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Tottenham Hotspur are understood to have told Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven that both players cannot leave this summer, and with Manchester United’s interest in the latter drawing a response, TEAMtalk understands there is still a scenario where the pair could both move on.

Spurs go into this weekend desperately needing a morale-boosting win after a seriously underwhelming season. Sat in 16th place and just four points clear of a resurgent West Ham in the relegation zone, interim boss Igor Tudor will hope to inspire Tottenham to a much-needed three-point haul when they make the short trip across the capital to face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Tottenham’s struggles this season have not been helped by a crippling injury list that has seen the club robbed of several top talents. Despite that, two pillars of consistency, centre-halves Romero and Van de Ven, have failed to alleviate a situation that has seen the club flirt perilously close to a first relegation in 49 years.

Should that happen, then the pair will undoubtedly depart the north London side.

Even if they do stay up, though, Spurs will seemingly face a battle to keep the pair on their books, with a range of clubs queuing up to sign the pair.

Earlier this week, TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, exclusively reported that Manchester United were ready to battle Liverpool and Real Madrid for a potential deal for the Dutch defender, who would surely command a fee of around £100m (€114m, $135m) were he to leave.

Now assessing those links, Romano was unable to rule out such a possibility, though he did make it clear that Spurs would not let both players leave this summer if still a Premier League side.

“I do not see Tottenham selling both of them (Romero and van de Ven),” Romano said on his YouTube channel. “This would not be in Tottenham style, but there is obviously a lot of attention on the players, because they are among the best centre-backs in the world. And so several clubs are following these situations.

“On van de Ven and Manchester United, these rumours around in the last 24 to 48 hours, coming from England, I received many questions, but guys, I’m not aware about anything really serious or concrete at this stage.”

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Van de Ven speculation is normal, Romano insists

While Spurs’ struggles are clear for all to see, Van de Ven has continued to set a high personal bar and his excellent performances, which have seen the Dutchman score an impressive seven goals this season from defence, have continued to attract the game’s biggest clubs.

Discussing interest in the player, together with our recent exclusive saying Harry Maguire was closing on an agreement on a new deal, Romano added: “Appreciating Micky van de Ven is absolutely normal because he is one of the best defenders around, so it’s absolutely normal to have these kinds of stories on many clubs.

“But at the moment, I think, as I keep telling you, and I told you here on the channel for some time, the focus for Man United and the big spending is going to be on midfielders. Man Utd want to invest in midfielders.

“Then Man Utd to sign a defender? I think it’s a possibility in the summer. Let’s see what happens with [Harry] Maguire if he’s going to stay, if he’s going to leave. But at the moment, for Micky van de Ven and United, there is nothing really serious or concrete.”

Tottenham takeover bid hits hurdle; Man Utd walk away from English gem

Meanwhile, Van de Ven has named himself among five Spurs players who need to dig in and help lead the club away from the drop zone.

In other Tottenham news, sources can exclusively reveal that Amanda Staveley and her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi’s hopes of pushing through a £3bn takeover of the club from the Lewis family have encountered a pretty sizeable hurdle.

Up at Old Trafford, Romano has also reported that a £26m Manchester United transfer is nearing the endgame after ‘very advanced talks’ over a summer move.

Elsewhere, the Red Devils have been backed by a second source to complete a deal for a young centre-back who has reportedly clocked an even faster speed than Van de Ven this season.

And finally, United are reported to have walked away from a £50m deal to sign a young Premier League winger despite holding talks with his entourage.

Amanda Staveley and her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi, are understood to have the funding in place – believed to be more than £3 billion – to buy Tottenham Hotspur, sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk.

Staveley, who previously oversaw the complex Newcastle United takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is ready to return to football after leaving her role at St James’ Park in 2024.

And having looked at a sizeable club in which to plunge her and husband, Ghodoussi’s, sizeable wealth into, it has been reported that they have struggling Tottenham Hotspur firmly in their crosshairs.

However, despite a broad agreement on the terms having been discussed, sources can now reveal that the prospective takeover deal has hit a significant roadblock.

The family of Joe Lewis, Tottenham’s former owner, who passed stewardship to the Lewis Family Trust, have had second thoughts about relinquishing ownership of the club, which they have held a majority stake in since 2001.

