Yahoo Sports UK

When all was said and done, Cristian Romero couldn't resist.

Having heard the comments from Gary Neville during the World Cup, the Tottenham Hotspur captain had his chance to respond. And he wasn't going to waste it.

In the bowels of the Mercedes Benz Arena following Argentina's 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England, Romero indicated that he and defensive partner Lisandro Martinez, the Manchester United centre-back, had used "stupid" Neville's comments as motivation to eliminate England.

Former Three Lions defender Neville recently called the duo "best worst centre halves in the world." He also stated on The Overlap that he expected England to score at least twice in their final four showdown, declaring: “I don’t see how we won’t score at least two goals. Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez seem to give away a goal between them in every match.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

• Gary Lineker points finger at 'unfathomable' Thomas Tuchel decision after England loss to Argentina

• Cristian Romero now 'poised for transfer' with talks held amid England World Cup clash

"Then you see them again and suddenly they’re scoring goals, winning every header, and appearing everywhere. There's something that happens to them when they put on that shirt. It's incredible.

"I call them the best-worst centre-back pairing in the world because at times they are absolutely extraordinary, and the next instant they go from the sublime to the ridiculous."

Clearly, Romero has been made aware of those comments. Speaking after Argentina's win, he fired back.

"The only thing that I hope for is that when I retire, I am not that stupid. Hopefully I won't criticise a player or anyone," he told DSports when asked about Neville's comments.

"Because at the end of the day, we are doing our best for our national team. Sometimes it goes right for us, sometimes badly, but we are just happy to be in a World Cup final again.

"I think we are making history, for us it is something really huge, and we feel the significance of this shirt like no-one else."

Martinez had his say on the matter too, declaring: "We're used to people always talking about us. It seems like they like doing it, and we respond on the pitch, that's it, always with respect."

Both men were booked in the win over England, but they restricted the Three Lions to just two shots on target and will now line up against European champions Spain in Sunday's final.

Wolves are reported to have had a bid for Tottenham Hotspur striker Will Lankshear turned down, but must pursue that deal with determination.

Wolves are one of three clubs reported to have had a bid for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Will Lankshear turned down this week.

football.london claims that Cesar Peixoto’s side made an approach with a bid upwards of £10 million – whether that was as an imminent permanent transfer or a loan-to-buy remains unknown.

Either way, Wolves could be onto a winner with that target and must pull out all the stops to beat Southampton and Sporting Lisbon, who are the other two clubs in the transfer race at this stage.

Will Lankshear impresses at Oxford United

Lankshear spent last season on loan at Oxford United and was thoroughly impressive, despite the U’s suffering relegation to League One.

The 21-year-old scored 11 goals in 43 appearances, a respectable tally for a struggling side. More than that, his physically dominant performances really caught the eye.

Lankshear is an exciting profile. Standing at six-foot two-inches, he has the presence needed to make an impact in the Championship, and he’s no slug either. As well as boasting the ability to hold up play and pose a threat from set plays, the striker is dangerous on the counter, working well with fellow Spurs loanee Jamie Donley last term.

Despite his young age, the talisman would bring big game experience to Molineux. Lankshear scored for Tottenham Hotspur against Galatasaray in the Europa League, winning that tournament in 2025.

The striker has also been afforded three Premier League outings, with minutes against Fulham, Southampton and Leicester City.

Wolves must push for ‘gladiatorial’ striker

This is a player that Peixoto should want in his side. Lankshear was almost gladiatorial at times when Oxford United were fighting relegation last season.

Against Hull City in April, the forward put in such a shift that he was barely able to walk when subbed at the Kassam Stadium to rapturous applause. In his final home match of the campaign, in a 4-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday, the Spurs star bagged a brace and picked up an assist.

After that match, ex Oxford United manager Matt Bloomfield said: “Where can he go in the game?

“If he can stay clear of injury and keep that focus that he has, I think he can go to the top because his finishing is top draw.

“It’s his focus, his single-mindedness to be the best he can possibly be, that is so admirable. And I wish him every success.”

It’s a particularly enticing option for Wolves. Lankshear has a profile that is very similar to that of Jorgen Strand Larsen, who was sold to Crystal Palace in January.

Lankshear could slot straight into the Wolves team and could be the perfect complement to Raul Jimenez. The Mexican will fancy his chances of nailing down a role in the starting XI but, at 35 years old, Jimenez cannot star every game in a long Championship season.

