All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

One more Arsenal star could miss their trip to Atalanta in the Champions League alongside Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard, with all three seen as potential injury doubts for Thursday’s clash.

Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal as Arteta seals North London Derby win

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta took all the north London bragging rights on Sunday, as his side battled with a weakened team to overcome Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Arsenal eye 22 y/o alternative to Jonathan David who dreams of Gunners move

The Gunners are looking to add to their attacking options…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 16, 2024

Star defender Gabriel Magalhaes scored the only goal of the game on 64 minutes with his header from a corner, taking advantage of Tottenham’s set piece weakness right now to guide the ball past Guglielmo Vicario from close range.

Spurs had the majority of the possession and threatened more times on their home turf, but Arteta’s men did well to shut up shop and come away with all three points in what was an encouraging defensive display.

Date

Result

15th Sept 2024

1-0 Arsenal win

28th April 2024

3-2 Arsenal win

24th Sept 2023

2-2 draw

15th Jan 2023

2-0 Arsenal win

1st Oct 2022

3-1 Arsenal win

12th May 2022

3-0 Spurs win

26th Sept 2021

3-1 Arsenal defeat

Arsenal came into the game without Odegaard, Calafiori, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, who were all absent for the encounter, though the Premier League title hopefuls still found a way past Ange Postecoglou’s hosts to nick all three points and get back to winning ways.

Arsenal are now unbeaten in their last five derbies, and have won their last three away at Tottenham – which is the Gunners’ best run in the fixture for 35 years.

“I’m super happy, obviously,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Spurs.

“We know what it means to our club, to our people to win a London derby, and we have the power to try to make them very happy. So hopefully we have achieved that and that makes it very special. On the performance we had moments in the game, some really good ones, some others that we have to suffer. We suffered because we have to adapt a little bit the plan because of the players that we had available.

“I loved it because since the day that we started to get by, the team got hungrier and hungrier to play the game and that’s a big compliment to everybody at the club to behave in a certain way.”

With their looming trips to Atalanta and fierce rivals Man City, supporters will be hoping the likes of Calafiori and Odegaard can make a return, with an update now coming out of London Colney.

Oleksandr Zinchenko a doubt for Arsenal vs Atalanta

As per Standard Sport, left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, who also missed their North London Derby win at Tottenham with a calf injury, has question marks over his availability on Thursday – alongside both Odegaard and Calafiori.

It apparently remains to be seen whether the £150,000-per-week defender can play against Atalanta, with Zinchenko an injury doubt for Arsenal as a result.

Club captain Odegaard and summer signing Calafiori are fitness concerns alongside the Ukraine international, but some good news for Arteta is that Arsenal are confident Bukayo Saka will return for Atalanta, after the Englishman was forced off during their victory over Spurs.

Aston Villa currently have several players away on international duty, and they will be hoping they can return injury-free ahead of the Premier League resuming this weekend. One of those away could be ready to address his future given what has happened this week too.

Everton hit by injury scare to "amazing" £55k-a-week ace before Aston Villa

It’s another setback for Sean Dyche.

1 ByHenry Jackson Sep 8, 2024 Aston Villa players away on international duty

Villa, like all the Premier League teams this past week or so, are praying that their international players can make it back to the club in one piece, as important fixtures are on the horizon. Ezri Konsa will be hoping to start England's match against Finland on Tuesday, after watching from the bench as Trent Alexander-Arnold filled the right-back role against the Republic of Ireland.

John McGinn has featured in both of Scotland's games, which ended up in disappointment – the midfielder was unable to prevent his country from being beaten by Poland 3-2 in the first game and then 2-1 by Portugal on Sunday evening.

Villa face Everton this weekend, and Unai Emery will be keen to have all his players back in one piece, especially Emi Martinez and Jhon Duran, who have been playing in South America for their respective countries and face long trips back to the Midlands.

£120,000-a-week star could sign new deal at Aston Villa

According to French outlet L’Equipe, relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne could sign a new deal at the Premier League club. The left-back has received his first call-up back to the France squad since June 2022.

Digne was called up by manager Didier Deschamps after Ferland Mendy suffered an injury and was therefore unavailable. This summer the defender considered his time with France "had ended", but the left-back is now back in the squad and was an unused substitute in the game against Italy.

