TEAMtalk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cody Gakpo to Tottenham is ON – Fabrizio Romano

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tottenham insider explains Romero ‘swap’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sarr part of Tottenham exodus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tottenham have recouped some funds with some sales, though.

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

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

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

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

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

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Tottenham could regret Lankshear transfer decision

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fresh Savinho move doubts emerge for Tottenham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Balogun ready to join Tottenham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benfica winning race for Palhinha

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

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

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

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

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

Having already offloaded a number of first-team stars in a major revamp of Roberto De Zerbi’s first-team squad this summer, another Tottenham Hotspur star looks increasingly likely to be heading for the exit door.

After confirmation of Guglielmo Vicario’s loan switch to Juventus, there are fresh reports that his international teammate Detsiny Udogie could also be on his way back to Serie A before the window shuts on September 1.

Roma are reportedly preparing an offer for the left-back, with Tottenham hoping to recoup around €30million from a permanent sale for Udogie – although that conflicts with the Italian side’s proposed loan with an option to buy structure.

It’s claimed that Udogie has already accepted the idea of a move to the Italian capital, after failing to play a minute of pre-season for De Zerbi, despite zero reports of any injury issues.

The potential exit comes as a surprise, especially after Djed Spence was offloaded to Inter Milan, having been utilised more as a left-back than he was on his natural right side last season.

If Udogie does move on, it will leave summer signing Andy Robertson as clear first-choice, with Ben Davies, who is more comfortable centrally these days, and Brazilian talent Souza as back-ups.

The fact that he has been nowhere to be seen in pre-season, however, suggests that there is every chance that Udogie joins the likes of Cristian Romero, Spence, Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma, Luka Vuskovic, Will Lankshear, Manor Solomon, Alejo Veliz, Ashley Phillips and Alfie Devine in leaving the north London club this summer.

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Vicario completes Juventus loan switch

Meanwhile, Guglielmo Vicario has completed his season-long loan move from Tottenham to Italian giants Juventus, the two clubs have announced.

There is an option to make the deal permanent for an £8.6m (€10.5m) fee, as per ESPN.

Vicario lost his No. 1 spot to Antonin Kinsky after undergoing hernia surgery and was kept on the bench by De Zerbi during the club’s fight to avoid relegation during his seven games in charge.

The arrival of Martin Dubravka on a free transfer this summer was the final nail in the coffin for Vicario, with the former Burnley stopper signed as back-up to Kinsky.

Vicario has made 117 appearances for Tottenham since joining from Serie A side Empoli three years ago.

A move away from Paris Saint-Germain remains a realistic possibility for Illia Zabarnyi this summer, sources have confirmed, yet the Ukrainian centre-back faces a crowded market that could force him to wait on other developments before any deal materialises.

Liverpool have been linked with the 23-year-old, who previously thrived under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth. However, the Reds already possess a strong defensive group featuring Ronald Araujo, Virgil van Dijk, Jérémy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomes.

Any arrival of Zabarnyi would require the club to create space in the squad, as the defender is understood to seek regular first-team football rather than a peripheral role.

With competition for places already intense, Liverpool would need to carefully manage their options before committing to a significant outlay for the PSG man – a scenario which, at the current time, appears unlikely and no longer a priority at Anfield following the capture of Araujo from Barcelona earlier this month.

Chelsea, another club previously mentioned in connection with Zabarnyi, also appear less active in the centre-back market at present.

The Blues recently completed the signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace and are not believed to be pushing aggressively for further reinforcements in that position, although they always remain open to options in the market. This reduced urgency limits one potential avenue for the Ukrainian international.

As a result, Zabarnyi’s next move is likely to depend on other dominoes falling elsewhere in the transfer window…

Spurs could yet launch move for Zabarnyi

Sources state interest has also emerged from Tottenham Hotspur, where the departure of club captain Cristian Romero has created additional room in the back line.

Spurs have taken a look at the player, but sources indicate there has yet to be any serious contact regarding a potential switch to north London.

Zabarnyi joined PSG from Bournemouth last summer in a deal worth around £57 million (€67m, $77m) and has featured regularly in Ligue 1, though European minutes proved harder to come by.

At 23, he retains considerable upside, yet the combination of high valuation and limited immediate opportunities at the biggest clubs means patience may be required.

Should suitable openings arise through further squad reshuffles, the defender could still secure a return to the Premier League before the window closes. Until then, his future remains one to watch but is reliant on other deals falling into place.

A journalist believes Liverpool will stop Tottenham Hotspur from signing Cody Gakpo this summer as Roberto De Zerbi pushes to land Manchester City’s Savinho instead.

Liverpool reportedly want at least £60million to sell Gakpo, and potentially as high as £70m. The left winger struggled at times for Liverpool last season but regained his confidence at the World Cup, scoring three times before the Netherlands’ surprise exit to Morocco.

Tottenham have already bolstered their defence and midfield for De Zerbi, and they have now turned their attention to the wide attacking positions.

De Zerbi has asked the club to sign both Gakpo and Savinho, seeing them as versatile yet quality players who can strengthen numerous positions across the forward line.

We revealed on Saturday that Gakpo has agreed personal terms with Spurs, while he has also informed Liverpool of his desire to leave.

Our sources state that Spurs could seriously test Liverpool’s resolve with a £60m bid for the 27-year-old.

But talkSPORT transfer reporter Alex Crook claims Gakpo will not be joining Spurs ready for the new campaign.

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

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

Instead, De Zerbi and Spurs look set to put all their effort towards landing Savinho from City.

Spurs have agreed personal terms with the Brazilian. They held talks for Savinho last summer too but ultimately could not convince City to sell him.

Tottenham locked in talks for Savinho

Savinho went on to pen a new contract at the Etihad, though Spurs believe a deal is there to be done this time around.

According to The Times, Spurs are in discussions with City over a huge £85m swoop for Savinho.

Previously, the 22-year-old was expected to move for £60-65m, but it now seems Spurs will have to significantly increase their proposal to reach an agreement.

It would not be a surprise if Spurs did launch a mega £85m offer for Savinho. The captures of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have shown Spurs are willing to spend massive money to give De Zerbi a squad capable of challenging for European qualification once again.