There are reports today of continuing problems besetting Tottenham’s new stadium, with claims that delays have been caused by misunderstandings between some of the crews working on it and a failure of management to arrange a proper introduction between Arse Ltd and Elbow Plc. Naturally, some commentators are already suggesting that if a club cannot efficiently coordinate subcontracted electricians, then it cannot expect to organise a back four to clear a last-minute corner, but the Mill can’t help thinking that that is a case of putting two and two together and coming up with a load of old tosh. Still, if such talk provokes another entertaining press conference from Mauricio Pochettino, it’ll all have been worth it, right?

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend Read more

Here’s something else that could rile Pochettino: Bayern Munich are said to be plotting a January swoop for Son Heung-min. Yes, while Spurs no longer have to worry about their forward having to troop off on military service, they must now fret about the prospect of him being enlisted by Bayern for endless marches to the Bundesliga title. Son is not believed to be especially keen but his agent could potentially use interest from Bayern to start trying to negotiate a pay hike from Spurs at a time when the club is investing fortunes in staging a huge electrician festival in north London. The club could do without all this, that’s what some people are saying.

Others are saying that Arne Maier would solve some of Tottenham’s woes. The 19-year-old has been lighting up Hertha Berlin’s midfield since the start of this season to the extent that Spurs are said to be readying an offer. But as the Mill found yesterday, so are Arsenal and Manchester United, apparently. Tottenham and United are also set to lock horns over another young midfielder, namely Ajax’s 22-year-old Frenkie de Jong.

Liverpool, meanwhile, reckon they’ve found a lad even better than that pair: Cagliari’s Nicolò Barrela, who was being tracked by Juventus but not any more, as the Italian side have decided to suspended all non-essential activities to facilitate prolonged gnashing and weeping over Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card in the Champions League this week. The Anfield club are also set to offer a new deal to the eternally youthful James Milner.

Finally, Arsenal’s ex-blazer Ivan Gazidis is rumoured to be keen on luring Aaron Ramsey from his old club to his new one, Milan.