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Paul Scholes has named the Tottenham Hotspur player that he would “love” Manchester United to bring to Old Trafford in the summer of 2026, as TEAMtalk reveals how much the club’s co-owners, INEOS, would have to pay for him.

Man Utd beat Tottenham 2-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday and are now fourth in the table with 44 points from 25 matches. As for Tottenham, Thomas Frank’s side are currently just six points above the relegation zone in 15th.

One of the major talking points of the match at Old Trafford was the dismissal of Tottenham central defender Cristian Romero.

The Argentina international centre-back was shown a straight red card in the 29th minute for a tackle that caught Casemiro just above the ankle.

It was the Tottenham captain’s second red card of the season, meaning that he will miss four games, including the North London derby against Arsenal.

However, Man Utd legend Paul Scholes believes that INEOS should try to sign Romero from Spurs in the summer of 2026.

While referencing Romero’s Instagram post last week, in which he criticised the Tottenham board for not making enough new signings in the winter transfer window to help the team cope with injuries, the pundit has said that the 27-year-old wants to leave Spurs.

Scholes said about Romero on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, as transcribed by Metro: “Do you know what? I love him.

“He’s pi***d off at Spurs, isn’t he? He doesn’t want to be there.

“He’s having a go at the crowd, he’s having a go at the board, I think his head has checked out a little bit.

“But I would love him at Manchester United. I just love his character.”

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Tottenham want £80m for Cristian Romero – sources

Romero signed a new contract with Tottenham only in August 2025 and is on £200,000 per week at the north London outfit.

The defender is under contract at last season’s Europa League winners until the summer of 2029.

Our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has reported that Romero is ready to leave Tottenham at the end of the season.

We understand that there is interest in the Argentine star from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

However, Tottenham have reassured Romero about their ambition and have informed him that they are confident of making major signings in the summer of 2026.

Sources have told us that Spurs will demand £70-£80 million (up to €92.7m, $109.5m) for Romero.

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Latest Man Utd and Tottenham transfer news

Meanwhile, Man Utd are said to be ready to make a bid for a Bundesliga gem.

Sources have told our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Chelsea are in a better position than Man Utd to sign one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has named Tottenham’s ‘dream target’, but there is interest from Chelsea, too.

Reputed transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed the summer target Tottenham Hotspur are ‘dreaming’ of signing, although they will have to completely obliterate their current transfer record to seal a deal.

It’s been a season of extremes for Spurs under Thomas Frank, having already booked a place in the Champions League last 16 after an impressive fourth-placed finish in the expanded group phase, but the Premier League struggles continue as they now find themselves embroiled in a relegation scrap.

Relegation would be beyond disastrous for a club which still views itself as an elite member of English football’s top flight but sadly, at boardroom level, rarely acts like it.

Indeed, when new additions were needed in the winter window to help Frank deal with a squad beset by injuries to key players, the best Tottenham transfers chiefs could muster was signing Conor Gallagher and two teenage talents.

However, it’s reported that the club are ready to spend BIG in the summer (not the first we’ve heard that), and now Romano has revealed that they remain interested in trying to lure Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.

The Italian claims that the north London outfit still view the England international as a ‘dream’ target, despite unsuccessful attempts to lure Rogers to the capital last summer.

Of course, Tottenham are not the only interested suitors for one of the Premier League’s players of the season thus far, with Chelsea, in particular, massive admirers – as we’ve reported before.

Villa are in an incredibly strong position, however, when it comes to Rogers’ future, given that the 23-year-old only penned a new five-and-a-half-year deal at the club in November.

Indeed, his price tag has sky-rocketed, with our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, confirming recently that Rogers’ potential fee has soared from £80m (€92m / $109m) to £100m (€115m / $136m).

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Rogers to Tottenham still one to watch

Despite those sorts of numbers, Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that Rogers’ situation remains one to watch ahead of the summer window, and that Tottenham remain keen on smashing the £65m record they paid out for Dominic Solanke in the summer of 2025.

Romano said: “I’m sure Chelsea are still tracking Morgan Rogers as one of the most talented wingers in the game at the moment. So Chelsea are still very attentive.

“For Tottenham, [Rogers] is a dream target, for sure, but at the moment, again, the player was not available last summer. So it was not possible for Tottenham to proceed.

“Let’s see if other clubs will join the race. We also have to see what happens, for example, at Arsenal and other clubs who can be involved in this possibility.

