zenit St. Petersburg setting a fee of GBP 72.8 million.  He must be really good ... in Russia.  Spurs are linked with a move for Manchester United reserve striker James Wilson on loan, with West Bromwich Albion also in the running for the 19 year old.  The tired old rumours about Victor Moses, Saido Berahino and Alexandre Pato (who the media in Brazil reported Spurs had agreed a fee with his club for the transfer to take place) are still circulating like a senile driver on the M25, but on another tack, not content with missing out on Southampton's matches, Victor Wanyama has now been omitted from the Kenya squad for their upcoming internationals.  Poor chap.  By the time the midfielder plays for Southampton or Spurs after the transfer window closes, he will be so unfit he will need some match practice on loan !  Spurs might make a last-minute swoop for Newcastle United striker Ayoze Perez, as options thin out towards the end of the transfer window. A GBP 15 million bid for the player they signed for GBP 1.4 million last summer is reported to have been made for the 22 year old Spaniard. 
   Rumours are alive of players on their way out too, with Erik Lamela now looking to be on his way to France, with Olympique Marseille in talks, although Internazionale, Juventus and AS Roma are also on his trail.  This turned out to spawn rumours late in the day that he had moved to Marseille on loan for the rest of the season.  No official confirmation at time of completing this page though.  DeAndre Yedlin is wanted by Danish clubs FC Midtjylland and Aalborg BK on loan, while Aaron Lennon wants to move to Everton or he will sulk until his contract runs out next summer, despite West Ham United being interested and then he can still go to all his local hang-outs.  West Ham have twigged about Emmanuel Adebayor though and are making signings elsewhere, leaving Manchester United as the desperate club who are now being linked with Togo's striker. Olympique Marseille are also on his case, with the potential for selfies for social media a decided must for the former Manchester City man, which is another reason why a move to United may not be the best of his career.
   There may be some good news, as David de Gea has agreed to join Real Madrid from Manchester United, with cash and keeper Keylor Navas moving the other way.  Good news because it probably means they won't go for Hugo Lloris now and also, if the game Navas played in the Audi Cup is anything to go by, he looks a bit dodgy to me, preferring to punch shots rather than catch or parry them ... meaning they could go anywhere.
   Tottenham's Under-21s travelled to Goodison Park for a Premier League International Cup game and lost 1-4, with Christian Maghoma grabbing a late consolation after going 0-4 behind five minutes into the second half.
   After signing for Bristol City three months ago after being allowed to leave Tottenham, right back Ryan Fredericks is back in London for personal reasons and has joined Fulham on a three year deal.

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   International squads have been announced for matches over the international break and England have included Ryan Mason and Harry Kane in their 23 for their matches against Switzerland and San Marino.  DeAndre Yedlin is in Jurgen Klinsmann's group for the US national side's friendly matches against
   New rumour hits media in last few days of transfer window shocker !  Tottenham are apparently interested in Belgian 26 year old midfielder Axel Witsel, who has been interesting Juventus and Chelsea, but may prefer a transfer to White Hart Lane from Andre Vilas-Boas' Zenit St. Petersburg.  New speculation has cropped up around Javier Hernandez now that Manchester United overlord Louis van Gaal has finally decided to break it off between them and Spurs need a forward, so bingo !  He's a target again ... as long as they sign someone first ... or if you believe the Daily Star Sunday, Spurs have had an offer knocked back by United already.  It is just so difficult to know who to trust these days.  Someone who was a target, then didn't look like being a target, may become a target again, after the Sunday Telegraph reveals that West Bromwich Albion forward Saido Berahino still hopes to move to Spurs before the Tuesday transfer deadline.  With Swansea City striker Bafetimbi Gomis' contract apparently including a GBP 7 million buy-out clause, Tottenham could be one of a number of clubs willing to try and tempt him away from the Liberty Stadium.  Especially as Alexandre Pato looked all set to come to Spurs yesterday, but now the news is he wants to stay in Sao Paolo, where the weather is hot and the goals easier to come by.  The Sun on Sunday has the most laughable link today, as they reckon Tottenham are to make a move to sign 27 year old Barcelona midfielder Alex Song, after he spent a year on loan at West Ham United.  The Irons are also in for him, if he can pass a medical.  Don't tell Charlie Austin !  The long-running chase after Yannick Bolasie's signature may end soon, as the Express report that Daniel Levy will broker a deal for the DR Congo international winger to come to North London, with Spurs winger Andros Townsend making the opposite journey south.
   Napoli seemed keen on a loan deal for Mousa Dembele before he was injured in yesterdays game.  Tottenham might be tempted if the deal was a permanent one.   Erik Lamela is attracting a lot of interest from Italy too, as Juventus and AS Roma are set to rival Internazionale for the Spurs winger.  Another Italian club is interested in a member of the Spurs staff at the moment, with former Spurs player Emmanuel Adebayor tempting them.  There was no truth in the rumour that Ismail Azzaoui had joined Wolfsburg, but they are interested in him and a deal might be done before transfer deadline day if Spurs are not intent on keeping him at the Lane.

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   MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Yesterday former Spurs midfielder and caretaker Head Coach Tim Sherwood tore a hamstring kicking at a water bottle in frustration as his Aston Villa team drew 2-2 with Sunderland.

   Tottenham drew 0-0 with Everton at White Hart Lane this evening.  For a match report click here.
   The big rumour today was that Alexandre Pato's agent was in London to broker a move for his client.  Corinthians his club are keen to sell him, but there appears to be problems over who owns him, as the Brazilian striker has been on loan at Sao Paolo for the last season and there is a row over unpaid image rights, which might push his buy out clause upwards of 100%. Not sure that we need to get involved in more off-field red tape than we need to.  Alternatives include Saido Berahino (now, where have I heard that name before ?).  Tony Pulis has been telling people it is not Tottenham's doing that the England Under-21 forward is in his current predicament, but he could still make his way to the Lane, although I reckon WBA chairman Jeremy Peace might have something to say about that.

