TEAMtalk

Aston Villa have seen their hopes of a big-money raid on Tottenham Hotspur for Dejan Kulusevski go up in smoke after Ange Postecoglou reached a very firm decision on the Swede and despite Gary Neville’s claims of just how much they could bank by selling the star.

Unai Emery’s side pipped Tottenham to the fourth and final Champions League spot last season and are gearing up for what they hope will be amother massive season of progress at Villa Park. Indeed, despite being forced to sell Douglas Luiz to Juventus to help comply with the Premier League’s strict Profit and Sustainability Rules, Aston Villa have shown they are ready to spend big this summer as they look to make a major impact in Europe’s premier competition.

To that end, Villa have wasted no time at all strengthening their squad, sealing eight signings already with Amadou Onana (£50m from Everton) and Ian Maatsen (£36.5m from Chelsea) the headline additions, alongside the returns of three familar faces in Jaden Philogene, Cameron Archer and Ross Barkley.

IN DEPTH ➡️ All the done deals by Premier League clubs in the summer 2024 transfer window

However, Villa appear far from done and, with Moussa Diaby pushing to seal a £50m transfer to Al-Ittihad, Emery and president of football operations, Monchi, are in the market for a top-class wing replacement.

That has led Villa towards the signing of explosive Tottenham star Kulusevski, who has been linked with a move away from N17 this summer in the wake of their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Kulusevski, a €30m (£25.5m) signing from Juventus, initially on loan, in January 2022, has scored 15 times in 95 appearances for the Lilywhites so far.

Postecoglou makes decision on Tottenham sale of Kulusevski

On his day, the 39-times capped Sweden winger is one of the best around.

And while he has shown inconsistency at Spurs, he remains one of the first names on Ange Postecoglou’s team sheet, appearing 39 times last season in all competitions.

Despite that, Kulusesvki has been linked with an exit this summer with Napoli – and former boss Antonio Conte – keen on a reunion on the Amalfi coast.

And while Napoli do have money to spend, the sort of money Tottenham would be asking would surely place the 24-year-old out of their price range, unless they decided to cash in on their other star winger in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

As far as an asking price is concerned, Neville claims Spurs have in Kulusevski a player who, on his day, is one of the best around and worth in the £80m to £100m bracket.

Speaking last season when Kulusevski shone during a win at Nottingham Forest in which the player stood in for James Maddison playing in the No 10 role, Neville told Sky Sports: “Players that play in that role, that take it on the back foot and accept it on the back foot, the attacking midfielders, the No 10s, any player of that ilk, they’re very rare to be able to do that.

“What we’ve seen in the last few weeks is him playing that role and become one of the rare players.

“You’re talking about him going from a player who might be £50m on the right to being something that if he gets going in that No 10 position, can be really special and then you’re pushing it to an £80m or £100m player.”

Aston Villa told to forget any chance of Spurs transfer raid

Despite such lofty valuations, one side who could potentially afford a move is Villa and more so if the sale of Diaby goes through.

However, TEAMtalk understands that Postecoglou has made it clear that the club needs to retain Kulusevski at all costs and that under no circumstances should they consider his sale, with the player seen as a vital cog in his system going forwards.

And while a possible player exchange deal has been mooted, potentially involving Jacob Ramsey moving in the opposite direction, Postecoglou would rather seemingly prefer to pursue the Villa midfielder in a separate deal, as opposed including the stylish Swede as part of any swap.

Former Aston Villa scout Bryan King also doubts whether Spurs would allow their star man to depart and least of all not to a side who will likely be competition once again in the race for a Champions League place.

DON’T MISS ➡️ Outstanding Euros winner says ‘yes’ to Tottenham as deal is ‘agreed’ and Postecoglou eyes 85-goal striker next

“That transfer link surprises me,” King told astonvillanews.

“I’m not sure if Spurs would be prepared to let him go, but if they did, he would add quality to that right-hand side for Villa.

“It would also add some much-needed depth to the squad for Emery as he looks to compete in the UEFA Champions League with Villa next season.

