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A report has revealed how Manchester United scored a stunning own goal in their negotiations to sign Mateus Fernandes, who since joined Tottenham.

It’s no secret Man Utd pushed and pushed hard to sign Fernandes, who on Thursday, became Tottenham’s record signing to the tune of £85m.

The Red Devils quickly banked Ederson but fully intend to sign two more midfielders.

According to The Athletic, Fernandes was actually installed as United’s ‘priority’ target once it became apparent Elliot Anderson would cost well in excess of £100m, and was bound for Manchester City anyway.

Yet despite making him their No 1 target, Man Utd were beaten to the punch by Spurs who agreed to pay the full £85m valuation in guaranteed payments.

However, the full scale of United’s misstep has now come to light, with The Athletic revealing Man Utd were prepared to pay £85m.

What’s more, they were even ready to make as much as £80m of the £85m fee guaranteed, meaning the small matter of refusing to make the final £5m guaranteed rather than add-ons is what torpedoed their hopes.

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Man Utd botch Mateus Fernandes transfer

Taking to X, Athletic reporter, Laurie Whitwell, stated: ‘Man United were prepared to go to £80m + £5m for Mateus Fernandes, with some expectation he would join.

‘But Tottenham’s guaranteed fee and wages swung talks. Significant signing to miss out on.’

Man Utd are now looking elsewhere, with Fabrizio Romano recently naming Alex Scott and Aurelien Tchouameni as the two players Michael Carrick’s side will explore moves for next.

However, there’s dire news on both fronts, with the BBC revealing Bournemouth will not consider any bids they receive for Scott this summer.

Instead, the Cherries aim to tie Scott down to a new and improved contract that contains a release clause. But if they fail to achieve that aim, they still won’t sell Scott this summer, and will re-assess the situation in 2027.

Tchouameni, meanwhile, won’t be leaving Real Madrid either.

That’s according to our insider Graeme Bailey, who has been informed the Frenchman does not want to leave and returning Real manager, Jose Mourinho, doesn’t want to sell the midfielder.

Tottenham Hotspur are planning to add Gleison Bremer and Raoul Bellanova to Roberto De Zerbi’s squad, according to reports in the Italian media.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have joined Tottenham already as free agents in the summer transfer window.

Jan Paul van Hecke and Mateus Fernandes have switched to Tottenham from Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United, respectively.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Tottenham have struck a £100million deal with Newcastle United for Sandro Tonali.

Signing a winger is also on the agenda of Tottenham, who have been linked with AC Milan star Rafael Leao.

It has now emerged that Tottenham are planning further raids on Serie A clubs to sign top players.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham XI to start 2026/27 season: Big striker signing among SIX new additions in complete formation change

Tottenham Hotspur ‘pushing’ for Gleison Bremer

According to TuttoJuve, Tottenham are ‘pushing for Bremer’.

Bayern Munich, too, are interested in the Brazil international central defender, who is valued at €54million (£46.3m, $61.8m) by his club, Juventus.

The Juventus-centric Italian news outlet has claimed that both Bayern and Tottenham ‘are watching closely’ the situation of Bremer, who is 29 years of age and has been at the Serie A club since 2022.

Tottenham ‘enquire’ about Raoul Bellanova

According to TMW, Tottenham are interested in Atalanta star Raoul Bellanova.

The Italian news outlet has reported that Tottenham are among the clubs that have enquired about Bellanova, who can play as a right-back, right wing-back and right winger.

The 26-year-old Italy international gave two assists in 36 matches in all competitions for Atalanta last season and is valued at up to €20m (£17.1m, $22.9m) by his club.

The report has stated: ‘According to TMW, many in the Premier League have reached out to enquire about the deal, and after Fulham, Tottenham, and Nottingham Forest, Everton have also tried to gauge the feasibility of the deal.

‘Atalanta are asking for between €15 and €20 million, and a move to Napoli is also possible, given that Massimiliano Allegri likes him a lot.’

A departing Tottenham man was labelled “miles” off the level of two academy stars by a player in the squad, according to club-connected John Wenham.

Spurs have seen four players leave the club this summer. Yves Bissouma’s contract ended, loanees Randal Kolo Muani and Joao Palhinha went back to their parent clubs, and Alejo Veliz was sold to Brazilian side Bahia.

The experiment of signing the Argentine striker did not work, after he played just eight games for Tottenham, and scored only once.

Wenham, who has connections within the club, heard Veliz was not rated by his peers.

