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Man City have identified Wolves forward and Tottenham Hotspur target Pedro Neto as a potential replacement for Julian Alvarez, it has been claimed.

It comes as fresh details behind Alvarez‘s decision to leave the reigning Premier League champions have come to light, with two key factors behind the Argentine’s impending departure.

Alvarez is poised to complete a move to Atletico Madrid after the LaLiga giants agreed a €95million (£82m) fee with Man City – a significant profit on the £14million the Citizens paid River Plate to bring the forward to England in January 2022.

The 24-year-old, who has agreed personal terms with Atletico, will leave Man City having registered 36 goals and 18 assists in 103 appearances, winning two Premier League titles as well as the FA Cup, the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.

With Brazilian winger Savinho still City’s only new signing during the summer window to date, Alvarez’s exit is likely to force Pep Guardiola to add more attacking reinforcements to his squad.

And a report by the Telegraph has claimed that Portuguese international Neto “is one of the players to have interested City” as the club scout the market.

The news of City’s interest in Neto is likely to come as a blow to Tottenham and Arsenal after TEAMtalk exclusively revealed last month that the North London rivals are both keen on the Wolves forward.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano issued an update on Neto’s situation last weekend, with Tottenham expected to “accelerate” their attempts to sign the 24-year-old, who has registered 14 goals and 24 assists for Wolves since arriving from Braga in 2019.

Gary O’Neil, the Wolves manager, recently admitted that “no one is going to stand in Pedro’s way if a massive bid comes from a top club.”

It is believed that a bid in the region of £60m would tempt Wolves to sell the player, with the competition to secure Neto’s signature likely to intensify ahead of the transfer deadline on August 30.

Revealed: Julian Alvarez reasons behind Man City exit

Meanwhile, Football Insider has claimed that a hunger for more first-team football, as well as desire to play in a warmer climate, contributed to Alvarez’s push to leave Man City.

It is said that Alvarez had grown frustrated with Guardiola’s tendency to leave him out of the team for big matches and was set on a move to Europe, with the 2022 World Cup winner having no interest in joining another Premier League club.

Although it is believed that Guardiola had been hopeful of keeping Alvarez, the manager’s policy of allowing unhappy players to leave meant a Man City exit was inevitable as soon as the player signalled his intention to leave.

Tottenham have agreed a striker transfer that paves the way for a much bigger deal to follow, while transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed another Spurs move is due to be finalised today.

It’s no secret Tottenham are hunting a blockbuster new addition at No 9. Indeed, manager Ange Postecoglou recently confirmed a new frontman is wanted when speaking to Football London.

“It’s still the area of the park we’re really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that’s a focus for us.” said the Spurs boss.

Son Heung-min and Richarlison were the favoured options for the central striker role last season. Richarlison blew hot and cold, while Son’s preferred position remains cutting inside from the left wing.

As Postecoglou stated, options are thin on the ground at present and the club’s latest agreed deal suggests a readymade striker must and will be signed.

Both Fabrizio Romano and reliable reports in Spain have confirmed back-up striker, Alejo Veliz, will join Espanyol on loan.

The 20-year-old Argentine has already landed in Barcelona (the city where Espanyol are located), and the deal has already been ‘closed.’

The agreement is for a season-long loan and an option to buy has NOT been included. As such, Veliz will return to north London next June.

Veliz exit paves way for huge striker arrival

Veliz will spend the 2024/25 season loaned to Espanyol and the fact Tottenham are letting a back-up striker leave is another clear indication they will sign a new frontman.

Dominic Solanke, Ivan Toney and Jonathan David have all been linked of late. TEAMtalk understands Spurs are ready to stamp on the accelerator for Solanke.

Tottenham do not intend to trigger Solanke’s £65m release clause. Instead, we’ve been told a bid of £50m that would include a player as a makeweight has been internally discussed.

