TEAMtalk

Chelsea reportedly have ‘strong interest’ in Manchester United and Tottenham target Vanderson, who will cost a starting price of £30million this summer.

The Blues have not seen an awful lot of Reece James in the past few seasons. Last term, the right-back played just 10 Premier League games, and is yet to make a squad this term, owing to injury.

Malo Gusto played in the position for much of last season, and has done so for each league game this term.

However, the Blues are on the hunt for another right-back, with Caught Offside stating Monaco man Vanderson is ‘attracting strong interest’ from Enzo Maresca’s side.

The report states he is valued by the Ligue 1 side between approximately £30-34million, a price which should be easy for the cash-rich Blues to pay.

And while Chelsea have the strongest interest, both Man Utd and Tottenham are said to want Vanderson.

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Vanderson a long-term Man Utd target

Links between the right-back and United began back in 2022, when he was rated at £52million, much more than his current value.

That was after Brentford came close to the signing, but failed at the last hurdle.

Tottenham have also been linked for some time, with reports also in 2022 suggesting they were keen on the now-23-year-old Vanderson.

As recently as August, it was said they were preparing a bid of £25million for him.

There was no update, suggesting the bid was not lodged, but given it was below Monaco’s valuation, there’s a good chance it would have been turned away.

Full-back additions in works at Chelsea

Along with Vanderson, Chelsea have an interest in another full-back, this time on the left side, with Patrick Dorgu in their sights.

The Dane plays as a left-sided defender or a left-winger, and he has impressed in the second of those positions for his country of late, scoring a goal on his debut.

Chelsea could also see some players exit Stamford Bridge.

David Datro Fofana has left for AEK Athens, and Carney Chukwuemeka is on the radar of Galatasaray.

TEAMtalk sources state they are struggling to convince him to move at the moment, but there is still time before the Turkish window closes for that to change.

Vanderson fits Chelsea style

Vanderson seems to fit the mould Chelsea look for in their right-backs. Both James and Gusto are attacking full-backs, with the latter assisting 10 times in all competitions last term.

Vanderson, still only 23, has scored 11 goals and assisted a further 14 times to this point in his career.

Last term, he scored three goals and assisted once, and he got things going in the first game of this campaign, assisting the only goal of a 1-0 win against St Etienne.

Tottenham and Chelsea are both sizing up moves for a Danish phenom who can play in multiple positions, with a report revealing how much a transfer will cost.

National sides often ring the changes in the first international break following a major tournament. Chelsea winger Noni Madueke made his senior England debut in the 2-0 victory over Finland on Tuesday night, while Denmark handed a first and second cap to Lecce ace Patrick Dorgu.

The 19-year-old wasted no time in laying down a marker at international level when scoring with his first touch in Denmark’s 2-0 win over Switzerland last Thursday.

That was followed by his second outing for the Danes in another 2-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday.

According to Italian outlet Quotidiano Sportivo, Premier League giants Tottenham and Chelsea are both ready to ‘launch an attack’ for Dorgu in the transfer market.

Both clubs are long-term admirers of the left-footer and it’s claimed the pair won’t wait until the end of the 2024/25 season before opening negotiations with Lecce.

Whether that means they’ll target a January transfer or whether they’re spying a move for the summer of 2025 was not made clear.

But what was made clear is the level of sum Lecce will command for Dorgu. Per the report, the Italian side will demand a minimum of €30m (£25.3m / $33.1m) before greenlighting a sale.

The report stated any negotiations promise to be ‘long and not at all easy’. Nonetheless, it was declared that with high-powered suitors ready to act, Dorgu’s sale appears to be ‘inevitable.’

Tottenham, Chelsea interest confirmed by Fabrizio Romano

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed both Spurs and Chelsea were in the mix for Dorgu’s signature over the summer.

Taking to X on Saturday, September 7, the trusted reporter stated: “Understand Tottenham had Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu on their shortlist this summer.

“Chelsea also considered signing 2004-born left-back via [sister club] Strasbourg in July.

“Talks didn’t advance as Lecce wanted more than €30/35m for Dorgu who has scored his first goal for Denmark this week.”

Dorgu compared with Tottenham icon

Dorgu initially started life as a left-back, though his attacking instincts have seen him deployed in more advanced roles over time.

Dorgu has also played at left wing-back, in left midfield and even on the right wing in a front three, such is his attacking threat.

