TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly trying to hijack Aston Villa’s move to sign Nicolas Jackson, after making ‘direct contact’ over a deal to snap up the Chelsea forward before the transfer window shuts on September 1.

The north London outfit, who made a disastrous start to the new Premier League season after a 3-0 defeat at Brentford on Saturday, are on the brink of sealing a double deal for Manchester City attacking duo Savinho and Omar Marmoush.

Tottenham are expected to splash out a combined £140million on Savinho and Marmoush to improve a forward line that lacked a cutting edge last season and carried those struggles into the game against the Bees.

While Savinho is being added to operate on either flank, Marmoush is expected to provide goals as the club’s new No.9, with the distinct possibility that Richarlison leaves before the transfer deadline.

Roberto De Zerbi is known to favour Dominic Solanke, when fully fit, over Richarlison, but that’s the issue for the England forward – he just can’t stay away from the treatment table.

To that end, a report from Football FanCast claims that De Zerbi wants Jackson to add more firepower to his squad.

Indeed, the report states that Tottenham are currently in ‘direct contact’ with Chelsea over a move to sign the Senegal international ahead of Aston Villa.

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Tottenham exploring hijacking Jackson, Villa switch

It’s claimed that the north London outfit are keen to ‘understand the conditions to get a deal done’ before they ‘pull the trigger on another big-money move’.

Indeed, it’s reported that Chelsea are looking to recoup around £65m for Jackson, which could end up taking Tottenham’s summer spend to more than £400m for the summer window.

However, our sources indicate that Villa still remain in pole position for Jackson, who they have lined up to replace Ollie Watkins at Villa Park.

The England striker is said to have told Villa chiefs that he wants a move to the Saudi Pro League, after Al Hilal made a significant move to secure his signature.

Watkins’ exit would leave a large hole for Villa to fill and we understand that Jackson is ready to fill that void, with a deal between Villa and Chelsea further down the line than is currently being reported, according to our sources.

Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich after falling out of favour under Enzo Maresca, but still managed to notch 11 goals across 34 appearances in all competitions.

However, his future at Stamford Bridge now looks bleak, after the Blues brought in Danny Welbeck over the summer and also have Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Emegha on their books, although Liam Delap is also expected to move on.

Either way, it looks like Tottenham only have a slim chance to snap up Jackson ahead of Villa and will likely have to settle on Marmoush and Solanke as their main strikers for the first half of the new campaign.

Tottenham have ‘informed’ one of their players he’s been put up for sale, and the angry star is now on course to join Galatasaray, according to reports.

Tottenham are on course to spend more than any one club has ever spent in a single transfer window. If successfully landing Savinho, Omar Marmoush and Cody Gakpo, Tottenham’s outlay will soar to around £450m, surpassing the current benchmark set by Liverpool last summer (£440m).

To date, their most expensive arrivals came in midfield by way of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.

The pair cost £185m combined, and at that price, they’ll be nailed-on starters for Roberto De Zerbi.

And with Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur on the books too, and no European football filling out the fixture list this season, it’s easy to see why Pape Sarr has reportedly been put up for sale.

However, despite the logic behind the Spurs move, the decision to shift Sarr on has not gone down well with the player.

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Pape Sarr angry at Tottenham transfer decision

That’s according to reporter Sacha Tavolieri who stated on X: ‘Tottenham Hotspur have informed Pape Matar Sarr that he is on the transfer market.

‘An invitation to leave the club that did not go down well with the Senegalese midfielder, which is why he deleted all his posts related to the club from social media.

‘Talks with Galatasaray are continuing.’

As mentioned, Turkish champions Galatasaray are in talks, both with Spurs and Sarr, regarding a transfer.

Per ultra-reliable Turkish reporter, Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Sarr as well as his fellow Senegal international Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) both now want to join Galatasaray in the coming days.

Sabuncuoğlu wrote on X: ‘Pape Sarr and Ismaila Sarr want to join Galatasaray. There is no agreement with their clubs, and the talks are ongoing.’

Separate reports in Turkey (as cited by Sport Witness) have claimed Galatasaray have already seen a €20m bid for Tottenham’s Sarr turned down.