He told Tottenham News: “It was quite unusual for us to recruit from that market anyway. It was just a gamble that we spent, I think it was $15million, so about £13m.

“I remember his first session, I won’t say who, but I was personally told by another academy player who was training with the first team at that time, asked how did this new guy look, and said that both [Will] Lankshear and [Jamie] Donley looked miles better – that was his words.

“I was slightly questioning why we’d gone to Argentina and brought in Alejo Veliz, he then had loans at Seville where he was handed the No.10 shirt, and a loan at Espanyol where he was handed the No.9 shirt, and then barely played, and when he did play, very few goals.

“He showed a bit of passion for Tottenham. I remember he had this game against Bournemouth where he had a really bad injury and then tried to carry on until he effectively collapsed on the floor.”

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Veliz did not work at Tottenham

Indeed, Spurs essentially paid £13million for a star who wasn’t as good as two they have developed for nothing – and who have just 10 senior appearances for the club between them.

Fortunately for Tottenham, they have received up to £9million by selling Veliz, so they’ve not lost an awful lot in the transfer.

Per Wenham, they’re still in the green on signing young players who have gone on to good things.

He said: “It never really worked out for him, but I think he’s just one of those, you take those gambles on young players, we’ve had great success with Lucas Bergvall, with Pape Matar Sarr to some extent, Archie Gray, Destiny Udogie, Luka Vuskovic.

“So we’ve had a lot of success recruiting younger players, but unfortunately on that one it just didn’t work.”

Bergvall is reportedly valued at £45million after asking to leave, though it’s subsequently come to light that Tottenham don’t want him to go, while Vuskovic has raised £50million.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison looks set to be on the move this summer, and reports suggest that Turkish side Fenerbahce are ready to launch a move for the Brazilian.

The 29-year-old joined Spurs from Everton in a deal worth £60million including add-ons in the summer of 2022, but has struggled to live up to his price tag, due to injuries and inconsistent form.

Richarlison did manage to score 11 goals in 32 Premier League appearances in 2025/26, but with his contract expiring in 12 months’ time and an extension unlikely, Tottenham feel now is the right time to cash in on him.

According to journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, as cited by Sport Witness, ‘one of the big teams’ in Turkey have submitted an official offer to Spurs for the striker.

While not naming the club, or the size of the bid, that likely means Fenerbahce, Besiktas, or Galatasaray.

Interestingly, another journo, Ertan Suzgun, reports that Fenerbahce’s representatives are currently in London. While he doesn’t mention the reason for the visit, the timing is certainly interesting.

READ NEXT – €70m winger offered to Tottenham after Man Utd enquiries

Tottenham, Man City stars targeted for double deal

The Turkish side are making some big moves this summer as they look to bounce back from a season where they narrowly missed out on winning the league.

Earlier on Friday, they announced a statement suggesting that they have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City defender Nathan Ake.

The Dutch international is reportedly set to arrive for around £7m, potentially rising to £8.5m.

“Our club has reached an agreement with Nathan Ake, a player of the Netherlands National Team, and has signed a contract with the footballer,” Fenerbahce revealed.

“The player, who wore the Netherlands jersey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will join our team in the Austria camp following the permission process. We present this to the information of the public.”

However, the statement has come as something of a shock to Man City, according to The Manchester Evening News.

They report that there ‘is still work to do’ on the transfer, suggesting that no agreement on a fee has yet been reached with the Cityzens.

Ake is highly likely to leave the Etihad this summer, however. Like Richarlison, his current contract expires in 12 months, and his club are prepared to listen to offers for him.

The addition of two experienced Premier League players in Ake and Richarlison would be a big statement from Fenerbahce, so it’ll be interesting to see how the stories develop.

Tottenham Hotspur have already been incredibly productive in the summer transfer window and TEAMtalk has taken a look at how they could line up at the start of the 2026/27 season, including a potential change in formation.

With Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, Martin Dubravka and Mateus Fernandes already on board, the focus has now switched to additions further up the pitch.

Confirming another record-breaking deal for Sandro Tonali would also be an incredible coup for a team without any European football next season, in what is set to be a complete revamp of De Zerbi’s engine room.

As for the striker addition, we’re taking a plump on Tottenham managing to convince free agent Dusan Vlahovic to head to the Premier League, where the Serbian has the all-round game to be a big hit.

We also think that De Zerbi’s desire to sign both Senesi and Van Hecke could lead to a formation change, given that it now looks almost certain that Micky van de Ven is staying put and skipper Cristian Romero is on his way.

