TEAMtalk

Manchester United have identified a new striker and defender signing in a combined €100m double deal, a Liverpool star has ‘everything in place’ to join Barcelona, while Tottenham are looking at deals to sign two strikers.

MAN UTD TARGET LIGUE 1 STRIKER WITH €60M DEFENDER TO FOLLOW

Manchester United have drawn up a shortlist of four targets this summer to strengthen two positions, with the Red Devils set to make a firm approach for a new striker and a new defender before the end of this month, as per the latest reports.

United need an injection of quality in their squad this summer with Sir Jim Ratcliffe desperate to revive their fortunes after an indifferent 2023/24 campaign that saw the club finish in the all-time low of eighth in the Premier League, but then finish the season on a high with victory in the FA Cup.

That win at Wembley helped Manchester United secure an important place in the Europa League and while nowhere near as financially rewarding as the Champions League, will still help significantly with the club’s revenue both on matchdays and through UEFA payments.

As a result, Ratcliffe plans to make up to four new signings this summer to strengthen his squad with a centre-half, a midfielder and a new striker all on his wishlist.

However, the British billionaire has made clear his plans not to sign proven world beaters already, but instead sign young, upcoming talent who can go on to reach that level at Old Trafford.

As far as a new striker is concerned, reports in France claim United are set to decide between two targets in the coming days: Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee or Jonathan David of Lille.

Their interest in Zirkzee has been well documented, though that prospective €40m transfer is complicated by his agent Kia Joorabchian’s demands for a €12m payment on top of any fee.

David could join Man Utd for bargain fee

As a result, United could be persuaded more towards David, with the Canada striker likely to leave Lille this summer with his current deal due to expire in 2025.

To that end it’s claimed United believe an offer of €40m (£33.8m) could be enough to land the 24-year-old, who has an impressive 121 career goals from 266 appearances.

They intend to watch David in their opening Copa America match against Argentina this week and if David impresses, an immediate offer could be launched.

David finished the season just gone with an impressive 35 goal involvements (26 goals and nine assists) from 47 appearances. A player who likes to drop deep to help build the attacks, David also finished the season with an 83% pass accuracy and can shoot with either foot.

A player not afraid to take players on, either, he looks the ideal upgrade for the now departed Anthony Martial and a perfect player to provide cover and competition for Rasmus Hojlund.

Better yet, at the sort of fees being quoted, he would fit in perfectly with Ratcliffe’s wishes to avoid spending big on the Mbappes of this world.

At 24, he’s a player who should also only get better.

Man Utd to go for Inacio if Branthwaite bid fails

Ratcliffe has also seemingly decided who to pursue in his hunt to sign a new centre-half this summer.

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is the top target, though as TEAMtalk exclusively revealed first, their offer of a paltry £35m (plus £8m in add-ons) has been swiftly rejected by the Toffees.

Ratcliffe does plan an increased offer for Branthwaite worth closer to the £60m mark, but will walk away if the Merseyside side decide to reject what is already deemed to be their final offer.

DON’T MISS ➡️ Man Utd centre-back targets: Every option linked for a summer switch assessed

Given Everton value the England cap at a minimum £70m, it seems their approach looks destined to fail.

However, Ratcliffe does have a Plan B and reports in Portugal state the Red Devils plan to trigger the €60m (£50.7m) clause in Goncalo Inacio’s contract if their offer for Branthwaite falls short.

Inacio has established himself as one of European football’s leading young defenders, having won the Primeira Liga title twice already under Ruben Amorim.

And with A Bola claiming Sporting need a sale to balance the books, United are ready to make their move for the 22-year-old, who has been capped nine times by Portugal and is part of their Euro 2024 squad.