Jimenez is the perfect player for Lankshear to learn from and the combination of young and old could be potent for Wolves. A £10 million fee is a big outlay following the loss of finances that come with relegation, but it’s an investment for the future – Lankshear is a £30 million-plus player in the near future.

Will Lankshear: Player Profile & Statistics

Age: 21 / Position: Striker

Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur have rejected an offer from Ipswich Town for Mikey Moore, sources have told Football Insider.

The Tractor Boys submitted a loan offer for the 18-year-old winger ahead of their return to the Premier League.

However, the north London club knocked it back as they do not want to send the young forward out to a side they expect to be battling relegation.

Football Insider exclusively revealed this month that Tottenham have told Moore that he will be loaned out again this campaign.

Spurs are hopeful of finding a club for the teenager before their pre-season programme begins, with their first friendly set to take place on 22 July against MK Dons.

Another loan move outside of England could be on the cards, with there being strong interest from the Dutch Eredivisie, as well as from Bundesliga sides.

Moore was on loan at Rangers last season, and he heavily impressed as he netted seven goals and picked up four assists in 47 games in all competitions.

Who else is tracking Mikey Moore this summer?

Moore's performances in Glasgow did not go unnoticed.

Multiple clubs are said to be tracking his signature as the youngster looks to take the next step in his career.

Football Insider exclusively revealed in early July that Borussia Dortmund, FC Koln and PSV Eindhoven are interested in a move to Moore.

The latter club want to add an option to buy in any potential loan deal, and it remains to be seen if Spurs would be willing to add this.

Rangers have also been credited with interest throughout 2026 in bringing Moore back to Ibrox.

However, as the weeks have gone on, a return to Glasgow seems increasingly unlikely this transfer window.

Sources: Borussia Dortmund and duo turn attention to Mikey Moore after Tottenham decision How good was Moore at Rangers?

Despite Rangers' trophyless season, Moore's time at Ibrox was no doubt a success.

According to Fotmob on 15 July, the winger averaged 0.29 goals, a 0.21 xG, 2.58 shots, 1.12 shots on target, 0.12 assists and 2.12 successful dribbles per 90 minutes in the Scottish Premiership.

These are extremely impressive stats given his age, and it is a clear indication of the potential the teenager has.

However, it remains to be seen if Moore can improve on these stats for the 2026-27 campaign as both he and Spurs search for a suitable loan move for the rising star.

Djed Spence has certainly proved all of his doubters wrong with his performance against Argentina.

The Tottenham Hotspur man had one of the more difficulty jobs to do on the night, with none other than Lionel Messi drifting out to his side for a majority of the game.

At Tottenham Hotspur News, we covered the last time Spence played Messi and kept him quiet.

And while on this occasion Argentina's star man rose to the magnitude of the game with two assists, Spence still deserves all the plaudits.

His selection in Thomas Tuchel's squad was one of the biggest talking points heading into the competition.

Many criticised it and could not understand why he was on the plane, but he proved exactly why in North America.

Djed Spence proved why he was in Thomas Tuchel's squad in one moment

If there was ever one moment in the World Cup that vindicated Tuchel's Spence collection, it was in the 58th minute.

Spence produced perhaps one of the most critical pieces of defending so far for England in the tournament.

Using his pace, he raced back to deliver a perfect last-ditch tackle on Giuliano Simeone.

On BBC's coverage of the game, Paul Robinson described it as a the "tackle of the tournament."

Meanwhile, former Liverpool and two-time first division winner Ray Houghton said on RTE in Ireland: "That is absolutely world-class. He timed that to perfection."

Unfortunately for Spence, that moment would be nothing other than a highlight from the match, rather than a defining piece of defending.

Messi stood up tall and did what he did best, and sending Argentina to New York/New Jersey for the final.

Spence's World Cup is not quite over though, as as on 18 July, England will face off against France in the third place playoff, where Kylian Mbappe awaits.

Tottenham star Djed Spence makes personal England history as critics further silenced Why Djed Spence can hold head high after Argentina display

Disappointment will be felt throughout the England camp but Spence can hold his head high.

Against the current World Cup holders, Spence was highly active defensively, he made five tackles winning four of those.

Additionally, he won seven out of his 13 ground duels. Going forward, he made 10 carries, with three of those progressive.