This hesitation has caused the move to stall, leaving Staveley’s company, PCP Capital Partners, waiting for a positive response.

With the finances in place and a clear ambition to proceed, we have been told that Staveley and Ghodoussi are prepared to look at other opportunities if the situation does not resolve soon.

Sources suggest that while Tottenham remains the priority, the duo’s appetite for top-flight football investment means they will not wait indefinitely for the Lewis family to make a final decision.

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Tottenham latest: Jarrod Bowen transfer hope; Donald Trump opposes Spurs move

Meanwhile, sources can confirm that Jarrod Bowen’s commitment to West Ham United is being tested, with TEAMtalk told that he views his future as ‘very open’, with Tottenham battling another Premier League big-gun for his signature this summer.

Elsewhere, we understand that a forward putting up great numbers in a left-field destination has been offered to Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool via intermediaries.

In other news, Cesc Fabregas is fast emerging as one of Europe’s most highly-regarded young managers, and we understand his name is now being discussed at the very top of the Premier League.

But what of the chances of a controversial move to Tottenham Hotspur, given the star’s past ties with both Arsenal and Chelsea?

With regards the next manager, a tier one source has named Spurs’ Grade A choice to permanently succeed Thomas Frank, though a two-pronged problem in that pursuit has materialised – one of which is Donald Trump!

A parting of ways for Rodrygo at Real Madrid now looks inevitable this summer, and with the Brazilian superstar revealing the two factors that drive him, reports in Spain have explained why Chelsea are well placed to beat three sides, including Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, to his signature.

The 25-year-old is now in his seventh season at the Bernabeu, having arrived as a raw but talented teenager way back in the summer of 2019. In that time, he has helped Real Madrid to win 13 honours, including the LaLiga title three times and the Champions League twice, while scoring 71 goals in 296 appearances.

However, after seeing himself strongly linked with a Premier League move last summer after seeing himself squeezed out of the first-team picture by the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo was convinced to stay by then-boss Xabi Alonso, who still saw a role for the Brazilian in his side.

Sadly, Rodrygo’s form has largely deserted him this season, with the winger managing just three goals and six assists from 26 appearances, and with speculation starting to gather serious pace that a parting of ways will be on the cards.

Now, according to El Nacional, the 37-times capped Brazil winger will be on the move this summer – and it is Chelsea who are ready to strike an agreement to bring him to the Premier League.

Per the report, the Blues have already sounded out the player’s agents to determine both his wage demands and his willingness to make the move and it’s understood that a positive response has been received.

The report claims that Arsenal and Tottenham, who were both strongly linked with Rodrygo last summer and had held talks over a would-be deal, also remain keen.

It’s also reported that Saudi Pro-League side Al-Hilal are in the mix for his signature, though the Blues look best placed to launch a move and are seen as the side in the driving seat.

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Rodrygo at a crossroads as he reveals what drives him

Either way, it now seems a question of when, not if Rodrygo will leave this summer and with the price Real Madrid will demand for his services also to be determined.

Last summer, it was reported that a deal could cost his suitors around €80m (£70m, $94m), and with two years left on his deal, it is thought their price point will have unlikely shifted much.

But this summer is also seen by Bernabeu officials as the perfect time to cash in, given his value will start to dwindle if he starts to approach the final year of his deal.

The 25-year-old himself also knows he’s approaching something of a career crossroads and, in an interview with Spanish TV, he revealed the two factors that drive him.

And while admitting that money is important, he insists the honour of playing for Real Madrid has always been his driving factor.

“Money is important, I’m not stupid,” he said, per Madrid Xtra, when asked if he would have signed for Los Blancos had he earned the same in Brazil.

“But it was always my dream to play for Real Madrid. I would play here no matter what, regardless of the money.”

Chelsea block sales of two stars to Real Madrid; PSG, Liverpool stars eyed

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are set to explore alternative midfield targets after conceding that prising either Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo away from Chelsea is highly unlikely this summer, TEAMtalk understands.

Of their alternatives, they have a PSG superstar and a player from Liverpool also in their sights.

A report has also revealed that Los Blancos want another Portuguese gem from the French giants.

Sources have told our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Real Madrid’s search for a top-class midfielderhas led them to take a look at a Crystal Palace star, who is the subject of interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, too.