LEEDS UTD FORCED TO ABANDON ROMA TRANSFER

Leeds United had a deal in place to sign Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove for a fee of €18m to €20m had they secured promotion, but the planned meeting with his agent has now been abandoned following their failure to seal a place in the Premier League. (Il Tempo)

Tottenham have warned Real Madrid they have absolutely zero intentions of listening to any approaches for Cristian Romero this summer after the Argentinian defender was linked with a big-money move to the Bernabeu. (Fabrizio Romano)

Newcastle United have been warned that AC Milan would demand close to €50m (£42.3m) for Fikayo Tomori amid claims Eddie Howe wants to bring the defender back to the Premier League. (various)

Veteran Barcelona star Sergi Roberto is dreaming of a move to the Premier League this summer as the end of his Nou Camp stay nears. Girona, Valencia, Sevilla and Porto have all been linked, but the versatile 32-year-old would prefer to test himself in England next. (Mundo Deportivo)

Aston Villa are still trying to finalise a swap deal with Douglas Luiz in a move that will see Samuel Iling-Junior and Weston McKennie move the other way. The delay in reaching a full agreement has been put down to the American’s wage demands over a move to Villa Park. (Calciomercato)

The agent of Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has confirmed his client is willing to leave Spurs but only wants to sign for a club with big trophy ambitions. (Fabrizio Romano)

Bayern Munich are ready to join the hunt to sign Liverpool and Newcastle target Federico Chiesa, with Juventus willing to sell the Italy winger for around €50m to help fund a move for a new attacking arrival of their own. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Al Nassr are to launch a big move to convince Liverpool to sell Virgil van Dijk this summer with the Dutchman’s deal, due to expire in a year’s time, giving the Reds plenty to ponder. (TEAMtalk exclusive)

LIVERPOOL TRANSFERS: BARCELONA ON TRACK TO SIGN LUIS DIAZ

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has ‘everything lined up’ to complete a move to Barcelona this summer with talks over a move to the Nou Camp set to take place in the next few weeks, as per new reports in Colombia. (various)

Juventus are keen to sign Jadon Sancho on a season-long loan with an option to buy with Manchester United valuing the winger at around the €50m (£42.3m) mark. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Atletico Madrid are ready to make a firm move for England midfielder Conor Gallagher, amid claims Chelsea are ready to cash in on their academy star for a fee of around €50m (£42.3m). (Marca)

Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are ready to launch a mega-money offer to AC Milan for star forward Rafael Leao, with the Portuguese star’s buyout clause currently set at €175m. (Tuttomercato)

West Ham are pushing to sign unwanted Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, though the former Manchester City man would prefer to remain at the Nou Camp. (Mundo Deportivo)

Departing Borussia Dortmund veteran, Mats Hummels, is set to open talks over a surprise move to LaLiga with Real Mallorca. (AS)

Barcelona have ruled out the sale of Manchester United target Vitor Roque – but are open to a potential loan exit for the Brazilian teenager, with Juventus also on his trail. (Mundo Deportivo)

Tottenham are pushing to sign Juventus’ agreement to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori with the Italy man likely to leave for a fee of around €35m (£29m). (Corriere dello Sport)

TOTTENHAM TO TRIGGER BRILLIANT DOUBLE STRIKER DEAL

Tottenham are weighing up a move for Tammy Abraham after learning Roma are willing to sell the former Chelsea striker for just €30m (£25.3m) this summer. Spurs are also keen on Ivan Toney and Santiago Gimenez and could look to bring in two strikers if they can offload Richarlison for big money. (Corriere della Sera)

AC Milan have made a ‘concrete move’ to sign West Ham left-back Emerson Palmieri, raising speculation that Theo Hernandez could be sold to Real Madrid this summer. (Sky Italia)

Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin insists he is happy at the Bernabeu but has not closed the door on a move away amid claims Arsenal are on the Ukrainian’s trail. (various)

Fenerbahce are ready to make a concrete bid to sign Victor Lindelof from Manchester United this summer with the 29-year-old’s deal due to expire at Old Trafford next summer. (Sky Germany)