But of course that last ditch tackle was the standout moment, and one that at the time looked to be crucial as England looked to reach the final.

Nonetheless, for those that questioned his selection, they were made to eat their words. Apologies should start now.

Cristian Romero looks certain to leave Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old is currently away from north London representing Argentina at the World Cup, where he will face England in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

Romero was named Spurs skipper 12 months ago following the departure of Son Heung-min to LAFC in MLS.

However, Romero has been consistently linked with a move away from Spurs, and earned the ire of supporters at the end of last

An injured Romero was initially going to stay in Argentina to watch his boyhood club Belgrano instead of watching Spurs' crucial final game of last season at home to Everton.

Now, it looks as though a decision has been made, and Tottenham News has looked at three candidates to replace him as captain.

James Maddison

Tottenham News has previously reported on Romero's chances of departing Tottenham this summer.

The signings of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi have only further exacerbated suggestions he could leave.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Romero will depart this summer, and that talks have been held with Serie A giants Inter over a move.

Romano added that LaLiga powerhouses Barcelona are also interested in Romero.

One primary candidate to replace him has to be attacking midfielder James Maddison, who missed most of last campaign with an ACL injury.

Maddison, 29, has the experience now and is always prepared to front up when times are hard.

Morever, Maddison was named as one of the vice-captains by former boss Thomas Frank when he picked his leadership team last season.

Maddison is someone who always wants to drive standards, so he would make an obvious choice to replace Romero.

Tottenham to accept cut-price Cristian Romero transfer to 'get him out' after latest controversy Micky van de Ven

Like Maddison, Netherlands centre-back Micky van de Ven was part of the leadership group last season.

Ben Davies and Guglielmo Vicario were also part of that group, but the former is unlikely to be a regular starter and the latter could still be sold this summer.

Van de Ven himself has been touted with a move elsewhere, but it is difficult to image both he and Romero will be allowed to leave in the same window.

The 25-year-old could really mature if he were given the responsibility of taking the armband on a full-time basis.

With plenty of experienced heads around him to help, it could be a shrewd move by De Zerbi to help Van de Ven take his game to the next level.

Andy Robertson

Andrew Robertson may have only just arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium from Liverpool.

But the 32-year-old was signed exactly for this sort of scenario.

There is a feeling that Spurs had a bit of an experience void last term, but the arrival of Robertson certainly helps with that.

A two-time Premier League winner and a Champions League victor with Liverpool, Robertson knows what it takes to be successul.

Moreover, Robertson has captained Scotland since 2018, so knows what it is like to do the role.

Mathys Tel has endured a difficult time at Tottenham Hotspur.

Signing permanently from Bayern Munich last summer, the forward disappointed with just four Premier League goals.

Spurs themselves endured a miserable 2025-26 campaign under Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, leaving the club in an unexpected battle against relegation.

Roberto De Zerbi was subsequently appointed to steady the ship, with the Italian eventually securing Premier League survival through a final-day victory over Everton.

As the Lilywhites reset following the difficult year, De Zerbi is making wholesale changes to the squad.

With Tel left fighting for his spot, the question is there as to just whether his manager can get the best out of him.

Why Mathys Tel has struggled at Tottenham

Tel arrived on loan from Bayern Munich in January 2025 with a reputation as one of the most exciting young forwards in European football.

However, his development has not progressed as quickly as many at Tottenham would have hoped.

The Frenchman made 31 Premier League appearances last season but started only 13 times, contributing four goals and one assist.

Tel has demonstrated the quality of his ball-striking, scoring four times from an expected-goals total of just 2.44.

He also completed 29 crosses at a success rate of 31.2 per cent, while his ability to carry the ball remains one of his most useful attacking qualities.

Nevertheless, his overall involvement in dangerous areas has remained limited.

Tel registered only 35 shots across the league campaign and recorded 787 touches, with too few of those coming in positions where he could consistently threaten the opposition goal.

Unfortunately, he has struggled to make a real impact in the Premier League because he is simply not doing enough.

And not in a lack of quality way, but down to the fact that he is not shooting enough, not releasing the ball enough, and he needs to become more dominant and assertive if he is to succeed.

Roberto De Zerbi decision could determine Mathys Tel future

Tel was predominantly deployed from the left during the closing stages of last season, as analysed by Tottenham News, struggling alongside Randal Kolo Muani.

Tottenham's injury problems partly dictated those selections, but the role may provide an indication of where the manager currently sees him.