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   The Europa League group draw had placed Spurs in Group J with Anderlecht, AS Monaco and Qarabag.  The ties will be played as follows : -
Qarabag (home)  Thursday 27th September 2015  k.o. 20.05
AS Monaco (away)  Thursday 1st October 2015  k.o. 19.00 (local time)
Anderlecht (away)  Thursday 22nd October 2015  k.o. 19.00 (local time)
Anderlecht (home)  Thursday 5th November 2015  k.o. 20.05 (local time)
Qarabag (away)  Thursday 26th November 2015  k.o. TBC
AS Monaco (home)  Thursday 10th December 2015  k.o. 20.05 (local time)
   Tottenham completed the signing of South Korean striker Son Heung-Min from Bayer Leverkusen today, subject to international clearance and a work permit, for a fee reported to be around GBP 22 million.  The attacking midfielder will wear the number 7 shirt. 
   Chatter online indicates that Emmanuel Adebayor had his medical at West Ham United ahead of an agreement to play for the club on loan for the rest of this season. A giant stretch camp limo took him to the private hospital and pictures of it were available on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Vine ... except you couldn't see it.  Strange that West Bromwich Albion were bitching about the staged payments Spurs wanted to make for Saido Berahino, when the Baggies wanted just that if they were to purchase Federico Fazio, or so it has been rumoured on the Internet. 
   Rumours on the net that young Belgian winger Ismail Azzaoui has left the club at the expiry of his contract and signed a five year deal with German side Wolfsburg.  Sad if true, as he was a good talent and didn't look out of place in the Under-21 side.
   EVERTON TEAM NEWS : -  Leighton Baines is out long term with an ankle injury, with the same affliction keeping Darron Gibson side-lined.  Tony Hibbert is out with a knee injury, while a similar injury makes Brendon Galloway a doubt, with former Spur Steven Pienaar side-lined with a hamstring problem .
   For a preview of the game against Everton tomorrow, click here.

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   Sad to report but Saido Berahino is being kept at the Hawthorns against his will be someone masquerading under the name of Peace.  It appears Tottenham have not met their valuation nor their payment terms, so they are not letting him join Spurs, but that leaves the door open for other clubs to snap him up.  But Daniel Levy has move don and according to spurious reports all over the net, his eyes have been drawn to rubbish Liverpool striker Franco Borini, who might be cheap and Charlie Austin of QPR, who is interesting West Ham United, so Dan might see that as a good enough reason to sign him, while off-loading Emmanuel Adebayor in the direction of E13.  No further news from the man in the know - Erik Lamela's Dad - about players leaving the Lane as yet.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS :  -  Christian Eriksen is still suffering from a knee knock and will be missing from the team to face Everton, but Andros Townsend is back in contention after recovering from a couple of injuries.
   Tottenham's youth ranks are well represented in England's latest squads with Harry Winks, Josh Onomah and Kyle Walker-Peters all called up for the England Under-20 squad, while in the Under-18s, goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman and striker Marcus Edwards have been chosen.  Representing Spurs in the Three Lions' Under-17 squad are Jaden Brown, Keanan Bennetts and Shayon Harrison.

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   Tottenham's home League Cup Third Round tie against Arsenal will be played on Wednesday 23rd September with a 19.45 kick off.  It will be shown live on Sky TV.
   Boom !  Out of nowhere, Spurs swoop for a new player with no previous links to him ... unless you go back a couple of years.  Liverpool (as they usually do) have been more recently linked with the South Korean attacking midfielder Heung-Min Son, but it appears Tottenham have jumped the queue for the 23 year old Bayer Leverkusen man, who can play left midfield or anywhere behind the front man.  Unfortunately for Spurs, a 22 million Euro buy out clause ran out in May and therefore, Leverkusen can negotiate a fee for the player, so it may be nearer 30 million Euros (GBP 22 million).  Son was missing from the Bayer Leverkusen squad with a stomach upset, which co-incidentally kept Victor Wanyama out of the Southampton squad for their Europa League qualifier against Mydtjylland, as Spurs keep up their bid to sign the Kenyan midfielder.  More worryingly, Liverpool striker Fabio Borini is being linked with Tottenham if they don't sign Saido Berahino, who they seem to be going off as much as he is going off West Bromwich Albion, having un-followed them on Twitter.  Oddly, Spurs are rumoured to be considering a move for AS Roma winger Adem Ljajic, who was signed to replace Erik Lamela, when he came to White Hart Lane. 
   Everton are rumoured to have made a GBP 5 million bid for Federico Fazio, who seems to be heading out of the Lane somewhere.  Also on his way is Erik Lamela, whose Dad is bigger than your Dad.  No, sorry, whose Dad has said the winger is keen to leave the club now to join Internazionale.  There are no other big movers at the club at the moment, but there is still time.

