Mauricio Pochettino became a Tottenham icon during his stint in charge between 2014 and 2019. The Argentinian oversaw the most successful period in recent history for Spurs, guiding the team to a Champions League final and second place in the Premier League.

Though he was unable to secure any silverware for Spurs, Pochettino had the adoration of the supporters and the players. This is largely down to the fact that his team played attractive football, and the coach endeared himself to the fan base very quickly.

Pochettino has since taken over at Chelsea, and may well have lost some of that affection from the Spurs fans after signing up with a fierce rival.

Despite spending big in the summer, it has not been an impressive start for Pochettino in West London. His Chelsea side are languishing in 14th place in the league after six games, with just one win and two draws.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Chelsea Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino poses for the photographer after holding a Press Conference at Stamford Bridge on July 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Pochettino found it more difficult at Spurs

He may be feeling the pressure already at Chelsea, but Pochettino has insisted this job is not as difficult as the Tottenham job was.

Fabrizio Romano shared the 51-year-old’s comments regarding the Chelsea job: “It’s less hard than it was at Southampton and Tottenham. Trust me, believe me.”

And, on the solution to Chelsea’s problems, Pochettino added: “The only thing we are missing is to score goals.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I’ve been quite shocked by just how poor Chelsea have started the season, and I’m sure they will turn it around. The situation there is the perfect example of the idea that throwing money at a problem is not guaranteed to fix it, but if Pochettino is given time it should work out.

Regarding his comments, I would probably agree that the Chelsea job should be pretty straightforward, given the incredible resources he has been afforded. He got nothing like that at Southampton or Spurs, which made things far more challenging.

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It appears as if Ange Postecoglou is happy with Emerson Royal and Pedro Porro as his options at right-back, with multiple outlets reporting over the last week that Tottenham are ready to offload Spence (Evening Standard).

The 23-year-old arrived at Spurs from Middlesbrough 12 months ago and struggled to get game time under Antonio Conte during the first half of last season before being loaned out to Rennes in January.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Djed Spence of Tottenham Hotspur arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 17, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Spence set to leave on loan from Spurs again

FLW have now claimed that Spence’s Tottenham career is far from over as the North London club are only looking to loan out the right-back this summer.

It is alleged that the Lilywhites are looking for the right destination for the England Under-21 international, with Southampton fitting the profile since they are expected to play a possession-heavy brand of football under new boss Russell Martin.

However, the outlet adds that Palace are also interested in a temporary deal for Spence, who believes that he is ready for Premier League football.

Spurs Web Opinion

The priority for Tottenham should be to loan Spence out to a club where he is guaranteed regular game time. It is perhaps wishful thinking to expect the 23-year-old to play regularly for Palace when he could not even get consistent minutes for Rennes last season.

Spence has not been involved in either of Tottenham’s first two Premier League matches and desperately needs to head out to get his promising career back on track.

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Walker-Peters joined the Spurs academy aged just 14 back in 2013 and made his way through the age group ranks at the club before being handed his senior debut by Mauricio Pochettino.

FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images

The right-back found opportunities hard to come by after the Argentine was replaced by Jose Mourinho and made the permanent switch to St Mary’s in the summer of 2020 following a six-month loan spell on the South Coast.

The 26-year-old has gone from strength to strength since his move to the Saints and quickly gained a reputation as being one of the best players in his position across the Premier League.

However, he and his teammates endured a campaign to forget last time out as Southampton were relegated to the Championship after finishing rock-bottom of the table.

Arsenal are looking at former Spurs Walker-Peters

The Express have now claimed that Arsenal are looking for reinforcements to their backline following the knee injury sustained by new signing Jurrien Timber in the club’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

It is alleged that Walker-Peters is one of the options that the Gunners are eyeing, having scouted the Saints star closely.

The report adds that Arsenal believe the Tottenham academy graduate could be available for a ‘cut-price’ fee after Southampton’s relegation from the top flight.

Spurs Web Opinion

I have been surprised that no one has made a move for Walker-Peters following Southampton’s relegation as the 26-year-old is more than good enough for Premier League level.

It would not be pleasant to see the former Tottenham man don an Arsenal shirt but there is no doubt that he would be tempted by the move if the Gunners come calling.

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A couple of days ago, we relayed a report from The Daily Star which claimed that Spurs were ready to hijack West Ham’s move for Ward-Prowse.