And if Spurs continue their ambitious summer with another striker, a wide role may represent the best route into the team for him.

Considering this, Mohammed Kudus' return could give Tottenham a more natural presence on the opposite flank, potentially allowing Tel greater freedom to move inside and attack the penalty area from the left.

The youngster has already shown that he is capable of influencing major matches, but these moments have been too infrequent.

Tel could still receive opportunities through the middle, particularly from the bench against tiring defenders, even if a new striker initially moves ahead of him in the hierarchy.

However, another season spent on the fringes would raise serious questions about his long-term future at Tottenham.

Whether he begins the campaign centrally or from the left, 2026-27 is shaping up to be the year in which he either becomes a major part of De Zerbi's plans or risks being left behind.

Tottenham Hotspur have finally struck an agreement with Brighton for the transfer of talented defender Luka Vuskovic.

The Seagulls have splashed £46million on the 19-year-old, with the potential for a further £4m on add-ons, despite never featuring for Spurs.

Tottenham signed him for Vuskovic for just £9.5m last summer, and after just 12 months on loan at Hamburg, the club have made a sizeable profit.

With Roberto De Zerbi already splashing a lot of money on Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke, the incoming fee will be a relief.

But Vuskovic's move to Brighton has triggered some debate around the Lilywhites' transfer business, especially over the last decade.

Despite having some huge players in that time, only two players from the last 10 years have fetched bigger fees - Harry Kane and Kyle Walker.

Luka Vuskovic in Tottenham's top five most expensive departures

Of course, Gareth Bale tops the list after his £85m move to Real Madrid in 2013, but that is now 13 years in the past, with all focus now on the future.

For a club of Spurs' size, and given some of the names that have featured in North London, this presents quite a big problem for the owners.

To put it into context, in the last six years, Manchester City have sold six players for more than £40m, while Liverpool have six since 2015.

Those two clubs have had plenty of financial windfalls from success on the pitch, though, via Premier League and Champions League titles.

Spurs have rarely come close to that kind of success, and so, many would expect a few more eye-watering deals to come out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Luka Vuskovic one of two Tottenham stars 'keen' to agree transfers after three deals agreed Ex-Tottenham scout laughs out loud at Luka Vuskovic exit fee - ' Not money laundering is it' New transfer tactic is evident under the Lewis family

Daniel Levy was often criticised for his lack of investment on the pitch, and it is clear that the entire transfer tactic under his leadership wasn't the smartest.

Of course, there was the odd diamond in the rough, but that rarely lent itself to making huge profit on players, rather using stars until they were worth much less.

That could be all about to change under the Lewis family, maybe even this summer, with sources saying there is potential for both Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall to be sold for big money.

Despite struggling for minutes in North London, both of them appearing near the top of Spurs' all-time record departures this summer would be a little embarrassing.

Brighton have signed Crotia defender Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham Hotspur for a reported club record fee of £46 million ($62 million) that could yet increase.

The 19-year-old, who played against England at the World Cup, has agreed a five-year contract with the Seagulls, with an option for a further 12 months.

The BBC reported Spurs could receive an additional £4 million in add-on fees, while the deal includes a 20 percent sell-on clause.

Vuskovic joined Tottenham from Hajduk Split in 2025 and spent last season on loan at German club Hamburg.

The centre-back did not make a single competitive appearance for Spurs but Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler told the Seagulls' website on Tuesday: "Luka has enjoyed a fantastic start to his career –- it's one we've followed closely.

"Last season he demonstrated he can play at a very high level and we want to help him build on that within our environment.

"There's been a lot of external noise about Luka joining us, but he is still a young guy who will need time to adjust to the demands of playing for Brighton and the Premier League. We are confident that he will take this in his stride though."

jdg/dmc

Tottenham Hotspur's move to make former Aston Villa sponsor Betano their new first-team partner was likely due to their London base.

That is according to former Villa chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the betting company expect it to be "easier" to entertain their clients in and around the capital.

Spurs have agreed a three-year deal that will see Betano become their training kit sponsor, with the Premier League's new legislation preventing them from being on the front of the match kits.

Wyness believes that Tottenham's stadium and training ground facilities will also have been a huge appeal for Betano commercially.

The company previously sponsored Villa's match shirts, but stepped away from that partnership at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Wyness believes that Betano have made a "very clever move" by partnering themselves with Tottenham right now, as their heavy transfer spending appears set to continue.