“However, I do struggle to see that transfer going through, to be honest.”

Despite that, Kulusevski will face competition for his shirt next season after Brennan Johnson’s impressive form so far in pre-season, and with Postecoglou convinced that competition for places can only bring out the best in his players.

Aston Villa have seen their hopes of a big-money raid on Tottenham Hotspur for Dejan Kulusevski go up in smoke after Ange Postecoglou reached a very firm decision on the Swede and despite Gary Neville’s claims of just how much they could bank by selling the star.

Unai Emery’s side pipped Tottenham to the fourth and final Champions League spot last season and are gearing up for what they hope will be amother massive season of progress at Villa Park. Indeed, despite being forced to sell Douglas Luiz to Juventus to help comply with the Premier League’s strict Profit and Sustainability Rules, Aston Villa have shown they are ready to spend big this summer as they look to make a major impact in Europe’s premier competition.

To that end, Villa have wasted no time at all strengthening their squad, sealing eight signings already with Amadou Onana (£50m from Everton) and Ian Maatsen (£36.5m from Chelsea) the headline additions, alongside the returns of three familar faces in Jaden Philogene, Cameron Archer and Ross Barkley.

IN DEPTH ➡️ All the done deals by Premier League clubs in the summer 2024 transfer window

However, Villa appear far from done and, with Moussa Diaby pushing to seal a £50m transfer to Al-Ittihad, Emery and president of football operations, Monchi, are in the market for a top-class wing replacement.

That has led Villa towards the signing of explosive Tottenham star Kulusevski, who has been linked with a move away from N17 this summer in the wake of their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Kulusevski, a €30m (£25.5m) signing from Juventus, initially on loan, in January 2022, has scored 15 times in 95 appearances for the Lilywhites so far.

Postecoglou makes decision on Tottenham sale of Kulusevski

On his day, the 39-times capped Sweden winger is one of the best around.

And while he has shown inconsistency at Spurs, he remains one of the first names on Ange Postecoglou’s team sheet, appearing 39 times last season in all competitions.

Despite that, Kulusesvki has been linked with an exit this summer with Napoli – and former boss Antonio Conte – keen on a reunion on the Amalfi coast.

And while Napoli do have money to spend, the sort of money Tottenham would be asking would surely place the 24-year-old out of their price range, unless they decided to cash in on their other star winger in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

As far as an asking price is concerned, Neville claims Spurs have in Kulusevski a player who, on his day, is one of the best around and worth in the £80m to £100m bracket.

Speaking last season when Kulusevski shone during a win at Nottingham Forest in which the player stood in for James Maddison playing in the No 10 role, Neville told Sky Sports: “Players that play in that role, that take it on the back foot and accept it on the back foot, the attacking midfielders, the No 10s, any player of that ilk, they’re very rare to be able to do that.

“What we’ve seen in the last few weeks is him playing that role and become one of the rare players.

“You’re talking about him going from a player who might be £50m on the right to being something that if he gets going in that No 10 position, can be really special and then you’re pushing it to an £80m or £100m player.”

Aston Villa told to forget any chance of Spurs transfer raid

Despite such lofty valuations, one side who could potentially afford a move is Villa and more so if the sale of Diaby goes through.

However, TEAMtalk understands that Postecoglou has made it clear that the club needs to retain Kulusevski at all costs and that under no circumstances should they consider his sale, with the player seen as a vital cog in his system going forwards.

And while a possible player exchange deal has been mooted, potentially involving Jacob Ramsey moving in the opposite direction, Postecoglou would rather seemingly prefer to pursue the Villa midfielder in a separate deal, as opposed including the stylish Swede as part of any swap.

Former Aston Villa scout Bryan King also doubts whether Spurs would allow their star man to depart and least of all not to a side who will likely be competition once again in the race for a Champions League place.

DON’T MISS ➡️ Outstanding Euros winner says ‘yes’ to Tottenham as deal is ‘agreed’ and Postecoglou eyes 85-goal striker next

“That transfer link surprises me,” King told astonvillanews.

