TEAMtalk

Manchester City are progressing with a deal for Palmeiras winger Allan Elias after terms were agreed for Savinho’s move to Tottenham Hotspur, TEAMtalk sources have confirmed.

The 22-year-old is now emerging as City’s preferred solution to provide attacking cover following Savinho’s imminent departure, with talks between Man City and Palmeiras advancing.

Allan has a €100million (£86m) release clause, but TEAMtalk understands the deal currently being discussed could be completed for less than half that figure.

Palmeiras are willing to consider around €40m (£34m) for the winger, although their preference is to keep him until January.

City, however, want Allan now and are working to convince Palmeiras to allow the player to leave before the end of the Brazilian season.

A further factor working in City’s favour is the strong relationship between City Football Group and Palmeiras, which was strengthened by the previous deal for central defender Vitor Reis in 2025.

The Savinho transfer has been ongoing since July, but terms have now been agreed and Tottenham are finally on the brink of completing the Brazilian’s move to north London.

Spurs are also pushing to sign City’s Omar Marmoush, with the two departures potentially bringing City close to £150m in transfer income, with Savinho costing around £85m.

That has accelerated City’s work on Elias, who is viewed as an attacking option capable of helping cover the loss of Savinho.

Elias is understood to be keen on the move, while City Football Group are also keen to bring him into their structure.

TEAMtalk understands the current plan would be to sign Elias now and then assess his situation again in January, when City can decide whether he is ready to stay with the first team or whether another move would be more suitable for his development.

Palmeiras would ideally like to retain him until January, but City are pushing for an immediate agreement and the willingness to discuss a fee in the region of €40m gives them encouragement although they are likely wanting more for the deal to happen now.

Talks are continuing, with City now working to complete the next piece of their attacking reshuffle after Savinho’s move to Tottenham was agreed.

Edmond Tapsoba has emerged as a leading defensive target for three Premier League clubs this summer, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United all monitoring the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back closely, TEAMtalk understands.

The 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has attracted significant interest from England in recent weeks.

Sources indicate that United have already made contact with the player’s representatives to discuss a potential transfer.

Tottenham and Newcastle are also understood to be maintaining close dialogue as they assess the possibility of strengthening their back lines.

Leverkusen have set a firm valuation of €50million (£42.8m / £58.4m), for their key defender.

Although the German club would prefer to retain Tapsoba, who signed a contract extension until 2031 earlier this year, they have left the door open to a suitable financial offer.

He is regarded as one of the most complete centre-backs in the Bundesliga, combining physical strength with the ability to build play from the back and cover large distances.

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Man Utd ‘most advanced’ in race for Edmond Tapsoba

Tapsoba joined Leverkusen from Vitoria Guimaraes in 2020 and has since become a mainstay at the heart of their defence, making 270 appearances across all competitions and chipping in with 13 goals.

His profile has been described as particularly well suited to the intensity and tempo of the Premier League, which has fuelled the interest from English sides.

With the transfer window still open, further developments are expected in the coming weeks. United appear to be the most advanced in their discussions at present, yet competition from Tottenham and Newcastle means any deal is unlikely to be straightforward.

Leverkusen’s high asking price and the player’s long-term contract place them in a strong negotiating position.

Whether Tapsoba will secure a move to England remains to be seen, but the level of interest confirms his status as one of the most sought-after defensive options currently available.

Omar Marmoush is keen on joining Tottenham Hotspur, with TEAMtalk understanding that the Egyptian forward is open to leaving Manchester City in search of regular first-team football.

Spurs opened talks with City over Marmoush earlier this week and have quickly established themselves as a serious option for the 27-year-old striker.

Marmoush joined Man City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 for around £60million and made an immediate impact, scoring seven goals and providing two assists. However, much of his football came from the wing rather than the central role he had occupied in Germany.

Last season was Marmoush’s first full campaign in England, but he managed only three Premier League goals and three assists, with competition for places becoming increasingly strong.

When Marmoush arrived at The Etihad, he knew opportunities in the central striker role would be limited because of Erling Haaland. Since then, City’s attacking options have increased further, with Antoine Semenyo arriving while Jeremy Doku enjoyed his strongest season since moving to England.