Solanke is believed to be keen on the move and talks between Tottenham and his camp have already taken place.

Another Tottenham exit on the cusp of completion

Elsewhere, another exit to follow Veliz’s switch to Espanyol should be wrapped up today.

Emerson Royal agreed personal terms with AC Milan one month ago and talks between the clubs regarding the transfer fee and payment structure will take place today (Wednesday).

An agreement on a fee in the region of €15m prior to add-ons is expected to be ironed out.

Providing a fresh update on Emerson following news of Veliz’s move, Romano stated on X: “Tottenham are signing all documents for Alejo Veliz to join Espanyol on loan.

“NO buy option clause included. Back at Spurs in June.

“Next up: direct contact with AC Milan to seal Emerson Royal deal for €15m fee plus add-ons, almost there.”

Tottenham hope to seal a deal TODAY after a ‘final round of talks’ were scheduled, while personal terms are already agreed and how much the deal would cost has been confirmed.

Spurs have quietly completed several deals already this summer, with Timo Werner (loan), Archie Gray (£40m) and Yang Min-hyuk all signed. 18-year-old South Korean winger Yang will link up with his new Tottenham teammates six months from now in January.

Regarding exits, fees have been collected for Joe Rodon (£10m – Leeds United) and Troy Parrott (£6.7m – AZ Alkmaar).

Elsewhere, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Marseille) and Bryan Gil (Girona) have both left on season-long loans. Hojbjerg’s deal contains an option to buy.

Right-back Emerson Royal is closing in on a permanent switch to AC Milan and today’s update regards the 10-cap Brazil international.

Pedro Porro’s arrival 18 months ago shoved Emerson down the pecking order in his favoured right-back role.

The 25-year-old did rack up a handy 22 Premier League appearances last term, though the bulk of those came when deputising for injured players at left-back or centre-back. Few would argue Emerson performed well in the firefighting role.

As such, Emerson was deemed surplus to requirements and Serie A giants AC Milan agreed personal terms with the player one month ago.

A five-year deal has been ironed out, with Emerson due to earn roughly £50,000-a-week if completing his move to the San Siro.

Tottenham and AC Milan to close Emerson Royal transfer

Progress on the club-to-club side of the deal is finally being made, with Emerson expected to complete his move for a fee of around €15m/£12.9m prior to add-ons.

Reports in Italy recently claimed a fresh round of talks would take place two days ago (Monday) to finalise the deal.

Whether those discussions were held is unclear, though per Fabrizio Romano, a ‘final round of talks’ have been pencilled in for today (Wednesday).

Taking to X late on Tuesday night, Romano wrote: ‘AC Milan and Tottenham will have final round of talks to close Emerson Royal deal tomorrow.

‘€15m plus add-ons package, Emerson’s on the verge of becoming new Milan player.’

DON’T MISS: Tottenham set mindblowing Cristian Romero valuation despite centre-back’s Real Madrid revelation

More Tottenham transfers in the works

Emerson’s imminent exit will allow Spurs roughly three weeks to re-invest the proceeds from the sale.

Ange Postecoglou has been tipped to sign a new right-back, though failure to shift Djed Spence could simply see him installed as Porro’s back-up.

Elsewhere, a new central midfielder is wanted after losing out to Atletico Madrid for Conor Gallagher. Manchester United’s Scott McTominay is a player of interest to Spurs.

But unquestionably the biggest deal Tottenham are chasing regards Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

Talks have been held with the 26-year-old’s agent and Solanke is understood to be keen on the move. Indeed, Solanke has a point to prove after his two prior spells with bigger clubs (Chelsea, Liverpool) came and went without everr being offered a real opportunity to shine.

Bournemouth are protected by a £65m release clause that only a handful of clubs can trigger.

Whether Tottenham are among those who can activate the clause is as yet unclear, though TEAMtalk understands they aim to circumnavigate the clause anyway.

A bid of £50m that would also include a player as a makeweight has been internally discussed at Tottenham.