“I’m not sure if Spurs would be prepared to let him go, but if they did, he would add quality to that right-hand side for Villa.

“It would also add some much-needed depth to the squad for Emery as he looks to compete in the UEFA Champions League with Villa next season.

“However, I do struggle to see that transfer going through, to be honest.”

Despite that, Kulusevski will face competition for his shirt next season after Brennan Johnson’s impressive form so far in pre-season, and with Postecoglou convinced that competition for places can only bring out the best in his players.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly hoping to beat Chelsea and Aston Villa to the impressive capture of Spanish defender Mario Hermoso, whose transfer to Italy is on the verge of falling through.

Hermoso is a 29-year-old centre-half who can also operate as a left-back if required. He came through the Real Madrid academy and had a loan spell at Real Valladolid before joining Espanyol permanently in July 2017. Two years later, Espanyol doubled their money on the left-footed defender by selling him to Atletico Madrid.

Since then, Hermoso has made 174 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side, chipping in with 10 goals and six assists and helping them win the La Liga title ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona in the 2020-21 season.

But Hermoso has now left Atleti on a free transfer after rejecting the opportunity to extend his contract with the Spanish giants.

DON’T MISS: Tantalising Tottenham XI to lead Postecoglou to promised land and end 16-year trophy wait

The five-time Spain international is now on the lookout for a new club, and due to the fact he will not cost any transfer fee, he has several suitors.

Napoli have previously been viewed as Hermoso’s most likely next club, and the player even travelled to Naples to try and get a deal over the line.

But the two parties still have not finalised a contract and the move is resultantly at serious risk of being hijacked.

According to the Italian media, Tottenham, Chelsea and Villa are the three main clubs trying to convince Hermoso to reject Napoli altogether and instead try himself out in the Premier League.

Tottenham transfers: Spurs ‘lurking’ for Mario Hermoso

Tottenham are ‘lurking’ for Hermoso’s potential capture and have been encouraged by the fact that the defender has told Napoli he will not wait much longer for another offer from them.

Tottenham believe they have a good chance of usurping Napoli and winning the race for Hermoso as they can offer him a better financial package.

Of course, it is not guaranteed that the player will end up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, as Unai Emery is keen to sign him for Villa while Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the situation.

But Spurs appear to be the English club most likely to send him a contract offer. Plus, Spurs will have confidence that Ange Postecoglou can convince Hermoso on becoming part of his squad, as the 58-year-old is a great man-manager and can be very persuasive in these situations.

Given Hermoso’s vast experience in La Liga, and the fact he is a defender who loves to break the lines with forward passes, this could be a bargain signing for Spurs. Although, Postecoglou may need to work on Hermoso’s decision-making, as he was viewed as something of a chaotic defender earlier in his career.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has taken a big step towards leaving the Emirates after agreeing a contract with his prospective new club, according to reports.

Last season, Nketiah made 37 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, managing six goals and three assists. The centre-forward rarely got to start in the big games for Arsenal though, with Mikel Arteta preferring to use either Kai Havertz or Gabriel Jesus up front.

Nketiah has loved his time at Arsenal and is thankful for all the Gunners have done for his career, but he knows the time is right to find a new club so he can start on a weekly basis for a different team.

The 25-year-old, who spent time in both the Arsenal and Chelsea academies as a youngster, has been linked with Premier League clubs such as Crystal Palace, Brentford and Ipswich Town, among others.

DON’T MISS: Who is Brian Brobbey? The brilliant Dutch striker Arsenal want as Nketiah replacement

On Monday, it emerged that Arsenal could use Nketiah in a player-plus-cash deal to beat Liverpool in the race for Palace defender Marc Guehi.

But Nketiah is more likely to seal a big Ligue 1 transfer to Marseille. Their new manager, former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi, is a big fan of the Gunners attacker and is urging those above him at Marseille to complete a deal.

According to the latest reports in France, the transfer is far closer to being finalised after Nketiah and Marseille agreed personal terms.