“Obviously, Manchester City have already invested in a winger like Antoine Semenyo in the January window. But the situation of Morgan Rogers will be for sure one to watch, I think, in the summer.

“Aston Villa, obviously, will try to keep the player and will try to resist the proposals, but in case they get an important, important bid, a huge proposal, a huge amount of money, that could still be a possibility.”

Rogers has scored 10 goals and added seven assists in 35 appearances across all competitions for Villa this season, with his latest strike coming against Bournemouth at the weekend.

He is also expected to play a major role for England at the World Cup this summer, having become a firm favourite of Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel ahead of the showpiece tournament in North America.

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More Tottenham news: Frank sack imminent; Serie A swoop

Thomas Frank could be one match away from losing his job as Tottenham Hotspur manager in the wake of a series of damning stats, and, with club bosses seemingly at the end of their tether, the club are gaining hope a quality successor will green-light a move to N17.

Elsewhere, Spurs are being backed to secure the signing of a top Serie A attacking star this summer in a move that is fully aligned to the return of Mauricio Pochettino as boss, with the Argentine having a strong connection to the player.

Thomas Frank could be one match away from losing his job as Tottenham Hotspur manager in the wake of a series of damning stats, and, with club bosses seemingly at the end of their tether, the club are gaining hope a quality successor will green-light a move to N17.

The pressure on Frank has now reached what well-placed sources describe as “breaking point”, amid a warning that Tuesday’s Premier League home clash against Newcastle United could prove decisive. A defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium might seal the Danish coach’s fate, potentially ending his tenure after less than a season in charge.

In fact, with just one win in their last 10 games (and two in the last 16), Tottenham have been sucked into the Premier League relegation battle with the manager winning just 13 of his 37 matches at the helm across all competitions – a win percentage record of just 35.13%. Just seven of those have arrived in the Premier League, just one one more than West Ham, who sit 18th.

Frank arrived from Brentford last summer as successor to the sacked Ange Postecoglou, tasked with building on the club’s Europa League success. Yet results have been dismal. Following Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Manchester United, Spurs sit perilously close to the relegation zone — just six points clear — with a meagre win percentage and fans openly turning against him.

Bookmakers now list Frank as the overwhelming favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked, with odds slashed dramatically in recent days.

Insiders suggest that another poor showing against Eddie Howe’s Magpies could prompt immediate action.

Should Frank depart, Tottenham are expected to appoint an interim coach — possibly Johnny Heitinga, already part of the backroom staff — to guide the team through to the end of the campaign, buying time for a permanent solution…

Down the line, though, the north London side have already earmarked the man they want to take charge in the long run, though such an appointment will have to wait and hence why Spurs, who have wanted Frank to succeed, have stood by his side for now and refused, to this point, to pull the trigger on his reign…

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Next Tottenham manager: Mauricio Pochettino says YES

With Spurs bosses already casting their minds towards a successor, we revealed last week how the long-term picture points towards a sensational reunion with Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine, currently leading the United States into their home-hosted 2026 World Cup, has given the green light to return to north London once his international duties conclude this summer.

Pochettino, who masterminded Spurs’ run to the 2019 Champions League final, remains deeply adored by supporters for his attacking philosophy and emotional connection to the club.

Sources indicate he has no plans to extend his $6m a year contract with USMNT beyond the tournament and would accept the role back at unequivocally, despite interest from elsewhere.

The Spurs board’s patience appears to be wearing thin amid a campaign of inconsistency, injuries, and fan unrest.

A victory over Newcastle might offer Frank temporary respite, but the writing seems on the wall.

As the World Cup looms, Pochettino’s potential homecoming could herald a new chapter – or simply nostalgia. For now, all eyes are on Tuesday’s pivotal encounter and a result that could prove Frank’s farewell if they don’t get a much-needed result.

Tottenham latest: Big signing to align with Poch return; Liverpool star linked

Meanwhile,Spurs are being tipped to swoop for the Serie A playmaker this summer in a move that is directly linked to the mooted return of Pochettino as boss and in a move that would help elevate the side to the next level.

One man the club will do well to hang on to, however, is Micky van de Ven, with a failure to secure Champions League football highly likely to see the highly-rated Dutchman pushing to leave.

Now, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has named Van de Ven’s next destination – and it is not Liverpool or Real Madrid.

Elsewhere, sources have told our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, whether Tottenham plan to keep Randal Kolo Muani at the club beyond the end of the season.

In other news, we can reveal that Spurs have been thrust back into the summer transfer picture for a Liverpool star, amid a revelation that talks over a new deal have now stalled.