Tottenham have reportedly set a huge valuation on key centre-back Cristian Romero as links to Spanish giants Real Madrid refuse to go away this summer.

The Argentina international is said to be viewed as a perfect alternative to French defender Leny Yoro after Real recently lost out to Manchester United in the chase for the teenage talent.

However, Romero was a target for the LaLiga heavyweights before their chase in Yoro and it appears that interest remains intact as the clock ticks down on the window closing on August 30.

Real know, though, that they are in for a tough negotiation with Daniel Levy for a player who Tottenham have zero intention of selling.

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Indeed, Ange Postecoglou is a massive fan of the World Cup and Copa America winner, making him one of his vice-captains alongside James Maddison when he took the helm in north London last summer.

According to an update from Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe, who was speaking Last Word on Spurs podcast), Levy has laid down a huge marker to Real in their pursuit of the player.

It’s reported that the Spurs chairman has told Carlo Ancelotti’s men that they must pay £150m (€175m) if they want to sign the 26-year-old, who remains under contract for another three years.

Romero is also a huge fan favourite in north London, despite his disciplinary issues at times, and any sale would likely cause uproar at the Premier League club.

Romero not pushing for Tottenham exit

The player himself also recently revealed that he is more than happy with life at Tottenham, having been at the club since 2021 after penning an initial loan deal at the club before a permanent switch.

Romero told ESPN F90: “I always strive to play at my best. I have a lot of respect for Tottenham. They’ve always given me a lot of support here, so I like playing here. I don’t think about other clubs or their possibilities.

“I know there’s a lot of talk about a possible move, but I’m calm. At my club I play differently to the national team, more forward. I still have years left in Europe and I want to see where I can go.

“Hopefully this year we can win a title at Tottenham.”

As for Real, their chase for another central big-money central defender does appear somewhat odd given that they Antonio Rudiger’s excellent form last season and the expectation that Eder Militao will get back to his best after a long injury last season.

READ NEXT – Exclusive: Tottenham plot moves for two England stars as Postecoglou eyes perfect Kane replacement

The search is still on for a replacement for veteran star Nacho Fernandez, although potentially spending €175m on Romero makes little to no sense for the reigning LaLiga champions.

Romero is now due back in Tottenham training ahead of the new season, with Postecoglou’s men heading to newly-promoted Leicester City for their Premier League opener on Monday August 19.

Tottenham Hotspur are the best-placed club to sign a deadly marksman as Ange Postecoglou hunts two new strikers, Aston Villa are gunning to land a Chelsea attacker, while Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk includes Brighton pursuing a Borussia Dortmund icon.

TOTTENHAM GET STRIKER BOOST

Tottenham are in a strong position to win the race for Lille centre-forward Jonathan David amid a double update on his future.

David has been a great performer for Lille since joining the club in August 2020, having netted an impressive 84 goals in 183 appearances across all competitions.

Last season, David managed 26 goals and nine assists in 47 games as Lille finished fourth in Ligue 1 and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League, where they lost to Aston Villa.

Lille might have to operate without their star forward next season, however. He has entered the final year of his contract with the French side, which has forced club chiefs to lower his price tag to just £25million.

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That cut-price fee is very attractive for top clubs around Europe as David is a proven goalscorer who also has his best years ahead of him, as he is still only 24.

Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and Roma are the main clubs who have been linked with David in recent weeks.

Atleti have dropped out of the race though as they have instead agreed a huge €95million (£81.5m) deal with Manchester City for Julian Alvarez, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Roma recently initiated talks with both David and Lille, but they will find it very tough to complete a deal.

Tottenham transfers: Big Jonathan David update

That is because the player has snubbed Roma’s advances as he is holding out for a bigger move this summer.

As such, Spurs are now leading the chase for David and should be able to finalise his capture if they send Lille a bid worth £25m or more.