Marseille have sorted out a long-term contract with the player and will now switch their attention to striking a deal with Arsenal.

Arsenal transfers: Eddie Nketiah poised to leave

The French side began the bidding at £20million, though this was swiftly rejected by Arsenal as club chiefs Mikel Arteta and Edu are holding out for £40m.

While it is unlikely Marseille will match that huge £40m price tag, they are determined to get their man this summer and therefore it would not be a surprise if an agreement is reached over the coming weeks.

The report adds that Marseille are set for a complete squad overhaul this summer, as up to 80 per cent of their squad could move on.

Marseille have already brought in Mason Greenwood from Man Utd in a £27m deal. At first it was thought that Marseille would sign only one of Greenwood and Nketiah, but they now need to land both.

That is because former Arsenal man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has joined Al-Qadisiyah in Saudi Arabia, while Iliman Ndiaye has returned to England by signing for long-term admirers Everton.

Nketiah moving to the Stade Velodrome would see him play alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. On Sunday, Marseille announced the signing of the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder on an initial loan which includes the obligation to buy for a reported £17m.

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Everton midfielder Amadou Onana in a £50million deal, while talks over a potential swap deal with Tottenham are still ongoing.

Onana played every minute of Belgium’s Euro 2024 campaign and now has the opportunity to represent Villa in the Champions League after Unai Emery’s men finished fourth last season.

The 22-year-old joined Everton from Lille for £33m in 2022 and made 72 appearances for the Toffees, scoring four goals in that time.

He was linked with a move to Arsenal back in 2023, while Manchester United have always been firm admirers of his qualities.

DIVE DEEPER: All the done deals by Premier League clubs in the summer 2024 transfer window

Villa boss Unai Emery had been in the market for a new defensive midfielder after the club somewhat surprisingly sold Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42.35m in June.

“It feels amazing,” Onana told Villa’s official website. “I’m glad to be here, finally, and I can’t wait to get started.”

On his reasons for joining, Onana added: “It was a bit of everything. There’s a healthy atmosphere here to grow as a player and as a man.

“The team played very attractive football last season with loads of goals and will now be playing in the Champions League.

“I’ll be playing in the Champions League again and that’s very exciting. We also have a manager that’s one of the best in the business and I think he can take my game to the next level.”

Tielemans plays big role in Onana capture

Onana added that Villa midfielder and Belgium team-mate Youri Tielemans helped convince him to join the Midlands club.

“Youri played a big part in me being here because he told me lots of good stuff about the club,” he said.

“He’s someone I’m used to playing with in the national team, so I’m looking forward to training with him on a daily basis.

“He’s someone who’s got the experience to help and guide me throughout the whole process.”

Having played against Villa a number of times during his stay on Merseyside, Onana now hopes to star in claret and blue.

He added: “It’s a great stadium with a great atmosphere and the fans are amazing.

“I’ve played several times against the lads and I know how good they are. I’m ready to bring something to the team as well.

“I want to bring this football club to the top.

“They had a tremendous season last season. We’ve got to continue that vibe and try to compete at the top.”

Tottenham still pursuing Ramsey swap proposal

As one midfielder joins another could still be on the way out as Fabrizio Romano confirmed that talks between Villa and Tottenham over Jacob Ramsey and Gioval Lo Celso continue.

Spurs are hoping to lure Villa into selling the 23-year-old talent by offering £20m plus Lo Celso, with Ramsey currently valued at around the £45m mark.

And while Romano admitted on his Playback live show that the talks have not really advanced, discussions are still being had.

He said: “The interest of Tottenham and Aston Villa in discussing a deal between Jacob Ramsey and Lo Celso is true, but that the negotiation is advanced or close is not true, at the moment.”

Tottenham are looking to seal a quick double exit from the club after two stars were left behind from the Asian leg of their pre-season tour.

Spurs boarded their flight to Japan earlier on Monday but decided to leave senior players back at Hotspur Way who are surplus to Ange Postecoglou’s plans.

The Australian opted to take a selection of promising academy talent and experience to head to Japan and South Korea, with the Tottenham boss once again showing his ruthless side.

