TEAMtalk

Daniel Levy may be forced into selling at least one high-profile Tottenham star this summer after it was revealed that the club still owe an incredible £441million in transfer fees for players.

It’s potentially more bad news in what’s been a disastrous campaign for Spurs, bar their run to the Europa League quarter-finals, as they currently sit 15th in the Premier League table with 17 defeats from 32 games.

Fans have been regularly venting their anger towards Levy and ENIC, with supporters protesting against the chairman and the club’s owners on multiple occasions this season, most recently ahead of the league win over Southampton.

It’s also expected that more protests will take place between now and the end of the season, with many fans also calling for Ange Postecoglou’s head. And this latest £441million (€513m / $583m) reveal will not help matters in north London.

It’s been previously stated that money will be available to improve the squad for whoever is in charge of Tottenham beyond the summer, but recent comments from football finance expert Kieran Maguire may just have thrown a spanner in the works.

While appearing on the Last Word podcast, Maguire explained that Spurs’ most recent financial accounts show that they owe £441million to other clubs in unpaid transfer fees.

This is a method followed by other clubs as well. However, it’s been revealed that Spurs owe the most, even more than big-spending London rivals Chelsea.

As a result, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes a high-profile player will need to be sold this summer if the club want to make a significant addition to their squad.

DON’T MISS ➡️ Top five Tottenham replacements for Cristian Romero ranked as clear favourite emerges

Romero the likeliest casualty after shock Tottenham reveal

Of all the players tipped to leave Tottenham this summer, Cristian Romero is the one likely to command the biggest transfer fee, with Madrid giants Real and Atletico both keen on the Argentine. Indeed, Spurs fans have now fully turned on the centre-back and want him out.

And Wenham has confirmed the World Cup winner as the likeliest exit, admitting: “I was on that Last Word on Spurs podcast with Maguire. When he said that we owed more than £400million on transfers, I was flabbergasted. That is very concerning when you consider that we need a massive overhaul of the squad this summer.

“Where is the money going to come from? It looks as though we will need to sell a high-profile player, such as Cristian Romero, just to get the ball rolling on potential transfers.

“What it also means is that the players we sign this summer have to all be hits. There needs to be real due diligence done on the players that we bring through the door.”

Romero’s exit could recoup in excess of £60m but the spine of the team, particularly in midfield, needs major investment this summer if Spurs are to bounce back from their worst domestic campaign since the mid-1990s.

Latest Tottenham news

🔵 Tottenham reach decision on selling Udogie to Man City, with new signing plan confirmed

🔵 Tottenham move for new Postecoglou replacement as reason behind expected Iraola snub emerges

🔵 Tottenham barged aside for maverick winger with new transfer favourites named

A trusted source has delivered an emphatic update on Destiny Udogie and his chances of joining Manchester City, while Tottenham’s plans to sign a new left-back have also been confirmed.

Udogie hasn’t enjoyed the best of season so far, with patchy form and injuries disrupting his campaign. Nonetheless, the Italy international, 22, remains highly regarded in north London and also has admirers up in Manchester.

Writing for GiveMeSport, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently revealed Man City have Udogie in their sights.

Pep Guardiola’s side are in the market for one and possibly two new full-backs this summer and Udogie features prominently on their shortlist along with Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus).

“The club is exploring alternative options on the market and sources tell us that one of the players appreciated internally at Manchester City is the Italian talent, Destiny Udogie,” wrote Romano.

“Udogie is highly-rated by people at Man City as he’s still very young, able to play on both wings and a physical player who has already proven himself in the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur.”

But according to a fresh update from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Spurs have zero intention of selling Udogie to Man City, or any club, for that matter.

Plettenberg declared Spurs “definitely” want to retain Udogie. Indicating their strong desire is the fact Tottenham are refusing to even name a price for would-be suitors like City to use as guidance.

“Understand Tottenham definitely want to keep Destiny Udogie for the upcoming season,” insisted Plettenberg.

“He is considered a key player in their squad planning, which is why there is currently no price tag – despite interest from several top clubs.”

Plettenberg concluded by stating Spurs do intend to sign a new left-back, but the arrival will be a back-up to Udogie and not a replacement.

“Instead, the club are more likely to consider signing a back-up for the 22 y/o left-back,” added the Sky Germany journalist. “His contract runs until 2030.”

Latest Tottenham & Man City news – Postecoglou replacement / Silva approach

In other news, TEAMtalk have been informed Tottenham are seriously looking into appointing Thomas Frank to replace Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs hold concrete interest in Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva too, though the former is expected to snub any Spurs approach amid an anticipated absence of European football.

Unless Tottenham win the Europa League they will have no European football of any kind to tempt a new manager through the door.

Elsewhere, The Times brought news of Bernardo Silva being lined up by one of his former clubs.

Benfica – Silva’s boyhood club – have ‘made an approach’ in an audacious attempt to strike a summer deal.

City are understood to be receptive to selling Silva who is now aged 30 and only has one year remaining on his contract.

Guardiola’s side are gearing up for a major squad rebuild, with Kevin De Bruyne’s exit already confirmed.

Kyle Walker – currently on loan at AC Milan – will be sold irrespective of whether Milan activate their option to buy or not.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank is now high on Tottenham’s list of possible targets to replace under-pressure head coach Ange Postecoglou, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Tottenham are on course to have a wretched season, one that can only be saved by triumphing in the Europa League – where they have reached the quarter-finals.