Jarrod Bowen’s commitment to West Ham United is being tested, with sources informing TEAMtalk that he views his future as ‘very open’, with Manchester United and Tottenham among his potential suitors in the summer.

The Hammers are 18th in the Premier League table and are battling to avoid relegation, sitting two points away from safety as things stand.

Club captain Bowen has undoubtedly been one of West Ham’s best players in recent years and has played almost every minute of their 27 league games this term, notching eight goals and three assists in the process.

The 29-year-old signed a long-term contract with the Hammers in 2023, which runs until June 2030, and club sources continue to highlight his importance, including praise for his tireless efforts in matches like the goalless draw against Bournemouth last time out.

However, speculation about a potential summer 2026 exit has intensified, particularly if West Ham fail to secure top-flight survival.

Interest from bigger clubs persists. We understand Man Utd could target him if West Ham go down, viewing him as a way to boost their attack.

Tottenham have longstanding admiration, having enquired about him in recent windows and seeing him as a “complete footballer” suited to next season’s European aspirations. Their hopes of landing Bowen will also hinge on whether they can avoid relegation themselves, though.

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West Ham set for fight to keep Jarrod Bowen

Liverpool have been urged by some to consider Bowen praising his superior work ethic and fit on the right flank, but sources have played down any connection to Anfield for now.

Other links include occasional mentions of Newcastle United and Arsenal, but nothing concrete has emerged on that front recently.

West Ham are fiercely protective of their captain, and any permanent transfer would command a substantial fee given his contract length and market value, estimated around €60million (£52.5m / $70.8m). However that fee is negotiable if they do drop to the Championship.

For now, Bowen is focused on helping West Ham climb out of trouble, with upcoming fixtures like the clash against Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow offering a chance to build momentum.

His decision this summer will ultimately hinge on West Ham’s fate: loyalty could see him stay and cement legendary status, or ambition might drive him towards European football and top-tier status.

Latest Man Utd news: Gordon wanted / Wharton transfer battle

Meanwhile, we have reported how Man Utd are one of the club’s keeping a close eye on Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, who has been superb for the Magpies this season.

It could take £95million to lure Gordon from St James’ Park, though, and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to bring him to the Emirates.

In other news, Man Utd look set to go head-to-head with Liverpool for the signing of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who may surprisingly be available for just £60million this summer.

Real Madrid are also tracking the England international, who looks likely to depart Selhurst Park.

Tottenham Hotspur could be forced to make some tough transfer decisions this summer, and speculation is mounting that Real Madrid could launch a spectacular move for talented youngster Archie Gray.

The 19-year-old joined Spurs in a deal worth around £40million in the summer of 2024. He has long been considered to be one of England’s most exciting talents and has impressed for the London club despite the team’s struggles on the pitch.

Gray has already made 72 appearances for Tottenham. Despite central midfield being his natural position, he has also been deployed at right-back, left-back, and centre-back when other players were unavailable, generally doing well wherever he’s played.

That versatility and the maturity beyond his years that he’s shown are two of the reasons elite clubs are keeping a close watch on his situation.

Reports suggested earlier this week that LaLiga giants Madrid are big admirers of Gray – and now those claims have been backed up by a different source.

According to reports cited by Tribuna, Tottenham have set an asking price of €60million (£52.5m / $70.6m), suggesting they would consider letting him go if a club matches their valuation.

Madrid are said to be particularly keen on Gray but they are joined in the race by Bayern Munich. Madrid are keen to add depth in the middle of the park, while Bayern are eyeing potential replacements for Leon Goretska, who could leave.

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Tottenham will fight to keep Archie Gray

While the Madrid, Gray links are certainly interesting and the rumours aren’t going away, we don’t feel there is any need for Tottenham supporters to panic about him just yet.

The ex-Leeds star is contracted until 2030, which puts Spurs in a very strong negotiating position. They are not believed to be in any danger in terms of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), so aren’t under any pressure to sell.

There is perhaps one scenario where Spurs could be forced to consider a big offer for the teenager – relegation.

Spurs have endured a horrific season in the Premier League and currently sit 16th in the table, only four points outside the drop zone. Thomas Frank was sacked as a result of their woeful form and Igor Tudor has been brought in as interim manager to try and steady the ship.