The official Spurs site released the travelling party for the tour and while veteran stopper Fraser Forster has remained in north London to continue his rehabilitation from a fractured foot, Bryan Gil and Sergio Reguilon were both left out to ‘explore prospective transfer opportunities’.

DON’T MISS: Tantalising Tottenham XI to lead Postecoglou to promised land and end 16-year trophy wait

Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe then took to X to reveal that the club are in discussions over a possible exit for Gil.

O’Keefe reports that LaLiga outfit Girona are interested in signing the Spain international, although there has been no agreement over a transfer fee at this stage. talks are said to be ongoing though.

Fabrizio Romano has also delivered an update on the player by confirming Girona have opened initial talks to try and conclude a deal.

Nightmare Gill spell set to end

Spurs forked out £21.6m for Gil back in 2021 when he was part of the deal that saw Erik Lamela join Sevilla.

Gil has made just 43 total appearances for the club since signing and has never scored in what has turned out to be a fairly disastrous addition for the club.

There is no mention at this stage of where Reguilon could end up, with the Spaniard having had two different loan spells at Manchester United and Brentford last season.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur, Giovani Lo Celso, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will all rejoin the squad closer to the start of the season after their efforts at the Copa America and Euro 2024 respectively.

READ NEXT: Tottenham quoted €30m to sign serious Udogie rival but insider incites shock Conor Gallagher LaLiga hijack

In terms of their tour schedule, Tottenham play J League champions Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on Saturday at 11am.

They will then face K League All Stars in Seoul July 31 at 12pm, with the final game coming against Bayern Munich on August 3 – also at midday.

Tottenham are looking to seal a quick double exit from the club after two stars were left behind from the Asian leg of their pre-season tour.

Spurs boarded their flight to Japan earlier on Monday but decided to leave senior players back at Hotspur Way who are surplus to Ange Postecoglou’s plans.

The Australian opted to take a selection of promising academy talent and experience to head to Japan and South Korea, with the Tottenham boss once again showing his ruthless side.

The official Spurs site released the travelling party for the tour and while veteran stopper Fraser Forster has remained in north London to continue his rehabilitation from a fractured foot, Bryan Gil and Sergio Reguilon were both left out to ‘explore prospective transfer opportunities’.

DON’T MISS: Tantalising Tottenham XI to lead Postecoglou to promised land and end 16-year trophy wait

Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe then took to X to reveal that the club are in discussions over a possible exit for Gil.

O’Keefe reports that LaLiga outfit Girona are interested in signing the Spain international, although there has been no agreement over a transfer fee at this stage. talks are said to be ongoing though.

Fabrizio Romano has also delivered an update on the player by confirming Girona have opened initial talks to try and conclude a deal.

Nightmare Gill spell set to end

Spurs forked out £21.6m for Gil back in 2021 when he was part of the deal that saw Erik Lamela join Sevilla.

Gil has made just 43 total appearances for the club since signing and has never scored in what has turned out to be a fairly disastrous addition for the club.

There is no mention at this stage of where Reguilon could end up, with the Spaniard having had two different loan spells at Manchester United and Brentford last season.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur, Giovani Lo Celso, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will all rejoin the squad closer to the start of the season after their efforts at the Copa America and Euro 2024 respectively.

READ NEXT: Tottenham quoted €30m to sign serious Udogie rival but insider incites shock Conor Gallagher LaLiga hijack

In terms of their tour schedule, Tottenham play J League champions Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on Saturday at 11am.

They will then face K League All Stars in Seoul July 31 at 12pm, with the final game coming against Bayern Munich on August 3 – also at midday.

Tottenham have reportedly been quoted €30million to sign a serious alternative to Destiny Udogie this summer, while top midfield target Conor Gallagher could be on his way to Spain in a cut-price deal.

Having enjoyed a seemingly successful summer transfer window so far, following the additions of Timo Werner (loan), Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, Ange Postecoglou is still keen to get three or four more players through the door.