Spurs, meanwhile, are believed to be holding out for the slightly higher sum of €25m / £21.5m.

Tottenham Hotspur remain intent on signing Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo despite the imminent double £140m capture of Omar Marmoush and Savinho from Manchester City, with Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein both sharing updates on the potential switch.

The Dutchman has been with Liverpool since a January 2023 move from PSV Eindhoven and has largely impressed in their colours, despite a noticeable slump last season.

With the Reds already signing Victor Munoz and doing all they can to try and add Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh to their ranks before the window shuts, Gakpo’s future at Anfield has been called into question amid suggestions the Reds will be open to his sale in a bid to claw back some much-needed funds.

Gakpo, though, looks determined to stay. The winger has performed well in pre-season in a bid to catch Andoni Iraola’s eye, and the manager himself is open to keeping him should alternative moves fail to work out.

However, sources have confirmed that discussions have been held behind the scenes over a potential move to north London, and now Romano has provided a fresh update on Tottenham’s pursuit.

“Let me finish by telling you, don’t forget Cody Gakpo,” Romano told his YouTube channel. “Don’t forget Cody Gakpo, because Savinho is going to Tottenham today in London for medical tests and contract signing.

“Omar Marmoush is expected to go to Tottenham as a centre striker, and he’s a target that is going to probably happen in the next few days, as I told you.

“But I told you always, right winger, left winger, centre striker. This was what I told you about Tottenham.

“And for the left winger, the name remains Cody Gakpo.

“Tottenham are working on it. Tottenham are working on the player side. Player terms are not an issue.

“And then Tottenham remain absolutely on it, on the club side with Liverpool.

“So Gakpo, Liverpool could be over in the next few days if the total fee can be agreed. Watch out for that one until the end.”

Ornstein reveals Liverpool dilemma over Gakpo sale

Ornstein, meanwhile, has suggested the Reds remain torn over Gakpo’s possible sale and believes his sale will only come after being squeezed out by other arrivals.

“Liverpool are prioritising [Barcola], there’s no doubt about it. If they can get him from PSG, then I think we’ll see Gakpo leave,” he told TNT Sports on Saturday. “If they don’t get him in from PSG, I think they’ll happily keep Gakpo.

“[Andoni] Iraola really likes him. It’ll all come down to the fee with PSG, and the gap is too big at the moment.”

The Reds are also working on a deal for Minteh and, via a strong update on Saturday morning, now have real confidence that a deal is there to be done after learning Brighton’s likely asking price and having received a firm green light from the player.

“It definitely stands a chance, but if the numbers are not right for Liverpool, I hear that they have another option they’re weighing up and could pivot to if it doesn’t suit them with Minteh,” he said. “I’m not ruling it out, of course.

“Brighton know he’s a coveted talent, so they want in excess of £70 million with add-ons, and I’m not sure Liverpool will want to go quite that far, but I really like the look of this player, and I think he could go to a level we’ve not seen so far.

“The injury is a concern, but if you’re so convinced by the talent, you could probably take the risk.”

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TNT Sports pundit Karen Carney, though, is not convinced that Minteh has the qualities to succeed Mohamed Salah on the right side of Liverpool’s attack.

“If you’re looking to replace [Mohamed] Salah, he isn’t going to be ready to jump into that mould,” Carney said. “He’s 22, young and extremely quick and explosive, certainly an Iraola type of player, but you question whether he’s fit and ready to go.

“Barcola is a very good player, still raw. I think he can be more clinical, but he’s won two Champions Leagues and is a French international, so I think he fits the bill.”

Omar Marmoush has agreed terms on a five-year contract ahead of his move to Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs hoping to complete a £140million double deal with Manchester City over the weekend, sources have confirmed – while TEAMtalk can also name the player now set to leave north London as a consequence of the move.

We understand the transfer for Savinho has also been finalised, while terms have also now been agreed with Marmoush as Tottenham close in on two major additions from City.

There is growing confidence that the double £140m (€163m, $191m) deal can be completed before Monday, which would take Tottenham’s spending this summer close to the £400m (€467m, $546m) mark. The all-time record for a single spend by any club over one summer came last year when Liverpool invested £440m (€515m, $600m) in their squad.