The Dane’s profile has even seen him compared to Tottenham icon Gareth Bale who like Dorgu, started his career at left-back.

Lecce manager Luca Gotti said of Dorgu (as quoted by the Daily Express): “He seems to have great adaptability. He enjoys playing on the pitch.

“Important people from the football world are starting to call me to ask me what I see. (Bale) becomes a forward. He could have played as a full-back. This could happen with Dorgu.”

Chelsea have made it their mission to hoover up world football’s brightest young talents. Dorgu certainly fits that billing, though Tottenham too are on a youthful recruitment drive.

Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray – both 18 years of age – arrived in north London over the summer and significant fees were paid.

Tottenham fishing in familiar waters

Spurs have made a habit of plundering the Italian market over recent years and the majority of their signings have been successes.

Guglielmo Vicario, Pierluigi Gollini, Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin, Destiny Udogie, Ivan Perisic, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski all arrived from Serie A clubs since 2021.

Of those eight players, six are still at the club and three (Vicario, Romero, Udogie) are regular starters. Romero and Udogie in particular are crucial players for Ange Postecoglou.

Bentancur and Kulusevski are highly valued stars in their own right, while Dragusin is yet to truly be given a chance to prove his worth.

Back-up goalkeeper Gollini and veteran Perisic have both departed, though the former was only a loan signing and Perisic did not cost a fee when arriving as a free agent.

Tottenham’s penchant for Italian deals came at the behest of former managing director Fabio Paratici who signed up in the summer of 2021.

Paratici resigned from his role in 2023 after losing an appeal against a worldwide 30-month ban from football activies for his part in Juventus’ transfer irregularities.

However, elements of his ban were subsequently lifted and Paratici since began advising Tottenham on a consultancy basis.

Tottenham are reportedly keen on signing Italy international midfielder Samuele Ricci from Torino after scouting the player in the Nations League on Monday evening.

The 23-year-old has attracted the attention of a host of European clubs with his performances in Serie A, with Torino valuing him at £25million (€29m, $32m) as Spurs keep tabs on his progress ahead of a potential move.

According to HITC, the north London club watched Ricci in action during the UEFA Nations League clash between Italy and Israel as the Italians ran out 2-1 winners.

Ricci started the game at the Bozsik Arena. playing 86 minutes before being replaced by Mattia Zaccagni.

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The fee of £25m for a player who is still at the start of his career and has been capped four times for his country appears more than reasonable.

Postecoglou still hunting midfielders

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou still has an eye on bringing in another midfielder in the January transfer window having missed out on several targets over the summer.

Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall were brought in while Oliver Skipp and Giovani Lo Celso were sold, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was loaned out and Tanguy Ndombele released.

Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur have all featured in Postecoglou’s engine room so far this season but Postecoglou wants more of a forward-thinking No.8 to balance out the options he has.

And while Gray and Bergvall are considered mainstays for years to come, Ricci could compliment that pair if Tottenham do decide to follow up their interest.

The Italian has been likened to Manchester City star in terms of his playing style and would be a sound investment at that price point.

Rabiot remains a free agent option

Ricci is not the only midfielder being linked with a switch to north London, with links continuing to former Juventus star Adrien Rabiot, who is also on Arsenal’s radar.

The France international was released by the Turin giants over the summer and remains on the market, despite offers being on the table from Turkish clubs before their window shuts on September 13.

That lateness of the window closing in Turkey could also cost Spurs one of Postecoglou’s trusted defensive stars, with Galatasaray pushing to sign Wales international Ben Davies.

Ricci fits the bill for Ange

In terms of how Ricci would fit in at Tottenham under Postecoglou, journalist Stephen Ganavas previously said of the player: “Like the key figures of Roberto Mancini’s European Championship winning midfield – Marco Verratti, Jorginho, Nicolò Barella, Manuel Locatelli – Ricci is supremely confident playing in tight spaces, evading pressure and punching short, crisp passes to break defensive lines.”

Ricci scored one goal and had four assists for Torino last season, lining up 23 times as a defensive midfielder, five times in the No.8 role and four outings as a No.10. That shows the versatility the player possesses, something Postecoglou loves to utilise in his free-flowing brand of football.

A top Ligue 1 striker has refused to rule out a move to the Premier League in the future despite being talks over a new contract at his current club.