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   Tottenham have been drawn at home to Arsenal in the Third Round of the League Cup with the match to be played in the week starting September 21st.
   The big news today is the same big news as every other day recently.  Another day and another bid for Saido Berahino and another rejection from West Bromwich Albion.  Spurs will go back to knock on Jeremy Peace's door once more and the Albion chairman will not open up until Spurs can show him the big 25 mill.  Bored with this yet ? Only another week to go !!  New names being mentioned in the same sentence as Tottenham Hotspur are Sofiane Boufal of Lille (a 21 year old Moroccan midfielder) and Jeremy Clement (a 30 year old midfielder with St. Etienne).  I know which one is more likely.  One old rumour which has bounced back is the 20 year old Lech Poznan midfielder Karel Linetty, who would be one for the future.  The usual suspects in the news again today are Asier Illaramendi of Real Madrid and Southampton's Victor Wanyama, who Tottenham won't give up on apparently.
   Going the other way might be Alex Pritchard on loan to Norwich City or Derby County, Federico Fazio to WBA or Everton (who want him to replace the out-going John Stones ... maybe we could flog him to Chelsea for GBP 40 million instead of Stones), Erik Lamela - who is in talks with Internazionale over a loan move with a permanent move at the end of the season and Emmanuel Adebayor to West Ham United on loan, with Aaron Lennon following him on a permanent deal ... not sure if that is buy one get one free though.
   Good news (maybe) for Dele Alli and Eric Dier who have been included in the England Under-21 squad for matches against USA and Norway in the first week of September.  However, manager Gareth Southgate says it's not all about winning, so be ready for the media to label them flops when they fall in line with the boss' thinking.
   Former Spurs midfielder Mark Yeates has signed for Oldham Athletic on a short term contract after being released by Bradford City.

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   Transfer windows open and close and the closer you get to them closing, the more rumour fuelled nonsense comes out of media outlets.  All we do is repeat it ... we couldn't make this stuff up !!  Poor old Saido Berahino.  He can't even get away from the Hawthorns now that he has asked nicely if he can leave West Bromwich Albion.   With 15 clubs chasing him, it could all end up like a Benny Hill sketch.  GBP 21 million should avoid that.  Meanwhile, those nice people at Crystal Palace appear to be much better to do business with, as there is supposedly a deal in place for Yannick Bolasie to join Spurs, ready to be announced any day now.  No indication of how much has changed hands to make them be so reasonable about it, but although the fee is likely to be 'undisclosed', no doubt a figure will be plucked form the Countdown numbers round computer and multiplied by 10,000 to give the papers a hook to hang the story on.  Another player desperate to join Tottenham is Victor Wanyama, who has been told that no players are leaving Southampton by his gaoler Ronald 'Ron' Koeman.  While Spurs might keep making tempting bids for the Kenyan international midfielder, they might also shop elsewhere, with 'extensive' (I think they mean shouting and pointing) talks at Real Madrid for their unwanted (things like that don't happen in England) midfielder Asier Illarramendi.  Real Sociedad are said to be favourites to re-sign the player they allowed to leave two years ago, but a host of other clubs are interested, including Liverpool, Juventus and Internazionale. 
   But enough of all the players we are going to sign.  Surely someone or five must be making way for them ?  The Spurs backroom office staff will be shopping for the "So sorry to see you leave" card (and trying to find someone to sign it), according to the media, for Emmanuel Adebayor.  The Togolese Twitterer will be joining West Ham United on loan apparently, with his contract up at the end of next season.  Also perhaps on the way out is, maybe, DeAndre Yedlin, who has options at home and in Europe of a loan spell to get him some much needed 'game time'.  Oh.  And don't forget Aaron Lennon, as almost everyone else has and no clubs are linked with him today, as the window ticks down to its close eight days away.  West Bromwich Albion still hope to bring in Federico Fazio, despite not agreeing to his outrageous terms (see 21.08.2015) previously.  Internazionale have allegedly agreed a loan for Erik Lamela in principle according to Sky Italia.  The season long deal would cost the Milan club GBP 4.4 million, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer for an additional GBP 10.3 million.  If the move happens, does that mean that another winger will be coming in at the Lane ?

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   With Saido Berahino withdrawn from the West Bromwich Albion side to face Chelsea today, surely his price will plummet ?  But no !  Tony Pulis insists that 15 clubs are interested in the England Under-21 forward ... not just Spurs, who seem to be becoming a face in the crowd (although not at games where there are top strikers playing it would seem).  But not to worry hey.  We are at the front of the queue to sign Brazilian wonder-kid Alexandre Pato from Corinthians (if they can sort out who he is playing for or who owns him or something).  This top striker was the toast of Italy in 2007 and has been hot property since then (I assume that is true as he has changed hands quite quickly).  Not content with snapping up this world star, Spurs are looking at the situation of Victor Wanyama, who no longer wants to play for Southampton, refusing to talk about a new deal, although what economic programmes of the 1930s in the USA have got to do with him, I have no idea.  He is more excited by the thought of playing for Tottenham ... although I guess the wedge waiting for him is also focusing his attention. 
   Spurs Under-21s lost 0-1 away at Sunderland today.

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   Tottenham drew 1-1 with Leicester City at the KP Stadium this afternoon.  Click here for a match report.
   Spurs are being given some hope in their pursuit of Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama, as it is reported this evening that he has asked the Saints to leave the club.  Tottenham are rumoured to have bid GBP 16 million for him, as Mauricio Pochettino seeks a plan B for his failed signing of Morgan Schneiderlin, who went to Manchester United.  If Southampton lose Saido Mane to United, then the Daily Mirror reckon Ronald Koeman will make a GBP 12 million move for Andros Townsend.  Another player Tottenham are supposedly making a move for is 19 year old Guingamp's defensive midfielder Clement Moy.
   It is rumoured that Tottenham's defender Milos Veljokvic will be joining Sporting Gijon for a season long loan to play in Spain.
   Tottenham's Under-18s won 3-1 away at Southampton this afternoon, with the goals being scored by Samuel Shashoua and two from Ryan Loft.