As the Canadian is available for such a good price, there is the opportunity for Ange Postecoglou to completely revamp his centre-forward options by landing another striker, too.

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Spurs are interested in both Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth and Brentford’s Ivan Toney.

Out of those two players, Spurs would prefer to bring in Solanke after he enjoyed a brilliant campaign and hit 21 goals in 42 outings.

Spurs have held initial talks with Solanke’s camp and have learned that the 26-year-old is keen on such a move.

The North London side believe they can capture Solanke for £60m, whereas Bournemouth are holding out for £65m.

Spurs paying a combined £85-90m for both David and Solanke would see Daniel Levy seriously push the boat out in the transfer market. But this double deal would give Postecoglou a brilliant chance of helping Spurs get involved in the Premier League title race.

BRIGHTON EYE SHOCK SIGNING

Brighton are plotting a stunning move for Borussia Dortmund hero and Germany centre-back Mats Hummels. (Florian Plettenberg)

Joshua Kimmich is poised to stay at Bayern Munich this summer and may even pen a contract extension, despite being linked with clubs such as Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United. (Bild)

Vinicius Junior will remain as Real Madrid’s main penalty taker even though French superstar Kylian Mbappe has joined the club. (Marca)

Aston Villa have submitted a €20m (£17.2m) offer for Roma’s Italy midfielder Bryan Cristante. (various)

Liverpool and Arsenal look set to miss out on Spain ace Dani Olmo as Barcelona are on the verge of striking an agreement for him with RB Leipzig. (Florian Plettenberg)

ASTON VILLA WANT CHELSEA FLOP

Aston Villa have started to ‘press hard’ as they attempt to land Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea in a surprise deal. (Calciomercato)

Borussia Monchengladbach director Roland Virkus has hinted that he could look to re-sign defender Max Wober from Leeds United. (Rheinische Post)

Barca manager Hansi Flick has snubbed the opportunity to bring in N’Golo Kante as he would rather place his trust in the club’s younger midfielders. (various)

Dortmund are eager to sign Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier as a replacement for new West Ham player Niclas Fullkrug. (various)

Brentford and Ipswich Town have both made contact for the possible capture of Napoli midfielder Jens Cajuste. (Corriere dello Sport)

ARSENAL, CHELSEA TARGET MAKES CRUCIAL DECISION

Spain winger Nico Williams will stay at Athletic Club this summer even though he has been pursued by Arsenal, Chelsea and Barca. (Marca)

Spurs want an eye-watering £150m before they even consider selling Real Madrid-linked defender Cristian Romero. (various)

Juventus have ‘abandoned’ their pursuit of Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, while Paris Saint-Germain have held fresh talks over a possible deal. (Calciomercato, Sky Sports)

RB Leipzig have joined the race for Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki after his switch to Dortmund collapsed. (Sky Germany)

Tottenham are intent on signing a striker before the end of the summer transfer window and they have two Premier League proven hitmen on their wanted list.

Spurs finished fifth in the Premier League last season after selling all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich and failed to bring in a direct replacement.

Although Ange Postecoglou adapted to use the likes of Son Heung-min, Richarlison and Timo Werner in attack, they lacked the required firepower to reach the Champions League, which will be the target once again this season.

Sources have exclusively told TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Rudy Galetti that Spurs are chasing both Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke.

Toney, 28, is said to be available at the right price this summer due to his desire to play for a bigger club and having one year remaining on his Bees contract. But he is back in training with Thomas Frank’s side after missing most of last season due to a suspension received for gambling rule breaches.

Brentford are already looking to sign a replacement, with a number of options available including Benfica’s Arthur Cabral. Once there is progress there, Toney’s future could become a lot clearer.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham man in danger, with future increasingly uncertain amid heavy forward push at summer’s end

He enjoyed a successful summer with England, playing a key role from the bench and helping the Three Lions reach the final at Euro 2024, which they lost 2-1 to Spain last month.