Player sales are inevitable if Tottenham do suffer an unthinkable drop to the Championship, so Madrid or indeed Bayern could try and take advantage of the situation by moving for Gray.

He has reported wages of £75,000 per week – a huge amount compared to the average Championship salary.

But Gray has always seemed committed to Tottenham, so it’s possible he sticks around to play in the Championship, and could be key given his previous second-tier experience with Leeds.

It’s also worth noting that reliable outlet The Athletic named 15 players that would likely leave Spurs if they do go down, and interestingly, Gray wasn’t one of them.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea remain in the picture to sign Dusan Vlahovic, though he has made Barcelona his No 1 pick, we can reveal.

As the summer transfer window looms, Vlahovic finds himself at the centre of intense interest. The striker’s contract with Juventus expires on June 30, positioning him as one of Europe’s most coveted free agents. Despite Juventus scheduling fresh talks with his representative in March to explore a renewal, the Serbian’s future remains uncertain amid a persistent salary impasse.

Vlahovic currently earns around €12million (£10.5m / $14m) net per season, a figure the Bianconeri appear reluctant to match long-term.

Negotiations have stalled repeatedly, though sources suggest the player maintains a positive relationship with the club, his teammates, and the Turin faithful – leaving the door ajar for a stay. Juventus have even proposed short-term extensions, but no breakthrough has emerged.

Elsewhere, interest has been widespread, and concrete exit paths are starting to appear. A move to the Premier League would be put on ice for one club, as Barcelona stand out as Vlahovic’s preferred destination.

The forward has instructed his representatives to prioritise talks with the Catalan giants, viewing Camp Nou as an ideal stage to succeed the ageing Robert Lewandowski. Barcelona’s need for a reliable goalscorer aligns perfectly with Vlahovic’s proven finishing ability.

AC Milan represent the other serious contender. The Rossoneri have engaged in direct discussions, drawn by Vlahovic’s pedigree as a classic No 9. However, Milan’s wage ceiling – around €6-8m (up to £7m / $9m) net – may fall short of his expectations, complicating matters despite manager Massimiliano Allegri’s prior successful collaboration with the player.

Premier League sides Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur continue to monitor the situation closely, with both clubs seeing the 26-year-old as a potential upgrade in attack.

Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have been linked, alongside Italian rivals Roma and Inter Milan, though responses from most have been described as lukewarm, with Vlahovic described as nothing more than “an option” at this stage.

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Tottenham, Chelsea being kept informed on Vlahovic

Vlahovic’s recent injury absence has tempered enthusiasm somewhat, but his goal-scoring record of 46 Serie A strikes in 117 appearances for Juventus ensures he remains an attractive proposition.

With Europe’s elite weighing the financial risks against his talent, Vlahovic faces a stick or twist decision over his future.

My colleague, Graeme Bailey, reported on January 24 that Vlahovic remains a live option for several Premier League clubs, despite Milan growing in confidence over a possible deal. Sources told Bailey that Chelsea and Tottenham have been kept constantly informed on the situation.

We revealed on February 11 that Chelsea are leading the race to bring Vlahovic to the Premier League, a destination he has always admired.

Top Tottenham manager target; Chelsea in for Forest star

Meanwhile, a top source has confirmed Spurs’ ‘plan A’ for their next permanent manager after Igor Tudor.

The north London side are keen on a £50m-rated Brighton star, and the Seagulls have already decided on his replacement.

A tier one journalist has confirmed what TEAMtalk has been reporting well before Thomas Frank was even sacked: that Tottenham Hotspur are ready to go all out to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, though it seems club overlords, ENIC, will need to overcome two sizeable issues, including Donald Trump, first.

A new era in north London began dismally over the weekend as new interim manager Igor Tudor was unable to inspire the side to victory as they were thrashed 4-1 at home by Arsenal in the north London derby. That defeat means the Croatian becomes the first Tottenham manager since Andre Villas-Boas in 2012 to suffer defeat in their first match at the helm.

With Spurs now very much embroiled in a fight to avoid relegation, and currently sitting just four points clear of the drop zone, Tudor has alarmingly admitted that the Spurs side he has inherited from the sacked Frank is “full of problems”.

And with the ‘Croatian Sam Allardyce’ only destined for a short stint at the helm, Spurs are already thinking about the long-term incumbent who can steer the club back towards the upper echelons of the Premier League and ensure these now all too frequent dalliances with the bottom of the table do not continue to be commonplace.