Leeds United are in talks with Real Betis over the permanent transfer of loan midfielder Marc Roca. Under terms of agreement – and following the Whites’ failure to win promotion – he is eligible to join on loan again, but Betis are keen to make his stay permanent. (Marca)

Inter Milan officials are set to meet Genoa to finalise a deal to sign Spanish goalkeeper Josep Martinez. (Fabrizio Romano)

Real Madrid striker Alvaro Rodriguez accepts his time at the Bernabeu will end this summer, though any deal to take him away will include a 50% sell-on clause and a buy-back option for Los Blancos over the 19-year-old prospect. (AS)

Ange Postecoglou has made no secret that he wants to sign a new centre-back and Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori is reportedly top of his shortlist.

The talented 22-year-old enjoyed a fantastic 2023/24 campaign in which he helped Bologna secure qualification for the Champions League for the first time in 60 years.

Calafiori made 30 league appearances for the Italian club, scoring two goals, making five assists and helping his team to 15 clean sheets in the process.

The youngster’s excellent performances have seen him rewarded with a spot in Italy’s Euro 2024 squad and he played the full 90 minutes of their 2-1 win over Albania on Saturday.

This has only increased the interest in Calafiori’s signature and according to TuttoJuve, Tottenham have ‘made contact with Bologna’ over a deal for the defender in ‘recent hours.’

Postecoglou reportedly views Calafiori as the perfect player to compete with the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin.

However, amid rival interest from Serie A giants Juventus, winning the race for Calafiori will be far from easy for Spurs.

Tottenham plan to hijack Juventus ‘agreement’

The report claims that Juventus already have an ‘agreement’ in place with Calafiori, who would prefer to stay in the Serie A next season.

Although, the defender has admitted that his ‘dream’ is to play in the Premier League one day.

“I have two images; going back to Italy, perhaps in Rome, or my dream would be to play in the Premier League,” Calafiori said in a recent interview.

Bologna’s manager from this season Thiago Motta has just joined Juventus and he wants to take the centre-back with him to the Allianz Stadium.

Spurs, however, are doing all they can to derail Motta’s move for his former player and are reportedly willing to ‘outbid’ Juventus – so the decision may ultimately be down to Bologna.

It’s stated that Calafiori is currently valued at £29m but his price tag could ‘skyrocket’ if he has a good Euro campaign, which is why both Tottenham and Juve are keen to get a deal done as soon as possible.

Calafiori is under contract until 2027 though and Bologna are in no rush to sell, so they may wait until the end of the tournament before considering offers.

They also want to have the strongest squad possible for 2024/25 and will not part ways with the centre-back easily.

It will be interesting to see how Calafiori performs for Italy in the coming weeks and how high Spurs are willing to go with their offer.

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King thinks that if the club manages to sign Eberechi Eze, it could spell the end for James Maddison.

Tottenham’s interest in Eze has been well documented and while the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked, Spurs do stand a good chance of landing the England international.

The Crystal Palace star has a £60m release clause in his contract and given the form he showcased in 2023/24, that sort of price could be a snip.

The 25-year-old scored 11 goals and provided four assists in just 27 league appearances last season, averaging a goal contribution every 137.6 minutes.

DON’T MISS: The key contract details of every Tottenham first-team player: Expiry dates, weekly wages, agents…

Former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton certainly thinks that Spurs would be getting decent value for money with Eze as he’s backed Daniel Levy to splash the cash.

“I think he could go and be a shining star so £60million is right. You look at some of the prices that are getting banded around now for players that aren’t as good, so I can understand that,” Hutton said.

“If he’s going to be available for that price, I think Levy will spend it.”

Eze tipped to take Maddison’s spot

Eze has already managed to leapfrog Maddison in the England pecking order and King thinks that the same could happen at Spurs next season.

“Eze would be an exciting signing, he is a very good player,” King told Tottenham News.

“But he reminds me a lot of Maddison. Does this therefore suggest that Maddison’s time with Tottenham could be up?”