Lille frontman Jonathan David is the player in question, having been heavily linked with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea over the course of the summer transfer window.

While United were on the hunt for a new forward – one which eventually saw them land Joshua Zirkzee for £36.5million – David was very much in the running for a switch to Old Trafford.

However, the Canada international ended up remaining in France, despite being told he could seek a transfer away over the summer and had indeed held talks with multiple competitors.

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“There were a couple of offers and we just didn’t finish the deal, that’s it,” said the 24-year-old attacker, who finished as Ligue 1’s second-highest scorer last season with 19 goals.

“I spoke to a couple of teams. I spoke with coaches. But ultimately we [David and his inner circle] made the decision to stay.”

The pacy forward, who has also been linked with Juventus, has started the new campaign in impressive fashion again, scoring three goals in seven club matches so far. David also scored and grabbed an assist in Canada’s 2-1 win over the United States on Saturday and there has been speculation that clubs could renew their interest in his services when January arrives.

And with Lille president Oliver Letang willing to offload David, talks regarding an extension would, if successful, retain the attacker’s value for another year.

“Right now we’re speaking with (Letang) about a possible extension,” David also confirmed to The Athletic. “We’ll see how that goes.”

David still keen on Premier League switch

Adding more insight into what the future might hold for him, David did hint that a move to England certainly appeals, although it’s certainly not the be-all and end-all.

The Lille star added: “I’m open to anything. I think obviously the Premier League is regarded as one of the best leagues in the world.

“And for me, it’s not the Premier League or bust. I’m open to anything and every league has its challenges.”

In terms of United‘s interest, they currently have Rasmus Hojlund as their main No.9, with Zirkzee also able to play up front or as a No.10.

David also shares those qualities but it’s unclear, at this stage, whether United retain an interest in the player after their capture of Zirkzee from Bologna.

Tottenham also added to their striking ranks with the addition of Dominic Solanke, although neither Arsenal or Chelsea signed a new No.9 despite being in the market for one.

To that end, the London duo could well revisit their interest in David when the new year comes around.

David will certainly be a goal threat for whichever club he moves to next, having notched 124 times in 272 club career outings so far.

Tottenham could end up losing one of Ange Postecoglou’s most reliable squad members before the Turkish transfer window shuts, according to reports that have emerged on Monday.

Clubs in Turkey can still bring in fresh additions up until September 13 and it appears that Galatasaray are plotting a move for a Spurs defensive backup capable of feeling numerous roles in north London.

It’s been a busy summer of ins and outs at Tottenham as Postecoglou builds a squad he feels is much more suited to brand of football he likes to play.

Gone are the likes of Oliver Skipp, Emerson Royal, Joe Rodon and Giovani Lo Celso, who were all sold, while Pierre-Emile, Hojbjerg, Bryan Gil and Manor Solomon were loaned out and Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic, Tanguy Ndombele and Ryan Sessegnon released.

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Sergio Reguilon is another player who could be on the move after his own Turkish links, while reports in Turkey state that veteran Welshman Ben Davies is very much on the radar of Galatasaray.

With just four days left of the Super Lig transfer window, the Turkish champions are still looking to add to their squad and Davies has emerged as a target.

Indeed, Takvim reports Galatasaray are looking to switch to a back five after the arrival of Victor Osimhen from Napoli, and the Wales international is seen as an ideal candidate to play on the left side of a back three in that system.

Spurs already considering Davies replacement

The potential loss of Davies would be a potentially damaging blow to Postecoglou when he has no means of replacing the 31-year-old now that the summer window has closed to English clubs, bar the addition of free agents.

Replacing Davies long term is certainly something Tottenham have been pondering, having held discussions with Serie A outfit Lecce over a move for their left-back Patrick Dorgu.

The 19-year-old has been in the news this week after scoring just 42 seconds into his debut for the senior Denmark side when called off the bench for their Nations League clash against Switzerland last week.

Capable of playing as an orthodox left-back or as a left wing-back, the player has earned comparisons to Tottenham legend Gareth Bale for his pace and ability to soar up and down the flanks.

However, Spurs will reportedly face competition from Manchester United for Dorgu’s signature, as reported in Monday’s edition of Euro Paper Talk.

Davies facing more bench duty

As for Davies, the versatile defender has been at Tottenham since 2014 but has been rarely used by Postecoglou when Destiny Udogie has been fully fit.