To that end, our correspondent Fraser Fletcher reported on January 13 that Spurs were not just giving serious consideration to sacking Frank, but had also started to explore the possibility of a sensational return to the club for Pochettino.

Now the plan to bring the much-adored Argentine back to N17 has been given a significant green light from the much-respected Henry Winter.

Speaking on the Market Madness podcast, Winter stated: “I’m sure it is their Plan A, but it’s also Plan USA and any hint of interest in Mauricio Pochettino, even if it’s just a puff of smoke from Tottenham High Road and a letter on a postcard to California, I think that would just cause chaos in America as we’ve seen with coaches who are approached by clubs before.”

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Next Tottenham manager: Two hurdles to Pochettino

With regards to a second stint in north London, where sources report that Pochettino feels he has “unfinished business”, but having already said “yes” to a potential return, we have already stated that any move will be delayed until after the 53-year-old has completed his obligations with the USMNT, whose contract runs until after the World Cup.

With the competition played on home soil, the USA will hope to reach the knockout stages for the eighth time in their history, with the country hoping to earn a last-eight place for the first time since 2002.

Now Winter has confirmed that any move will likely face opposition from arguably the most powerful man on earth: USA president Donald Trump!

“Bobby Robson going into 1990 knowing he was at a club at the end of it was called a traitor. He (Pochettino) would definitely get that in America, you would have [President Donald] Trump talking about it!”

However, with his $6m a year contract officially due to expire once USA’s involvement in the tournament is over, and with an extension highly unlikely, even Trump will be powerless to prevent Pochettino taking up the Spurs job.

Winter, though, accepts that Tottenham have more pressing issues, such as trying to stave off the threat of relegation, while he also believes the club’s overlords, ENIC, will need to adopt a less stringent policy when it comes to the club’s wage bill, which is approximately half the annual cost of Manchester City, for example.

Winter added: “The fans would love Pochettino.

“But I think they’ve got to sort out a lot of other things first. Recruitment, whether it be paying more in wages and maybe they’re going to loosen the purse strings, the Lewis family in the summer as we’re expecting, but it it’s about characters, it’s about leaders.”

Latest Tottenham news: Catastrophic boss blunder; elite French keeper eyed

Meanwhile, Man Utd legend Paul Scholes has questioned Spurs’ decision to appoint former Juventus boss Tudor as their interim manager, naming a former Premier League boss as the perfect man who would have steered them to safety.

On the transfer front, Spurs are intensifying their search for a new goalkeeper, and TEAMtalk can reveal that a stand-out French star has emerged as an option to replace Guglielmo Vicario, who the club have decided to offload in the summer.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid have taken a shine to a talented young Spurs midfielder, with a report revealing how the north London side view the young star, who has now become the fourth Spurs player to be linked with a move to Estadio Bernabeu.

Should the worst happen, though, and the club suffer relegation, we have taken a look at a typical Spurs XI that could take the field in the Championship next season.

Liverpool star Andy Robertson is now a “certainty” to leave Anfield this summer, a trusted journalist has revealed, and with five clubs likely to battle it out for his signature, the Reds have been linked with an elite £61.2m-rated replacement to compete with Milos Kerkez.

The Scotland captain will arguably go down as one of Liverpool‘s greatest ever pound-for-pound signings, particularly in recent years, having helped the club win eight major honours in his nine years at Anfield. Costing a modest £8m from Hull City in July 2017, he is the club’s second-longest serving star after Joe Gomez.

But with Robertson‘s contract expiring this summer, Liverpool came within a whisker of accepting a £5m offer to sell the 31-year-old to Tottenham Hotspur in January, though the move was ultimately blocked after Arne Slot saw Gomez suffer a shoulder injury in the defeat to Bournemouth.

Now, with his future on the line, trusted Liverpool FC expert David Lynch has confirmed that after more than 350 games for Liverpool, the star will depart Merseyside for good this summer, with the Reds now deciding once and for all that not to offer the player a new deal.

“Robertson, for me, that’s a certainty that he will go now… there’s no chance of a new contract now and he will depart,” Lynch told Anfield Index.