Solanke, 26, had his most prolific scoring season with the Cherries in the top flight last year, netting 19 goals as Andoni Iraola’s men impressed and finished 12th.

However, it is believed Bournemouth would be reluctant to sell the once-capped England forward so late in the window because of his standing in the squad. He has three years remaining on his Vitality Stadium contract.

TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham could lodge bids for both Toney and Solanke in the coming weeks as their hunt for a new striker intensifies.

Tottenham chase Brentford and Bournemouth strikers

Postecoglou admits Spurs still have plenty of work to do before the window closes.

“I don’t think it’ll all get done [in this window]. I’ve never believed in quick fixes and I think I said that it would have been great if we had done our business already, but I’ve always maintained a discipline not to go off and sort of get too emotional through these times,” he said.

“It’s a difficult time. This is the part of the season where I’ve probably got the least control over decisions and I’ve learned to stay disciplined and make sure that we do what we set out to do. We’ve added the two young guys, but I also think there’s been growth from other guys from last year, which naturally makes us stronger this year.

“But yeah, we obviously still got a hand in this window, but I think we’ll go beyond this window. This was wasn’t just tinkering around the edges when I took over, it needed, you know, a big shift from where it was.”

Postecoglou is looking to make huge changes to the Spurs squad and admits that is already well underway.

“I was just thinking about last year’s pre-season, you know, I reckon 50% of the people who were on that tour are probably not here now. So we’ve already done a hell of a lot and we don’t need to do as much, but I still think there’s… because it’s not just about having success one year. What you’re trying to build is another, hopefully another cycle of success, and I think that’ll take a bit longer.”

Tottenham travel to newly-promoted Leicester on August 19 for the start of the Premier League season.

There will reportedly be ‘huge question marks’ over the future of Richarlison at Tottenham at the back end of the summer, with the club pushing to sign a new striker.

Richarlison has struggled to make his mark in two seasons with Spurs so far. In his first campaign after joining from Everton, the Brazilian forward netted just one league goal – less than the amount of yellow cards he reecived.

Last term, he improved upon that figure, finding the back of the net 11 times in the league. But for a club used to having Harry Kane banging in at least 20 goals a season, those returns will seem very underwhelming.

Richarlison himself has suggested he is happy at Tottenham and wants to stay.

But he might not have much choice in the matter, with reports linking him away from the club.

Spurs have been linked with a number of strikers over the summer, though it’s been reported the easiest way of getting anyone through the door would be to see the back of him first.

Fresh reports state that may not have to be the case, but Richarlison’s Spurs career remains firmly in danger.

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

‘Huge question marks’ over Richarlison future

Indeed, Football Insider suggests the striker faces an uncertain future if a new striker comes through the door before the end of the window.

‘Huge question marks’ will surround his future if that is the case.

If Tottenham are to get a new striker through the door, it seems they could well choose to push Richarlison out.

The club are said to believe there is still interest in the Brazilian from the Saudi Pro League towards the back end of the window.

Whether or not Richarlison will decide it is best to look to the future elsewhere if a new striker joins remains to be seen.

Tottenham working on striker deals

Tottenham currently have a deal for Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke in the works.

The club are eager to push Heung-min Son back out wide and utilise a top striker such as the Englishman up top.

But if their player-plus-cash offer – including £50million – for Solanke does not see him join, CaughtOffside states Jonathan David could be courted.

Talks have reportedly been held with contacts close to the player of late with a view to his potential signing.

He could be available for a much smaller fee that Solanke, owing to the fact he is out of contract with Lille in a year’s time.

A somewhat surprising Tottenham exit is reportedly on the cards for a midfielder who only penned a contract extension until 2025 last summer.

The north London club are in the middle of a semi re-build under Ange Postecoglou after the Australian previously admitted he was not happy with the first-team squad at his disposal towards the end of a season in which Spurs just missed out on a Champions League spot.