TEAMtalk understands new City head coach Enzo Maresca is happy with Marmoush and would have no issue keeping him, but the forward has been made aware that he would not be first choice in the central role he wants.

That has led Marmoush to consider his options, with Tottenham now providing a route towards the regular football he is seeking.

City are prepared to consider his departure, but sources indicate they want to recover at least the £60million they paid Frankfurt.

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Tottenham nearing spectacular double raid on Man City

The Marmoush discussions are developing alongside Tottenham’s talks with City over Savinho, with Spurs prepared to spend around £140million on the two players combined if they can reach agreement.

Personal terms have already been discussed with Marmoush’s representatives and we understand his camp are happy with what they have heard from Tottenham.

Other clubs, including Barcelona, have made enquiries about Marmoush this summer, but remaining in the Premier League and securing regular first-team football is a major attraction to the Egypt international.

Marmoush would also be expected to become an important part of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans in north London, potentially alongside Savinho as Spurs continue to reshape their attack.

Tottenham also retain an interest in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, who is similarly understood to be open to moving to north London.

However, Liverpool are proving much more difficult to negotiate with, particularly while their own pursuit of Bradley Barcola remains unresolved.

For Marmoush, the next step is now with the clubs, with Tottenham keen to continue talks and City prepared to consider a deal should their valuation be met.

Tottenham could field an entirely new front three next season, with David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano dropping wildly encouraging updates on three separate deals.

Tottenham have already made signings in the goalkeeping position, as well as in defence and midfield this summer. Regarding transfer fees, they splashed out a combined £237m on Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

Next up for Spurs is revamping the forward line, and any fears there wouldn’t be enough money left over have now been emphatically put to bed.

It’s no secret Spurs’ top target for the right wing is Savinho. The Manchester City star, 22, has agreed personal terms with Tottenham who’ve been holding talks with City throughout the summer.

However, Sky Sports brought news earlier today of Tottenham identifying who they want to play up front, and he also plays for City.

They revealed Omar Marmoush, 27, has been earmarked as a viable target, and the latest from trusted reporter, David Ornstein, makes great reading for Tottenham fans.

Tottenham ‘advancing’ for Savinho, Omar Marmoush transfers – David Ornstein

On Wednesday evening, he wrote: ‘Tottenham Hotspur are working on a deal to sign Savinho and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City.

‘Nothing is finalised but Tottenham’s talks with City are advancing.’

The Times recently claimed City could demand as much as £85m for Savinho, though other outlets believe around £65m plus add-ons could get City’s green light.

It’s not yet clear how much Tottenham must pay to sign Egypt international Marmoush, who cost City £59m when arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt in the January window of 2025.

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Cody Gakpo to Tottenham is ON – Fabrizio Romano

Earlier this week, talkSPORT’s Alex Crook suggested Cody Gakpo’s proposed move from Liverpool to Spurs is NOT expected to go through.

However, a subsequent update from Fabrizio Romano dismissed those claims, with the trusted reporter insisting it’s still deal on for the £70m-rated Dutchman.

Romano explained: “For Cody Gakpo, Tottenham remain in conversations. I know in the last 24, 48 hours, the rumours around the story are that the deal is not happening, the deal is off, the deal is not going through.

“But my understanding is that the negotiation for Cody Gakpo to Tottenham is still ongoing. Cody Gakpo is open to joining Tottenham and personal terms are not a problem.

“So the deal remains on. The deal remains underway and Cody Gakpo to Tottenham Hotspur is still absolutely on.

“Then they need to reach a financial agreement, and that’s not a detail. Remember that if Gakpo is going to Tottenham, Liverpool will sign two wingers, top target Bradley Barcola plus one.”

If Tottenham get their way, more than half of their strongest starting eleven in the coming campaign will be made up of brand new signings.

Van Hecke, Fernandes, Tonali, Gakpo, Marmoush and Savinho would all make De Zerbi’s best eleven on paper.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly landed another top West Ham United talent, having already brought in Mateus Fernandes this summer, while a Spurs insider has revealed why Cristian Romero’s switch to Atletico Madrid was basically a ‘swap’ deal.

