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A pre-agreed Tottenham transfer is no longer happening, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano explaining why.

Tottenham broke their transfer record on Thursday upon completing the £85m acquisition of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. All being well, that record will fall once again very shortly.

Sandro Tonali is poised to put pen to paper on a £100m (£92.5m plus £7.5m in add-ons) arrival from Newcastle.

Tonali has already pointed to Roberto De Zerbi as a big reason why he, to the surprise of some, chose Spurs following successive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League.

But with Fernandes and Tonali both arriving, there’s a logjam forming in central midfield.

Aside from the new recruits, De Zerbi can also call upon Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr and Conor Gallagher.

As such, and given Tottenham have fewer fixtures than usual next term with no European football, it’s easy to see why they’ve pulled the plug on signing Joao Palhinha outright.

The Portugal international was a rare bright spark in a season of doom and gloom last term, and memorably scored the crucial goal that secured their Premier League status on the final day.

Palhinha’s loan from Bayern Munich contained an option to buy worth €30m / £26m. If activated, personal terms were already sealed, and Palhinha would have joined Spurs outright.

But in lieu of Tottenham spending £185m on two new midfielders and thus far refusing to sell those already in situ like Gray and Bergvall, the decision has been made to ignore Palhinha’s option.

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Tottenham call off Joao Palhinha transfer

The Sun’s Tom Barclay was first to break that news, stating on X: ‘Presume most #thfc fans would have expected this, but with Tonali and Fernandes blockbuster midfield signings, understand Joao Palhinha won’t be returning to Spurs.

‘Club going into a new era but think supporters will appreciate how Palhinha stepped up when they needed him most.’

READ NEXT: Tonali risks Newcastle wrath with exit comment as Tottenham plot £80m striker bid

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano added weight to the claims, and also pointed to Fernandes and Tonali as to why Palhinha’s deal is now off.

‘João Palhinha will not stay at Spurs this summer despite his desire to continue at the club,’ he wrote.

‘The decision has been made after Tonali and Mateus Fernandes signings.’

Tottenham and Arsenal now know the fate of Eli Junior Kroupi after two Sky Sports reporters revealed the transfer decision Bournemouth have made.

Kroupi blitzed the Premier League during his first season with Bournemouth, scoring 13 goals despite entering the campaign as a teenager.

It was the level of impact that has seen his transfer value skyrocket, with reports touting a new price point in the £80m-£100m bracket.

The Cherries are a club who will sell their best players for the right price, and the fact they’re on the cusp of signing a new striker has fanned the flames over Kroupi’s potential exit.

Per the BBC, Bournemouth are closing in on the £18m (rising to £25m through add-ons) arrival of Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche.

That development will have rung alarm bells in north London, with both Tottenham and Arsenal, as well as PSG weighing up moves for Kroupi.

The Gunners want an electric new forward and Kroupi’s versatility – being capable of playing at left wing or up front – is invaluable.

READ NEXT: Arsenal can sign £100m midfielder at stunning discount as star’s ‘head turned’

Spurs, meanwhile, are ready to go big once again despite already splashing out £237m on fees for Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

PSG, meanwhile, require a replacement for Goncalo Ramos who has been sold to AC Milan for €74m plus add-ons.

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Tottenham, Arsenal learn Bournemouth decision on Eli Junior Kroupi

But according to updates form Sky Sports reporters, Mark McAdam and Michael Bridge, Bournemouth have no intention of selling Kroupi to Arsenal, Spurs, or any other club, for that matter.

The fact there is no release clause present in the Frenchman’s deal also puts the power in Bournemouth’s hands, along with the fact the frontman is contracted until 2030.

Taking to X, McAdam wrote: ‘Alvaro Rodríguez would not be a replacement for Junior Kroupi.

‘Bournemouth have no need to sell and Bill Foley wants Marco Rose to have the strongest squad possible in his first season.

‘It would take an astronomical figure to even to consider a sale.’

Bridge reported similar, stating on X: ‘Spurs one of several clubs interested in Eli Junior Kroupi of Bournemouth but any deal is considered highly unlikely.

‘Bournemouth have no need to sell, want Marco Rose to have the strongest squad possible in his first season and would take an astronomical figure to even to consider anything.