The Australian is known to want more defensive cover after the struggles last season when Micky van de Ven was injured and Cristian Romero and Udogie were both banned.

Radu Dragusin was brought in January to provide that cover centrally, while Emerson Royal is cover on the right for Pedro Porro and veteran star Ben Davies is Udogie’s deputy.

DON’T MISS: Tantalising Tottenham XI to lead Postecoglou to promised land and end 16-year trophy wait

However, Emerson, who continues to be linked with a summer exit, has been outshone by forgotten man Djed Spence so far in pre-season while Davies has yet to figure in the club’s warm-up outings for the new campaign as he still works his way back to fitness after suffering a calf injury towards the end of last season.

But with the Wales international now 31, Spurs are looking at a younger option to push Udogie for the new campaign and are ready to raid Italy yet again to get their man.

Indeed, Calcio Leece names Tottenham are one of the main clubs, including Napoli, who are in the hunt for Lecce’s highly-rated full-back Patrick Dorgu.

The 19-year-old made his debut for the Serie A side in August 2023 and he finished with 34 appearances last season, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

It’s claimed Napoli have already made an initial offer for the defender, although that figure was way below Lecce’s €30m valuation of Dorgu.

For their part, Tottenham have also made an approach but have also been quoted that figure for a player who has been previously linked with London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

It’s claimed finishes by stating that Lecce technical director Pantaleo Corvino is still waiting for a concrete offer for the Denmark international, while Spurs’ interest does make plenty of sense given their dealings in Italy over the last few seasons.

However, the chances of Daniel Levy spending that sort of money on a backup are fairly slim, especially when Spurs need another striker and central midfielder on board.

Surprising Conor Gallagher update emerges

And it’s to Tottenham’s engine room that we turn next with an update on the club’s continued interest in Conor Gallagher.

The north London club have been linked with a move for the Chelsea and England man all summer long, with the Blues being continually tipped to offload the 24-year-old to keep on the right side of PSR.

Fresh reports from Spain suggest that Gallagher could be bound for a surprise switch to Atletico Madrid after being recommended to join the LaLiga giants by former Atletico right-back Kieran Trippier.

Los Rojiblancos are looking to bolster their midfield options ahead of the 2024/25 season and Gallagher has been earmarked as a perfect option for Diego Simeone’s men.

However, the main current stumbling block in Madrid appears to be a difference of opinion, with Simeone reportedly preferring to strike a deal for Arsenal target Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad instead.

In contrast, Atletico sporting director Andrea Berta wants Gallagher, with the England international expected to cost around €25m compared to €30m for Merino.

Both players are in their final year of their current contracts and exits are growing more likely ahead of the new campaign.

As per reports from Diario AS, Trippier advised Gallagher to accept a move to Madrid during their time in the England camp at Euro 2024.

Gallagher is rumoured to have asked Trippier about life under Simeone and the experienced full-back had nothing but praise for the Argentine.

READ NEXT: Outstanding Euros winner says ‘yes’ to Tottenham as deal is ‘agreed’ and Postecoglou eyes 85-goal striker next

Trippier made 86 appearances for Atletico in two-and-a-half seasons at the club and won the 2020/21 LaLiga title.

If he does end up in Spain, while it would be a blow to Tottenham, they also have other targets they are pursuing – most notably Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey.

Spurs are trying to push through a player-swap deal involving Giovani Lo Celso, although Villa are so far not willing to play ball.

Tottenham are ready to ignite their summer transfer plans with Daniel Levy having agreed a tasty deal to bring a European Championship winner to the club and with Ange Postecoglou finally deciding on the identity of the striker he wants to lead their attack this season.

Spurs have made big strides under the Aussie boss, finishing fifth in his first season in charge and winning himself plenty of admirers both with his high-octane brand of football and with his no-nonsense demeanour in front of the press. And while there can be some satisfaction at having brought Europa League football back to the north London next season, Tottenham are hoping for much more this time around as they look to catapult themselves back into the top four and, who knows, possibly title contention.