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   Clinton Njie gained his international clearance to play for Spurs and his work permit, allowing him to be considered for the game tomorrow at Leicester City.
   Midfielder Alex Pritchard has signed an extension to his Spurs contract until 2019.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  With Clinton Njie receiving his work permit, he could be in line for a first outing in a Spurs shirt, but Andros Townsend's ankle injury comes just when he was recovering from a shoulder injury and rules him out.
   LEICESTER CITY TEAM NEWS : -   There could be a debut for new boy Gokhan Inler, while Christian Fuchs has recovered from illness, although Matt James is still some way off being match fit.
   For a preview of the match at Leicester tomorrow, click here.
   All the transfer talk today has centred on centre-half Federico Fazio, who had a medical at West Bromwich Albion and a fee was all agreed, but then he could not agree personal terms (parking space near the dressing rooms, silk socks and a bowl of Maraschino cherries served with Devon clotted cream before each match).  So, at the moment, the deal is off, but it might be back on, if they can negotiate some other fruit to be included as part of the contract.  WBA don't seem keen, with the Midlands town not being suitable for the growing of stoned fruit without artificial conditions.  As it turns out, Spurs will be back at the Hawthorns (do they bear fruit one wonders ?) to bother Jeremy Peace about his boy Saido Berahino again.  Tottenham are piling the cash a little higher amid concerns by the Health and Safety man, who fears someone could get injured if it all collapses.  That might be Victor Moses, who is the back up plan and one that Chelsea are happy to offload not they have Pedro.  GBP 6 million should secure the Yannick Bolasie of his day at Crystal Palace, but more recently has been the Victor Moses of his day at Wigan Athletic and Stoke City.  The Sebastian Rode rumours continue (see yesterday) and Southampton denied any approach from Tottenham for Victor Wanyama.  Are they trying to get as many Victors as Erics in the team ?  Another attacking option could be Alexandre Pato, who is being touted around by Corinthians and the word is that he fancies a move to the Premier League, so Tottenham's name is put straight into the frame.
   Former Spurs striker Ronny Rosenthal's 18 year old son Tom has signed  a one year deal with QPR.
   One off-field rumour has been denied and that is that magnificently moustachioed Fulham and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan has pooh-poohed the story today that he is planning to sell the Cottagers to move to the Lane and link up his NFL team at the new stadium.  It was about time this story came around again and it will be back in six months time, rest assured.

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   OTHER NEWS ... A group of football fans from a number of clubs is calling for an inquiry into the leasing of the Olympic Stadium to West Ham United.  The on-line petition is at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/106355 .  As a taxpayer you are paying for West Ham United's tenure at the Olympic Stadium (and the corner flags, stewards and policing of events there, plus they get a share of merchandising/food/drink sold at other events held at the stadium), so a lot more transparency into the state intervention would not go amiss would it ?

   It looks like Alan Pardew can't wait to start rolling around on the GBP 20 million he wants for Crystal Palace to part with Yannick Bolasie, who is stalling over signing a new deal at Selhurst Park.  The Eagles' manager said he would expect the winger to be interested in a move to Spurs, thus prompting the media to light up with this being taken as fact that he will be joining Tottenham.  Spurs have not said much about this and have been coy on any further move for West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino, thus allowing the press to run wild after Pochettino said it is obvious they need a new striker.  Some later reports, namely in the Independent, reckon Spurs will go to GBP 20 million, but that the player might have to ask for a move before they will let him go.  In midfield however, Victor Wanyama is all the rage, with Southampton bracing themselves for an official approach - alleged to be in the region of GBP 16 million, but Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender may have dropped out of the reckoning after rumours Tottenham might be interested in Bayern Munich youngster Sebastien Rode, who was pretty average in the Audi Cup.  Italian clubs feature a fair bit in Spurs transfer news today, with SS Lazio still vaguely interested in Emmanuel Adebayor.  One player who is not leaving is Christian Eriksen, who won't be allowed to join Juventus, while another player not leaving is Erik Lamela, who had been linked with Internazionale, but is part of Pochettino's plans.  It appears that AS Monaco striker Anthony Martial, who the French club said was not leaving when Spurs showed interest in him, could be the subject of a GBP 40 million bid from Chelsea !!
   Tottenham could be a few days away from signing 20 year old America de Cali midfielder Steven Lucumi, who starred in the Under-20 South America tournament recently, with the fee set at GBP 2.1 million.

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   All the talk is about increased bids for Saido Berahino and including Federico Fazio as part of the deal to bring the England Under-21 striker to White Hart Lane.  It will somehow have to add up to GBP 25 million, as that is what the Baggies are putting as the bounty on his head (son).  Reports are linking Spurs and Manchester United with Dynamo Moscow striker Aleksandr Kokorin, but with Zenit St. Petersburg interested, it may be his agent talking up competition to improve terms for his client to stay in Russia.  Defensively, a replacement for the Argentine centre half could be Werder Bremen’s Danish international defender Jannik Verstergaard, who is 6' 6" and interests Southampton too.  The Daily Mail reports that Mauricio Pochettino wants to return to Southampton to buy midfielder Victor Wanyama ... that will go down well !!

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   So, West Bromwich Albion expect Tottenham to let them have Federico Fazio for GBP 5 million, but won't let Spurs have Saido Berahino for GBP18 million.  Fair enough.  The opening bid in a game of bluff was knocked back with the rejoinder that WBA don't want to sell their young striker, but they would say that wouldn't they.  Expect Spurs return to make Albion angry as they hadn't listened to their statement.  The Daily Star very kindly report that QPR's Charlie Austin is the alternative should the move for Berahino fail.
   Away from the Midlands, Spurs are keen on signing Corinthians' Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato, who is being touted about Europe after not impressing back in his home country after suffering injury.  One other club keen on the former AC Milan man is Wolfsburg.  Also attracting interest from Spurs is Ghanaian midfielder Godfred Donsah, who is a 19 year old defensive midfielder with Cagliari (Remember him ?  We have been linked before), but Chelsea are favourites to sign the player with lots and lots of cash. 
   The media is alive with anew fantasy league game where you have to guess how much Spurs lost on 'flop' Roberto Soldado, who was presented to his new fans at Villarreal today.  The amount the La Liga club have paid is anywhere between GBP 7 million and GBP 10 million.  With Tottenham having paid GBP 13 million with another GBP 13 million for add-ons, it is likely the fee Spurs paid would have been nearer GBP 13 million, so not a great loss compared to say ... Angel di Maria.
   Spurs Under-21s lost 2-4 away to Barnet Under-20s in a friendly today, with the Tottenham goals scored by Samuel Shashoua and a Ryan Loft penalty.  #stungbybeesatthehive