‘When asked on the player & Tottenham Hotspur’s interest a source said: “Who isn’t interested in him.”‘

A highly-rated Tottenham player wants to leave on the back of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes arriving, and the size of bid that could begrudgingly tempt Spurs to cash in has been revealed.

Tottenham broke their transfer record on Thursday when completing the £85m acquisition of Mateus Fernandes. That record will tumble in short order once Sandro Tonali joins in a £100m (£92.5m plus £7.5m in add-ons) deal.

The Italian is undergoing a medical today and has already spoken publicly about why he’s chosen Tottenham.

In quotes carried by Fabrizio Romano, Tonali said: “For sure Roberto de Zerbi has been crucial for me to join Spurs. He played a big role. I can’t wait to work with him.”

However, a logjam is now forming in Tottenham’s midfield, and the issue will be particularly relevant next season during a campaign in which there’s no European football.

Aside from Tonali and Fernandes, De Zerbi can also call upon Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr and Conor Callagher.

Clearly, some are going to be unhappy with the minutes they receive, and rival clubs are sensing opportunities to strike.

Newcastle have already seen a bid for Gray turned down, while Bergvall informed the club of his wish to leave in late-June.

For the time being, Spurs have insisted the Swede is not for sale, though that’s not stopping Nottingham Forest – who’ve just sold Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for £116m – from sensing an opportunity.

READ NEXT: Tottenham in discussions to sign World Cup winger with €175m release clause

Lucas Bergvall wants out, Tottenham don’t want to sell

According to Sky Sports, Forest believe Spurs would soften their stance if receiving a bid worth £45m that also contains a sell-on clause.

What’s more, it’s reiterated that Bergvall remains intent on leaving Tottenham to go in search of regular game-time, which he obviously won’t get with Tonali and Fernandes in the building.

The report read: ‘Sky Sports News has been told that Lucas Bergvall still wants to leave Tottenham.

‘However, Sky Sports News reported earlier today that Bergvall has been told he will not be leaving the club this summer.

‘It is understood that the Sweden midfielder wants to play regularly in his favoured No 8 position next season and feels a move away from Spurs would allow him to do this.

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‘Nottingham Forest are very interested in a potential deal and expect his fee to be in line with what Brighton are paying for Spurs defender Luka Vuskovic, which was £45m plus a sell on.

‘Other clubs in the Premier League, Spain, Italy and Germany are monitoring the situation around Bergvall, whose future is coming into view following Sweden’s exit from the World Cup, where he was a regular starter.’

Sandro Tonali has risked angering Newcastle United fans with his first comments about leaving for Tottenham Hotspur, while Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly chasing striker Eli Junior Kroupi as his next objective.

Tottenham have finished 17th in the Premier League in each of the last two seasons, and they have already had a blockbuster summer as they aim to end that worrying pattern. They began by focusing on their backline, signing Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka on free transfers and also paying Brighton & Hove Albion £52million for Jan Paul van Hecke.

Tottenham then turned their attention to central midfield after De Zerbi requested two top-class signings in the position.

They blew Manchester United away in the race for Mateus Fernandes, completing a club-record £85m deal.

An announcement for Tonali will soon follow. Spurs have beaten Manchester City to the Italian by striking an agreement worth £92.5m plus £7.5m in add-ons.

Spurs upped their overall package to £100m after having an opening £75m offer rejected.

Tonali is travelling to England to undergo a medical before officially becoming a Spurs player.

Even though the transfer has yet to be confirmed, the 26-year-old has spoken with Sky Sport Italia about his Newcastle exit.

“It was a bit long. We had a sort of agreement with Newcastle, we spoke every day and we made it. They wanted the best from me, we wanted the best deal for them,” he said (via Gianluca Di Marzio).

“We parted on excellent terms, we’re all happy and I’m ready for this new adventure.

“Why Tottenham? De Zerbi played a huge role in this, and it’s also a lifestyle and family choice after three years at Newcastle.

“De Zerbi deserves much of the credit; he did it not only as a Brescia and native and a friend, but also as a hard worker; he’s committed to this.”

Tonali’s claim that he ‘parted on excellent terms’ could spark controversy among the Newcastle faithful. His agents have been drumming up interest for months, having reportedly spoken with Arsenal as early as January.

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Tonali follows Isak, Gordon out of Newcastle

As soon as it emerged that Newcastle would fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League, Tonali and his camp started to push for an exit.