And while the latter is certainly optimistic, Postecoglou has not hidden from the fact that he loves winning trophies and that is his major aim with Spurs, who have now gone 16 long years since last lifting silverware.

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Determined to improve his squad and bring in the players who he knows can help bring his vision to reality, TEAMtalk understands Tottenham are looking to make three new signings this summer with a new midfielder, a new prolific forward and another wing option all on their shopping list.

Postecoglou would also like to add another left-sided defender to cover for Destiny Udogie at left-back if funds allow.

Now reports in Italy claim the first of those signings is rapidly accelerating amid claims a deal to bring Federico Chiesa to north London could be finalised by as quickly as this week.

Tottenham ‘agree’ package to sign Federico Chiesa

With a new manager in place with the Italian giants, in Thiago Motta, Chiesa’s four-year stay in Turin appears to be drawing towards a rapid close with his current contract due to expire next summer and with talks over an extension grinding to a halt.

Per multiple sources in Italy, Cheisa is now ‘destined’ to leave Turin and until this point, it’s just been a question of which club wins the race for his signature.

The likes of Roma and Chelsea have both been linked with his signature, but the former have now gone cold on a possible move, choosing instead to pursue his Juve teammate, Matias Soule.

And while the Blues have not followed up on their initial interest, it is now claimed that Spurs have been left as sole suitors for his signing.

It’s reported a deal as little as €25m (£21.1m) could be enough to seal his signature, with add-ons potentially taking the deal towards €30m (£25.3m) – a price which would be well within Spurs’ reach.

Better yet, it’s claimed Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has already reached out to the player’s entourage, striking an agreement worth €6m a year over four years, which equates to around £97,000 a week.

Chiesa has been granted a period of extended leave following his efforts with Italy atTottenham ‘powerless to stop’ £68m Man City move for England ace as blockbuster transfer explodes into life

Euro 2024 but is due to return to first-team training on Tuesday, and with technical director, Cristiano Giuntoli, looking to finalise his future – and potential sale – as a matter of urgency.

And if all goes to plan, Chiesa could well be destined for London with Levy ready to push through what many would consider a bargain deal for the Euro 2020 winner.

Tottenham transfers: Postecoglou decides on top striker target

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly set to make the signing of Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke one of their top priorities over the summer window.

Posteceglou is desperate to add another centre forward to his mix after relying on a mix of either Son Heung-min or Richarlison to lead the line last season.

And while Son impressed his new leadership role as Tottenham captain, Big Ange soon realised the South Korean’s best position remains as an inverted left-sided forward.

As far as a long-term replacement for Harry Kane is concerned, Richarlison definitely is not and signing a more prolific option is very much a big focus.

The likes of Jonathan David, Ivan Toney and Santiago Gimenez have all been touted with moves to N17 this summer.

However, it’s now understood that Postecoglou has decided to pursue a move for former Chelsea and Liverpool frontman Solanke instead.

The 26-year-old proved his qualities with 19 goals in 38 games last season, helping the Cherries claim their highest-ever finish of 12th last season. Only Erling Haaland (27), Cole Palmer (22) and Alexander Isak (21) outscored Solanke in the Premier League last season.

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Solanke, capped once by England and the scorer of 85 career goals from 270 appearances, has three years to run on his Bournemouth deal, but their manager Andoni Iraola has conceded he can’t say for certain that the player will stay.

“Dom is happy. He has come back in very good shape, is training very well and the relationship he has with his team-mates is very good,” Iraola told BBC Sport after Bournemouth touched down in the USA for their pre-season tour.

“But the market is open. You cannot say he is going to stay or that he is going to leave because we don’t know. In the end, it is something you cannot control.”

And we understand that Bournemouth have concrete fears that Solanke could depart this summer, with the Cherries valuing the star in the £65m bracket and with his deal at the Vitality Stadium still having three years left to run.

Tottenham are ready to ignite their summer transfer plans with Daniel Levy having agreed a tasty deal to bring a European Championship winner to the club and with Ange Postecoglou finally deciding on the identity of the striker he wants to lead their attack this season.