“Maddison started off very brightly but then he disappointed himself and the club in the second half of the season.

“His attitude went downhill and he seemed to get involved in things on and off the field which were unnecessary.”

There can be no denying that Maddison’s form tailed off in the second half of the season. Following an ankle injury he sustained in November, he then struggled to get himself back to his best form.

As a result of his form dipping towards the end of the campaign, the Tottenham star was cut from Gareth Southgate’s final England Euro 2024 squad.

While Eze and Maddison do share some similarities, there’s no reason why both of them can’t play in the same system next season at Tottenham.

Both Maddion and Eze are arguably at their best when playing in the number 10 role, although Eze is also comfortable playing off either flank.

Regardless of whether or not Tottenham do land a deal for Eze, it does seem unlikely that Spurs would sell Maddison after splashing £40m on him last summer.

Tottenham are in the market for a new striker and a number of big names have been linked with the North Londoners in recent weeks.

One player who has been on Ange Postecoglou’s radar for some time is Brentford star Ivan Toney and reports suggest Spurs have just taken a big step towards bringing him in.

According to Football Transfers, Tottenham have just seen an offer of £40m ‘rejected’ by the Bees for the 28-year-old, who is currently away on international duty with England at the Euros.

Toney is undoubtedly one of the Premier League’s best strikers on his day and netted a superb 20 league goals in 2022/23.

The centre-forward was then banned from football for nine months for breaching betting rules and missed most of the 2023/24 campaign as a result.

Toney made his return at the start of this year. He struggled somewhat as he only scored four goals in his 17 Premier League appearances.

That seemingly hasn’t put Tottenham off however and the report claims they’ve decided on Toney as their top attacking target for the summer.

Ivan Toney ‘agrees’ Tottenham contract

It’s no secret that Toney is keen to join a big club this summer and he’s reportedly ‘agreed personal terms’ with Tottenham, per Football Transfers’ report.

The only thing left for Postecoglou’s side to negotiate is a transfer fee with Brentford. The Bees are ‘asking for a fee of £65m’ but it is understood that ‘an offer of £55m would secure the deal.’

They claim Spurs ‘have the financial capability to outbid any competitors for the Bees hitman. However, the available funds will need to be carefully managed, as the Lilywhites plan to bring in five new signings to boost their chances of securing Champions League football next season.’

Postecoglou reportedly views Toney as the ideal replacement for the departed Harry Kane and talks will continue in the coming weeks.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank was on punditry duty on BBC One for Monday’s clash between Romania and Ukraine and hinted that Toney’s departure is far from agreed.

Before the match, discussions centred around Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk.

The 26-year-old is reportedly being tracked by a number of European clubs, after scoring 24 times for La Liga side Girona last season.

“There’s a lot of clubs looking at him I don’t doubt that,” Frank said of Dovbyk. “I can see him in the Premier League in the future as well, I like his left foot, it’s really, really good.”

This brought a jibe from Mark Chapman, who said: “Maybe in red and white (Brentford colours)? I wasn’t expecting you to tell us your transfer plans.”

Frank laughed before replying: “You never know…..but no I don’t think so, I think we have a pretty good striker in Ivan Toney.”

Lazio are prepared to shelve their new transfer policy in an attempt to sign a ‘quality’ Tottenham star, and a broken Ange Postecoglou promise has greatly increased the chances of a transfer going through, according to reports.

Lazio endured a frustrating campaign last season that resulted in a seventh-placed finish. The Italian giants are moving in a new direction after confirming several key – albeit ageing – stars will join new clubs on July 1.

Felipe Anderson is returning to Brazil to join Palmeiras. Midfielder Daichi Kamada will reunite with Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, while Luis Alberto will venture to the middle east when joining Qatari outfit Al-Duhail.

A new chapter awaits under newly-appointed manager Marco Baroni and according to reports out of Italy, Lazio are turning to youth.