Davies, however, played a critical role for Spurs last season when Micky van de Ven was injured and Cristian Romero banned, filling in at centre-back alongside fellow full-back Emerson Royal in a makeshift central defensive pairing.

But with Davies not looking like he will be a regular starter this season, the report adds that Galatasaray are looking to take advantage of the situation and offer him more game time.

If he did move to Turkey, Davies could end up playing alongside his former Tottenham teammate Davinson Sanchez in Galatasaray’s back three.

The Welshman, who is contracted until June 2025, has scored nine goals in 330 total appearances for Spurs although only 19 of those came last term.

Postecoglou’s men are back in action on Sunday when they welcome Arsenal in the north London derby.

Manchester United are to launch a bid to rival Tottenham for a Danish teenager, Newcastle are planning a giant offer to sign a classy Inter Milan star, an Arsenal man is wanted back by his former club, while two Euro giants will compete to prise Mo Salah away from Liverpool.

LECCE STAR DORGU WANTED BY MAN UTD AND TOTTENHAM

Manchester United and Tottenham are ready to go head to head in the January window for the signing of teenage Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu with the Serie A side willing to sell if their asking price is met.

The 19-year-old has been in the news this week after scoring just 42 seconds into his debut for the senior Denmark side when called off the bench for their Nations League clash against Switzerland last week. All the rage in the Danish media, the player has already caught the eye for his performances in Serie A, where he has starred for Lecce since his arrival from Nordsaelland’s youth academy in summer 2022.

Capable of playing as an orthodox left-back or as a left wing-back, the player has earned comparisons to former Tottenham and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale for his pace and ability to soar up and down the flanks.

Having been watched by Liverpool last season and amid claims he is viewed by Anfield scouts as a potential long-term heir to Andy Robertson, an approach for his services was made by Tottenham over the summer with Ange Postecoglou’s side also keen on the teenager.

That approach was since confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Spurs did not follow up on their initial enquiry after being quoted a fee of £29.5m (€35m / $39m) by the Serie A side.

It’s understood, though, that Postecoglou is keen to bring in another left-sided full-back, especially with Ben Davies’ deal due to expire next summer and with the long-serving Wales international eligible to leave on a free in 2025.

However, multiple reports in Italy, including Sportmediaset, now claim Spurs are ready to launch a fresh move for his services in January with Davies inching ever closer towards the exit door.

Lecce, for their part, are unlikely to stand in his way if their asking price is met and would want a minimum €30m, rising to €35m with add-ons, for the 19-year-old.

Postecoglou, though, is not likely to have a free run at his signing with Manchester United also reportedly preparing an approach of their own for his services.

United continue to be troubled by issues at left-back with Diogo Dalot having to deputise for the injury-prone Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia so far this season.

And with the signing of a new left-back very much at the forefront of Erik ten Hag’s mind, it’s claimed Dorgu has been identified as the perfect signing for the Red Devils in the January window.

As a result, it’s claimed both clubs are ready to ‘act now’ to try and secure his signature and with Lecce’s asking price unlikely to deter either from a winter window move.

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TOTTENHAM STAR APPROACHED OVER SHOCK GALATASARAY MOVE

Tottenham defender Ben Davies has received contact from Galatasaray over a surprise switch to Istanbul and with the Turkish transfer window set to close on Friday and with his deal in north London due to expire next summer. (various)

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has already received preliminary interest from former club Atletico Madrid over a free-transfer return next summer, while Juventus and Barcelona are also among those keen on a player who is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement in just four months time. (various)

Leicester are leading Everton and Bournemouth in the race to sign free agent attacking midfielder Yusuf Yazici, who has been without a club since leaving Lille at the end of last season. The 27-year-old registered 12 goals and addedfour assists from 42 games in all competitions last season. (Jeunes Footeux)

Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier is pushing to leave St James’ Park amid big-money offers for his services from both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. (TalkSPORT)

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel feels Erik ten Hag needs to change his system if he is to get the very best out of Rasmus Hojlund. (Tipsbladet)

Real Madrid have resoundly ruled out the prospect of Aurelien Tchouameni leaving for Arsenal or Liverpool in 2025 with the France star to take on an increasingly important role following the retirement of Toni Kroos. (Fabrizio Romano)