De Zerbi often used a 3-4-3 formation during his last stint at Marseille and has a full pre-season to work on the tactical switch, albeit many of his players will be back from World Cup duty not long before the season gets underway.

So, here you go, Tottenham’s predicted XI to start the 2026/27 season (a slightly tweaked formation 3-4-2-1)…

Goalkeeper: Antonin Kinsky

Kinsky’s redemption arc was one of the stories of the 2025/26 season, going from zero to hero as his meltdown in Madrid was followed by the Czech stopper making several critical saves to keep the club in the Premier League.

The arrival of the experienced Dubravka appears to have signalled that De Zerbi is trusting Kinsky to be his No.1 going forward, especially after the club opened talks to hand the 23-year-old a bumper new contract.

Right centre-back: Jan Paul van Hecke

The £52m signing from Brighton slots right in on the right-hand side of the back three after an impressive World Cup, despite the Netherlands suffering a Round of 32 exit.

Van Hecke is one of the best ball-playing central defenders in Europe and will play a big role in helping Spurs keep possession and play out from the back.

Centre-back: Marcos Senesi

The free agent addition from Bournemouth is another player supremely confident in possession and will be at home in the centre of the back three.

Like Van Hecke, he’s not blessed with great pace, but both have excellent positional awareness and it’s not expected that De Zerbi will adopt too high a line to expose them.

DON’T MISS: All the done deals by Premier League clubs in the summer 2026 transfer window

Left centre-back: Micky van de Ven

Electric pace is the greatest single thing the Netherlands star possesses, and keeping Van de Ven around, when it looked like a summer exit was on the cards, will be a major boost to De Zerbi and the club.

Van Hecke and Van de Ven will probably both have licence to venture forward from their positions, knowing they will have two defensive pivots in front of them to plug any gaps.

Right wing-back: Pedro Porro

Porro was one of very few Tottenham players who could actually hold their hand up and say they had a decent 2025/26 campaign.

The Spain international could flourish further in a more attacking wing-back role, in a move that should diminish his defensive requirements – which is arguably no bad thing.

Central midfield: Sandro Tonali

The midfield conductor Tottenham have been missing since Mousa Dembele was at the peak of his powers and running games alongside Victor Wanyama.

Beating rivals to the signing of the Italy international will be classed as one of the transfer coups of the summer, especially given that Tonali has only just turned 26 and is yet to hit his prime.

Central midfield: Mateus Fernandes

While Tonali will be the dictator, Fernandes will have greater licence to get forward and showcase his box-to-box skills.

The price tag has been questioned for a player relegated in back-to-back seasons with different clubs, but the 21-year-old is a real talent who will only flourish under De Zerbi’s guidance.

Left wing-back: Andy Robertson

This was a tricky one in terms of actually starting the season, as it could well be Destiny Udogie who gets the nod after not being at the World Cup this summer – if he is still around that is.

Robertson will likely be handed the club captaincy and although he probably won’t be a regular starter, the change of scenery from Liverpool might just be the boost he needed to re-energise his career.

Attacking midfield: James Maddison

The 29-year-old gave Tottenham the creative spark they so desperately missed towards the end of last season when so many attacking players out.

A full pre-season under De Zerbi should work wonders for the former Leicester man, who is set to fill one of two No.10 roles in the absence of Xavi Simons until 2027 and the continued doubts surrounding Dejan Kulusevski’s playing future.

Attacking midfield: Mohammed Kudus

Another player who will have the full summer to get over his quad injury and strengthen in pre-season under De Zerbi, with a slightly different role on the cards.

The Ghana international was outstanding on the right side of Tottenham’s front three before injury ended his season in early April. He could get the nod here in a slightly more central role, but with licence to drift out wide.

Striker: Dusan Vlahovic

The only player not yet signed, or about to be signed in the case of Tonali, but Spurs are in the mix to snap up the Serbia international on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old has scored 120 goals in 303 club career appearances to date and has the sort of game that should thrive in the Premier League.

While it might be difficult for Tottenham to convince him to sign without any European football, that hasn’t stopped the club securing some major transfer coups already.

But if they don’t manage to secure Vlahovic, or another top striker for that matter, then Dominic Solanke is the man most likely to start the new campaign in the No,9 position.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has been offered the chance to sign Rafael Leao after Manchester United made initial enquiries over a move to Old Trafford, according to the Italian media, as Fabrizio Romano reveals new AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim’s stance on selling the winger.