The club have made it a priority to sign players aged 25 and under in the current window. However, exceptions can and will be made in rare circumstances.

One player Lazio are giving serious consideration to bidding for is Tottenham midfielder, Giovani Lo Celso.

The 28-year-old rarely gets a kick at Spurs, though his quality cannot be doubted and he remains a key performer for world champions Argentina.

Indeed, Lo Celso scored in his country’s 3-0 victory over El Salvador in March and started both of their warm-up matches prior to this summer’s Copa America. That tournament kicks off on Thursday when Argentina battle Canada in the USA.

Broken Postecoglou promise heightens transfer chances

Lo Celso was heavily linked with leaving Tottenham prior to the start of last season. However, reports at the time claimed Ange Postecoglou vetoed an exit amid a promise of significant game-time.

Unfortunately for Lo Celso, those opportunities did not arise thanks in large part to Tottenham’s early exits from the cup competitions and the lack of European football. Lo Celso’s final tally for the entire campaign stood at just 597 minutes of action.

Talk of a return to Spain to sign with Real Betis has swirled. But per the Italian press, a new chapter with Lazio could await.

They are reportedly prepared to make an exception to their transfer policy for Lo Celso who can be signed for just €10m/£8.5m.

Now or never to for Tottenham sale

Explaining Tottenham’s lowly price tag on the player, it’s highlighted Lo Celso only has one year remaining on his Spurs deal.

A major clear-out is anticipated at Spurs this summer and few would be surprised to see Lo Celso among those cut loose.

Another squad player seemingly on the way out is right-back Emerson Royal.

The 26-year-old is a concrete target for AC Milan and Spurs have lined up another Brazil international as his direct replacement…

Former Chelsea man Tammy Abraham looks set to return to the Premier League amid interest from Tottenham, Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton.

The English quartet are all on the hunt for a new front man and as TEAMtalk exclusively revealed at the start of June, the 26-year-old has been listed for sale by Roma.

Jose Mourinho signed Abraham for the Italian giants in the summer of 2021 and has made 119 appearances for the club to date, scoring 37 goals.

He suffered with a serious knee injury this season but that hasn’t put off his suitors in England. Abraham was heavily linked with Everton before his injury at the end of 2022/23, which scuppered a potential switch to Goodison Park.

Reports from Italy say the Toffees have reignited their interest in the forward amid uncertainty surrounding their number nine Dominic Calvert Lewin.

However, given Everton’s FFP position and competition from Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham, they may struggle to win the race for Abraham’s signature.

Prem quartet ‘fighting’ for Tammy Abraham

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sera, the interest in Abraham from the Premier League has ‘pleased’ Roma as they are planning to sell him in the coming weeks.

Offloading the forward will save the club €6m gross [€4.5m net] per year in wages and make room in the squad for new additions.

Mourinho had an excellent relationship with Abraham at Roma but the manager’s departure in January has seen the ex-Chelsea man fall down the pecking order at the Stadio Olimpico.

It’s claimed that Abraham will ‘find it difficult to say no’ to a Premier League switch and Tottenham, Villa, West Ham and Everton are all ‘fighting’ to sign him.

The Giallorossi have reportedly slapped a €30m (approx. £25.4m) price tag on the striker and they are hoping for ‘an auction’ so they can generate even more from his sale.

Ange Postecoglou has made signing a new striker one of his priorities for the summer. The Aussie coach has a number of exciting targets on his radar and now Abraham can be added to that list.

Aston Villa are expected to part ways with Jhon Duran for around £40m amid interest from Chelsea and therefore, Abraham could be his replacement.

West Ham, on the other hand, are keen to bolster in the striker department to give new boss Julen Lopetegui the best chance of success at the London Stadium.

As mentioned, Everton are long-term admirers of Abraham but they will have to make at least one big sale before they can make an offer for the Roma star.