The north London club’s transfer business has stalled over the last few weeks, after they flew out of the traps with the £85million signing of midfielder Fernandes from the Hammers, alongside the captures of Sandro Tonali, Andy Robertson. Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka.

While the focus has since switched to Roberto De Zerbi’s attack, Tottenham have been forced to wait in their efforts to get a double deal for Savinho and Cody Gakpo over the line – although sources indicate confidence those deals will still be done.

There is some news on another new incoming, though, with Spurs winning the race to land highly-rated West Ham midfield talent Isaac Allen ahead of a number of rivals.

Football Insider reports that Tottenham have been ‘working hard to sign the Irons rising star in recent months’ and have ‘finally agreed a deal to sign him’.

They view the 15-year-old as a major talent for the future, with the teenager having emerged as one of the standout names in West Ham’s academy.

The England Under-15 skipper is set to become the latest Hammers youngster to depart the club, with London rivals Tottenham the newest beneficiaries.

Despite spending big on the likes of Fernandes and Tonali this month, Spurs continue to have one eye on the future when it comes to homegrown talent too – hence the swoop for Allen.

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Tottenham insider explains Romero ‘swap’

Meanwhile, club insider John Wenham has detailed how Spurs have “basically swapped” Cristian Romero for January signing Conor Gallagher.

The summer exit of Tottenham skipper Romero looked inevitable, given his long-held desire to head to Spain, in addition to the capture of Van Hecke and Senesi.

While it had looked like a move to Inter Milan was the likeliest destination, Atletico reignited their interest to ultimately seal the £34m capture of the Argentina international.

That lowly fee for a player who still had three years on his contract surprised many, but Wenham views the Romero transfer as essentially a straight swap for Gallagher, who moved to Spurs for £34.6m during the winter window.

He told Tottenham News: “It was the easiest deal to do in football. We owe them £40million, or a high percentage of that from the Conor Gallagher transfer in the winter.

“It basically means we’ve swapped the two of them, we just won’t pay for Gallagher, and they will get Romero, and it’s basically a swap.”

Wenham also has detailed why he feels Spurs wanted to see the back of Romero this summer.

He added: “Tottenham just wanted him out of the club.

“He had spoken against the ownership on two occasions, we’re starting afresh with this new ownership this summer, they don’t want any baggage from that previous era around, and they just wanted him out the door.

“Tottenham recruited in advance his replacement in Jan Paul van Hecke, who is incredibly similar in terms of his style of play, and is available more.

“We’re stronger in letting Romero go, people said at the start of the winter, we should be getting £60m, when the club actively want you out and replace you in advance, you’re left in a difficult position.

“We found someone willing to take his full salary, take him off our hands permanently. I think Tottenham will be pleased.”

Aston Villa have a £50million Tottenham star in sight who TEAMtalk is aware is likely to be part of an exodus at Spurs after heavy recruitment this season.

Villa have so far signed six players this summer, with the big arrivals the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Gomes. On Wednesday, they have also confirmed the arrivals of Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki.

Unai Emery’s squad appears to be shaping up nicely, despite the exit of Morgan Rogers, with Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins both in talks to leave, too.

With that in mind, Villa are looking at making more additions to their squad this summer.

Caught Offside reports they are one of the clubs eyeing Tottenham midfielder Pape Sarr.

The Senegal international is available for the right price this summer, per the report, and while £30million has previously been floated, Spurs will look for closer to £50million, given their strong negotiating position – particularly due to the midfielder’s contract spanning until 2030.

Brentford are also said to be keen on Sarr, while Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli have enquired about his services.

Sarr part of Tottenham exodus

After a spend of almost £230million this summer, TEAMtalk is aware Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi is happy to see the back of some members of his squad.

Cristian Romero and Guglielmo Vicario have recently departed, after Spurs also saw the back of the likes of Radu Dragusin and Luka Vuskovic this summer.

In total, 11 players have now left Tottenham this season, either permanently or on loan.