Before Lynch’s comment, our transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher has confirmed that Spurs, subject to the north London side retaining their Premier League status, will be back in for Robertson as a free agent this summer.

Fletcher also confirmed that the team Robertson supported as a boy, and was recently seen in the crowd to watch their European game with VfB Stuttgart, Celtic will also be in the mix for his signature.

In addition to those two sides, it’s recently been reported that Atletico Madrid, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Wolves are also in the mix, though with the Molineux side now on the cusp of having their relegation back to the Championship confirmed, we understand they have already been ruled out of the race and with Robertson keen to continue playing at the highest level possible.

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Liverpool linked with £61.2m Robertson replacement

The exit of Robertson will of course leave a very sizeable hole in the Liverpool backline, and while the Scot has not been as influential this season, he remains a loud voice around the Anfield dressing room.

To fill that gap, a separate report this week has named Liverpool as one of the sides, alongside Real Madrid, as closely monitoring Juventus’ world-class left-back Andrea Cambiaso.

It’s claimed Juve are seeking a fee of around €70m (£61,2m, $83m) to sell the experienced 26-year-old, who is regarded as one of the best in the world for his position.

Links to Cambiaso come after former Juventus manager Igor Tudor backed the Italy international to move to Estadio Bernabeu or Anfield at one stage in his career.

Football Italia quotes Tudor as saying about Cambiaso in September 2025: “He can play as a mezzala.

“He has a different kind of mind, in a good way. As a full-back, he sees things as a midfielder. Sometimes he moves inside, and he feels the positions.

“I give the guys a bit of freedom to adapt on the pitch in the best way according to their qualities.

“He’s a top-level player. He needs to be more consistent in his performances, and he has to work and grow. It always depends on him.

“Potentially, he’s a player for the best clubs in the world, but it’s up to him to decide.

“He can play at Liverpool, Real Madrid or Manchester City, the top clubs in the world, but he has to say: ‘I’ll get there because every Sunday, I’m the best.’ If he says that, he can go and play there shortly.”

Once compared to the iconic Paolo Maldini, Cambiaso has also been described as a ‘long-term pillar’ of the Juventus side.

Latest Liverpool news: Reds keen on Swedish midfielder; Ajax wonderkid eyed

Meanwhile, Liverpool are considering a move to sign a quality Swedish midfielder from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer transfer window, according to reports in the German media.

The German news outlet states it will take up to €65million (£56.6m, $76.8m) to convince Frankfurt to sell their star man, who, according to the report, is ‘in a league of his own’.

Elsewhere, we exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Liverpool are among the suitors wishing to sign an Ajax wonderkid now viewed as a potentially better prospect than the much-heralded FC Twente star Kees Smit.

In other news, Liverpool are firmly in the mix to sign Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven, who we now understand is very much open to leaving Spurs this summer amid their struggles on the pitch.

And finally, the agent of Florian Wirtz has openly admitted he’ll attempt to transfer his client to Real Madrid, and he’s even hinted the Germany playmaker wants the move too.

If Bart Verbruggen leaves Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, we understand the club will not pursue a big-money replacement.

Instead, Brighton are prepared to promote from within, with plans already in place for a seamless transition.

Verbruggen has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers, attracting strong interest from European giants including Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur. Despite this, Brighton remain calm and confident about their succession plan.

TEAMtalk can reveal that Brighton rate Carl Rushworth extremely highly – even though he has yet to make a first-team appearance for the club.

Rushworth has amassed over 200 games on loan away from Brighton, gaining invaluable experience and consistently impressing at every stop.

Currently starring on loan at Championship promotion chasers Coventry City, Rushworth has caught the eye of several clubs, including Manchester United.

The 24-year-old is eager to become Brighton’s first-choice goalkeeper, and with his current deal running until 2027, the club knows he is unlikely to sign a new contract if he remains as a backup.

We revealed on December 3 that Tottenham are making checks on Verbruggen amid uncertainty over Guglielmo Vicario’s future as No 1.

Sources have confirmed to us that Spurs are ready to offload Vicario this summer. Verbruggen is not the only shot-stopper they are keen on, as we understand Lens star Robin Risser is also being strongly considered.

We reported on February 11 that Chelsea are ready to move for Verbruggen by matching Brighton’s £50million (€57m / $68m) valuation.