Tottenham aim to replace Emerson Royal with another Brazil international who’ll cost in excess of €40m to sign amid encouraging updates on both potential transfers.

Right-back Emerson cost Tottenham £25.8m when signed from Barcelona in the summer of 2021. Emerson struggled to justify that price tag in the early going, though did show signs of improvement during the latter part of Antonio Conte’s tenure.

However, the arrival of Pedro Porro has shunted Emerson down the order. Porro is the undisputed first choice on the right side of defence, leaving Emerson to feed off scraps elsewhere.

Indeed, the vast bulk of Emerson’s 22 appearances in the Premier League last season came out of position when covering at centre-back or left-back.

Tottenham have given the green light to Emerson’s sale this summer and Serie A giant AC Milan are hovering.

A prior report from Italy stated Tottenham are demanding €20m/£16.9m for Emerson’s transfer. Milan are understood to only be willing to go as high as €15m-€18m which equates to £12.7m-£15.2m.

However, given another of Milan’s targets – Aston Villa’s Matty Cash – will cost even more (€25m/£21.2m), there’s hope the Italian side will eventually pay up for Emerson.

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the state of play for Tottenham’s right-back position.

Emerson out, Vanderson in?

Taking to X, Romano confirmed Milan are Emerson’s priority destination if he does leave. The suggestion there is Milan won’t struggle to agree personal terms with the player.

But of more exciting news to Spurs fans is the identity of the player who could take Emerson’s place.

Romano confirmed Tottenham are showing interest in Monaco and Brazil right-back, Vanderson.

The 22-year-old has racked up two caps for Brazil since making his senior debut in 2023 and now counts Spurs among his suitors.

Vanderson has returned figures of 15 goal contributions in 84 appearances for Monaco and like Porro, can also play in a more advanced role on the right flank if required.

Vanderson would be viewed as stiff competition for Porro, though won’t come cheaply. Indeed, Romano added Monaco will demand upwards of €40m/£34m before signing off on a sale.

“Tottenham are showing interest in AS Monaco right back Vanderson, one of the options only if Emerson Royal leaves the club,” wrote Romano.

“Not an easy one as Monaco want more than €40m fee, but Spurs appreciate him.

“Emerson, expected to leave Tottenham with AC Milan being his priority.”

The rearguard is where the bulk of the action is expected to lay at Tottenham this summer.

Aside from right-back, Spurs are also expected to sign a new centre-half. On that front, talks with an Italian starter at Euro 2024 are reportedly underway…

Tottenham scouts will reportedly be keeping a close eye on a Turkish forward during Euro 2024 with one eye on a potential summer transfer window swoop.

Ange Postecoglou is looking to try and strengthen all areas of his squad this summer in what could end up being a dramatic overhaul after a fifth-placed finish that initially promised so much more.

Having led the Premier League after 10 games, injuries, suspensions and a complete loss of form down the stretch ended up costing the club a Champions League place.

During that disastrous run of five defeats in the last seven games, Postecoglou openly admitted that he did not have the players in his squad capable of playing the brand of football he believes will finally end the club’s 16-year trophy drought.

DEEP DIVE: Seven transfer targets Tottenham will be tracking at Euro 2024

The Australian is known to be looking for another central defender, at least two midfielders and a central striker but is open to bringing in other players outside of those positions if a high-level performer becomes available.

One such player reported to be on the club’s radar is Turkish sensation Semih Kilicsoy.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, Tottenham scouts will have their eyes set on the Besiktas forward, who has had an exceptional rise with the Turkish giants.

The highly-rated 18-year-old attacker has come up through the ranks at Besiktas and was promoted to their first team last summer.

Postecoglou eyeing versatile teenager Kilicsoy

Kilicsoy notched 12 goals and added three assists in his debut season for the club and although he favours playing through the middle, the teenager can also fill both wide roles.