L’Equipe is reporting that while the £120,000-a-week star’s contract runs out in the summer of 2026, Digne “could be tempted” to sign a new deal at Villa Park. If the player can cement his place with France, then he will likely sign a new deal given his time at Villa is what's earned him his second chance.

Apps

96

Goals

4

Assists

11

Digne has been capped 46 times by France, with the defender yet to get on the scoresheet for his country. He has been with Villa since January 2022, and during that time he has played nearly 100 games for the Midlands side.

Looking to end their summer with a bang, Leicester City reportedly made late contact to sign a Premier League defender, only to see their approach knocked back.

Leicester transfer news

Only time will tell whether Leicester's transfer window can be deemed a success. On paper, the arrivals of Oliver Skipp, Odsonne Edouard and Jordan Ayew add crucial Premier League experience that should prove to be pivotal in their fight for survival this season.

The latter has, of course, got off to the perfect start by scoring a sensational first goal for the Foxes in their Carabao Cup victory over Tranmere Rovers.

Former Crystal Palace teammate Edouard is also an interesting arrival, joining on loan from Selhurst Park, with Leicester strengthening Steve Cooper's attacking options late on in the window.

Odsonne-Edouard

It wasn't just going forward that the Foxes wanted to welcome reinforcements, with one particular defensive addition eyed in what would have been a last-gasp move.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey for HITC, Leicester made a late move to sign Matt Targett from Newcastle United, only for the Magpies to knock back both theirs and Fulham's approaches. The left-back, now all but set to stay put at St James' Park, currently finds himself behind Lewis Hall and Dan Burn in the pecking order under Eddie Howe.

Had Leicester pursued Targett's signature earlier in the window, they may well have got their man, but any late move was always more unlikely to reach completion. That said, given the defender's current Newcastle role, he could be one to keep an eye on in January.

A player with plenty of Premier League experience, Targett would have slotted straight into the mould of players that the Foxes signed in the summer, following the likes of Edouard and Ayew.

"Outstanding" Targett would have competed with Kristiansen

By adding Targett, Leicester would have been welcoming instant competition for Victor Kristiansen, who lacks the same experience as the Newcastle man at just 21 years old. It's competition that the Dane would only have benefited from, given the lessons that Targett could teach the left-back in a packed Premier League campaign.

This, of course, isn't the first time that Targett has been at the centre of speculation, with Howe left speaking about the defender's future in 2022, only to respond with high praise.

The Newcastle boss said via TEAMtalk: "I’ll be sitting down with all my players and discussing the future – and it’ll be the same with Matt. He’s been outstanding. I view him as an integral member of the squad. We really, really like him. He’s gelled with the squad.”

The Magpies reportedly wanted Targett's full wages paid to sanction a late loan move before the summer window closed, but could not tempt either of Leicester or Fulham into such a deal. If that offer is still on the table in January, the Foxes may yet turn back towards the defender.

Leeds United are interested in signing Liverpool defender Nat Phillips this summer, with the Yorkshire outfit eyeing fresh faces to carry them back to the Premier League.

What's the latest on Nat Phillips to Leeds?

The Athletic's ever-reliable Phil Hay has brought a fresh update for Leeds supporters after revealing that the Elland Road side are considering a move for the 26-year-old, who has been a peripheral figure on Merseyside for the past several seasons.

Jurgen Klopp's outfit's £10m valuation might prove to be a stumbling block in negotiations considering Phillips has played such scant football, but if the price can be whittled down the Whites could unearth the perfect option as clinching promotion takes centre stage.

Contracted to Anfield until 2025, Phillips would be a valuable addition, having produced a string of stoic displays with the Reds before and impressing during his fleeting loan spell with Bournemouth in the 21/22 campaign.

Should Leeds sign Nat Phillips?

Since joining rising through Liverpool's youth ranks and making his debut against Everton in the FA Cup in 19/20, a 1-0 victory, Phillips has only made 29 appearances for the Anfield outfit and played just five times across the 22/23 term.

