Chelsea star signs, Champions League race – pundits predict the end of Tottenham's season

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a spectacular debut season under Ange Postecoglou's stewardship. Despite saying goodbye to one of the Premier League's all-time great strikers in Harry Kane, the Lilywhites have managed to, not only replace his goals but also, climb into the top four.

Son Heung-min and Richarlison have been excellent in the England international's absence. Despite Spurs' dramatic transformation under the 58-year-old, they struggled to compete on all fronts, suffering early exits in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

The next couple of weeks will be season-defining in the race for top four so Postecoglou will be hoping that his players can hold their nerve. With that being said, football.london has taken a look at what the big-name pundits have predicted will happen.

The race for top four

Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp have both backed the Lilywhites to secure Champions League qualification this season. Only a three goal difference separates Tottenham in fourth and Aston Villa in fifth, although Postecoglou's side have a game in hand up their sleeve.

Speaking on Sky Sports, as quoted by Birmingham Live, Keane praised the Spurs boss for how he navigated the departure of Harry Kane. The former Manchester United midfielder said: "He (Postecoglou) seemed to be agitated in the last few weeks, obviously people asking him about the Champions League and he says, 'no, we just want to keep winning football matches and take it in our stride'.

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"That’s fine, but you think where they were at the start of the season, the Kane scenario, he’s new to the club, but he’s done a brilliant job with the games they’ve won.

"They’ve got a great chance for Champions League, their style of football, the freedom he’s given the players and how he’s come across in the media. I think he’s done a brilliant job."

Meanwhile, Redknapp believes top four is 'pretty much guaranteed' for Tottenham. The former Liverpool midfielder said: "They were unwatchable for years, Spurs, but he’s come in with signings, the belief in the way that they play.

"He talks a lot about next season and I think if they bring in some players they’re gonna be even better. They’ve got the nucleus of a young squad. [Micky] Van de Ven is top quality, [James] Maddison has been a good signing.

"I think they’re pretty much guaranteed to get into the top four, I can’t see Manchester United going on a run. It would be a capitulation from Tottenham if they didn’t get Champions League football right now."

A big summer transfer window

Postecoglou will be keen to build upon such a promising debut season at Tottenham in the summer transfer window, and Conor Gallagher has been mooted as a potential signing. Speaking to Football Fan Cast, Alan Hutton said: "For what he’s done this season, he covers every blade of grass and he’s exactly what you need at times, just that kind of battler in midfield.

"He’s technically gifted as well, he’s not just a runner. They’re talking about big money as well, would Chelsea sell him to a rival? For example, at Spurs, he probably makes their squad and starting team even better even though it would be a fight to get into the team.

"For a player who has been a standout at Chelsea, why wouldn’t you just get it done? That being said, with their FFP situation, if you are to sell him for big money that’s all profit because he came through the youth side. So it really depends on that to see where his future lies."

football.london understands Spurs were among several Premier League clubs who wanted to secure Gallagher's signature in the summer, with Postecoglou said to be a big admirer. Newcastle United and West Ham also expressed an interest in the England international.

It's said that Liverpool were in the race to sign him earlier in the summer window, but a move to Anfield failed to materialise after Jurgen Klopp got his hands on Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai instead. Gallagher now only has a year or so left on his contract at Stamford Bridge.