The fact Tonali has left for one of Newcastle’s Prem rivals will do little to help his reputation in the north east, too.

Newcastle supporters will likely be furious that another top star has left the club. Alexander Isak effectively went on strike to force through a £125m switch to Liverpool last summer, while Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona for £69m in May.

For Spurs, the work does not stop now. It emerged on Wednesday that Bournemouth forward Kroupi is on De Zerbi’s shortlist of potential attacking recruits.

Previous reports have placed the Frenchman’s value at £100m, but an update from The Independent states that he can actually be signed for £80m.

Spurs are said to be willing to spend £80m to sign Kroupi before fellow suitors Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

De Zerbi sees Kroupi as someone who can future-proof the No 9 position for Spurs and provide Dominic Solanke with solid competition for a starting role.

Kroupi burst onto the scene last season by netting 13 goals in 33 Premier League games during his debut campaign in the top flight, which is a record for a teenager.

Roberto De Zerbi has outlined the three qualities he expects Mateus Fernandes to bring to the Tottenham Hotspur midfield after they officially announced his club record transfer from West Ham United – and ENIC are not done yet, with one more huge deal now almost guaranteed and two other massive ones also in their sights.

It’s been an electric start to the summer window by Tottenham. Surviving in the Premier League by the skin of their teeth last season, the club – backed by the Lewis family billions – are making a big push to revolutionise their playing squad and ensure a repeat of those relegation dogfights will never be witnessed again.

With deals for defender Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi already finalised, Spurs have now really shown their teeth by gazumping Manchester United in the race to sign Fernandes and having agreed to meet West Ham’s £85m valuation of the Portugal international.

With the star now passing a medical, Spurs announced the 21-year-old’s signing in a statement on their official website.

The midfielder said: “I’m very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club and the Head Coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.

“When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way – going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the Club.”

READ NEXT ~ Revealed: Three reasons why Mateus Fernandes chose Tottenham over Man Utd – money NOT the deciding factor

De Zerbi names three qualities Mateus Fernandes brings to Tottenham

Sporting Director, Johan Lange, commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Mateus to the Club.

“He is a player with outstanding technical ability, intelligence and maturity, and even at a young age, has shown he can perform consistently in demanding, high-pressure environments. We believe this is the right place for Mateus to take the next step in his career, working with our outstanding coaching staff and alongside an ambitious and talented group of players.

“I know our supporters will enjoy watching him, as he has the talent, mentality and work ethic to become a very important player both for the present and the future of Tottenham Hotspur.”

Head Coach, De Zerbi, meanwhile, has outlined the three qualities that Fernandes will bring.

He said: “I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.

“Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments. I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development, and I’m excited to start working with him.”

DON’T MISS: Tottenham foil Newcastle, Tonali swap deal plan as stance on selling top talent revealed

Spurs want three more blockbuster transfers

As our transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed, Spurs are next looking to finalise a deal for Sandro Tonali after agreeing a huge £100m package with Newcastle United for the Italian.

His signing will ensure that Fernandes’ status as the club’s record signing will last just a matter of days.

Tottenham, though, are not stopping there, and they have over the last 24 hours been linked with two more eye-catching transfers in the form of Eli Junior Kroupi and Rafael Leao.

According to The Independent, Spurs are ready to make a strong push to sign Bournemouth star Kroupi next in another blockbuster deal.

Bournemouth want at least £80m for the French forward, and Tottenham are said to be willing to pay it, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain also interested.

The report has stated: ‘Spurs want a left forward, in particular, with Kroupi heading the list, though fierce competition awaits.

‘The Bournemouth star is wanted by Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain and the south-coast club want a figure north of £80m to part ways with the 20-year-old.

‘But Spurs are nevertheless willing to spend big once again in a bid to avoid a repeat of the last two seasons, which have seen them flirt with relegation, despite winning the Europa League.’

TEAMtalk can confirm PSG’s interest in Kroupi, with Bailey reporting that the French giants view the Bournemouth forward as a replacement for Goncalo Ramos, who is leaving for AC Milan.

Should they fail to land Kroupi, they may have more luck in pursuing a deal for AC Milan winger Leão.

And it’s now claimed that Spurs have held talks with the Italian side over a €50m (£43m, $57m) deal for the Portuguese winger.