Trent Alexander-Arnold has ‘refused’ Liverpool’s first offer of a new contract, with the defender well aware of Real Madrid’s interests in acquiring his services as a free agent in summer 2025. (Sport)

NEWCASTLE PREP HUGE OFFER TO SIGN CLASSY INTER STAR IN JANUARY

Newcastle are ready to table a lucrative contract offer to Denzel Dumfries to convince him to leave Inter Milan in January and with his deal at the San Siro due to expire in 2025. (InterLive)

Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga has confirmed he has spoken with Sweden teammate Alexander Isak about a potential switch to St James’ Park, having been linked with a big-money move to Tyneside. (Fotboll Skanalen)

Former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte has played down claims he came close to joining Real Madrid this summer from Al Nassr, but has admitted he is “open” to returning to mainland Europe after admitting his situation is “far from normal”. (Marca)

Tottenham and Chelsea target Jonathan David is in talks over an extension to his Lille contract with the Canada forward falling out of contract in June 2025. (The Athletic)

Barcelona are exploring the possibility of exploting the clause to bring back striker Oscar Mingueza for just €10m (£8.5m / $13m) after his electric start to the season at Celta Vigo, where he has two goals and two assists from four appearances. (Marca)

Barcelona want to offer Frenkie de Jong a new deal but on reduced terms as they look to tie down the Netherlands midfielder to a new long-term deal following recent links to both Manchester United and Bayern Munich. (various)

Manchester United have been told De Jong remains committed to Barcelona amid claims the Red Devils are ready to launch a fresh move for the midfielder’s services in January. (Fabrizio Romano)

LIVERPOOL SUPERSTAR MO SALAH SUBJECT OF FRESH DOUBLE INTEREST

Liverpool superstar Mo Salah will be the subject of colossal offers from both Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, with both sides looking to compete for the signature in 2025 with the Egyptian star yet to extend his contract at Anfield. (Nacional)

Barcelona are ready to make Germany pair Jonathan Tah and Joshua Kimmich major 2025 transfer targets as Hansi Flick looks to make his mark on the LaLiga giants. (Mundo Deportivo)

Mike Maignan faces a big decision on his AC Milan future with the Serie A side potentially forced to sell the France goalkeeper if he does not commit to a new deal in the coming 10 months. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Unwanted Juventus winger Filip Kostic has reached an agreement in principle to sign for Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. (Tuttosport)

Former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay has completed the first part of his medical as he closes in on a free-transfer switch to Brazil with Corinthians. (Fabrizio Romano)

Galatasaray are ready to make a second raid on Italy to follow up on the huge Victor Osimhen loan after agreeing a deal with Roma to sign Poland full-back Nicola Zalewski from Roma on a permanent transfer. (Sky Italia)

Tottenham have handed Sergio Reguilon – the sole remaining player they aim to offload – a transfer ultimatum amid an important deadline now being less than a week away, according to multiple reports.

Tottenham successfully rid their books of numerous unwanted stars over the summer. Among the first-team stars to depart in various guises were Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Joe Rodon, Emerson Royal, Tanguy Ndombele, Oliver Skipp, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Giovani Lo Celso, Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil, Alejo Veliz, Troy Parrott and Dane Scarlett.

Exit opportunities were also sought for left-back Sergio Reguilon who does not feature in Ange Postecoglou’s plans.

Explaining why, the Athletic – who labelled Reguilon the ‘last man standing in Tottenham’s outcasts’ – recently stressed Postecoglou favours full-backs who maraud inside and become heavily involved in the build-up play.

In essence, Reguilon’s plight closely matches what has happened with Ben Chilwell under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea. Their greatest strength going forward is not a trait their managers value highly.

Tottenham partly to blame for Reguilon being stranded

But despite Tottenham making it clear Reguilon was up for grabs, a move did not materialise. Reporter Ben Jacobs subsequently claimed the blame partly lays with Spurs.

Indeed, he explained Tottenham pushed for a Reguilon to leave either in a permanent deal or in loan deal that contained an obligation to buy.

Unfortunately for Spurs, the bulk of interest in Reguilon only centred around loan moves and no club was willing to include an obligation to buy.

As such, Reguilon has remained in north London where his outlook for the current campaign is exceedingly bleak.

Along with fellow full-back Djed Spence, Reguilon was recently omitted from Tottenham’s squad for the group phase of the Europa League.

Reguilon is in the final year of his Tottenham contract and according to several fresh updates, Spurs have set their sights on offloading Reguilon to Turkey.

