Tottenham learn Europa Conference League play-off opponents

Tottenham will face one of Pacos de Ferreira or Larne in the play-offs of this season's inaugural Europa Conference League.

The north London side finished seventh in the Premier League last season, taking the qualification spot for the competition.

Pacos de Ferreira and Larne are due to face each other in the third qualifying round, with the games scheduled for 5 and 12 August.

The winners of that tie will then face Spurs, hosting Tottenham on 19 August and then travelling to London a week later for the return leg.

Pacos finished fifth in Portugal's Primeira Liga last season, while Larne came fourth in the NIFL Premiership and were victorious in the league's play-offs for a place in Europe's third tier competition back in June.

Away from the Conference League and behind the scenes at Spurs, it's all a bit chaotic. Harry Kane was due to return to the club's training ground on Monday but didn't show up, with Manchester City still keen on securing a deal for the striker alongside their move for Aston Villa's Jack Grealish. There are conflicting reports over whether they will be able to afford both the England internationals, however.

In terms of incomings, there has been encouraging news over the pursuit of centre back Cristian Romero. Spurs are thought to be closing in on the signing of the Atalanta star, who featured for Argentina over the summer as they won the Copa America.

Elsewhere, a new contract has been handed to Son Heung-min, while Italy international goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini and Spanish youngster Bryan Gil have been brought in. A number of squad players are also expected to be sold during the summer transfer window as manager Nuno Espirito Santo and director Fabio Paratici look to streamline a bloated squad. Club stalwarts Erik Lamela and Toby Alderweireld have already left.

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