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   The Old Lady has come to visit London according to the Metro (so you know what that means).  Representatives from Juventus are apparently in town to discuss transfers with Spurs at a top notch hotel, but it is reported that Christian Eriksen was not on the menu, although for GBP 35 million, he could be.  Tottenham's prices were too high for Juve's taste and they looked further down the a la carte to see if they could find any other players who were dropping off the back of a lorry.  Unfortunately, Emmanuel Adebayor wasn't among them (although he might be flavour of the month at SS Lazio), but they are interested in Erik Lamela, with a deal something that they could talk about.  The report claims that Lamela would the replacement for Artur Vidal, who has moved to Bayern Munich.  Nothing more came of the interest than that but there is still time before the window closes.  Not that Spurs wanted to leave the table without having a nibble, they are said to have enquired about striker Fernando Llorente, with a deal in the offing according to the city free paper. 
   Of course, the strongest message the media is sending out is the pairing of Sadio Berahino with Harry Kane in our attack but this might be a little difficult with one up top.  The fact that we haven't signed him yet appears not be be getting in the way of a good story, although we should beware, as Everton are said to be ready to nick Andriy Yarmolenko from under our noses.  That would also probably mean that they wouldn't want night club botherer Aaron Lennon.  If only he could body swerve like that on a football pitch.
   Nathan Oduwa has had the whole of Scotland talking after he perfected a "rainbow flick" (dragging the ball with one foot against the other, producing a loop over the head of an opponent) over an Alloa Athletic defender.  He said that Oduwa was "taking the p***".  It seems to be regarded as insulting while many regard it an entertaining piece of skill, as demonstrated back in the day by Jay-Jay Okocha for Bolton.  Maybe it is a bit like the Hartlepool monkey ... they have never seen it before in the Scottish First DIvision, so it must be evil.

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   Following the signing of Clinton Njie on his 22nd birthday, Spurs are said on a number of websites to have already agreed a contract with West Bromwich Albion's striker Saido Barahino.  They claim a five year deal will be signed this week, with GBP20 million heading to the Hawthorns in Tesco carriers, while the player himself will be delighted to take Emmanuel Adebayor's GBP 100,000 a week.  The Togo striker appears to be trying to manoeuvre a move to Upton Park, as it is his dream to end his career in the Olympic stadium, although the way he is playing it looks like his career finished a while back.  Although he might not get the wages he does at the Lane and a loan is the most likely outcome, whether at West Ham United or not, it looks like he can't be bothered to move himself much (sound familiar), as he doesn't want to move out of London and Daniel Levy shouldn't try to persuade him that Aston Villa are in for a good season, but tell him that he has a chauffeur driven vehicle waiting to take him to Chelsea who want him before dumping him out of the bus onto QPR's doorstep.  The Loftus Road outfit are just one club who are trying to re-invent themselves as Spurs reserves (something to do with Chris Ramsey being in charge, I guess), with a number of former Tottenham-ites there, while the Irons are  another, the most recent rumour linking them with former Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone, if they meet his buy out clause in his contract at Hull City.
   Aston Villa are keen to get in on the act of recreating Tottenham further North, with Tim Sherwood keen on Andros Townsend, but he might face competition from Newcastle United, Sunderland and West Ham (surprise, surprise).  Tim probably got quite excited when he heard that Jermain Defoe is not settled in the north and wants to move south, but whether the former Spurs forward regards the Midlands as south, we will find out in due course (or due north).
   Another forward being linked with Spurs is AC Milan's French international forward Jeremy Menez, while other sources indicate that Spurs are in talks with Juventus over their want-away Spanish striker Fernando Llorente.  At this rate, we will end up like Ossie Ardiles' side of the 1990s playing all out attack and we will score more goals than you !!
   Fenerbahce midfielder Mehmet Topal, whose car was shot at in Istanbul last week, is said to have told his agent to find him a new club, with Spurs having bid €6 million for the Turkish international recently.  I was going to say he was a Spurs transfer target, but thought better of it.
   Tottenham's Under-15s beat Liverpool 4-0 in the final of the Lion City Cup tournament in Singapore.  The Tottenham goals were scored by Rodel Richards 2, Nya Kirby from the penalty spot and Reo Griffiths.  In addition, Kirby was voted the Player of the Tournament .  Watch out for those names !!

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   Tottenham drew 2-2 against Stoke City at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.
   After what seems like a bit of a long time, Spurs announced today that they signed Olympique Lyonnais forward Clinton Njie for what is rumoured to be a GBP 10 million fee, which could rise to GBP 12 million.  His signing came amid reports that Arsenal might have made a last minute move for the Cameroon international striker.  It might be the last signing we make from Olympique Lyonnais if the stories are true that Daniel Levy had to call on Franco Baldini because of his good relationship with the French club's President and the departure of our Sporting Director at the end of the transfer window.
   In other rumours, Liverpool and Spurs were supposed to be interested in defender Layvin Kurzawa of AS Monaco, but he might be going to Paris St. Germain for GBP 6.5 million, while Arsenal are to wreak their revenge on losing out on Njie by signing Adrien Rabiot from PSG for GBP 20 million and Spurs will look elsewhere to spend the money they got for Roberto Soldado, which is burning a hole in their pocket ... heading to splash the cash all over Crystal Palace for their winger Yannick Bolasie. 
   Tottenham's Under-18s drew 1-1 away at West Ham United this morning.  The goal came from Kazaiah Sterling.