Earlier this week, The Independent reported that Tottenham have discussed signing Leao from Milan in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham, who have finished 17th in the Premier League table for the past two seasons, have signed Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke and Mateus Fernandes already this summer.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has also reported that Tottenham have struck a £100million deal with Newcastle United for Sandro Tonali.

Spurs are now focusing on a winger, with Milan and Portugal international winger Leao on the radar of the north London club.

The Independent reported: ‘It is understood that Rafael Leao has been broached as an option in informal discussions with Milan, and there is still a possibility they move for Savinho, having pushed hard for the Manchester City winger last year.’

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign Leao, with Milan willing to sell the winger for up to €70million (£60m, $80m).

The Italian publication has also reported that Barcelona and Manchester United have also made initial enquiries for Leao, who is part of the Portugal squad at the 2026 World Cup.

The report has stated: ‘The Rossoneri, represented by Almstadt and Gardiner, have begun discussions with the striker’s extensive staff.

‘The result: as was understood, the Portuguese number 10 is not part of compatriot Amorim’s plans.

‘To secure a transfer, however, other elements are needed: a club interested in purchasing him and a price that both parties can agree on.

‘On the first point, there’s little agreement at the moment: Barcelona and United haven’t gotten beyond initial inquiries, he’s been offered to Tottenham, and offers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey aren’t warming to the player.

‘His managers will therefore need to work diplomatically to seek out other offers. Offers that must not be less than €60-70 million.

‘A substantial sum, but still far from the player’s release clause, which is one hundred million higher.

‘Milan could also consider alternative options, such as a loan with an obligation to buy. In any case, the club wants to be sure of cashing in.’

DON’T MISS: Fabrizio Romano names the Liverpool star that Tottenham could ‘send a proposal’ for next

AC Milan want to get rid of Rafael Leao

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Milan are keen to offload Leao this summer.

Even though former Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim is now in charge of Milan, the Italian giants have made up their mind on selling him.

Romano said about Leao on his YouTube channel: “After the World Cup, my understanding is that even after appointing Ruben Amorim, even after this Portuguese connection, even after the fact that Rafael Leao had some good moments at the World Cup so far, AC Milan keep considering Rafael Leao a player out of their long-term project.

“So, for AC Milan, the exit of Rafa Leao is a serious possibility.

“He remains a player available on the market, so get ready because movements around Leao could start soon, and the player is still considered in the exit list at Milan.

“So, a situation that we have to track and follow for sure.

“Then, will depend obviously on the price.

“Milan already spent big money on a Portuguese player like Goncalo Ramos, so to sell Rafael Leao, who is still under contract, they would asl for important money, but the club, Milan, remain in tension to let Rafael Leao go this summer.

“So, the doors are open.

“While Christian Pulisic is a player considered crucial for Milan by the president Gerry Cardinale, by the coach Ruben Amorim, so they want to continue with Pulisic, the situation with Leao is completely different and is expected to leave the club in this summer transfer window.”

Another source has confirmed an agreed Tottenham transfer is off because of other deals they’ve made, and light has been shed on what happens next.

Roberto De Zerbi is being rewarded handsomely for keeping Spurs in the top flight, with no fewer than SIX signings already made.

Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi are ticking the boxes for leadership and experience, and none of that trio cost a transfer fee to sign.

Elsewhere, a combined £237m has been put towards deals for Jan Paul van Hecke (£85m), Mateus Fernandes (£85m) and Sandro Tonali (£100m).

With the two biggest arrivals coming in central midfield, Tottenham now possess an abundance of options in that department of their squad.

Aside from the two new boys, De Zerbi can also call upon the services of Pape Sarr, Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

As such, it’s understandable as to why on Thursday night, Tottenham abandoned plans to sign loanee, Joao Palhinha, outright.

The 30-year-old stood up tall during a difficult campaign in north London and scored the goal that ensured their Premier League survival on the final day.

An option to buy in the agreement worth €30m / £26m was present, and if activated, personal terms were already in place.

But while Fabrizio Romano insisted Palhinha wanted to re-join Spurs, the club have pulled the plug on the move after landing Tonali and Fernandes.

Both Romano and Ben Jacobs confirmed it’s game over for Palhinha at Spurs who’ll now return to Bayern Munich.

Subsequently, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has shed light on what happens next for the unlucky midfielder.

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What next for Joao Palhinha after Tottenham rejection

He wrote on X: ‘João Palhinha is set to return to FC Bayern for now. The Tottenham deal is now 100% off following the signings of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.

‘A possible move to Sporting is also complicated due to Bayern’s asking price. There are further interested clubs. Talks are ongoing.’