Tottenham Hotspur are being backed to secure the signing of a top Serie A attacking star this summer in a move that is fully aligned to the return of Mauricio Pochettino as boss, with the Argentine having a strong connection to the player.

Current Spurs boss Thomas Frank is on borrowed time after a run of just two wins in 16 Premier League games heading into Tuesday night’s huge home clash with Newcastle United.

Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Manchester United, albeit with 10 men after skipper Cristian Romero’s first-half red card, has now seen the Tottenham chief’s odds of being sacked slashed by bookies as the Dane battles for his job.

Our sources have already revealed how former incumbent Pochettino is ready to return to the role he left in 2019, and he could be joined by a player who has coached since being named USA head coach in September 2024, after reports in Italy claimed Tottenham are in the mix to sign Christian Pulisic.

Italian outlet Calciomercato reports that Spurs, Manchester United and Arsenal are all monitoring the attacking midfielder’s situation in Milan, with Pulisic potentially being made available for around £48million (€55m / $65m).

The report suggests that Tottenham are weighing up a move for Pulisic to provide greater competition on the flanks, despite the fact that 17 of his 20 appearances in all competitions this season have come as a second striker or as a false nine.

The 27-year-old is at the peak of his career, however, and would provide quality wherever he is asked to play and does have the flexibility to play out wide – either on the left or right.

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Pulisic-Pochettino axis makes sense for Tottenham

Pulisic also has experience of playing in the Premier League before, after spending four years at Chelsea between 2019-2023, winning the Champions League in that period.

Adding a player with that sort of experience, despite the fact he’s still only 27, would certainly benefit a young Tottenham squad – one which has been accused of lacking leaders on multiple occasions over the last few seasons.

Pulisic has 12 goal contributions in all competitions for Milan this season and would provide whoever is in charge more creativity in the final third, but the Pochettino links are very hard to ignore.

Speaking about the player recently, the Argentine said: “Christian is a great player. We can say he is the most important player for the national team. He has to compete each week at Milan. We are so happy when he provides goals and assists.”

Pretty basic stuff from Pochettino, but it’s very easy to see why the 53-year-old could turn to Pulisic if he returns to north London this summer – a situation that our sources will be keeping a very close eye on over the coming months.

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More Tottenham news: Van de Ven, Romero exits ramp up

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany would love to sign Micky van de Ven in the summer of 2026, according to a German source, who has revealed whether the defender himself would be open to leaving Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the Allianz Arena.

Elsewhere, Barcelona are reportedly planning an audacious move for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, who is ready to call time on his career in London at the end of this season, per reports.

Thomas Frank will do well to see out the season as Tottenham Hotspur manager in the wake of another disappointing defeat over the weekend, with the club sucked into a relegation battle and with the odds on him being sacked radically shortened, and with TEAMtalk learning how an elite manager has now said YES to the job.

The Dane was named as manager last summer as a successor to the sacked Ange Postecoglou and is only 37 matches into his reign in N17. But after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, Frank has only collected 13 wins so far, the same number of matches he has now lost, and overseeing an abysmal 35.14% win percentage record.

That leaves Tottenham way down in 15th place, and the club are now just six points clear of the relegation zone after a somewhat surprising revival from London rivals West Ham, who are 18th.

Saturday’s defeat was not helped by a reckless challenge from skipper Cristian Romero, who was handed a straight red card for an ugly tackle on Casemiro on 29 minutes and with the Argentine now facing a four-match suspension.

While without his captain, Frank has an immediate chance to bounce back in a home game against Newcastle on Tuesday evening (7.30pm) and another defeat could prove catastrophic to his chances of keeping the job.

Indeed, having collected just one win in his last 10 Premier League games, the tide against Frank is rapidly turning.

To that end, bookmakers have now slashed the odds on Frank becoming the next Premier League manager to lose their job to 6/4 favourite, dropping another strong hint that his sacking could be in the offing this week.

Furthermore, in a major development as revealed by our correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, we can reveal that Mauricio Pochettino would unequivocally accept a return to Tottenham if offered the role, and with sources shedding further light on the precarious position Frank now finds himself in.

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Thomas Frank sacked; Mauricio Pochettino to return?

With matches to follow against Newcastle, Arsenal and Fulham to follow, Fletcher understands that the Spurs board’s patience is starting to wear thin – especially given the club’s delicate position that now sees them sat on the cusp of the relegation dogfight.