And sources state there could be a few more players departing before the summer window closes.

TEAMtalk is aware that amid doubts over Sarr, he could indeed be one of them, and we have also been told of interest from Villa and Brentford.

The future of Lucas Bergvall is also going to be decided in the coming weeks. The Swede, like Sarr, has been linked with a move to Villa Park, but there’s been little movement from them compared to some Premier League rivals.

The coach of a recent Tottenham departure believes Roberto De Zerbi has made a major blunder by sanctioning the cut-price sale of a forward he expects to become England’s next No. 9 and eventually be worth £100million.

Spurs have invested heavily in their squad this summer, parting with around £230million so far, and the potential signings of Cody Gakpo and/or Savinho could increase that significantly.

Tottenham have recouped some funds with some sales, though.

Luka Vuskovic, Cristian Romero and Djed Spence have been sold for big fees, while youngsters such as Will Lankshear and Alfie Devine have brought in smaller amounts.

Striker coach Scott Chickleday, who’s worked with Lankshear for the past couple of years, feels the former Tottenham striker has world-class potential.

“Sometimes you come out of the session and you are like, this one is special. You just get that feeling,” he told Sky Sports.

“It is his mentality. He wants to be the best. He wants to be the No 1 striker in England. And then obviously he wants to be the No 1 in the world too. And I really would not be surprised in two years’ time if he is Harry Kane’s replacement.

“I do not want to talk about moves at the minute because Middlesbrough will probably kill me. He has only been there five minutes. But I think he is two moves away from being a £100m striker if he keeps developing and doing well – and I think he will.”

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Tottenham could regret Lankshear transfer decision

Tottenham did not insert a buyback clause for Lankshear when selling him to Boro. After two games, that now looks like a mistake, as his value could increase dramatically if he continues in his current form.

Spurs do have matching rights for his next move, however. This means they will have the opportunity to match any bid offered for the young forward in the future – though Boro will be under no obligation to sell him.

Tottenham could end up having to pay more than they envisioned to bring him back if they choose to.

If Chickleday proves to be right and Lankshear looks as if he will become the next Kane, they may decide to do just that.

TEAMtalk revealed at the time of his transfer to Middlesbrough that Lankshear had made it clear he wanted regular first-team football, hence why Tottenham decided to let him go.

That may have been with a potential re-signing in mind, as those behind the scenes at Spurs are well aware of his sky-high potential.

Tottenham Hotspur are facing up to the prospect of failing to land both Savinho and Cody Gakpo before the summer transfer window closes on September 1, following fresh updates on moves for both players on Tuesday.

For the majority of the summer, it was thought that Spurs were only in the market for one left-sided attacker, before Fabrizio Romano reported that Roberto De Zerbi wanted both Savinho and Gakpo to bolster his forward line, alongside another No.9.

However, talkSPORT transfer reporter Alex Crook stated earlier on Tuesday that Liverpool star Gakpo will not be joining Spurs ready for the new campaign, in a major blow to De Zerbi’s hopes of revamping the final third of his team.

The Italian reportedly has plans to use Gakpo centrally and Savinho as Son Heung-min’s long-term replacement on the left flank, but those ideas appear to be rapidly going up in smoke for Tottenham.

Speaking about Gakpo on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, Crook said: “I don’t think it will happen. Speaking to sources at Liverpool they think he’s had a good pre-season under Iraola, they think he’s a player that Iraola can get the best out of,”

“I think he probably would be open to the move, but at the moment that’s not one I expect to happen between now and deadline day.”

So, it looks like no Gakpo, and to make matters worse, fresh doubts have now been raised surrounding the Savinho deal too, despite the fact that the Brazilian is desperate to get the transfer over the line.

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Fresh Savinho move doubts emerge for Tottenham

Indeed, Spurs have agreed personal terms with the exciting attacker, having also held talks for Savinho last summer too, but ultimately could not convince City to sell him.

Savinho went on to pen a new contract at The Etihad, though Spurs believe a deal is there to be done this time around. And, according to The Times, the north London are in discussions with City over a huge £85m swoop for the player.