In terms of incomings, there have been few and far between, with Timo Werner arriving on loan, Archie Gray completing his switch from Leeds and Lucas Bergvall arriving from Sweden. South Korean winger Min-hyeok Yang is another addition but he will join the club until 2025.

The likes of Eric Dier, Japhet Tangana, Ryan Sessegnon, Tanguy Ndombele, Ivan Perisic and Joe Rodon have all left Tottenham permanently, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bryan Gil have been loaned out with options to buy.

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But it now appears that one of the club’s highly-touted young talents will also be moving on in the form of midfielder Nile John.

The 21-year-old played 18 times in the Premier League 2 last season for Spurs’ Under-21s, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

John set for permanent Tottenham exit

And Tottenham insider John Wenham has reacted to the news that John is close to making a permanent exit from the club.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “I was surprised when he was handed a contract extension last summer if I’m being honest.

“With the emergence of the likes of Tyrese Hall and George Abbott, I thought it was time for John to seek pastures anew.

“However he did very well last season, he put his head down and worked hard but I think it is the right time for him to move on and play first-team football elsewhere.

“Therefore, I think this will be a good move for all parties.”

John only ever managed two appearances for Tottenham at senior level, both coming in Europe, although he did feature 77 times for the club’s Under-21 side.

And, with his contract set to expire next summer, Spurs have seemingly decided that the time is right to try and cash in on the player.

READ NEXT – Tottenham accelerate dream striker signing with mammoth cash-plus-player bid prepared

Indeed, John has seen himself pushed down the midfield pecking order by the arrival of talented duo Gray and Bergvall, while Alfie Devine has impressed in pre-season and the club also hold Hall and Abbott in very high regard too.

There is no mention of any interested clubs or what sort of fee Tottenham will be looking for, although it’s highly likely that the north London outfit will at least include a buy-back clause or a big sell-on fee in any eventual transfer.

Tottenham will advance on the signing of a proven Premier League striker and TEAMtalk has learned how much they’re prepared to offer in a tempting cash-plus-player bid.

Spurs have quietly completed several deals already this summer, with Timo Werner (loan), Archie Gray (£40m) and Yang Min-hyuk all signed. 18-year-old South Korean winger Yang will link up with his new Tottenham teammates six months from now in January.

Regarding exits, fees have been collected for Joe Rodon (£10m – Leeds United) and Troy Parrott (£6.7m – AZ Alkmaar).

Elsewhere, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Marseille) and Bryan Gil (Girona) have both left on season-long loans. Hojbjerg’s deal contains an option to buy.

Right-back Emerson Royal is understood to be closing in on a permanent switch to AC Milan, though today’s update regards a blockbuster striker signing.

Fabrizio Romano led the way when revealing Tottenham’s interest in Bournemouth frontman, Dominic Solanke, back on August 1.

The 26-year-old caused Spurs all manner of problems in their Premier League clashes with Bournemouth last season and Solanke’s mark of 19 league goals was surpassed only by Erling Haaland (27), Cole Palmer (22) and Alexander Isak (21).

Solanke has already proven he can torment EPL defences and the hope will be playing alongside higher quality stars such as James Maddison and Son Heung-min can see Solanke regularly break the 20-goal barrier in north London.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed the club are seeking a new signing at centre-forward. Richarlison hasn’t justified his lofty £60m price tag and continues to be courted by Saudi Arabian sides.

Richarlison’s struggles resulted in Son playing out of position at No 9 for much of last season. But per a fresh update from the Telegraph, Postecoglou wants to revert Son to his favoured left wing role.

But of far greatest interest to Spurs fans in the Telegraph’s update is the claim Tottenham are ready to accelerate their pursuit of Solanke.

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Tottenham ramp up Solanke signing

The outlet stated ‘Tottenham Hotspur are attempting to make progress in a move for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.’