Marmoush’s agreement represents another major statement of intent from Spurs, with the Egypt international viewed as a key part of the attacking rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi.

We first revealed Tottenham’s interest in signing Marmoush in December, when my colleague, Fraser Fletcher, exclusively reported Spurs’ intent to sign the Egyptian.

The 27-year-old is understood to be excited by the prospect of the move after being told he will have a prominent role at Tottenham, while his representatives have now agreed the framework of his contract.

The two deals are being worked through in parallel, and TEAMtalk understands there is confidence the remaining formalities can be completed over the weekend.

However, not all will be happy at the sale of Marmoush to Spurs, with the double deal meaning the Egyptian’s former club, Eintracht Frankfurt, likely to miss out on a sell-on clause, with the sales packaged through and going through the books as a double £140m deal, rather than two individual sales…

Spurs ready to sell £60m star after double Man City raid

Indeed, sources understand Eintracht Frankfurt will not be due a payout from their 15 per cent sell-on clause on Marmoush, because Manchester City are not making a profit on the forward’s sale.

City signed Marmoush from Frankfurt for around £60million and the current Tottenham deal is not expected to exceed that figure once the relevant deductions are taken into account.

Tottenham’s decision to add Marmoush will also have consequences for their existing squad too, with Richarlison now looking at his future.

TEAMtalk understands the Brazilian is likely to seek a move away from north London, with Everton interested in bringing their former player back to Goodison Park.

Everton remain keen on Richarlison and could explore a reunion if the forward becomes available, although his departure will depend on Spurs and the player reaching an agreement over the next steps.

For Tottenham, though, the immediate focus is on completing the headline double move.

Savinho is already agreed, Marmoush’s personal terms are in place, and there is now belief the £140million package can be wrapped up by Monday, further underlining Spurs’ ambition in the transfer market.

Tottenham will not stop there, either, and they will look to push through a deal for a top Liverpool star next, with that player potentially being forced out by a double winger arrival on Merseyside.

Tottenham interest in a Chelsea winger has been confirmed by an insider, who’s revealed the ranking of Spurs attacking targets for the back end of the window.

Spurs have been hunting for attackers for most of the window. Indeed, having sorted midfield and defence early, Roberto De Zerbi identified the attack as an area needing a freshen up.

He suggested two or three new signings were yet to join, and it’s been revealed that Tottenham will pay £85million in total for Manchester City winger Savinho.

He’s long looked one of the top targets, and Pete O’Rourke has given a rundown of who could be next.

He told Football Insider: “Pedro Neto is on Tottenham’s list, maybe not at the top of it right now.

“Savinho is their number one target for that wide attacking position, he is the priority and they’re working hard to reach an agreement with Man City over that one.

“Cody Gakpo is high on that list as well, and both of those players are probably ahead of Pedro Neto in the pecking order for Spurs.

“Savinho is the one they’re really pushing to get done, and they’re keen on Gakpo too, so that’s where they stand at the moment.”

Chelsea thoughts on Pedro Neto transfer revealed

If Neto is to be sold by Chelsea, he won’t come cheap. TEAMtalk is aware it will take £100million for the Portuguese to be prised away from the club.

His representatives are open to the prospect of the transfer but the Blues want to be properly compensated.

Indeed, Xabi Alonso is in no hurry to see Neto leave, and would be happy to have him in his squad.

There’s an awareness of interest not only from Spurs but also Manchester City, while Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are in the mix.

The latter made an approach for £60million, which was unsurprisingly turned down given Chelsea’s stance.

After spending £85million on Savinho, Tottenham feel unlikely to part with £100million on a player who most regularly operates in the same position.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for the arrival of Omar Marmoush from Manchester City, with sources describing the transfer as being in its final stages, TEAMtalk can confirm.

The Egyptian forward has agreed personal terms and the two clubs have reached an understanding on a deal valued at close to £70 million plus add-ons.

Marmoush first appeared on Spurs radar in December last year, when Spurs interest in the versatile attacker was exclusively first reported by TEAMtalk.

After a period of quiet monitoring, negotiations have accelerated in recent days, paving the way for his switch to north London.