MORE TOTTENHAM COVERAGE ON TEAMTALK…

* ‘Agreed’ Man City deal tees up yet another superb Tottenham signing

* Fabrizio Romano names the Liverpool star that Tottenham could ‘send a proposal’ for next

* Tottenham backed for second gut-wrenching raid on West Ham – ‘He would 100 per cent start’

Other midfielders coming under the spotlight are young pair, Gray and Bergvall.

Tottenham are thus far insisting neither player is for sale despite the big-money signings just made.

However, Newcastle clearly sense an opportunity for Gray after tabling a bid – that was turned down – on Wednesday.

Nottingham Forest believe a package worth £45m that also contains a sell-on clause could tempt Spurs into selling Bergvall, according to Sky Sports.

Bergvall has already informed Tottenham of his desire to leave to ensure he gets regular playing time, which barring a miracle, he won’t get at Spurs given the arrivals of Tonali and Fernandes.

Manchester City have agreed to re-sign one of their former players, with the deal facilitating the exit of a star Tottenham are ‘pushing’ to sign, according to reports.

It’s been a blockbuster summer window so far at Tottenham, with six signings already banked for Roberto De Zerbi.

Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi will provide vast experience without Spurs having to pay transfer fees.

A combined £237m has been splashed out on Jan Paul van Hecke (£52m), Mateus Fernandes £85m) and Sandro Tonali (£100m).

The arrivals won’t end there, however, with Spurs also looking closely at the wingers market. Cody Gakpo of Liverpool and Man City’s Savinho are in their sights.

But according to The Independent, Savinho isn’t the only Man City star Tottenham are ‘pushing’ to sign.

They insisted Tottenham are aiming to bring England international goalkeeper, James Trafford, to north London too.

Guglielmo Vicario is being sold back to Serie A, and while Roberto De Zerbi has faith in Antonin Kinsky, the position does look ripe for an upgrade.

What’s more, the fact City have just agreed a deal to sign a new stopper greatly aids Tottenham’s chances of striking a deal.

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Man City agree Pierce Charles signing / James Trafford exit approved

Fabrizio Romano confirmed Enzo Maresca’s side are re-signing Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday. The 20-year-old was previously on City’s books as a youngster, and is now due to return home.

He wrote on X: ‘Pierce Charles has agreed to return to Manchester City, deal in place with Sheffield Wednesday with formalities being sorted.

‘#MCFC to decide next about Charles staying or leaving on loan.’

Romano stated City are yet to decide whether to keep or loan Charles out once he re-joins.

However, our insider, Graeme Bailey, has been reliably informed the upcoming Charles decision won’t affect Trafford, who now has approval to leave.

MORE TOTTENHAM COVERAGE ON TEAMTALK…

* Fabrizio Romano confirms Tottenham deal is OFF despite everything being done

* Tottenham backed for second gut-wrenching raid on West Ham – ‘He would 100 per cent start’

* Fabrizio Romano names the Liverpool star that Tottenham could ‘send a proposal’ for next

City will either install Charles as Gianluigi Donnarumma’s primary back-up, or loan Charles out and sign a more experienced No 2.

Yann Sommer is being targeted after the Swiss veteran, 37, recently left Inter Milan upon the expiry of his contract.

But while Tottenham are ‘pushing’ for Trafford, as per the Independent, Bailey revealed they’re not the only club in the picture.

Aside from Spurs, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Leeds United are all sniffing around a deal now the green light to his exit has been granted.

Regarding cost, Man City will hope to generate at least the £31m package they paid when re-signing Trafford from Burnley one year ago.

Fabrizio Romano has said that Tottenham Hotspur have an interest in adding Cody Gakpo to Roberto De Zerbi’s side, as TEAMtalk reveals the Liverpool winger’s stance on leaving Anfield this summer.

Tottenham have been hugely active in the summer transfer window so far and have made key additions to their squad already.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have signed for Tottenham as free agents.

Tottenham have secured the services of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and Hove Albion, while Mateus Fernandes has switched from West Ham United.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has also reported that Tottenham have a £100million deal in place with Newcastle United for Sandro Tonali.

Signing a winger is now on Tottenham’s agenda, and, according to transfer guru Romano, the north London club could raid Liverpool for Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign for Liverpool, but he did well for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, scoring three goals and giving one assist in four matches.

In early June, Romano said that Liverpool could sell Gakpo if a strong “proposal” arrives, and he has now said that Tottenham could make an offer this summer for the

Romano said about Liverpool, Gakpo and Tottenham on his YouTube channel: “Keep an eye on Tottenham for Cody Gakpo because Tottenham have interest in the player.