TEAMtalk has learned Spurs have held talks with Solanke and his camp. The striker is understood to be keen on joining Tottenham and the Telegraph echo those claims.

Furthermore, the report added Solanke looks favourably on joining one of England’s biggest clubs after his prior spells with Chelsea and Liverpool came and went without ever getting a real opportunity to shine. The player believes he has a point to prove and would be doubly determined to succeed at Spurs.

Solanke has taken his game on leaps and bounds since joining Bournemouth and the Cherries are reluctant to sell.

There is a release clause worth £65m in place, though the clause can only be triggered by unspecified clubs. While not confirmed, some outlets have suggested only teams who qualified for the Champions League can trigger the clause. Tottenham are not one of those clubs.

That may not matter, however, after TEAMtalk learned Tottenham intend to offer a different type of deal that would ignore the clause anyway.

Spurs to bid £50m in cash-plus-player offer

We understand Spurs are ready to put £50m on the table and also serve up a player to sweeten the deal.

First-team stars such as Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon, Oliver Skipp, Djed Spence and Alejo Veliz could all be candidates for inclusion, with Spurs open to offloading the quintet this window.

Who Tottenham will offer as the bait isn’t yet clear, though it would be either a fringe or youth team player.

Tottenham’s record signing remains the £60m they committed to when signing Richarlison from Everton (£50m plus £10m in add-ons).

Factoring in the value of whichever star Spurs include in their cash-plus-player bid for Solanke, a move for the Bournemouth hitman could break their transfer record.

Elsewhere, Tottenham are still on the hunt for a dynamic central midfielder after electing NOT to bid for Conor Gallagher who is joining Atletico Madrid.

The Telegraph suggested Tottenham viewed acting on their interest as somewhat pointless given Chelsea greatly preferred selling to an overseas club rather than a domestic rival and especially one they share a rivalry with like Spurs.

Instead, interest in Man Utd’s Scott McTominay is growing and an exclusive update on the Scot’s future makes positive reading for Spurs and negative reading for fellow suitor Fulham…

Tottenham Hotspur have shortlisted Ligue 1 and Olympic Games star Amir Richardson as a potential summer transfer target as Ange Postecoglou tries to improve his midfield, according to reports.

Postecoglou has identified central midfield as a crucial area for Tottenham to bolster this summer after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg left for Marseille on an initial loan which is due to become permanent for £17million next summer. The North London side have brought in Archie Gray from Leeds United, though it is unclear exactly where the 18-year-old will play as he can operate either as a midfielder or at right-back.

Tottenham’s No 1 target for the centre of the pitch was Conor Gallagher of Chelsea. And Postecoglou was given a boost when it emerged that the England star had rejected the offer of a new contract at Chelsea.

However, Atletico Madrid are now on the cusp of landing Gallagher after he ‘said yes’ to the Spanish giants ahead of joining in a €40m (£34.3m) transfer.

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Postecoglou and Tottenham must now move on from this disappointment and bring in an alternative midfielder.

As per reports in France, Spurs have expressed their interest in Amir Richardson, the 22-year-old rising star who is earning a big reputation at the Olympics.

At club level, Richardson plays for Reims in France, but on the international stage he represents Morocco.

The midfielder, who can play as a No 8 or in a deeper role as a No 6, has been one of Morocco’s ‘standout’ players in Paris, helping them reach the semi-finals, where they will face Spain.

Tottenham transfers: Olympics star in Postecoglou sights

Spurs scouts believe the France-born youngster has a bright future ahead of him and are aiming to win the race for his services.

Reims have tied Richardson down to a long-term contract which runs until June 2027 and would ideally like to keep him at the club for a little while longer. But the Ligue 1 outfit only paid €2m for him in August 2022 and could now have the opportunity to make a big profit thanks to his classy performances at the Olympics.

Last season, Richardson made 28 Ligue 1 appearances and chipped in with three goals and one assist, helping Reims finish ninth.