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   MEHSTG's spin story ... West Ham United's goalkeeper Adrian was sent off in the match against Leicester City today when he was involved in an incident with Jamie Vardy when the goalie had gone into the Leicester penalty area.  He must be very protective of the Japanese.

   Movement in the transfer market has proved yesterday's theorem with the club confirming Roberto Soldado is off to Villarreal, with the best wishes of a fair section of the Tottenham support, while Clinton Njie has announced his signing with the club through social media, while the club are yet to comment.  That might be because the Olympique Lyonnais President has said that another English club are interested in the striker.  As if that wasn't enough, another striker has been moved out of the club ... albeit temporarily, as Shaquile Coulthirst has gone to Wigan Athletic on loan until the end of October and defender Connor Ogilvie has joined Teddy Sheringham's Stevenage revolution, but only for a month.  To add to the forward merry-go-round, the Telegraph reckon Tottenham will make an opening bid of GBP 15 million for West Bromwich Albion and England Under-21 striker Saido Berahino, with the final fee suspected to be around GBP 20 million.
   Over at the team news desk, Stoke City will be missing two of their big name signings in Bojan Krkic (knee), Peter Odemwingie (hamstring) and Xherdan Shaqiri (suspension).  The big money Swiss signing got his international clearance, but with it came a one game suspension outstanding from his time at Internazionale, where he was due to miss a Coppa Italia match, but the Premier League have made it the first game he would be eligible for and so he misses out on tomorrow's game at the Lane.  Also out are Ryan Shawcross, who has had back surgery and on the doubtful list are striker Marko Arnautovic (hip), Erik Pieters (illness) and Marc Wilson (ankle).
Spurs have a fully fit first team squad, but obviously, there are a couple of players who won't be involved as they have been training with the Under-21s.
   And talking of Under-21s, over at our youth desk, the Spurs youngsters went up to the Mini-Etihad stadium for a PL Academy U21 game with Manchester City and were only denied a win by an injury time goal from the home side.  Kenneth McEvoy opened the scoring,  City went in front 2-1 before Ismail Azzaoui equalised with a header and a 90th minute Christian Maghoma header gave Spurs what seemed to be winning lead.  Unfortunately, with added time ticking down, City made it 3-3 to grab a point out of the game.
   Over at the fashion desk, Spurs have announced a partnership with Aquascutum as their formal wear partner.
   Over at the travel desk, further transport problems will face fans getting to tomorrow's game against Stoke City, as there will be no trains running from Stratford to Northumberland Park because of engineering work.  All trains will be going through Liverpool Street instead.  Leave plenty of time for the journey, it's not going to be an easy one.
   For a preview of tomorrow's match, click here.

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   In an almost perfect demonstration of the Archimedean displacement theory, Spurs had Clinton Njie arrive in the country for medical ahead of his switch to White Hart Lane, while Roberto Soldado was flying out to Spain with the belief circulating that he had been given permission to speak to Villarreal.  It would be even more perfect if they both coast the same amount, meaning no net outflow of cash out of the bath-tub ... er, sorry, country.  Erik Lamela let the bird out of the cage with a Twitter message wishing Bobby good luck at his new club, before quickly erasing history by deleting the message.  I am not sure what the balance would be for Emmanuel Adebayor leaving the club ?  Joyous celebration maybe, I don't know, but he now appears to have fallen out of love with Tim "Captain Darling" Sherwood and wants to join West Ham United, under Slaven "Blackadder" Bilic.  Can't see that one happening as Daniel Levy is not keen on the Sullivan-Goldfinger axis at Upton Park, so there might be a bit more mileage on that one.  The latest stories hint that it might be a loan deal rather than a permanent one, which again may cause a problem with Dan.
   Back in defender, Tony Pulis has seen something of himself in Federico Fazio and is ready to bid for the Argentine defender.  Whether this will give us any leverage in the attempt to snatch Saido Berahino from West Bromwich Albion, it is not possible to say, with Jeremy Peace aiming to challenge Levy for his title of "Most difficult man to do business with" 2015.  Andriy Yarmolenko is keen to come to Spurs, obviously tempted by Chick King on the High Road.  How far discussions with the Russians (OK ... Ukrainians, but that didn't rhyme in a Nick Lowe style) are along the line we will find out soon, no doubt.
   Derby County have tried to dip their toe into the Spurs Academy for another loan after having a string of our youngsters over the years, but this time they were met with a big "No", as they wanted Alex Pritchard, who proved all he had to last season in the Championship with Brentford.