However, during Liverpool's time of need in 20/21, with a torrent of injuries resulting in a deterioration that left the likes of Phillips and Rhys Williams as central defensive partners at Anfield, the calibre of his skill set was on full show.

The pair were hailed as "absolutely insane" by Klopp and Phillips was particularly impressive, recording an average Sofascore rating of 7.19 across his 15 top-flight starts during the 20/21 year, completing 82% of his passes, winning 66% of his aerial duels, averaging 4.8 clearances per game and keeping seven clean sheets.

Described as a "monster in the air" by his manager, the £65k-per-week colossus also spent the latter half of the 21/22 campaign on loan with Bournemouth, successfully aiding the south coast club in their pursuit of promotion from the second tier.

Playing 17 times and tasting defeat just twice, the 6 foot 3 ace earned an average rating of 7.04, completing 82% of his passes, winning 69% of his aerial duels and averaging 4.1 clearances per game.

Such numbers are impressive due to the fact that no player at Leeds made more clearances last season or had a higher average match rating, as per Sofascore.

While his ball-playing skills as certainly not first-rate, they do look to be a cut above Whites centre-half Robin Koch, who has been branded "horrific" for his dismal displays this term by Youtuber Conor McGilligan.

Despite this, the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have registered an interest, as per 90min, in the Germany international and the 49ers Enterprises must cash in swiftly.

Koch did average 4.1 clearances per game in the Premier League this term, also winning 62% of his aerial duels and completing 77% of his passes, but given that he ranks among the bottom 9% of positional peers for pass completion, as per FBref, he is clearly flawed and must be cashed in on.

As such, Phillips could well represent a dream replacement, bringing with him a similar skill set, a demonstrated fortitude and a burning desire to finally cement a starting berth with regularity.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Montpellier forward Elye Wahi, as Julen Lopetegui aims to bolster his front line this summer.

The Spaniard will have to make sufficient reinforcements on a budget, after learning of the clubs’ Financial Fair Play (FFP) woes last month.

After ending the 2022/23 campaign as the Premier League’s lowest-scorers, the Old Gold will have a challenge in replenishing their strike options, however, Wahi could be the light at the end of the tunnel in that department.

As reported by journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter earlier this week, Wolves have ‘real’ interest in the 20-year-old hitman, who is reportedly valued by his club around the €35m (£30m) mark, as per Foot Mercato.

Despite being outside of Wolves’ reported budget of £8m-£15m, as claimed by the Telegraph, they may have to negotiate for a deal more suitable for their finances for a player that would undoubtedly benefit the side.

What could Elye Wahi offer to Wolves?

Dubbed a “superstar” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the young Frenchman could be a driving force in Lopetegui’s efforts to get the Midlands club back up and running in his first full season at Molineux.

With 19 goals and five assists in 33 Ligue 1 appearances, as provided by FBref, Wahi could reinstall the Old Gold’s threat in the final third, bolstering the squad’s overall form and assisting those around him in replenishing individual performance.

Wolves struggled without a competent outlet last campaign, with strikers Diego Costa and Raul Jimenez failing to score more than a single Premier League goal between them, showing form detrimental to the club's results.

Scoring 31 goals in 38 games, Lopetegui’s side turned fate around after being bottom of the table on Christmas Day, to finish in 13th, equalling the clubs’ lowest top-division finish since their promotion in 2018.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom in the Midlands regarding the Premier League, with rivals Aston Villa snatching a seventh place finish and booking their ticket to Europe in an emphatic season.

One major inconsistency between the two sides this term has been their individuals leading the line, with Ollie Watkins scoring 15 goals in the league for the Villans, subsequently boosting their form.

Lopetegui’s woes in front of goal could be over if he signed his answer to Watkins, with Wahi noted as a 'similar' play to the Villa hotshot, as per FBref.

The two forwards are very similar in their approach to playing, with the 20-year-old having the edge in the goal department, averaging 0.64 per 90 to Watkins’ 0.40, as well as proving to be a more threatening player on the ball.

As per FBref, the Courcouronnes-born gem averaged 2.04 progressive carries per 90, more than Villa’s forward who registered an average of 1.44 in this area, suggesting the added threat that Wahi could implement to Lopetegui’s attack.