Despite his clear talents and ability to play as a No.9, it’s more likely that Postecoglou is looking at Kilicsoy as a wide prospect to compete with the likes of Son Heung-min, Timo Werner and Manor Solomon on the left and Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski on the right.

The report adds that Kilicsoy’s current contract at Besiktas runs until 2028 and that the Turkish giants will demand around €25-€30million for his signature.

Kilicsoy is primed to make his Euros debut for Turkey on Tuesday when they face Georgia in their Group F opener.

Besiktas will certainly be hoping he gets on the pitch as that could boost the youngster’s price tag ahead of potential bids for his services over the coming weeks and months.

Future Tottenham Hotspur player Luka Vuskovic has agreed to go on loan to a new league next season, while reports indicate Spurs are eyeing another defender for the future.

Spurs arranged to sign Vuskovic for £12m back in September, but due to his age they are not able to welcome him until next summer. Therefore, he has been continuing to develop elsewhere, first with Hajduk Split – from whom Tottenham have bought him – and more recently on loan in Poland with Radomiak Radom.

With one more season to go before he can become a Tottenham player as an 18-year-old – and amid a necessity for him to step up to a stronger competition in order to gain points towards his work permit – a new move is being organised for Vuskovic.

According to reports, he will be moving to Belgium to spend the 2024-25 season on loan with Westerlo, who came 11th in the 2023-24 Belgian Pro League before missing out on qualification for Europe after the post-season play-offs.

Vuskovic is said to have agreed to the Westerlo move, which will equip him with more experience before he links up with Tottenham.

The Belgian Pro League will be the most competitive division Vuskovic has played in yet, in accordance with UEFA coefficients.

DON’T MISS – New Tottenham midfield general: ‘The Pitbull’, divisive talent and major wildcard all on Postecoglou’s radar

Tottenham eye next defensive prospect

Vuskovic might not be the only defender Spurs want to nurture for the future, though. According to several Italian newspapers, Sampdoria’s Giovanni Leoni has caught their attention.

Leoni is not 18 yet either until December, but he has built up some experience in Serie B this season during a loan spell from Padova.

Sampdoria have made that deal permanent for €1.5m, but could flip Leoni for a quick profit after deciding to value him at €5m.

It’s claimed that Tottenham are among the clubs keen on snapping up the Rome-born centre-back next, but they are not the leading suitors.

Instead, Torino are currently in pole position for Leoni, while Juventus and Napoli are also keeping tabs on the Italian talent too.

What Tottenham would do with Leoni in 2025 remains to be seen. Like with the Vuskovic situation, they would have to wait until he becomes 18 to register him officially.

Spurs go into next season with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin as their main centre-backs. There is a vacancy for one more in the department, but they will need to be mindful not to block the future pathway of players like Vuskovic and Ashley Phillips, who ended last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle.

Tottenham are preparing for another crucial summer transfer window and several players of interest to them will be on show at Euro 2024.

The 2023-24 season began promisingly for Tottenham under new manager Ange Postecoglou, only for the north London side to fade late in the campaign and miss out on Champions League qualification.

They’ll be hoping to build on the positives of the Postecoglou revolution and secure a top-four place next term. With that aim in mind, Spurs have already been linked with big-money summer moves for several sought-after stars, many of whom will be on show at the European Championship in Germany this month.

Here are seven Spurs targets to keep an eye on at Euro 2024.

Eberechi Eze

One of the least experienced members of Gareth Southgate’s squad, with just four senior England caps to his name, the form Eberechi Eze is carrying into the tournament and the unique skillset he possesses in midfield could make him a difference-making wildcard for the Three Lions.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2023-24 Premier League campaign with Crystal Palace, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists. He is a fearless dribbler through the middle of the park and has the creativity and goal threat to unpick tight defences.

As TEAMtalk exclusively revealed back in April, Palace will struggle to hold on to Eze this summer amid serious interest in the £60 million-rated star from Manchester United and Spurs.