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   As the transfer of Clinton Njie gets even closer (the shirt for his picture at Hotspur Way has been printed up), talk of further arrivals harks back to older rumours.  The media looked through their archives and are claiming Javier Hernandez, Saido Berahino and Andriy Yarmolenko are all back in the frame, with the only doubt hanging over the West Bromwich Albion striker, who his club might want GBP 25 million for, while Daniel Levy only wants to shell out GBP 18 million.  I don't know why Albion are being so difficult to deal with, because the Olympique Lyonnias President, Jean-Michel Aulas has said that "I thank Daniel for having made a respectable offer. I am waiting for a call to advance further with Tottenham."  Some people have translated 'respectable' as 'coherent' or 'consistent', but it appears the trauma the French club's owner went through when Spurs 'stole' Hugo Lloris from him has been over-come with the rumoured fee for Njie being between GBP 12 million and GBP 15 million.  Some reporters even go back further and dig out reports that Spurs are favourites to sign Charlie Austin ahead of Newcastle United !!
   On the actual news front, Tottenham's talented trio of Nathan Oduwa, Dominic Ball and Harry Winks were wanted on loan by Mark Warburton, the Glasgow Rangers manager who had Alex Pritchard at Brentford last season.  Unluckily for him, he only got two out of three, with Winks being retained to play in the Europa League campaign, as he is highly rated by Mauricio Pochettino.
   Meanwhile, in the departures lounge, Sunderland are reported to be keen on Mousa Dembele and I think they mean our one, even though I saw it spelled like the Fulham one.  Anyway, they might not be as keen now that Spurs have apparently said they want GBP 15 million for him.  And that is the same price that Aston Villa are being quoted as being ready to offer out of the money they got for Christian Benteke to tempt Spurs to part with Andros Townsend, who, to take things full circle, is also wanted by Newcastle United and Sunderland.  Should the Black Cats stump up for both players, having already signed Younes Kaboul, it will be reminiscent of them taking Teemu Tainio, Steed Malbranque and Pascal Chimbonda in one fell swoop.

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   Are Spurs close to signing Clinton Njie from Olympique Lyonnais ?  Or are they close to signing Charlie Austin, Javier Hernandez or Saido Berahino ?  Or Breel Embolo ?  Torino have joined West Ham United in the chase for Hernandez, while Austin might get a new deal out of staying at Lofus Road and Berahino is being persuaded to stay at the Hawthorns for a season to play alongside new signing Salomon Rondon.  We are supposedly very close to sealing deals for Njie and Embolo ... but how close, we will have to wait until they are announced as Spurs players.
   Strikers seem to be the priority at the moment, but let's not forget the rest of the squad, with Sven Bender of Borussia Dortmund being highlighted as a priority target for Mauricio Pochettino in some reports, while there is even a link to 23 year old Swedish keeper Patrik Carlgren of AIK Stockholm, along with Glasgow Celtic, Stoke City and Everton, with a GBP 550,000 price tag.  Also linked in midfield is Keisuke Honda of AC Milan who looks set to leave the San Siro, but he looked less than impressive in the Audi Cup matches, being off the pace and I am not sure what he would add to the team, other than someone else to take free-kicks.  An alleged concrete offer being made according to Italian media, at 29 years old, he hardly fits Daniel Levy's signing template and I am not sure how he would manage with Poch's closing down game.
   There is transport chaos predicted for Saturday's home game with Stoke City, with the Victoria Line severely disrupted and Tottenham High Road being dug up for a Cycle superhighway between Seven Sisters and South Tottenham, which may impact on public transport nearer the ground and on traffic getting to and away from the game.  The over-ground at White Hart Lane might be tricky while the much needed upgrades to stations on that line take place.

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   MEHSTG's no-spin story ... West Ham United do not realise that the Fair Play place in next season's Europa League is not up for grabs, as they have decided against signing Joey Barton so as not to disrupt team spirit.  One Fair Play qualification and they start taking the moral high ground.  Let's not forget those three red cards and the dismissal of the manager form the bench in six Europa League matches though.

   Spurs are thought to be favourites to sign Cameroon born Swiss international striker Breel Embolo from FC Basel for around GBP 10 million according to the Mirror.  However, other reports link Spurs with moves for Saido Berahino of West Bromwich Albion and also Javier Hernandez of Manchester United.  This is on top of the advanced talks which might secure the signing of Clinton Njie this week.  The articles claim we might spend GBP 35 million on three strikers !!  All we will have to do then is get rid of some.
   Aaron Lennon is back on track for a permanent move to Everton according to online rumour.
   Rumour is that Roberto Soldado will not be heading for Sevilla, as they are now looking at the cheaper option of former Swansea City forward Michu.  That just leaves Benfica, Borussia Dortumund, Real Sociedad or Villarreal as possible destinations for Bobby to continue his career then.
   Spurs Under-21s beat Everton 4-1 at Hotspur Way in the Premier Academy Under-21 league today.  The victory in their opening match of the season came through goals from Alex Pritchard 2, Nathan Oduwa and Shaquile Coulthirst.  Hugo Lloris played the whole match after missing out at Old Trafford on Saturday.

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   MEHSTG's no-spin story ... I don't know if you knew, but West Ham United's youngest ever Premier League player Reece Oxford was rejected by Spurs.

   Among the rumours about Emmanuel Adebayor's move to Aston Villa hitting an obstacle (namely wage demands) and Aaron Lennon joining Aston Villa, Everton, West Bromwich Albion or Kidderminster Harriers, the one consistent thread that keeps cropping up is Milos Velkjovic moving to Elland Road on a season long loan.  Having won the Under-20 World Cup what else is there for this 19 year old to conquer other than surviving a looney tune season in Yorkshire ??  The chances of him returning to the Lane before the month is out must be high, as nobody lasts long at Leeds.
   The media are also full of stories about Chris Ramsey telling them that QPR might be willing to sell Charlie Austin on the cheap if the money is paid up front.  GBP 13 million is being quoted in the reports, down from GBP 15 million yesterday.  Desperate to get rid of a player who wants to be playing in the Premier League or desperate to bring in reinforcements after losing their first Championship game of the season to ... Charlton Athletic 0-2.
   Will Tottenham approach West Bromwich Albion for the services of Saido Berahino when the Baggies sign Salomon Rondon from Zenit St. Petersburg ?  Well, Tony Pulis says there is not a need to sell the England Under-21 forward, so we will have to hold our breath and see.
   More Manchester United rumours circulate now that we have played them and they seem interested in Hugo Lloris now that David de Gea is not mentally right to play for them but will be to play for Real Madrid.  Some stories reckon there is a gentleman's agreement between the French keeper and Daniel Levy after the signing of a new deal last year, but there are only a few people who might know if that is the truth.  Additionally, the rumours of United making a bid for Harry Kane has been resurrected, with the Red Devils strike-force looking less than frightening.  They have allegedly made polite enquiries according to the Mirror, but when will they get the hint ??

