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TransfersThe High Road Herald

Herald Correspondent Spends Entire Afternoon Standing Up Bergvall Story And Finds Nothing To Stand Up

Barry Napier · Transfer Correspondent2 October

The material available consisted of a podcast, a website's account of the podcast, and a man on a sofa who had read the account.

The Herald this week set out to stand up the story that Lucas Bergvall wishes to leave Tottenham Hotspur, and is able to report that there is nothing to stand up.

Our correspondent began at the beginning, with David Ornstein, who said on The Athletic's podcast that there was a very good chance the 20-year-old Swede could leave, citing minutes played and the position in which he is used. That is a public remark by a public figure and is reported here exactly as such.

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The stronger wording, to the effect that the player has informed the club of his desire to leave, was traced to a football website's summary of the podcast. The summary cites the podcast. The podcast does not cite the summary. Our correspondent describes the arrangement as a line, not a circle, and regrets it.

A second source was then sought. The nearest available was a Tottenham man seated in a living room with his back to the door, who confirmed the matter without looking round.

It's definitely happening. I read it twice.

Asked where he had read it, the man named the website. Asked whether the website had a source, he said it would have, and turned the television up.

The same website also states that Roberto De Zerbi's formation has no place for a number eight, that the club are pursuing Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, and that many clubs around Europe are keen. Our correspondent was unable to attach the last phrase to a single club, though it is understood that one is on its way.

It is understood a decision looms.

The Herald has stood the story up as far as it will go. It will try again on Monday.

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Tottenham Man Opens Transfer Fund In Pint Glass After Hearing Carragher Rate Midfielder

The fund stood at £4.60 at last count, against a reported bid of more than £87 million.

A Tottenham man has opened a transfer fund in a pint glass on a pub table in North London, after hearing Jamie Carragher tell Sky Sports that he really rates Sandro Tonali.

The Herald understands Carragher also said Roberto De Zerbi has a lot of power at the club. The man has taken this to be a general call to action, and has acted.

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The fund stood at £4.60 on Tuesday evening. Tottenham are reported to be set to bid more than £87 million for the Italian midfielder, according to Alfredo Pedulla. The man has described the shortfall as "bridgeable".

Carragher says he's got everything. Energy, control, defensive bite. So I'm putting something in.

The table has since been arranged as a midfield. A salt cellar has been designated Tonali. A beer mat representing Lucas Bergvall, who is reported to have asked to leave in search of more game time, has been moved to the far end, where it is understood to be making its own arrangements.

The landlord has asked for the glass to be returned to circulation, noting that it is one of only six. The man has offered to cover the cost of a replacement from the fund, which would reduce it to £2.10.

Three companions have contributed under protest. One gave 20p and asked whether a receipt would be issued. A receipt has been issued, on a napkin.

The glass has been covered with a beer mat. Carragher has not been informed.

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