Spurs have made big strides under the Aussie boss, finishing fifth in his first season in charge and winning himself plenty of admirers both with his high-octane brand of football and with his no-nonsense demeanour in front of the press. And while there can be some satisfaction at having brought Europa League football back to the north London next season, Tottenham are hoping for much more this time around as they look to catapult themselves back into the top four and, who knows, possibly title contention.

And while the latter is certainly optimistic, Postecoglou has not hidden from the fact that he loves winning trophies and that is his major aim with Spurs, who have now gone 16 long years since last lifting silverware.

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Determined to improve his squad and bring in the players who he knows can help bring his vision to reality, TEAMtalk understands Tottenham are looking to make three new signings this summer with a new midfielder, a new prolific forward and another wing option all on their shopping list.

Postecoglou would also like to add another left-sided defender to cover for Destiny Udogie at left-back if funds allow.

Now reports in Italy claim the first of those signings is rapidly accelerating amid claims a deal to bring Federico Chiesa to north London could be finalised by as quickly as this week.

Tottenham ‘agree’ package to sign Federico Chiesa

With a new manager in place with the Italian giants, in Thiago Motta, Chiesa’s four-year stay in Turin appears to be drawing towards a rapid close with his current contract due to expire next summer and with talks over an extension grinding to a halt.

Per multiple sources in Italy, Cheisa is now ‘destined’ to leave Turin and until this point, it’s just been a question of which club wins the race for his signature.

The likes of Roma and Chelsea have both been linked with his signature, but the former have now gone cold on a possible move, choosing instead to pursue his Juve teammate, Matias Soule.

And while the Blues have not followed up on their initial interest, it is now claimed that Spurs have been left as sole suitors for his signing.

It’s reported a deal as little as €25m (£21.1m) could be enough to seal his signature, with add-ons potentially taking the deal towards €30m (£25.3m) – a price which would be well within Spurs’ reach.

Better yet, it’s claimed Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has already reached out to the player’s entourage, striking an agreement worth €6m a year over four years, which equates to around £97,000 a week.

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Euro 2024 but is due to return to first-team training on Tuesday, and with technical director, Cristiano Giuntoli, looking to finalise his future – and potential sale – as a matter of urgency.

And if all goes to plan, Chiesa could well be destined for London with Levy ready to push through what many would consider a bargain deal for the Euro 2020 winner.

Tottenham transfers: Postecoglou decides on top striker target

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly set to make the signing of Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke one of their top priorities over the summer window.

Posteceglou is desperate to add another centre forward to his mix after relying on a mix of either Son Heung-min or Richarlison to lead the line last season.

And while Son impressed his new leadership role as Tottenham captain, Big Ange soon realised the South Korean’s best position remains as an inverted left-sided forward.

As far as a long-term replacement for Harry Kane is concerned, Richarlison definitely is not and signing a more prolific option is very much a big focus.

The likes of Jonathan David, Ivan Toney and Santiago Gimenez have all been touted with moves to N17 this summer.

However, it’s now understood that Postecoglou has decided to pursue a move for former Chelsea and Liverpool frontman Solanke instead.

The 26-year-old proved his qualities with 19 goals in 38 games last season, helping the Cherries claim their highest-ever finish of 12th last season. Only Erling Haaland (27), Cole Palmer (22) and Alexander Isak (21) outscored Solanke in the Premier League last season.

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Solanke, capped once by England and the scorer of 85 career goals from 270 appearances, has three years to run on his Bournemouth deal, but their manager Andoni Iraola has conceded he can’t say for certain that the player will stay.

“Dom is happy. He has come back in very good shape, is training very well and the relationship he has with his team-mates is very good,” Iraola told BBC Sport after Bournemouth touched down in the USA for their pre-season tour.

“But the market is open. You cannot say he is going to stay or that he is going to leave because we don’t know. In the end, it is something you cannot control.”

And we understand that Bournemouth have concrete fears that Solanke could depart this summer, with the Cherries valuing the star in the £65m bracket and with his deal at the Vitality Stadium still having three years left to run.