Insiders suggest that poor results could precipitate Frank’s sacking, paving the way for an interim appointment. Johnny Heitinga, already embedded in the coaching staff, has now emerged as the frontrunner to steady the ship until summer.

The rationale behind retaining Frank for now amid the turmoil is starting to wear thin, though we can reveal Tottenham’s hierarchy is playing the long game, and are now eyeing superior managerial options post-World Cup.

Pochettino, set to take the United States national team through the tournament, tops that list. Despite interest from Manchester United, where he remains on their radar as a potential successor in their own manager hunt, Pochettino’s deep affection for Spurs is said to be unshakeable.

A sense of unfinished business – after his abrupt 2019 departure despite leading the club to a Champions League final – fuels this narrative. “For Poch, Spurs is a pull that’s too strong to ignore” one source confided.

Despite that, we have been told that Pochettino will want to fulfil his contract with the United States through the 2026 World Cup before officially green-lighting a return to Spurs.

But once their interest in their home-staged tournament is over, an emotional reunion between Pochettino – still considered a world-class manager – and Tottenham could well be on the cards.

Before the weekend, Pochettino was 7/2 to make a return to N17 as the next manager; those odds are now just 2/1 and with traction growing all the time.

Latest Tottenham news: Bayern linked with Van de Ven; Kolo Muani future mapped out

Spurs’ continued struggles this season will cast further doubts on their chances of retaining the services of their best player – defender Micky van de Ven – with a lack of Champions League football likely to prove significantly detrimental to their prospects of the Dutchman’s stay.

Already linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool, it’s now claimed Bayern Munich are paying close attention to Van de Ven’s situation – and a respected Bayern Munich account has shed light on how the player would react if the reigning Bundesliga champions were to make a summer move.

On the subject of Van de Ven, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has named Van de Ven’s next destination – and it is not Liverpool or Real Madrid.

Elsewhere, sources have told our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, whether Tottenham plan to keep Randal Kolo Muani at the club beyond the end of the season.

And finally, Tottenham and Arsenal are in a battle for a former Manchester United midfielder who is starring in Serie A.

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany would love to sign Micky van de Ven from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2026, according to a German source, who has revealed whether the defender himself would be open to leaving Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the Allianz Arena.

Van de Ven has emerged as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, with the Tottenham star’s prime asset of pace lauded widely. With Spurs struggling under manager Thomas Frank, doubts have emerged on whether last season’s Europa League winners will be able to keep hold of the Netherlands international beyond the end of the season.

Bayern Munich have convinced Dayot Upamecano to sign a new contract, but a German source has revealed manager Vincent Kompany’s interest in him.

An X account with over 32,000 followers, Bayern Space, has claimed that Kompany would love to sign Van de Ven for the defending Bundesliga champions.

However, the account – which often provides insights into Bayern and was among the first to report Michael Olise’s release clause in his contract – has added that Van de Ven himself does not fancy leaving the Premier League for the Bundesliga, even for a club like Bayern.

Bayern Space, which has previously been praised by respected reporters like The Daily Mail’s Merseyside correspondent, Lewis Steele, made the claim about Bayern and Van de Ven ahead of Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday.

The account wrote on X at 6:53pm on February 6: “Tottenham is facing Manchester United tomorrow, and from Bayern Munich’s perspective it is worth mentioning Micky van de Ven, who is seen internally as a phenomenal player and one Vincent Kompany rates very highly.

“However, there is a strong conviction that a deal is close to impossible.

“Van de Ven has no desire to downgrade from the Premier League to the Bundesliga, and Bayern are not in a position to meet Tottenham’s valuation, especially with the majority of available funds earmarked for an imminent Upamecano contract extension.”

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Liverpool and Real Madrid want Micky van de Ven – sources

While Tottenham will be relieved to learn that Bayern will not be able to sign Van de Ven, the north London club will have to work hard to keep the defender out of the clutches of Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Both Madrid and Liverpool are on the hunt for a new and senior centre-back for next season and beyond.

While Jeremy Jacquet will move to Liverpool from Rennes in the summer of 2026, Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at the end of the season.

For Madrid, both Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba will become free agents in the summer, as things stand.

On December 10, 2025, our transfer insider, Dean Jones, reported that Real Madrid have Van de Ven on their radar as a possible signing in the summer of 2026.

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, revealed on January 22, 2026, interest from Liverpool in Van de Ven.

Sources have told us that Tottenham want to hand the Dutchman a new contract that will see his wages double from £90,000 per week to £180,000 a week.