The 27-year-old is expected to complete his medical and formalities shortly, becoming the second high-profile arrival from the Etihad this window.

He’ll follow Man City teammate Savinho, who will complete a move to Tottenham for a fee exceeding £75 million.

The dual capture from the Premier League champions will underline Spurs’ ambition to strengthen their attacking options significantly before the deadline and build a top class squad for the season.

Marmoush, who impressed in moments during his time at City with his pace, direct running and goal threat from wide or central areas, is viewed as a player capable of adding dynamism to De Zerbi’s system.

Spurs sources have indicated that the club is not finished in the market.

More Tottenham transfers on the way

With the transfer window entering its closing phase, officials have described the final days as potentially “very interesting,” suggesting further activity remains possible.

For the left side, Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo remains the top priority. The Reds would be willing to sell if signing two new wingers of their own.

The message in north London is clear: Tottenham are determined to maximise the remaining opportunities and back De Zerbi.

The Marmoush deal, once completed, will represent another substantial outlay and signal continued intent from the club’s hierarchy.

Fans will hope the Egyptian can settle quickly and contribute immediately as Spurs look to build momentum for the new campaign.

The Lewis family promised a big window to Spurs fans and they have delivered so far, but whether the new signings all gel and take Spurs back to the European spots remains to be seen.

Manchester City will break their transfer record regarding sales when Tottenham buy Savinho, while Fabrizio Romano has confirmed a second big-money Spurs deal is now ‘agreed’.

Tottenham’s colossal squad overhaul continues at a rapid rate, with Spurs fully intending to sign three new forwards – all of whom could be regular starters – in the final days of the summer transfer window.

An entirely new front line is desired, with Cody Gakpo eyed for the left, Omar Marmoush up front, and Savinho on the right.

Tottenham have long since agreed personal terms with Man City’s Savinho and on Wednesday night, our insider, Graeme Bailey, revealed a club-to-club agreement had been struck. Bailey also verified the identity of the player City are pushing to sign as Savinho’s replacement.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has now confirmed that agreement has been sealed, and it’s for an eye-watering sum.

Tottenham paying £85m package for Savinho

He wrote: ‘Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to sign Manchester City winger Savinho in a deal that could be worth up to £85million.

‘Spurs are set to pay £75m up front, plus £10m in potential bonuses for the Brazilian – £5m of which are highly achievable.’

At £85m, Savinho will become Man City’s most expensive ever sale, surpassing the £81m Atletico Madrid paid to sign Julian Alvarez two years ago.

The £85m fee will surprise many, though one theory currently circulating in the media regards Spurs and City unofficially agreeing to bump Savinho’s price tag up.

The reasoning why is simple – Spurs are also planning to sign Marmoush, and City are due to pay the Egyptian’s former club, Eintracht Frankfurt, a portion of the proceeds via a sell-on clause.

As such, Tottenham would pay over the odds for Savinho, with the trade-off being they then pay under the odds for Marmoush, meaning City end up sending less of their profits over to Frankfurt.

In any case, what is clear is Marmoush is expected to follow Savinho to north London, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the 27-year-old has agreed personal terms with Spurs.

Omar Marmoush agrees personal terms with Spurs

He wrote on X: ‘Tottenham also confident to get Omar Marmoush deal done after Savinho deal agreed tonight.

‘Negotiations at advanced stages for the Egyptian forward. Personal terms agreed earlier this week and #THFC confident.’

The belief is the double signing will cost £150m. With Savinho moving for £85m, that would mean Marmoush joins Tottenham for a package totalling £65m.

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo is the final piece of the puzzle for Spurs and personal terms with the Dutchman are in place.

However, Liverpool won’t sell Gakpo until they’ve signed, or at the very least lined up, two more wingers after Victor Munoz.

Bradley Barcola is the No 1 target and personal terms were long since agreed, while the Reds have also seen a £50m bid for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh turned down.

Liverpool have also agreed personal terms with Barcola’s teammate at PSG, Ibrahim Mbaye. Club-to-club discussions with PSG regarding both payers are taking place on a daily basis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Man Utd ‘most advanced’ in race for Edmond Tapsoba

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tottenham nearing spectacular double raid on Man City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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