He has a giant €175m release clause in his contract, but with his deal expiring in just 12 months, Milan are willing to negotiate his sale and with the player already making clear his desire to move to the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur are showing interest in adding Rafael Leao to Roberto De Zerbi’s squad, according to a report, as the AC Milan winger’s comments on a potential move to the Premier League come to light.

Spurs have been hugely active this summer and have already confirmed four major signings.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and Jan Paul van Hecke have joined Tottenham this summer.

Mateus Fernandes has now been confirmed as a Tottenham player, after an £85million agreement was struck with West Ham United for the Portugal midfielder.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Tottenham also have a £100m deal in place with Newcastle United for Sandro Tonali.

Tottenham are now looking for a new winger, with Rafael Leao coming on the radar of the north London club.

According to The Independent, Tottenham have held talks with AC Milan over a potential deal for Leao.

In June, La Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Football Italia, reported that Leao has a release clause of €175million (£149.6m, $199.8m) in his contract.

However, Milan are reportedly willing to sell the Portugal international winger for €50m (£42.7m, $57m).

The report in the Italian publication claimed that Leao has been offered to Arsenal.

The Independent has noted: ‘It is understood that Rafael Leao has been broached as an option in informal discussions with Milan, and there is still a possibility they move for Savinho, having pushed hard for the Manchester City winger last year.’

DON’T MISS: Tottenham plan ANOTHER record-breaking transfer after booking Sandro Tonali ‘medical’

Rafael Leao wants Premier League move

Leao has been on the books of Milan since 2019 and is under contract at the Italian club until the summer of 2028.

The winger, who is part of the Portugal squad at the 2026 World Cup, has won Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana once each other Milan.

In early June, Leao publicly stated his desire to play in the Premier League.

The Portuguese winger told Sport TV in Portugal: “I need a new challenge.

“I already won two trophies in Italy and have been there for a while.

“The league is evolving, but for my style of football, I think the Premier League or LaLiga would make more of my talent, as a player.

“If a Premier League opportunity were to come along, I would be very happy.

“I think that I can put my talent up against the players there, who are of a very high level.

“Playing in that kind of a league really gets the best out of a player.”

Tottenham Hotspur have made it clear they have no intention of allowing Archie Gray to leave this summer despite growing interest from across the Premier League, with Newcastle among the sides with a confirmed interest, TEAMtalk can reveal.

The 20-year-old continues to attract admiring glances after an impressive first season in north London, but sources have confirmed Spurs remain determined to retain one of the club’s brightest young talents.

We understand Newcastle raised Gray’s name during discussions over Sandro Tonali, with the Magpies enquiring about the possibility of including the England Under-21 international in negotiations.

The St James’ Park outfit have admired Gray for some time and view him as one of the outstanding young midfielders in English football. However, Tottenham‘s response was immediate.

Sources have confirmed Spurs made it abundantly clear Gray is not for sale and does not form part of any discussions involving Tonali or any other player.

The stance comes despite Tottenham continuing a huge investment in Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield.

The north London club are close to completing a club-record £100million deal for Tonali while also agreeing an £85m move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

Those arrivals will take Tottenham’s summer spending on midfielders to almost £200m.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham plan ANOTHER record-breaking transfer after booking Sandro Tonali ‘medical’

Tottenham midfield options assessed as exits loom

Tonali and Fernandes will join an already well-stocked department containing Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison and Gray.

Tottenham also retain an option over Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha following his loan spell.

While De Zerbi has indicated he would be open to keeping the experienced international, TEAMtalk understands a permanent return to Sporting CP currently appears the most likely outcome.

Despite the strength in numbers, Spurs are not expecting to keep every midfielder.

Sources have told us the futures of both Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall remain uncertain, with both players assessing their options amid concerns over potential playing time following Tottenham’s summer recruitment.

Gray, too, has no shortage of admirers.

As we previously revealed, a number of clubs have been monitoring his situation.

Newcastle have now formally enquired, while Aston Villa, Brighton, Sunderland and Bournemouth have also continued to keep close tabs on developments.

Former club Leeds United are another side watching closely and would relish the opportunity to bring Gray back to Elland Road should circumstances ever change, although they acknowledge Tottenham’s current stance makes any deal highly unlikely.

Critically, though, we understand that Gray himself is not pushing to leave Tottenham.

The midfielder remains committed to establishing himself under De Zerbi and has been encouraged by conversations over his role in the squad.