Having a firing goalscorer that can boost a squad’s performance is imperative for a side in the top division, yet Molineux could add significant danger to the team by securing the talisman’s signature.

Tottenham Hotspur's various transfer interests this summer are wide-ranging, as Ange Postecoglou seeks to usher in a new era. This latest report seeks to only emphasise this.

What's the latest on Harvey Barnes to Tottenham Hotspur?

Coming from journalist Charlie Eccleshare, writing for The Athletic, he detailed a comprehensive list of the numerous options that Spurs have at their disposal for this summer window. Whilst not all will be signed, the calibre of these selections suggests they intend to shop off the top shelf in an effort to kickstart this new dynasty in north London.

However, one example of a smaller club they could poach from is Leicester City, with their two main men seemingly top targets for the Lilywhites. Their interest in James Maddison is well-founded, but it is also noted that winger Harvey Barnes remains on their list too as a potential acquisition.

With a high fee reportedly set to be commanded, given there are two years remaining on the speedster's £35k-per-week deal, his signing would likely still represent better value than the £25m unloaded to tempt Dejan Kulusevski to stay on a permanent basis.

Is Harvey Barnes better than Dejan Kulusevski?

Whilst such a small fee for Kulusevski may have seemed like a coup after his first six months in north London, the following campaign has suggested that the hype has perhaps died down for the 23-year-old dynamo.

After all, it would have been difficult to uphold his 13 goal contributions in just 18 league games, although many likely would have expected a better return than just two goals he scored last season.

Especially considering the impressive year that Barnes enjoyed for a team that fell to the drop. For all the struggles felt at Spurs, it pales in comparison to the Foxes. Yet the 25-year-old still managed to muster 13 league strikes, building on his 25 goal contributions from all competitions the term prior.

It is this gulf in consistent goalscoring that supports the notion that Barnes would mark a better deal than Kulusevski, as he not only has showcased his ability to shine no matter the form of his team but also that he has the experience needed to be a reliable star within English football.

The jury is arguably still out on the Sweden international.

To emphasise the exceptional goalscoring of the Foxes wide man, when compared to other wingers across Europe, he still ranks in the top 6% for non-penalty goals scored per 90. When compared against the same group, Kulusevski's most outstanding asset is his assists, of which he only ranks in the top 21% per 90.

To compare an admittedly unreliable maestro with someone who has instead proven himself as a consistent threat, this "dynamic" finisher, as branded by journalist Adam Goodwin, would mark a much better deal than the aforementioned one with Juventus; especially if they are to tempt him for a figure akin to his Football Transfer value, which sits at €40.4m (£35m).

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is reportedly eyeing a reunion with Leicester City defender, Daniel Amartey, with the Ghanaian ace in line for a summer exit from the King Power Stadium.

What's the latest on Amartey to Celtic?

According to TEAMtalk, the Old Firm outfit are considering a move for the 28-year-old following the confirmation that Rodgers has sealed his return to the club, with the versatile asset set to be available on a free transfer amid his expiring contract.

The report suggests that while there is also interest in the 6 foot 1 gem from clubs in Saudi Arabia and in Turkey, there is a 'chance' that the 51-cap ace could seal a move to Glasgow instead, after seven years with the Foxes.

The piece also goes on to add that the Hoops are ready to make contact with the former Copenhagen man's agent, as Rodgers plots to make the first signing of his second spell in charge of the Scottish champions.

Who is Daniel Amartey?

The experienced defender – who can also operate at right-back or in central midfield – has racked up 145 appearances for the newly-relegated outfit since his arrival from Denmark back in 2016, with 80 of those outings having come during Rodgers' time at the helm with the Midlands side.

Previously described as "outstanding" by the Northern Irishman, Amartey appears to have all the attributes to be an astute capture for the Bhoys this summer, particularly on a free transfer, with the returning Celtic boss having also said of his qualities:

"He’s played as a midfield player, as a full-back, and you need your outside centre-halves to be able to have no doubt they can step in and press the game and be aggressive. He’s got all of that. He defends the box really well and then, with the ball, he has a real sufficient level of comfort. He can pass it."