Betano hailed for Tottenham move

Villa's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Villa Park between 2016 and 2018 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - has hailed Betano for the timing of their move.

He believes that gambling companies now need to be creative with how they involve themselves in football clubs, given the new ban on front-of-shirt sponsorship.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he explained exactly why Spurs appeal to them as a brand.

"I think a lot of it is to do with being London-based, and I think Betano see a lot of their clients are going to be in the London area and it's easier to get clients into London," Wyness said.

"It was successful with Villa, and I think it worked quite well for them. They got to learn football and how you actually work with a club and how you activate a sponsorship properly. And now they've got the big chance.

"Obviously there's the Spurs Stadium to work with. The Spurs training ground is fantastic. But I think it's a lot to do with actually being in London as well.

"What we're also seeing now is that betting companies are still very much around football. This is where this legislation was misplaced, in my view, is that they may have gone from front of shirt. But they're on training grounds, they're on training kits, and they're still in the shops.

"I think Betano have been clever to grab the Spurs asset right now. They've probably got lucky because they've been obviously told that there was going to be this new commercial freedom in Spurs to sign some big names.

"So I think it's a very good move, and it's something I'd like to encourage more betting companies to try and be more creative in the way they work sponsorships with football clubs."

Tottenham match Everton as ground-breaking plan submitted - Keith Wyness Tottenham rival Everton with ground-breaking move

Wyness also told Football Insider last week that Tottenham have shown very "prudent planning" by applying to install 3800 solar panels on the roof of their stadium.

The Scottish businessman made it clear that the move won't be game-changing for their finances, but does show "good cost-control."

He made it clear that Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium is currently the gold standard for eco-friendly Premier League grounds, but believes that Spurs' solar panels could see them rival the Toffees.

He emphasised that the investment will also be positive for the club's brand, as they are seen to be handling their energy in an eco-friendly manner.

SAINTS should revisit a move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Will Lankshear after their opening approach was reportedly rejected.

The St Mary’s side need to replace Ross Stewart, after the 30 year old left the club following a contract dispute this summer.

He was the Championship’s most prolific scorer last season, netting eight goals despite limited minutes because of his previous injury concerns.

While Saints secured Cyle Larin on a permanent deal after he also scored eight during his loan from Mallorca, they remain a number nine short.

Currently, Damion Downs and Cameron Archer are Tonda Eckert’s next best options, but neither should be relied upon by a side targeting promotion.

Downs, 21, has not been written off by senior Saints staff, but he struggled to make an impact at St Mary’s and failed to impress on loan at Hamburg.

Archer, meanwhile, proved a useful auxiliary striker during the closing weeks of last season, but he lacks the physical presence to lead the line.

That is why Saints, according to Football London, made an approach to sign Spurs striker Lankshear, alongside Sporting CP and Wolves.

The 21 year old scored 11 goals in 43 appearances on loan at Oxford United last season and showed he can become a real handful at this level.

The report stated that the offers were either permanent deals worth eight figures (£10million+) or loan moves containing obligations to buy.

Whether Saints decide to return with an improved proposal remains to be seen, but Lankshear appears to fit exactly the profile Eckert needs.

At six-foot two-inches tall, Lankshear is a clinical poacher with experience of big games, including scoring against Galatasaray in the Europa League.

The England youth international could provide the focal point required to recreate the successful rotation between Stewart and Larin.

A worthwhile alternative

If Saints are unsuccessful in landing Lankshear, there is another young English striker who could provide a cost-effective alternative.

Manchester City are reportedly staging an internal showcase game, with scouts from across the UK and Europe invited to watch several fringe players.

Divin Mubama is expected to feature after spending last season on his first senior loan at Championship side Stoke City.

The 21 year old former West Ham academy striker, who scored a hat-trick against Saints in the 2022 FA Youth Cup semi-final, remains a raw talent.

He scored five goals before an ankle ligament injury cut short his season in January, with three of those coming in a hat-trick against Bristol City.

That means he found the net only twice across his other 25 appearances, highlighting that he is still developing - but his trajectory is on the up.

But at six feet tall and powerfully built, Mubama possesses the physical attributes to lead the line when Saints need to rotate or rest Larin.

If Man City sanction a straight loan, he could represent an inexpensive solution to the final gap in Eckert’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.