Turkey or bust for unwanted Reguilon

The Turkish transfer window (closing on September 13) is one of very few that still remain open. Fenerbahce – now managed by Jose Mourinho – have been linked with a late move for either Reguilon or Chilwell.

Per the latest from Football Insider, Reguilon has been given a ‘Turkish ultimatum’ by Spurs.

In other words, he’s been informed if he doesn’t join a Turkish club he’ll spend the next four months in limbo until the January window opens.

The obvious question to ask is if Tottenham don’t find a buyer, why not just use Reguilon as back-up to Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies?

On that front, Postecoglou has already hinted Reguilon might not be reintegrated into the first-team set-up even if he remains in north London.

When speaking about Lo Celso and Reguilon (prior to Lo Celso’s re-signing with Real Betis), Postecoglou said the pair “don’t have to get integrated back into the squad” if they failed to secure moves away.

He continued: “It’s pretty clear where they sit in terms of where we are as a squad and where we are as a team.

“But I’ve never been one to force people out. They’ve got decisions (to make) about their own careers and what they want to do.

“And if they’re still here, they’re still here. We’ll work around that scenario. But it certainly won’t affect the way we work in the first team.”

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Spurs could accept unfavourable terms to avoid situation souring

The lack of viable exit destinations now means Tottenham may be forced into accepting less-than-ideal terms for a player in the final year of his contract.

To facilitate an exit, Spurs may have to accept a loan that does not contain an option or obligation to buy.

Such a move would mean Tottenham don’t generate a transfer fee as Reguilon would become a free agent when the loan ends, but it would net them a saving on wages.

It would also remove from the picture a player who Postecoglou has zero intention of using and who according to the Athletic, can be a problem in the dressing room if things aren’t going his way.

Indeed, their report stated ‘there is an internal perception at Tottenham that when things aren’t going well or Reguilon is not being selected to play, he is not the easiest character.’

Aston Villa came forward to try and sign Tottenham Hotspur target Semih Kilicsoy during the recent summer transfer window but failed to complete the deal as they did not get close to Besiktas’ asking price, it has been claimed.

Kilicsoy is a 19-year-old forward who mainly plays on the left flank but has also been used as a central striker or right winger if needed. He was born in Istanbul and spent time in the Besiktas academy before making his senior debut for the club in February 2023.

Last season was a breakout campaign for Kilicsoy, as he notched 11 goals and three assists in 23 Super Lig games to make a name for himself as one of the best young players in Turkey.

Not only did that form see Kilicsoy break into the Turkey national team, but he also emerged as a transfer target for some major clubs over the summer.

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Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund are just some of the teams who were linked with the teenager.

At one stage, it was claimed that Tottenham were in the driving seat to land Kilicsoy, but he never actually ended up arriving in the Premier League.

It has now emerged that Villa tried to win the race for the rising star, though their €15million (£12.7m / US$16.6m) proposal was not enough to get Besiktas to sell.

In an interview with Turkish source Aslinda, Besiktas’ ex-general manager Sinan Engin revealed Villa’s approach.

Aston Villa news: Semih Kilicsoy bid rejected

“Do you know that Aston Villa offered €15m for Semih Kilicsoy and Besiktas did not accept it,” he said (via Sport Witness).

While Villa were willing to pay €15m, Besiktas actually want more than €30m (£25.4m / US$33.2m) before letting the attacker leave. The Super Lig giants are in a strong position as Kilicsoy’s contract with them runs until June 2028, while they are also fully aware that he has the potential to become a top-class winger.

It might not be a bad thing that Kilicsoy missed out on a switch to England this summer. After all, Unai Emery already has a brilliant forward line which includes versatile stars such as Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey, Morgan Rogers and Jaden Philogene.

Moving to Villa Park ahead of the 2024-25 campaign may have seen Kilicsoy spend large amounts of time on the bench, which would have affected his development.

Instead, Kilicsoy can continue playing week in, week out and push to become even deadlier in the final third. Should Kilicsoy enjoy another fantastic season with Besiktas, then his potential suitors will likely return for him next summer.

Plus, with an extra year of senior football under his belt, the youngster will be better equipped to properly fight for a first-team spot.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tottenham failed in their efforts to bring in a new left-back during the summer transfer window as Ange Postecoglou chased more competition for Destiny Udogie.