Conor Gallagher

A contender to start alongside Declan Rice at the base of England’s midfield, a strong showing at Euro 2024 would cap a successful season on an individual level for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher.

The 24-year-old started all but one of the Blues’ Premier League games this past season, scoring five goals and providing seven assists. He even showed his leadership qualities, often acting as captain in the absence of the injured Reece James.

Despite this, though, Chelsea are willing to sell Gallagher for the right offer this summer, with the player entering the final year of his contract and the Stamford Bridge club needing to raise funds to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The energetic central midfielder is seen as an ideal fit for Postecoglou’s system and TEAMtalk exclusively reported last week that Tottenham are readying an improved bid after coming close to landing the 13-cap England star last year.

Marc Guehi

Eze is not the only Crystal Palace player attracting attention from Spurs at present. TEAMtalk revealed back in February that Tottenham are among the handful of the Premier League’s biggest clubs interested in Marc Guehi.

The 23-year-old centre-back has been outstanding for Palace since signing from Chelsea in 2021 and is set for a key role with England at the Euros after Southgate omitted Harry Maguire and Jarrad Branthwaite from his final 26-man squad.

Athletic, powerful and confident on the ball, Guehi ticks all the boxes when it comes to the traits desired in a modern central defender. If he is chosen to partner John Stones at the heart of the Three Lions’ backline in Germany, he could emerge as one of the breakout stars of the tournament.

Pedro Neto

Spurs have reportedly been tracking Wolves winger Pedro Neto for several months now, with the 24-year-old seen as having the speed, dynamism and creativity to improve the Tottenham attack.

Neto has been selected in Roberto Martinez’s Portugal squad for Euro 2024 and he will have a battle on his hands to get on to the pitch, such is the wealth of attacking talent at the former Everton boss’ disposal.

But as Neto showed over the 2023-24 Premier League season, with a return of nine assists, he can be a wizard in the final third, conjuring chances on which the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix would feast.

As TEAMtalk confirmed back in March, Spurs are one of four clubs chasing the £60 million-rated forward.

Amadou Onana

Despite Everton’s recent struggles, Amadou Onana has managed to establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since arriving at Goodsion Park from Lille in a £33 million deal in 2022.

The Belgian star has stood out for his powerful presence in the middle third, where he can disrupt opposition attacks with his timing and positioning, thrust forward with driving runs and influence tempo through precise passing.

Such displays have made Onana a man in demand. As TEAMtalk revealed in February, every member of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ are interested in signing the 22-year-old this summer.

Sebastian Szymanski

Poland international Sebastian Szymanski only joined the Fenerbahce – where, if he stays, he will be coached by former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho next season – last year, arriving from Dynamo Moscow for €9.75 million after an impressive loan spell with Feyenoord that saw him score 10 goals in 40 games.

But the 25-year-old has so impressed in his debut season in Turkey that admiring glances from Premier League clubs could see him on the move once again this summer.

Szymanski scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists in 37 Super Lig games for the Istanbul club, who, according to TEAMtalk sources, would consider bids in the region of £30 million for their star midfielder.

Viewed as an ideal addition to provide competition for James Madison in the No.10 role, TEAMtalk learned in April that Spurs are preparing to swoop for Szymanski, although they face rival interest from Manchester United.

Nico Williams

Nico Williams, the thrillingly dynamic Athletic Bilbao winger, has everything required to be one of the breakout stars at Euro 2024.

Possessing electirc pace, full-back-twisting skill and the ability to threaten opposition backlines as both a scorer and a creator, the 21-year-old has been one of the most exciting players in La Liga in recent seasons.

Williams, a 14-cap Spain international, can play on either wing but is at his most dangerous on the left, from where he can cut inside on to his stronger right foot. He scored eight goals and provided an incredible 17 assists at club level in 2023-24, sparking interest from Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool.

TEAMtalk exclusively reported in March that Spurs are also keen on the Spanish star, who is valued at £43 million.