The signing of the all-action machine could well prove bad news for current Hoops man, Stephen Welsh, with Football Insider having reported last month that the club were open to offers for the young Scotsman, provided that a suitable replacement could be found ahead of next season.

The 23-year-old has notably slipped down the pecking order after being restricted to just four Scottish Premiership outings under Ange Postecoglou last season, having notably been "bullied" alongside Moritz Jenz in the shock defeat away to St Mirren back in September, in the words of journalist Josh Bunting.

With Postecoglou favouring Yuki Kobayashi as the third-choice option behind Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers, Welsh has become something of a spare part in recent months, with the addition of Amartey potentially set to prove the final nail in the coffin with regard to his time at Celtic Park.

Not only does the soon-to-be free agent have the benefit of having worked closely with Rodgers in recent years, but the £20k-per-week ace also compares favourably to his fellow centre-backs in Europe's top five leagues with regard to playing out from the back, as he ranks in the top 10% for progressive carries and the top 7% for pass completion.

Amartey does appear to offer greater composure in the backline as he lost possession on average just 5.7 times per game from his 20 league outings last term, while Welsh, by contrast, lost the ball 9.5 times per game on average, showcasing the latter man is not quite as adept at building from the back.

As such, if Rodgers is looking to freshen up his defensive unit with the signing of his former Leicester asset, it could prove to be the end of the road for Celtic's 6 foot 3 academy graduate.

Roma chief Tiago Pinto "flies to London" with Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid "above all" in the race for defender Roger Ibanez, according to reports out of Italy.

Who could join Tottenham this summer?

The arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou has brought with it a wave of fresh transfer rumours as the Australian seeks to reshape the team in his own image.

Recent claims have suggested that the 57-year-old, despite not officially starting work until July 1, is already earmarking transfer targets behind-the-scenes at Hotspur Way.

Indeed, Postecoglou has apparently given the green-light for his side to sign a star centre-back this summer as Spurs begin undergoing a major overhaul, with Leicester City star James Maddison also of serious interest.

As well as this, long-serving number one goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could well depart north London by his own admission, meaning Spurs must source a capable replacement. Resultingly, it is believed Spurs are seriously pushing to sign Brentford's David Raya, with AC Milan star Mike Maignan also on their radar as an alternative.

Going back to the central defensive area, a cause of real concern for Spurs for the last season, Roma's star defender Ibanez has been linked with a move to N17 recently.

According to Italian publication Calciomercato, there has been a fairly promising update on their pursuit, with both Tottenham and Atletico "above all" in the race to sign Ibanez this summer.

The Brazilian is up for sale as Roma need to balance their books, and what's more, they're offering a discount and have to "slightly lower" their valuation for him. Once around £30m, it is now claimed Roma will offload for a fee around £21m-£24m.

In their headline, it's added that Roma chief Pinto "flies to London" as he aims to negotiate both a move for Gianluca Scamacca and the possible sale of Ibanez.

Who is Roger Ibanez?

Going by the numbers, Ibanez was one of Jose Mourinho's star defenders over the 2022/2023 Serie A campaign.

According to WhoScored, he ranked among their top four best-performers overall, whilst making more interceptions per 90 than any other Roma player. He also came second in their squad for successful tackles and clearances made.

The 24-year-old has also been tipped for stardom by former Roma fullback Vincent Candela who, despite being error-prone on occasion, can become "one of the world’s best defenders" (Corriere dello Sport via romapress.net).

Given Roma are now attempting to sell at a discounted price, it could be an interesting opportunity for Spurs to strengthen their defence.

An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to find a new head coach to take over at Parkhead for the 2023/24 campaign.

What's the latest on Kieran McKenna to Celtic?

According to the Daily Record, the Hoops have identified Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as one of their targets as they attempt to replace Ange Postecoglou.

The report claims that they are eyeing the soon-to-be Championship boss as his team deploys a similar style of play to the Australian.

Tottenham Hotspur appointed Postecoglou as their new chief on Tuesday and the Scottish giants are now looking to find his heir, with McKenna and Manchester City's Enzo Maresca among the options on the table.

Would Kieran McKenna be a success at Celtic?

Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond could get Parkhead rocking next season by hiring the Tractor Boys tactician as his style of play and love for attacking football could make him a big success in Scotland.