That confidence is shared by Tottenham.

Rather than building a stronger starting XI, Spurs are focused on assembling a deep squad capable of competing across multiple competitions next season.

Gray is viewed as a key part of that long-term vision.

Club officials believe his versatility, maturity and potential make him an invaluable member of De Zerbi’s plans and are convinced he will receive significant opportunities despite increased competition for places.

For that reason, Tottenham’s position remains unwavering to this point.

Interest may continue to grow throughout the remainder of the transfer window, but we understand Spurs have no intention of entertaining offers for Gray and remain fully committed to his development in north London.

Tottenham Hotspur are willing to go big to bring Eli Junior Kroupi to the club this summer after booking a medical for Sandro Tonali, according to a reliable report, as TEAMtalk reveals Bournemouth’s stance on selling the French forward.

After finishing 17th in the Premier League table last season for the second year in a row, Tottenham have gone into overdrive regarding making signings in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham have already announced the signings of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and Jan Paul van Hecke.

While Robertson, Senesi and Dubravka have joined the north London club on free transfers, Tottenham paid £52m to Brighton and Hove Albion for Van Hecke.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Tottenham have a £85million deal in place with West Ham United for Mateus Fernandes.

The Portugal international midfielder was the north London club’s record signing until it emerged on Wednesday that Tottenham have struck a deal with Newcastle for Tonali.

Sources have told us that Tottenham will pay Newcastle £92.5m upfront for Tonali, with a further £7.5m in add-ons.

The £100m package would make Tonali the most expensive player in Tottenham’s history.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Tonali will undergo a medical with Tottenham on Thursday.

Romano posted on X at 6:51am on July 2: “Understand Sandro Tonali will be in London today with agents and family to undergo medical at Tottenham.”

Spurs owners, ENIC, though, are not stopping there, with The Independent reporting that the Premier League club are now ready to go big for Eli Junior Kroupi.

Bournemouth want at least £80m for the French forward, and Tottenham are said to be willing to pay it, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain also interested.

The report has stated: ‘Spurs want a left forward, in particular, with Kroupi heading the list, though fierce competition awaits.

‘The Bournemouth star is wanted by Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain and the south-coast club want a figure north of £80m to part ways with the 20-year-old.

‘But Spurs are nevertheless willing to spend big once again in a bid to avoid a repeat of the last two seasons, which have seen them flirt with relegation, despite winning the Europa League.’

A fee of £80m would make Kroupi Bournemouth’s most expensive departure.

At the moment, Antoine Semenyo holds that record for Bournemouth, with Man City having paid £65m for him in the January transfer window.

DON’T MISS: Brighton agree record fee to sign Tottenham star Vuskovic who wanted to play for Hurzeler

Bournemouth want Eli Junior Kroupi to stay

TEAMtalk can confirm PSG’s interest in Kroupi, with Bailey reporting that the French giants view the Bournemouth forward as a replacement for Goncalo Ramos, who is leaving for AC Milan.

Sources have told us that Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid, too, are interested in Kroupi.

Manchester United also admire the 20-year-old, who has scored 13 goals in 35 appearances for Bournemouth so far in his career.

However, we understand that Bournemouth have no plan whatsoever to sell the French forward in the summer transfer window.

In fact, sources have told us that the Cherries are hopeful of reaching a new contract with the France Under-21 international forward.

Bournemouth are under no financial pressure to sell Kroupi, who does not have a release clause in his contract.

Brighton have finally reached an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur for the transfer of highly-rated Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic, with TEAMtalk understanding that the clubs have settled on a £50million package.

The deal is set to be completed after the World Cup, bringing an end to one of the summer’s longest-running transfer sagas.

We understand that Vuskovic made it clear to Tottenham several weeks ago that Brighton was his preferred destination, despite attracting interest from a host of clubs across Europe.

The 19-year-old rejected rival approaches because of his desire to work under Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler, whose reputation for developing young talent proved a decisive factor.

After a series of offers and lengthy negotiations, Brighton have now agreed terms with Spurs and are preparing to welcome one of Europe’s most coveted defensive prospects to the Amex Stadium.

The Croatia international is expected to play a key role in replacing Jan Paul van Hecke, who completed his move to Tottenham earlier this summer.