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

The outlet claimed that the Lilywhites had identified the Saints star as an option to bolster their midfield since Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Tanguy Ndombele are expected to depart the club.

The report revealed that scouts from Tottenham watched the 28-year-old in action several times towards the end of last season.

West Ham looking to finalise deal for Ward-Prowse

However, if Fabrizio Romano’s latest update is correct, it appears that it is too late for Spurs to make their move for the England international, as he is close to signing a Hammers contract. 

Spurs Web Opinion 

I would not have any complaints if we signed Ward-Prowse as a squad player, given his vast Premier League experience.

At the same time, I certainly would not be too disappointed if we missed out on him as he is perhaps not at the level required to be a regular starter for a club with Champions League aspirations.

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Tottenham have already strengthened their midfield ranks with the acquisition of James Maddison from Leicester City this summer but there is expected to be more turnover in the middle of the park before the transfer window slams shut.

Reports over recent weeks have indicated that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is expected to complete a switch to Atletico Madrid (Football Insider) while Tanguy Ndombele has been backed to complete a move to Galatasaray (Daily Mirror).

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Spurs set to move for James Ward-Prowse

According to The Daily Star, the North London club have identified Ward-Prowse as a target to bolster their midfield ranks.  It is explained that scouts from Tottenham watched the 28-year-old several times towards the end of last season.

With West Ham’s approach for Ward-Prowse being knocked back by Southampton last week, it is alleged that the Lilywhites are now ready to make a move of their own for the player.

The report adds that while the Saints are willing to offload the England international following their relegation, they will not sell him on the cheap.

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no doubt that we would need to sign a midfielder if both Hojbjerg and Ndombele leave, particularly with Bentancur potentially missing the first couple of months of the season.

Ward-Prowse would be a safe bet and would not need a bedding in period, given his vast Premier League experience.

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The Evening Standard recently claimed Gallagher had been told he is ‘surplus to requirements’ at Chelsea and was actively ‘offered’ to other clubs. The report there named Spurs and West Ham as the key interested parties.

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Since then, journalist Jacob Steinberg revealed that West Ham had already had an offer of £37m plus add-ons rejected by Chelsea.

It was believed at that time that the Hammers had reached their limit and would not ‘go higher’ for Gallagher.

However, in a new report from the Evening Standard, it seems West Ham are still ‘confident’ they can land the Chelsea midfielder. The Blues reportedly want £50m for their man, but there is ‘optimism’ at West Ham that they can get a deal over the line.

Tottenham are ahead in the race for Gallagher

Contrary to that report, it seems the Telegraph now expect Tottenham Hotspur to win the battle to sign Gallagher this summer.

Apparently, West Ham have now offered £25m for Southampton star James Ward-Prowse. Whether the Londoners hope to acquire both Ward-Prowse and Gallagher remains to be seen, but it is believed Tottenham now have the upper hand when it comes to the latter.

The fact that West Ham are rumoured to have backed away from Gallagher is thought to have encouraged Spurs and given them hope that they can snap up the talented England international ahead of their London rivals.

Spurs Web Opinion

It is hard to know what to believe regarding the Gallagher saga right now, as various reports are saying different things about who is leading the race to sign him.

You would imagine Gallagher would prefer to sign for Spurs, but it’s just a case of whether the Lilywhites would go as high as £50m to land him.

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Tottenham could be in the market for a central midfielder this summer, particularly since multiple publications have suggested over the last few weeks that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could be offloaded by the club this summer (90 min).

Interestingly, the Lilywhites could decide to replace the former Southampton captain with the current Saints skipper, with various outlets suggesting last month that Spurs are monitoring Ward-Prowse‘s situation on the south coast (Football Insider).

(Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)

Tottenham interested in James Ward-Prowse

The speculation linking Ward-Prowse with a move to Tottenham has died down over recent weeks but if The Mail’s latest update is to be believed, the 29-year-old is still very much on Spurs’ radar.

However, the publication adds that the North London club are far from alone in their admiration for the midfielder, with Fulham and West Ham United also said to be circling over the set-piece specialist.

Spurs Web Opinion

Ward-Prowse would be a decent addition to the squad but he certainly would not be a game-changing signing. In fact, in terms of open play, it could be argued that Hojbjerg would offer more than the eleven-cap England international.