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   MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Newcastle United's new striker Aleksander Mitrovic was booked three seconds into his debut for the Magpies.

   Tottenham lost 0-1 to Manchester United at Old Trafford this afternoon.  Click here for a match report.
   Tottenham have been linked with a move for Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin and the West London club might consider less than GBP 15 million if it is paid up front.
   Spurs are said to be close to a deal for Olympique Lyonnais striker Clinton Njie in some reports, while the French club say they are keen to sign Federico Fazio.
   Tottenham's Under-18s started their season with a 5-1 home win over Brighton & Hove Albion. The goals were scored by Ryan Loft, Zenon Stylianides, Charlie Owens, Kazaiah Sterling and Samuel Shashoua.

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   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs will make late checks on Ryan Mason, Hugo Lloris, Roberto Soldado and Andros Townsend ahead of the game at Manchester United tomorrow lunch-time.  Alex Pritchard misses out with an ankle injury.
   MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS : -  Goalkeeper David de Gea is set to be left out and United could include new signing Sergio Romero, Anders Lindegaard or 18 year old Sam Johnstone between the sticks.  Sebastian Schweinsteiger and Marcos Rojo are not fit to feature and Marouane Fellaini is suspended for the match.
   For a match preview of the Old Trafford game, click here.
   Tottenham's Premier League squad numbers were released today with no place for Aaron Lennon nor Emmanuel Adebayor.
 

1	Hugo LLORIS		14	-		27	Kevin WIMMER
2	Kyle WALKER		15	Eric DIER		28	Tom CARROLL
3	Danny ROSE		16	Kieran TRIPPIER		29	Harry WINKS
4	Toby ALDERWEIRELD		17	Andros TOWNSEND		30	-
5	Jan VERTONGHEN		18	-		31	Luke McGEE
6	Nabil BENTALEB		19	Mousa DEMBELE		32	-
7	-		20	Dele ALLI		33	Ben DAVIES
8	Ryan MASON		21	Federico FAZIO		-	-
9	Roberto SOLDADO		22	Nacer CHADLI		-	-
10	Harry KANE		23	Christian ERIKSEN		-	-
11	Erik LAMELA		24	Alex PRITCHARD		-	-
12	DeAndre YEDLIN		25	Josh ONOMAH		-	-
13	Michel VORM		26	-		41	Shaquile COULTHIRST

   Nathan Odowu is being linked with a loan move to Glasgow Rangers.
   Centre half Grant Hall has signed for Championship side QPR.

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   Right back Ryan Fredericks has signed for Championship side Bristol City.
   Spurs are being linked with a GBP 15 million bid for QPR forward Charlie Austin.
   Having starred at the South American Youth Tournament, Jeison Lucumi, a 20 year old Colombian winger with Second Division side America de Cali is said to be heading for Tottenham despite other clubs being interested.
   Spurs are surprisingly being linked with a move for former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles, who is playing for Fenerbahce.
   Tottenham and Everton are reported to be in the running to sign AC Milan midfielder Keisuke Honda, who wants to leave the Serie A club.
   Some sources report that Manchester United have made a GBP 40 million bid for striker Harry Kane, days before the season starts with a game between the two clubs.
   Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Spurs wingers Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend.
   Sporting Director Franco Baldini is to leave Spurs at the end of the transfer window it was widely reported today.
   Former Spurs Development team keeper Lawrence Vigouroux has joined Swindon Town on a season long loan from Liverpool.

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   MEHSTG's no-spin story ... An Arsenal cheerleader will be missing for the opening three months of the season after cracking an ankle bone in training meaning he will not be able to support his favourite side and he is no longer allowed to use the pom-poms in case he breaks a wrist.

   Tottenham beat AC Milan 2-0 in the Audi Cup tonight at the Allianz Arena in Munich to finish third in the competition.  For a match report, click here.
   Spurs are being linked with Real Betis winger Alvaro Vadillo after he appears to be stalling on a new contract.
   Rumours are that the agent of Andriy Yarmolenko has said that Tottenham are in talks with Dynamo Kiev for his client.

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   Tottenham lost 0-2 to Real Madrid in the Audi Cup tonight at the Allianz Arena in Munich.  For a match report, click here.

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   MEHSTG's spin story ... .

   Several of the weekends rumours are featured in the media today, but nothing new as Spurs prepare for the Audi Cup in Munich.

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   Nathan Oduwa, who was knocked unconscious by a challenge in yesterday's friendly against a League Two side, has had a scan and has been cleared of any lasting damage, but will be monitored as any player with a head injury would be.
   Rumours still circulate linking Tottenham to a number of players, none of them new, with each having their own spin on how they will pan out.
   Reserve central defender Grant Hall is on trial with QPR.

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   A young Spurs XI beat Stevenage 2-0 at the Lamex Stadium this afternoon in a pre-season friendly, with the goals coming from Nathan Oduwa and a Shayon Harrison penalty.
   Dynamo Kiev winger Andriy Yarmolenko is said to be in talks and keen to sign for Spurs for a fee of around GBP 10.6 million.
   Some reports claim Spurs have returned to Olympique Lyonnais with an improved offer of GBP 10.6 million for striker Clinton Njie.  However, the French club are holding out for a fee of around GBP 14 million, but may be willing to let him leave this summer.
   Villarreal seem keen on signing Roberto Soldado, but rumours are that Benfica may join the pack willing to buy the Spaniard.

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