Postecoglou made going to Celtic Park each week an exciting prospect as his team ended 2022/23 with a staggering 114 goals from their 38 Scottish Premiership matches – winning 32 of them.

The supporters could get behind the ex-Manchester United youth coach in the same way as the 37-year-old has shown plenty of promise in his short career as a coach who can build a clinical outfit.

Ipswich finished outside the play-offs in League One in the two seasons before McKenna arrived halfway through the 2021/22 campaign.

He was then able to push on and lead the East Anglian club to a second-placed finish in the third tier of English football in 22/23, which secured their promotion to the Championship with a whopping 98 points.

Whilst they did not win the title with Plymouth Argyle managing a stunning 101 points, his Ipswich team were the great entertainers of the division as they scored 101 times in the league – 19 more than any other outfit.

McKenna, whose work has been described as "absolutely incredible" by his captain Sam Morsy, typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, which is not a far cry from the attacking 4-3-3 set-up that Postecoglou used during his time in Scotland.

Only the midfield configuration has a minor change with one of the central focal points playing slightly further up the pitch.

The 37-year-old tactician, who won 15 of his 22 matches in charge of United's U18 side in the Premier League 2 in 17/18, is unproven at the top level but his impressive work with Ipswich should not be sniffed at.

He turned the English team from a mid-table League One side into a promotion-winning outfit that destroyed the opposition by plundering goal after goal whilst playing football that has been likened to Postecoglou's progressive passing approach.

Therefore, Desmond could get Celtic Park rocking by appointing McKenna, a manager who can make the Hoops an entertaining side to watch, just as they were under their now former boss.

Tottenham Hotspur will appreciate a lot of things about Manchester United's Harry Maguire ahead of the summer transfer window.

Is Harry Maguire up for sale?

It was a disappointing campaign at Old Trafford for the England defender who saw his role diminish under Erik ten Hag in his first campaign at the helm.

Prior to the arrival of the Dutchman, Maguire had played a prominent role in United's 2021/22 campaign where he made 28 starts in the Premier League.

However, this season has seen the 30-year-old's game time severely reduced to the point where he has only made eight starts in the top flight.

However, there are conflicting reports as to whether the centre-back will be leaving this summer with talkSPORT now claiming he is keen to remain at United and fight for his place.

This comes just days after the reliable Fabrizio Romano suggested that those around the player were of the belief this is the perfect opportunity for him to leave the club.

But speaking on the Five YouTube channel, David Ornstein has suggested those at Spurs will appreciate a lot of the qualities which Maguire could potentially bring to north London.

Adding to this, the reliable journalist also nodded towards the 30-year-old's relationship with his national captain, Harry Kane:

"I don't think this situation is satisfactory for his career at club or international level. And that's why there will be conversations to be had. There will be interest in him.

"We've seen Tottenham linked, I think Tottenham really will respect what level of player he is, but also the character, the sort of leader he would bring to any camp, the leadership sorry.

"He's good friends with Harry Kane from international level. So I don't think this is a sort of equation of one in one out or a swap of sorts. I think if he was to go somewhere like that it would be to play together ideally."

How much does Harry Maguire earn?

Tottenham's defensive record last season really was dreadful with the north London side shipping in 63 goals which saw them finish with a goal difference of a mere +7.

But a move for Maguire may leave many Spurs fans concerned as to whether the club would actually be bringing in an upgrade considering the huge levels of criticism he has come under in recent months.

Maguire would arrive with a lot of experience from his time with Leicester and United, however, is this really a deal which would prove beneficial for Spurs?

According to FBref, the England international ranks inside the bottom 15th percentile for tackles made over the last year with an average of just 1.03 per 90 minutes.

And at the age of 30, is he a player who Spurs' new boss Ange Postecoglou could look to as a long-term option as he looks to begin the rebuild in north London.

After all, this is a player who is believed to be earning in the region of £190k-per-week at United but is unable to make the starting XI under Ten Hag.

Despite the recent criticism, talkSPORT's Gabriel Agbonlahor has hailed Maguire as "outstanding" and perhaps Spurs feel similarly as they search for upgrades at centre-back.