I would prefer Spurs to move for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, even though he is likely to be considerably more expensive than the Southampton star.

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Thierry Small joined Scottish side St Mirren on loan in January and has excelled up north, operating both as a left-back and a left-winger this season.

Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images

Spurs had previous Small bid rejected

According to Football Insider, Tottenham had an £800,000 offer for the teenager rejected before he moved to Scotland, with Southampton demanding £1.2m for him at the time.

The report states that the North London club are now set to make a fresh offer for Small when the transfer window opens, with the Lilywhites already said to have informed the player’s representatives of their intention to do.

However, it is asserted that Spurs are expected to face competition from Rangers as well as St Mirren for the 18-year-old, with the Glasgow giants also allegedly asking Southampton to be kept informed of the developments.

Spurs Web Opinion

While Destiny Udogie would be expected to compete for a place in the starting eleven next season, Spurs likely view Small as one for the future.

If Tottenham do win the race for the teenager, I would not be surprised if they loaned him out to an EFL club or back to the Scottish Premiership.

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Ward-Prowse looks set to be one the most sought-after players of the summer transfer window following Southampton‘s relegation from the top flight.

Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images

Not only is the 29-year-old a proven consistent performer in the Premier League but also offers leadership skills, which makes him a very interesting package, particularly when one considers that he is not likely to be too expensive following the Saints’ relegation.

That is perhaps why a whole host of top-flight clubs are rumoured to be after the England international, with reports of Tottenham‘s interest first coming to light back in March (Football Insider).

Over recent weeks, some outlets have suggested that the Lilywhites could face competition from the likes of Newcastle United (The Daily Mail), Aston Villa (The Athletic) and Chelsea (Football Transfers) for Ward-Prowse’s signature.

Ahead of the summer transfer window, Ankersen has now opened the door for the 28-year-old to leave St Mary’s for the right offer.

The Saints director told The Times about Ward-Prowse: “Of course, we would love to keep him! He is Mr Southampton. He’s done amazing things. He will be in demand. 

“If there is something that comes up that satisfies the club financially and satisfies James then, out of respect, we will have to have that conversation.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Ward-Prowse would be a decent addition to the squad and would be an upgrade over Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (and arguably Oliver Skipp). 

However, I am not convinced that the Southampton star would considerably improve our starting eleven.

There are certainly better options out there this summer such as Franck Kessie, Ruben Neves and Joao Palhinha.

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Ward-Prowse has been a one-club-man so far in his career, having come through the ranks at Southampton as a youngster. 

Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images

He has racked up 409 appearances for the South Coast club over the years, with 55 goals and 53 assists to his name (Transfermarkt).

The club captain could well be on his way out this summer however, after Southampton finished bottom of the Premier League and were relegated to the Championship.

Tottenham have been linked with the 28-year-old repeatedly (Football Insider). The North London side are thought to be ‘admirers’ of Ward-Prowse and it is said to be ‘likely’ they will move for him this summer. 

Spurs are not alone in their admiration of the England international, however. Newcastle United are believed to be keen (Daily Mail), as are Aston Villa (The Athletic), and Chelsea (Football Transfers).

Now, Tottenham Hotspur have been urged to make the move by Gabby Agbonlahor in an appearance on talkSPORT (June 1, 8:52 am).

He said: “I look at teams in the Premier League to start with and I look at teams that really need midfielders. I look at Spurs, I look at [Rodrigo] Bentancur, [he was] out for a lot of the season injured.

“You’ve got [Pierre-Emile] Hojbjerg, more defensive-minded. You’ve got [Yves] Bissouma in there as well. But I can picture a midfield of Hojbjerg sitting, and Bentancur and James Ward-Prowse playing a bit further forward.

“Well I’ve seen Bentancur playing further forward and making runs in behind and he looks so talented.”

On what Ward-Prowse could bring to the Spurs squad, Agbonlahor added: “Imagine the service for Harry Kane, Son [Heung-min], Richarlison with James Ward-Prowse as a number eight in that side on set pieces as well.

“So, I think James Ward-Prowse to Spurs, it makes sense for both him and the club.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I would be very happy if we signed Ward-Prowse. He’s a quality player who has so many attributes to his game that would complement our side.

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Walker-Peters joined the Spurs academy aged just 14 back in 2013 and made his way through the age group ranks at the club before being handed his senior debut by Mauricio Pochettino.

FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images

The 25-year-old found opportunities hard to come by after the Argentine was replaced by Jose Mourinho and made the permanent switch to St Mary’s in the summer of 2020 following a six-month loan spell on the South Coast.

The right-back has gone from strength to strength since his move to the Saints and is quickly gaining a reputation as being one of the best players in his position across the Premier League.

Both talkSPORT and 90 min reported during the January transfer window that Tottenham explored the possibility of bringing Walker-Peters back to the club before they eventually decided to sign Pedro Porro.

It was subsequently claimed by journalist Dean Jones on GiveMeSport back in March that the England international was on Arsenal’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window.

Bothroyd has now taken to social media to name Walker-Peters as one of seven players he would like to see his beloved Gunners snap up this summer.

The 41-year-old suggested that an offer of around £20m-£30m might be enough to lure the former Tottenham man away from St Mary’s following Southampton’s relegation.

Spurs Web Opinion

While I would love to see Spurs go in for Walker-Peters this summer, right-back is not one of the areas that is a priority for the club to address for the club this summer.

In fact, in Pedro Porro and Djed Spence, we potentially have two young right-backs who could thrive under an attacking coach like Arne Slot.

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Ward-Prowse’s days at St Mary’s now look numbered after Southampton‘s relegation to the Championship was sealed on Saturday when they were beaten 2-0 by Fulham.

The Mail suggests that several Premier League clubs are already circling around the Saints captain, including Spurs, West Ham United and Aston Villa.

(Photo by Visionhaus)

However, it is explained that the midfielder’s contract does not have a relegation clause, which means Southampton can hold out for the fee that they deem to be acceptable.

The Mail state that the South Coast club are now bracing themselves for offers for Ward-Prowse, with some of the club’s insiders even suggesting that they want to hang on to their talisman.

The report adds that Villa had a £25m offer turned down for the England international last year and Southampton still believe he is worth more than that figure.

Spurs Web Opinion

Given the loyal service that Ward-Prowse has given Southampton, one would not expect the Saints hierarchy to stand in his way if he expresses his intention to leave the club this summer.

I suspect this stance of Southampton is just them playing hardball and that a fee of around £25m-£30m would be enough to prise the 28-year-old away from the South Coast.

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Southampton’s relegation to the Championship was confirmed over the weekend and the publication states that a firesale is now expected at the St Mary’s this summer.

Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images

Bazunu, who has been one of the few shining lights in what has been a disastrous campaign for the Saints, is one of the players expected to be on the market.

Football Insider state that Spurs have been keeping tabs on the goalkeeper and have been impressed by his development over the course of the campaign.

The North London club allegedly believe that the 21-year-old has the potential to develop into a top goalkeeper and eventually take over the gloves from Hugo Lloris.

It is alleged that Tottenham are now considering making an offer of up to £15m for the Irishman and are hopeful that it will be enough to lure him away from the South Coast.

Spurs Web Opinion

Signing a young, up-and-coming goalkeeper like Bazunu might mean that Lloris remains at Spurs next season, with the Irishman perhaps being eased into the number-one role over the course of the campaign.

On the other hand, if Spurs sign an experienced goalkeeper like David Raya or Jordan Pickford, that would likely mean that Lloris is on his way out this summer as the Frenchman would not want to remain as an understudy.

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The report claims that Spurs have been left impressed by the 21-year-old between the sticks for the Saints despite their relegation from the Premier League this season.

(Photo by Visionhaus)

The new Tottenham project will apparently involve investment in future stars who can develop under a long-term manager following the failed Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte experiments.

In the race to replace Hugo Lloris at the end of the season, Bazunu has reportedly now climbed the pecking order, with the Lilywhites keeping a firm eye on the youngster.

Bazunu was signed by Southampton for just £12m last summer (Athletic), but the report does not disclose how much the shot-stopper would now be worth.

It remains to be seen whether Spurs test the water with an offer, with the club not even having a director of football or manager in place at the moment.

Spurs Web Opinion:

Getting someone like Bazunu would surely have to be a second-choice option to the new number one. Signing him as Lloris’ replacement would be far too much too soon for the youngster. If Spurs can get him for around the £15m-£20m mark, then I could see that as a decent investment.

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Southampton are currently eight points short of safety with three games left in the campaign and so their relegation is all but confirmed. 

Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images

Ward-Prowse’s time at his boyhood club looks in danger of coming to an end soon, with reports over the last few weeks indicating the Saints would not stop their captain from leaving the club if they do fail to preserve their Premier League status (talkSPORT).

Football Insider reported back in March that Tottenham are ‘likely’ to make the 28-year-old a target when the transfer window opens this summer as the North London club are ‘big admirers of the central midfielder.

However, Spurs are not the only club rumoured to be after Ward-Prowse, with The Daily Mail revealing two weeks ago that the Lilywhites may face competition from Newcastle United for the player’s signature.

The England international has now kept his cards close to his chest, remarking that he will continue to give his all for Southampton until his final day at the club.

When asked about the speculation over his future, Ward-Prowse told Hampshire Live: “[There’s] nothing in that, no.

“The club know my thoughts and my position in terms of what I want to achieve in my career, and nothing has changed within that despite where we are in the league.

“I want to give my all for this football club. and I always have done.

“Every time I put the shirt on, I always give 100% and that’s no different whether we lose our next game or we win it, it won’t change who I am as a person and that’s giving everything for this club.

“For me, it’s just being focused on where I am now and giving my all for this club, which I always have done since I was eight years old.

“So that for me doesn’t change. What happens beyond that, who knows, I don’t know.”

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no doubt that Ward-Prowse would leave Southampton this summer and he could be a relative bargain for a mid-table side.

However, I do not think he would be anything more than a squad player for a club with top-four ambitions.

While the 28-year-old’s set pieces are exceptional, I am not convinced he would be an upgrade on our current central midfield options when it comes to open play.

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Ward-Prowse has been a one-club-man so far in his career, having racked up 405 appearances for the Saints, with 53 goals and 51 assists (Transfermarkt).

(Photo by Visionhaus)

It’s been a productive season for Ward-Prowse on a personal level this year, with nine goals and three assists from the Southampton captain (Transfermarkt).

Despite his best efforts, it does appear Southampton will be relegated from the Premier League this term. The Saints are rock bottom as things stand, six points from safety.

Should they be relegated, it is expected there would be an exodus of players leaving the club, and the Southampton captain could be at the very top of that list.

Apparently, Southampton have told the 28-year-old he will be allowed to leave the club should they go down (talkSPORT).

It is thought Tottenham are one of the clubs who are likely to make a move for Ward-Prowse should that happen (Football Insider).

Now, in the latest report from the Daily Mail, it is claimed Tottenham had scouts present as James Ward-Prowse turned out for the Saints against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

Both Spurs and Newcastle are believed to be waiting to hear from Southampton regarding a price tag for the midfielder.

It seems the very top clubs in the Premier League are not looking at Ward-Prowse, despite what is described as an “outstanding ability from set pieces.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I’ve always really liked Ward-Prowse and I would be very happy to see him come to Spurs.

If Southampton go down, I reckon we would be the perfect club for him, as I can’t imagine the Champions League clubs looking at him.

His set pieces would be incredibly valuable for a team like ours, too.

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Ward-Prowse has been a loyal servant to the Saints over the years, having progressed through their academy set-up and gone on to make more than 400 appearances for the first team.

Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images

However, the 28-year-old’s time at his boyhood club looks in danger of coming to an end soon, with Southampton currently sitting at the bottom of the table, four points from safety with seven games left this season.

Football Insider reported two weeks ago that Tottenham are ‘likely’ to make Ward-Prowse a target when the transfer window opens this summer.

The report added that the North London club are ‘big admirers’ of the 28-year-old and have identified him as one of their main priorities.

The latest update from talkSPORT has also confirmed Spurs’ interest in Ward-Prowse, with the publication revealing that the midfielder is also on the radars of West Ham and Newcastle.

The report states that the England international does not want to play in the Championship and has been told by the Southampton hierarchy that he would be allowed to leave St Mary’s if they do not avoid the drop.

Spurs Web Opinion

Ward-Prowse’s set pieces alone would be worth additional 10-plus goals a season and his fitness and commitment, are second to none.

Even though he would be an upgrade on Hojbjerg, I do not think he would improve us considerably when it comes to open play.

I would rather see Tottenham push the boat out to get Ruben Neves, who is about to enter the final year of his contract at Wolves (Transfermarkt).

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It was claimed by talkSPORT earlier this month that Tottenham and West Ham United are both monitoring Ward-Prowse amidst Southampton’s current predicament.

Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images

The report explained that even though the midfielder does not have a release clause in his contract, the Saints will not stop him from leaving if they go down this season.

Football Insider have now backed up that claim, asserting that Ward-Prowse will ‘definitely leave’ St Mary’s this summer should Ruben Selles’ men fail to avoid the drop.

The publication adds that Tottenham are ‘big admirers’ of the 28-year-old and are likely to push ahead with a move for him.

It is asserted that the Lilywhites are set for a ‘massive summer’ as they attempt to keep a hold of Harry Kane.

Adding strength and creativity to the central midfield is said to be one of the club’s priorities, with Ward-Prowse having been identified as a target.

Spurs Web Opinion

It would not make any sense for Tottenham to start working on signings before finalising who their next manager is.

So, it is premature to be talking about ‘likely’ signings before the club make some progress in their talks with managerial candidates like Nagelsmann or Pochettino.

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Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 3-3 draw against struggling Southampton at the weekend, despite being two goals to the good with just 15 minutes to go.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Goals from Pedro Porro, Harry Kane, and Ivan Perisic were not enough to seal all three points for Spurs, as Theo Walcott closed the deficit before James Ward-Prowse scored an injury-time penalty to draw the Saints level.

It was a disappointing outcome for Spurs in their pursuit of a top-four finish this season, but the late penalty decision was not without its controversies.

Substitute Pape Matar Sarr attempted to clear the ball in his own box, but as he swung for the ball, Southampton’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles got there first.

The contact saw Maitland-Niles go down and win the spot kick, with VAR deciding to back referee Simon Hooper’s original decision.

Owen doesn’t believe it should have been a penalty, though, and said: “I thought it was a soft decision, to be honest. I don’t think there was enough contact. We have seen a couple of penalties like this given.

“No question, he (Maitland-Niles) gets there first, then he prods the ball away. But it’s not under control. I don’t see enough, if any, to knock him off his feet and then give him a penalty.

“I think it’s harsh. No way there is enough (contact). If he does catch him, then it’s a very slight glance.”

Owen went on to lament the current state of penalty decisions, adding: “We are getting to a stage now where everyone says ‘Oh, he’s touched him, so it’s a penalty’.

“A touch has never been a penalty, that’s not what the rules say. You can’t say ‘there is enough force in that to take his legs and swipe him off his feet.’ It’s ridiculous.”

Former referee Dermot Gallagher replied: “You are right, just because there’s contact, it doesn’t make it a foul and it doesn’t make it a penalty.

“But I think the referee is so close. He’s got the best view. He knows how much contact there is. I have seen it on the VAR. He has definitely caught him. He thinks it’s a penalty.

“There is nothing I can see to say it’s not a penalty because the picture does show that he does make contact. I can’t argue with him.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I don’t think it should have been given as a penalty in the first place, but I can see why VAR wouldn’t overturn the decision.

It’s a tight call which could have gone either way, and sadly it’s cost us a crucial two points this weekend.

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Spurs were the better side in the first half and got their reward just before half-time when Pedro Porro opened the scoring for the away side with his first goal in a Tottenham shirt.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Southampton drew level at the start of the second half through Che Adams but Antonio Conte’s men responded in the right fashion as goals from Harry Kane and Ivan Perisic saw them take a two-goal lead.

However, the Lilywhites’ defensive issues again cost them as a Theo Walcott strike in the 77th minute and a stoppage-time penalty from James Ward-Prowse saw the South Coast club claim a point.

Dier admitted that Tottenham should have controlled the game better when they were 3-1 up with less than 15 minutes to go.

The centre-back told BBC Sport following the 3-3 draw: “Sloppy mistakes. We lost possession easily, we didn’t have control of the game at 3-1 when we should have. Really poor goals.

“We shouldn’t let them back into the game. They lost both their centre-backs and we should cause them a lot more problems. We only have ourselves to blame.”

Dier admitted that Spurs need to find some consistency if they are going to secure a top-four finish this season.

He added: “There will be lots of ups and downs for everybody fighting for top four and relegation. It will definitely go down to the last couple of weeks of the season. We need to find some consistency.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I have to admit that I was not confident even when we were 3-1 up, given how poor our away performances have been over the last couple of months.

We also never seem to be able to control possession under Antonio Conte, which means that we are always likely to come under pressure late on when we are trying to see out a lead.

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