We also understand that Tottenham want at least £100million (€115.1m, $136.1m) for Van de Ven.

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Kolo Muani decision, Arsenal battle

Meanwhile, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has named Van de Ven’s next destination – and it is not Liverpool or Real Madrid.

Sources have told our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, whether Tottenham plan to keep Randal Kolo Muani at the club beyond the end of the season.

Barcelona are reportedly planning an audacious move for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, who is ready to call time on his career in London at the end of this season, per reports.

The 27-year-old centre-back has cut a frustrated figure amid Spurs’ disastrous Premier League form under Thomas Frank, and the defender received a red card in their 2-0 loss to Manchester United on Friday.

Romero recently aimed a veiled dig at Tottenham’s hierarchy for failing to bring in adequate reinforcements in the January window, and now reports suggest that he wants to take on a new challenge after this season.

According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are both seriously considering a move for Romero this summer.

The defender is set to have a ‘very busy summer’, and it is likely to ‘involve a move to LaLiga,’ per the report. Barcelona are keen to add to their centre-back options, while Diego Simeone is ‘the biggest advocate’ for Romero’s signing at Atletico.

Real Madrid have also been heavily linked with Romero in recent months, and they would be another club to watch should he look to leave Spurs.

Romero’s contract with Tottenham runs until 2029, as the player signed an extension last summer, and the London side would no doubt demand a huge fee for his signature.

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Tottenham to demand record-breaking Romero fee

TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher revealed on February 4 that Barcelona do view Romero as a ‘serious’ target, while Atletico boss Simeone is indeed a huge admirer.

However, Spurs absolutely no intention of letting their captain leave on the cheap.

We understand that Tottenham will command a substantial fee, with previous suggested valuations in the region of £70-£80 million (up to €92.7m, $109.5m).

That would be a record fee paid for an Argentine defender, with Lisandro Martinez currently holding that status following his £57million (€66m, $78m) move to Manchester United from Ajax in the summer of 2022.

Barcelona’s financial struggles are well-documented, so they would likely need to make some significant sales before they can afford to sign Romero.

Atletico could also need to sell stars first, and that’s one of the reasons why a big-money Julian Alvarez sale to Arsenal or Chelsea could make sense.

Romero has made 21 Premier League appearances for Tottenham this season, notching four goals in the process, so he would be very difficult to replace should he leave this summer.

But with at least two European giants circling, bids are expected in the coming months.

Tottenham Hotspur and Randal Kolo Muani look destined to go their separate ways, with sources telling TEAMtalk that the club have “little intention” of making the Frenchman’s stay permanent – a stance that played a major role in his desire to leave during the January window.

Juventus pushed hard to re‑sign the 27‑year‑old last month and remain the most likely destination for him at the end of the season.

The Serie A giants have maintained contact throughout, convinced that Kolo Muani’s future lies away from north London.

The forward himself has long believed he has no long‑term place at Spurs, and the club’s handling of the situation has done little to change that perception. Tottenham were, in theory, open to letting him depart in January, but no viable move materialised.

With a World Cup looming, Kolo Muani is increasingly anxious about his prospects of making Didier Deschamps’s final squad. To force his way in, he knows he must deliver in a Spurs shirt – something that has eluded him so far.

The numbers tell the story. Kolo Muani is still waiting for his first Premier League goal or assist after 17 appearances, though his Champions League form has been more encouraging, with three goals and two assists in Europe.

Regardless of how the remainder of the campaign unfolds, TEAMtalk understands he will return to parent club Paris Saint‑Germain this summer, where he still has two years left on his current deal.

Juventus, however, are already positioning themselves to strike.

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More Tottenham news: McTominay chase, Poch wants return

Tottenham and north London rivals Arsenal are being tipped to go head-to-head for an elite Serie A midfielder this summer, despite a switch back to the Premier League looking increasingly unlikely to happen.

Elsewhere, Spurs have learned that they could ‘entice’ 116-goal striker Dusan Vlahovic to join them in the summer transfer window at the end of his ‘strange’ situation, but they face competition from Chelsea – and a third Premier League club whose chances hinge on a challenging condition that Spurs will have to be wary of too, according to another report.

Tottenham Hotspur and north London rivals Arsenal are being tipped to go head-to-head for an elite Serie A midfielder this summer, despite a switch back to the Premier League looking increasingly unlikely to happen.

For his part, under-pressure Spurs boss Thomas Frank has not been completely satisfied with the options available to him in the middle of the park, leading to the club moving for Conor Gallagher in the winter window.