We exclusively revealed earlier this week that Brighton’s agreement to sign Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk would have no bearing on their pursuit of Vuskovic. That has now proven to be the case.

Sources have confirmed the Seagulls always viewed the two deals separately, believing they required multiple additions in central defence following Van Hecke’s departure.

Vuskovic has long been regarded as Brighton’s priority target.

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Brighton excited by Vuskovic move

The south coast club believe they have secured one of the finest young defenders in world football.

TEAMtalk understands that there is genuine excitement behind the scenes, with club officials said to be “delighted” to have finally completed a deal after months of work.

Brighton view Vuskovic as a player capable of becoming the cornerstone of their defence for years to come and believe his combination of composure, physicality and technical quality gives him the potential to develop into one of Europe’s elite centre-backs.

For Tottenham, the agreement brings an end to a situation that had become increasingly difficult after the player informed the club he wanted to pursue his future elsewhere.

Despite initially hoping to integrate Vuskovic into manager Roberto De Zerbi’s plans, Spurs ultimately accepted the defender’s wishes once Brighton returned with an offer matching their valuation.

The £50m fee also represents a significant return for Tottenham and provides further funds as they continue reshaping De Zerbi’s squad.

For Brighton, meanwhile, it is another major statement of intent.

Having already strengthened elsewhere this summer, Hurzeler has now landed the defensive talent he identified as his leading target.

Sources have told us that the paperwork will now be finalised following the World Cup, with Vuskovic set to become Brighton’s marquee defensive signing ahead of the new season.

What Sandro Tonali directly told Roberto De Zerbi about his Tottenham Hotspur wish has been revealed by a reliable journalist, as another reporter claims that Cristian Romero wants to leave Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Tottenham have agreed a £100million deal with Newcastle United for Tonali.

Sources have told us that Tottenham will pay Newcastle £92.5m upfront, with £7.5m in add-ons.

We understand that Tottenham hope to make the deal official before the weekend.

Bailey has reported that Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi personally wants his Italian compatriot at the club.

We also understand that working under the Italian manager was a factor in Tonali’s desire to move to the north London club.

‘Tonali told De Zerbi he wanted to join’ Tottenham

Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has backed our claim, revealing that Tonali directly told De Zerbi that “he wanted to join” Tottenham.

Jacobs posted on X at 7:56pm on July 1: “Roberto De Zerbi key to the Sandro Tonali deal.

“Tonali told De Zerbi he wanted to join, and Spurs then pushed to pull off a statement signing.

“Chance to play under the Spurs manager a driving factor.

“Spurs agree Tonali and Fernandes within 24 hours for a combined total of £185m.

“It was always Spurs’ intent to do both.”

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Cristian Romero ‘wants to leave Tottenham’

While De Zerbi has managed to convince Tottenham to spend £100m on Tonali, the Italian manager could end up losing his star defender, Cristian Romero.

Romero signed a new contract with Tottenham only last summer, but after two successive seasons of finishing 17th in the Premier League table, the defender has had enough.

The 28-year-old is part of the Argentina squad at the 2026 World Cup, but it appears that he does not fancy coming back to North London.

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, who has over 127,000 followers on X, Romero wants to leave Spurs, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan after him.

Longari posted on X at 10:30am on July 1: “Cuti Romero wants to leave Tottenham despite De Zerbi’s high regard for him.

“The Argentine defender is being closely followed by Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

“Costs too high for the Italian clubs, which still appreciate him as much as Inter does.”

Luka Vuskovic is leaving Tottenham

One defender who is certainly leaving Tottenham this summer is Luka Vuskovic.

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has been reporting about Brighton and Hove Albion’s desire to sign Vuskovic from Tottenham.

The 19-year-old Croatia international central defender spent the 2025/26 season on loan at German club Hamburg from Tottenham.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Vuskovic will leave Tottenham and join Brighton in the summer transfer window.

Romano posted on X at 3:54pm on July 1: “EXCLUSIVE: Brighton agree deal to sign Luka Vušković from Tottenham, here we go!

“£46m fixed fee plus sell-on clause to bring the potential package over £50m.

“Massive signing for #BHAFC after personal terms also agreed.”

Romano added at 4:30pm: “More on Luka Vušković to Brighton exclusive story.

“Fee confirmed: £46m fixed, £4m add-ons, 20% sell-on, matching rights for Tottenham and contract until June 2031.

“Medical in the US.”