Postecoglou put more focus on strengthening Spurs’ midfield and attack than defence over the summer, with Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall arriving in the engine room and Dominic Solanke, Timo Werner (loan) and Wilson Odobert adding to the forward line.

It came as a bit of a surprise that another centre-back was not added to the squad to compliment Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin, especially after Tottenham‘s struggles in that position last season.

Both full-back options were also considered in terms of more depth, although Djed Spence was kept on to act as Pedro Porro’s deputy after Emerson Royal’s exit to Milan. On the left, veteran Welshman Ben Davies covers Udogie, who has not yet reached the heights of last season as he still battles back to full fitness after a left quadriceps injury suffered towards the end of last term.

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However, it appears that the north London club were actively looking at adding another left-back to their squad, with Romano stating that Tottenham made an approach for Lecce star Patrick Dorgu.

Spurs weren’t the only big club to have set their sights on the versatile Dane, who turns 20 next month, as Juventus and Milan were also linked with bids of their own.

Dorgu asking price proves problematic

However, the trio of suitors were all scared off by the potential £29.5m (€35m, $39m) asking price, as reported by Romano.

Indeed, Lecce were determined to keep hold of the highly-rated defender, who scored on his senior international debut for Denmark in a Nations League win over Switzerland on Thursday night.

Despite his normal position being as a left-back, Lecce have actually been using Dorgu in a more advanced role so far this season, as part of an attacking trio supporting the centre-forward – the sort of versatility Postecoglou loves in his fluid system of play.

Dorgu joined the Serie A side’s youth academy from Nordsjaelland in 2022 and was purchased a year later for just €200,000.

His current contract with the club runs to June 2027, though he is expected to negotiate an extension at improved personal terms.

Romano does not add whether Tottenham will be back in for the player when the January window opens, although his price tahg will likely need to drop for that to be the case.

Posetcoglou’s men are back in action on September 15 when they welcome north London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League.

Tottenham were reportedly stubborn about getting the right deal for a first-team star this summer, with the defender missing out on a number of potential moves in the process.

The north London club has overseen a fairly dramatic change to Ange Postecoglou’s first-team squad over the last few months, with the likes of Oliver Skipp, Emerson Royal, Joe Rodon and Giovani Lo Celso all sold, Pierre-Emile, Hojbjerg, Bryan Gil and Manor Solomon loaned out and Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic, Tanguy Ndombele and Ryan Sessegnon released.

However, one of the names who did not move on, as expected, was full-back Sergio Reguilon.

And now a fresh report has detailed that the Spaniard had several chances to leave the club during the summer only for his departure to be complicated by the club’s firm stance on the terms of an exit.

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According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Tottenham were focused on finding a permanent solution for Reguilon, making negotiations more difficult than expected in the process.

Though Reguilon attracted interest from various European clubs, including Barcelona, purs were reportedly adamant about securing a deal with at least an obligation to buy, rather than agreeing to another loan deal.

That approach made it challenging when it came to moving Reguilon on, despite his exclusion from Postecoglou’s plans for the current season.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs stated: “I think the Reguilon situation is very interesting at Tottenham, because he had options during the course of the European window, but Tottenham were quite tough on terms.

“And it made it very difficult to resolve the Reguilon situation, which has been throughout the window, frayed more around a loan than a permanent deal, albeit a loan with an option, potentially, or from Spurs’ point of view, an obligation, if they can get it.”

Turkish switch remains an option for Reguilon

The 27-year-old left-back, who also saw interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League end after their window shut on September 2, remains a potential option for Turkish sides before the closure of their window on September 13.

Reguilon arrived at Tottenham from Real Madrid and made a strong early impression before falling away and spending the 2022/23 season on loan with Atletico Madrid.

He had two separate loan stints at Manchester United and Brentford last season, although neither club opted to pursue a permanent move for the Spain international.

It was thought that a switch to join Thomas Frank’s men was on the cards after Reguilon showed some of his old form at the Gtech Community Stadium as he notched four assists in 16 games, but it was not to be.

As we stated above, a potential move to Turkey remains a possibility, with Fenerbahce said to be keen on signing him. However, it remans to be seen whether Tottenham look to initiate a clause to buy the player again within any transfer talks.

Postecoglou’s men are back in action after the international break on September 15 when they have the small matter of a north London derby against Arsenal.