“Then, I can tell you, that Liverpool, as of today, beginning of July, are not opening the door to an exit.

“So, at the moment, Liverpool are not telling Gakpo, ‘Okay, you can leave’, are not telling Tottenham, ‘Okay, let’s negotiate’.

“That is not happening right now.

“So, at the moment, the door is closed from Liverpool, but we have to see later on this summer in case Tottenham really open talks by sending a proposal.

“At the moment, it is an interest.

“If they send a proposal, we have to see what’s going to happen there.

“So, it’s a story to keep an eye on eventually.

“It’s not something guaranteed at this stage.”

DON’T MISS: Tottenham told minimum fee Liverpool would accept for Cody Gakpo as journalist reveals FSG’s sale verdict

Cody Gakpo could leave Liverpool – sources

We can confirm Tottenham’s desire to sign Gakpo from Liverpool in the summer transfer window.

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported on June 22 that Tottenham have already spoken to Liverpool about Gakpo’s situation.

Sources have told that Tottenham are actively exploring a potential move for the Dutchman.

We also understand that the signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna has led Gakpo to question his place in the starting line-up under new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola.

Rio Ngumoha is another option for Liverpool on the left flank, a position where Gakpo is at his best.

While Gakpo is not actively trying to force a move out of Liverpool, Bailey has reported that the winger does not want to be a squad player at Anfield.

Tottenham Hotspur are being tipped to deliver another gut-wrenching blow to West Ham by swooping for another of their top stars, having also completed the £85million signing of midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

The north London club beat Manchester United to the sensational capture of Portugal star Fernandes on Thursday, in a move that crushed their previous transfer record – although that very record looks set to be blown out of the water again by the imminent arrival of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.

Manager Roberto Di Zerbi has now named the three qualities he expects Fernandes to bring to his Tottenham midfield.

The £185million double signing radically revamps De Zerbi’s central midfield and follows on from the additions of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke to do likewise to the backline.

It’s no secret, though, that De Zerbi was also unimpressed with Tottenham‘s faltering forward line though too during his seven games in charge that kept the club in the Premier League.

Spurs scored eight goals in those seven games, with only three of those strikes coming from the front three, and De Zerbi understandably wants much more output from his attackers in 2026/27.

Links to the likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Ivan Toney and, most recently Rafael Leao, will certainly appease fans, while there is even talk of the club splashing out another £80m-£100m on Bournemouth sensation Eli Junior Kroupi.

However, club insider John Wenham is pushing for a move for West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, who has long been linked with a switch to north London, following the Hammers’ relegation.

The 29-year-old England international could quit the London Stadium this summer and would certainly provide more of a goal threat than the current options Tottenham have at their disposal.

Wenham believes that Bowen would be a significant upgrade in the wide positions for De Zerbi, having notched 20 goal involvements in a relegated side this past season.

Speaking to Tottenham News, he said: “He [Bowen] needs to move for his own career – he’s too good for the Championship.”

Asked if he’d want him at Tottenham, Wenham said: “Yeah, absolutely. It wouldn’t be a punt – he would start for us at right-wing.

“He would 100 per cent start for us and be good and be a guarantee of goals. I would 100 per cent take him.

“He would be one of our main goalscorers. He’d solve the issue we have in that Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons, when he is fit, do not score enough goals.”

DON’T MISS: Fabrizio Romano confirms Tottenham deal is OFF despite everything being done

Three reasons why Bowen to Tottenham is unlikely

There are three issues surrounding a move for Bowen, however, the first of which is West Ham’s reluctance to offload arguably their best two players to bitter rivals in one window.

The second is the return from injury of Mohammed Kudus for Tottenham, with the Ghana star the club’s best attacking weapon in Bowen’s best position on the right flank before being struck down by a quad issue in early April.

Yes, Spurs could try and utilise Bowen through the middle, but he is far better operating from the right, so it’s difficult to see where De Zerbi fits them both in.

Kudus did play as a No.10 during his time at West Ham but openly admitted that it was not his best position and stated his preference for playing out wide.

Thirdly, the other clubs interested in signing Bowen. Indeed, it’s been reported that Bowen is keen to work with former Hammers boss David Moyes again at Everton, having played his best football during the Scot’s time in charge at the London Stadium.

Meanwhile, our sources indicate that Aston Villa are the frontrunners to snap up the England man, although no official offer has yet been made.

Either way, a move to Tottenham looks unlikely at this stage.