However, they might be scuppered again after it emerged that Jeremy Doku, who is Savinho’s chief rival for the left-wing spot at City, suffered an injury in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad are reporting that Doku suffered a calf issue during the game in Cardiff and that there is no current timeframe for when he could return.

It’s reported that he will definitely miss City’s league opener against Bournemouth on Sunday, but should he be out for weeks, then Savinho will be a strong option for Enzo Maresca to use as his replacement.

That, in turn, could completely scupper a Tottenham move for the player, especially given that City are yet to buy a replacement for the Brazilian – which has been their argument against a sale all along.

De Zerbi will now be hoping that Doku’s injury is not serious, although hopes are fading that Savinho will be signed in time for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Brentford anyway.

However, should Gakpo and Savinho both be unavailable this summer, it will leave Tottenham scrambling for other options just a fortnight before the window closes.

Tottenham insider John Wenham has told the club that if they sign an “underwhelming” striker currently on their radar, it would prove they’ve missed out on better signings.

Spurs had a great first half of the summer. They signed Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

Some of those players joined for free, and for the others, Tottenham parted with around £230million, and their defence and midfields look rejuvenated.

But they’ve been looking at forward signings for weeks and currently have nothing to show for it. They remain in talks for the signings of Cody Gakpo, Savinho and Folarin Balogun.

Spurs insider John Wenham does not feel the signing of Balogun would be a good one.

He told Tottenham News: “I’m not overly convinced on Balogun.

“When those first reports came out from L’Equipe and the French media linking us with Balogun, the numbers in Ligue 1, which I don’t rate that highly as a division, were not that great.

“I know he’s got a couple in the Champions League as well, but it would be a bit of an underwhelming signing.

“That would be showing me that we’ve missed out on maybe the targets we had as the first and second-choice signings.

“I don’t know if I even rate Balogun above Richarlison, to be honest with you.”

Balogun ready to join Tottenham

But Balogun is prepared to move to the north London club, as TEAMtalk sources revealed on August 13.

Indeed, he’s ready to head back to the Premier League, after leaving Arsenal in 2023, and has signalled his willingness to head to Spurs.

That makes them the frontrunners for Balogun’s signature, ahead of the likes of Newcastle, Galatasaray and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

TEAMtalk is aware that it would take an offer between €50-60million (£43-51m) if Monaco are to allow the USMNT striker to leave.

With big fees sure to be paid for Gakpo and/or Savinho, Tottenham could be parting with a lot more money between now and the end of the summer.

Benfica are pushing hard to bring Aston Villa and Newcastle target Joao Palhinha back to Portugal and have offered the Bayern Munich midfielder a four-year contract, TEAMtalk sources understand.

Palhinha is now in talks to return to the country, with Benfica also negotiating with Bayern over a permanent transfer for the 32-year-old.

Bayern have already made it clear to Palhinha that he has no future at the club and want to find a permanent buyer rather than sanction another loan.

They have already rejected an approach from Aston Villa based on a temporary deal, while Newcastle United have also held talks over the Portugal international.

Villa have since re-engaged in discussions, but TEAMtalk understands the prospect of returning to Portugal is a major attraction to Palhinha after spending last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur.

Benfica’s interest is being driven by manager Marco Silva, who knows Palhinha extremely well from their two years together at Fulham.

The pair have a huge level of mutual respect following their time at Craven Cottage, where Palhinha developed into one of the Premier League’s leading holding midfielders.

Benfica winning race for Palhinha

Silva is now keen to be reunited with the midfielder and Benfica have moved aggressively by putting a four-year contract on the table.

The Lisbon giants are hoping to succeed where Porto and former club Sporting have failed.

Both clubs showed interest in Palhinha earlier this summer, but Benfica have now moved more decisively with a long-term proposal and negotiations with Bayern over a permanent transfer.

Palhinha remains available to consider his options, but we understand Benfica’s proposal, the chance to return to Portugal and the opportunity to work with Silva again are all major attractions as he weighs up his next move.

The key now is whether Benfica and Bayern can agree the transfer fee, with the German giants determined to secure a permanent exit.