The Dutchman looks set to be the next star Brighton make significant profit on. They paid Anderlecht £16m for him in July 2023.

Since then, Verbruggen has kept 22 clean sheets in 94 appearances for the Seagulls. He has demonstrated lightning-fast reflexes and an ability to play out from the back while shining in the Premier League.

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Tottenham face manager rejection; Rosenior makes sale decision

Meanwhile, a highly rated Premier League boss is expected to snub Spurs and Manchester United and agree fresh terms at his current club.

We can reveal that Micky van de Ven is open to leaving north London amid interest from Liverpool and Man Utd.

Jurgen Klopp has reportedly ‘asked’ Real Madrid to accept a record-breaking Manchester United bid for Brazilian superstar Vinicius Junior this summer, if he takes the top job at the Bernabeu, while a new Tottenham Hotspur target has emerged on the club’s radar.

Klopp continues to be heavily linked with taking over the reins at the Bernabeu at the end of the season, with Xabi Alonso’s successor, Alvaro Arbeloa, not expected to last beyond the summer.

The former Liverpool boss, who is currently Head of Global Soccer for the Red Bull group, is said to have already held meetings with Real Madrid‘s hierarchy in which he outlined his demands ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Vinicius Jr not in Klopp’s plans at Real Madrid

Reports in Spain are claiming that Klopp ‘asked Real Madrid to accept Man Utd’s offer’ for Vinicius Jr ahead of the summer transfer window, in order for him to use the reported €150m (£131m / $177m) the Red Devils are prepared to pay to land the Brazilian to help rebuild the LaLiga giant’s squad.

Indeed, it’s stated that Klopp ‘would welcome a sale of this magnitude’ so that he ‘reshape the Real squad to his liking, with one less star player to appease’.

The report adds: ‘Klopp, historically associated with playing styles based on intensity and well-defined structures, could prioritise players ideally suited to his footballing philosophy. In this context, a multi-million dollar sale would serve as a mechanism to generate funds and thus be able to enter the transfer market with greater force.’

Vinicius Junior currently has less than 18 months remaining on his contract at the Bernabeu, meaning that this summer represents the last opportunity to secure a realistic fee for a player of that quality.

The Brazil international wants parity with top-earner Kylian Mbappe when it comes to a new deal, but that has so far proved a stumbling block for Real and could end up leading to an exit.

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Real Madrid want special Tottenham talent

Real Madrid have reportedly taken a shine to Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Archie Gray, who is now the fourth star from the north London club to be linked with a move to Estadio Bernabeu.

Gray, a £40million (€46m, $54m) signing from Leeds United in 2024, has shown tremendous versatility since joining Spurs, playing in his natural central midfield position but also at right-back, right wing-back and as an emergency centre-back.

The 19-year-old has made 13 Premier League starts for the club this season, as well as five in the Champions League and, according to Sports Boom, Madrid have been impressed with Gray’s ‘versatility’ and are keen on a 2026 summer deal.

Despite Spurs not wanting to part company with Gray, the report adds that they currently value him at around £55m (€63m, $74.2m), while it’s also stated that Bayern Munich have also thrown their hat into the ring.

Gray is just the latest Tottenham player to have caught Madrid’s eyes, as the genuine threat of relegation and a mass exodus that would bring, lingers in north London.

Indeed, we’ve previously stated how much Real love Micky van de Ven, while fellow centre-backs Cristian Romero and Luka Vuskovic, currently on loan at Hamburg in Germany, are also firmly on their radar.

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More Real Madrid news: Szoboszlai chase blow; left-back battle brewing

TEAMtalk sources remain adamant that Dominik Szoboszlai is on course to sign a new Liverpool deal with a timeline set on when a new deal could be announced, while a trusted and well-informed journalist moved to play down speculation that the Hungarian would depart for Real Madrid in a blockbuster move this summer.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Liverpool are closely monitoring left-back Andrea Cambiaso, according to a report, which comes just months after former Juventus manager Igor Tudor backed the Italy international to move to Estadio Bernabeu or Anfield.

Finally, Real Madrid could bring Jacobo Ramon back to Estadio Bernabeu, according to a reliable source, which is bad news for Tottenham Hotspur, but Los Blancos’ stance on Antonio Rudiger will be encouraging for Spurs owners ENIC.