Tottenham have also been hit hard by injuries in their engine room, with Rodrigo Bentancur ruled out for some time and No.10s Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison not playing a game all season long.

There is also a feeling that the current Spurs squad lacks experience, with Ben Davies and Joao Palhinha the only players aged 30 or over, something they are also looking at rectifying this summer.

One player who has been heavily linked with a switch to the Premier League is 31-year-old Bayern Munich and Germany star Leon Goretzka, who is firmly on the radars of the likes of Spurs, Liverpool and Arsenal.

However, fresh reports from Italy claim that Tottenham and Arsenal are ready to battle it out for Napoli’s Scott McTominay, who will hit the 30 mark later in the year, and already has a ton of Premier League experience from his time at Manchester United.

The Scotland star has transformed his game in Naples, becoming one of the best goalscoring midfielders in Italian football as he helped Antonio Conte’s side to the Scudetto last season, and his stock has continued to grow over the course of the current campaign.

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Tottenham, Arsenal watching McTimninay closely

A report in AreaNapoli states that Tottenham are indeed big fans of McTominay and have continued to monitor his progress, although they claim that a battle with Arsenal is looking on that front.

Additionally, it is suggested that Man United could look to take the 29-year-old back to Old Trafford, with our sources previously revealing how the club are looking to fix what’s deemed a major transfer blunder.

However, the AreaNapoli report adds that the Serie A outfit are ‘aware of the growing interest from the Premier League’ in their midfielder and they are ‘keen to tie him down to a new contract’.

Indeed, they are expected to meet with McTominay’s agent to finalise the renewal at the end of the season, as they look to build their squad around one of their top stars.

It’s also reported that only an offer approaching €100m (£86.8m) would be good enough to tempt Napoli into a sale.

That sort of figure could be out of Tottenham’s reach, despite talk that the club are ready to splash the cash this summer, while Arsenal are unlikely to spend that much on an area of their team which is already incredibly strong.

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More Tottenham news: Striker signing hope; truths over defensive trio

Tottenham have learned that they could ‘entice’ a 116-goal striker to join them in the summer transfer window at the end of his ‘strange’ situation, but they face competition from Chelsea – and a third Premier League club.

Elsewhere, Spurs sources are adamant there is no looming defensive crisis, despite growing noise around the futures of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Luka Vuskovic, TEAMtalk has been informed.

Tottenham Hotspur sources are adamant there is no looming defensive crisis, despite growing noise around the futures of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Luka Vuskovic, TEAMtalk has been informed.

The club accepts that speculation is not going away, but insist the situation looks far more stable from the inside than it does from the outside.

Romero’s position is described as non‑negotiable. He signed a major long‑term deal last summer, and while his recent public frustration over squad depth irritated senior figures, Spurs are said to be completely unmoved by the idea that he could force an exit.

Those close to the situation stress that the scale of the club’s commitment to him means he “will not” be allowed to engineer a departure.

Van de Ven is viewed with similar confidence. My colleague Dean Jones has named him as an option for Liverpool, but Tottenham point to the more than three years left on his contract and acknowledge his rapid rise into one of Europe’s most impressive defenders.

His progress has been so significant that Spurs are prepared to elevate him to the same wage bracket as Romero and Conor Gallagher. The hope is that fresh terms can be agreed before the summer, though the final decision naturally rests with the player.

Vuskovic is arguably the most delicate case. The Croatian teenager has excelled on loan at Hamburg, and Bayern Munich are pushing hard to tempt him to the Allianz Arena. He is understood to be weighing up his options and is fully aware of Bayern’s pull.

Even so, Tottenham insist the final call will be theirs, not his, and maintain that – right now – they expect all three centre‑halves to begin next season in north London. Whether that stance survives the summer remains to be seen.

Long‑term planning continues regardless. Spurs are already working on 2026 recruitment and have eyes on the likes of Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Joel Ordonez (Club Brugge) and Charlie Cresswell (Toulouse) to name a few of the players they have been looking at.

The club is adamant this is not contingency planning for potential departures, but part of an existing strategy to add another centre‑back in that window.

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Tottenham transfer news: Moore, Veliz, Robertson…

Meanwhile, my colleague Fraser Fletcher has revealed that Rangers are keen to retain the services of Tottenham winger Mikey Moore on loan for a second season.

Tottenham have agreed another forward’s exit, with Alejo Veliz due to join a Brazilian side with ties to Manchester City.