Australian coach Postecoglou may have created a rod for his own back when he said he always wins trophies in his second season at a club but that seems increasingly unlikely at Spurs this term.

TEAMtalk understands that if Tottenham exit the competition at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday, with the tie finely poised at 1-1 heading into the second leg, the club’s board will come together to decide the fate of the former Celtic boss.

Our sources can confirm that as it is proving difficult for Spurs to tempt Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola to the north London outfit, Brentford’s Frank will be asked about the role if they sack Postecoglou.

The Dane is loved at Brentford and they will do all they can to keep hold of their charismatic manager but we can reveal that he may be ready to take the next step in his career and Tottenham would be seen as that.

Frank’s buyout clause with the Bees is in the range of £10million (€11.7m, $13.3m) and while Spurs were not willing to fork out those sorts of funds to recruit him in January, the summer is a very different story.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham fans turn on ‘pathetic’ Romero with ‘talks held’ over £50m replacement

Iraola difficulties, long-held Frank interest

TEAMtalk can reveal that Bournemouth owner Bill Foley is set to fly to England this week, with the view of offering Iraola a new deal. There have been positive discussions so far, with the 42-year-old’s contract currently running until the summer of 2026 after joining in June 2023.

As an aside, we previously outlined that Tottenham faced three problems when it came to recruiting the former Rayo Vallecano boss. One, it is not certain that he would want to leave for Tottenham due to their current struggles and the fans’ vocal criticisms of chairman Daniel Levy.

Two, other teams may try and poach the ex-Mirandes coach before Spurs and three, he may turn them down in the hope of getting a bigger move further down the pipeline.

Tellingly, Bournemouth are eighth in the Premier League and are in the fight to secure European football next season, Brentford are 11th and Tottenham are 15th.

Incidentally, the Spurs hierarchy are planning to conduct a detailed end-of-season review into all aspects of the club and Postecoglou’s position will be looked at as part of this.

Elsewhere, our sources understand that Frank was in the running to take over at Spurs when Antonio Conte was sacked in March 2023 but the timing was not right for him to leave Brentford.

He has also been on the shortlist of multiple teams in recent years, including Chelsea and Manchester United, with many admiring the work he has done on one of the Premier League’s smallest budgets.

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs want Chelsea man, uphill task to sign Dibling

🔵 Tottenham to launch daring raid on London rivals for incredibly versatile Portugal star

🔵 Tottenham barged aside for maverick winger with new transfer favourites named

🔵 Tottenham bulldoze their way into race to sign elite Udogie upgrade

Tottenham Hotspur could find themselves shoved to the sidelines when it comes to winning the race for exciting Southampton talent Tyler Dibling this summer, with a fresh report revealing that a top Bundesliga club is now leading the charge for his signature.

The north London club have been one of the frontrunners for Dibling’s signature ever since he burst onto the scene with Saints, catching the eye with some impressive displays despite his side’s immediate return to the Championship.

The south coast side are fully expected to cash in on the 19-year-old this summer but are refusing to let him leave on the cheap, especially with so many clubs hovering for his signature.

There have been reports of a ‘secret’ Tottenham bid for Dibling who, rather unrealistically, is being valued in the region of £100million (€117m /$132m) when a figure of £60m (€70m / $79m) is more likely.

Dibling‘s stats certainly don’t warrant the sort of figures being mooted, having notched just four goals and three assists in 33 total appearances for Southampton this term. But it’s his eye-catching performances on the right wing, especially in games against some of the bigger clubs, that have created high demand.

And now a report from trusted journalist Florian Plettenberg states that RB Leipzig are leading the likes of Spurs and Bayern Munich for a player who has been heavily linked with Manchester United.

Reports from Germany add that Leipzig pushed for a deal in the winter window and even had a £30m bid rejected, while Tottenham also had a £35m offer of their own rebuffed.

Plettenberg also adds that Tottenham are now ‘outsiders’ when it comes to snapping up the England Under-21 international, in news that will come as a blow to Daniel Levy and co.

DON’T MISS ➡️ Tottenham timeline on Postecoglou sack decision revealed with THREE replacements eyed

Tottenham also hunting three other wingers

Scoring goals has not necessarily been an issue for Spurs this season, indeed Ange Postecoglou’s men are actually the third highest scorers in the Premier League this season despite sitting 15th in the table.

Skipper Son Heung-min has managed to find the net 11 times, with 12 assists, although he is no longer at the same level that left opposition defences quaking in fear.

The South Korean has extended his contract for a further year but it’s very clear that Tottenham are already looking to the future after the addition of Wilson Odobert last summer, while also bringing through top teenage talent Mikey Moore.

Brennan Johnson has chalked up some hugely impressive numbers this term, including 16 goals to his name, but many Spurs fans have been left frustrated by his lack of overall impact on games.

The Wales international is the master of the back-post finish but does not contribute much else to games and there was even a recent report suggesting a move back to Nottingham Forest could be on the cards.

Add in the fact that the likes of Dibling, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, Wolves ace Matheus Cunha and Dortmund star Jamie Gittens continue to be linked with moves to north London and an obvious pattern is emerging.

However, it now appears that Dibling might have to be removed from that list – if Plettenberg’s sources are correct.

Latest Tottenham news

🔵 Tottenham bulldoze their way into race to sign elite Udogie upgrade

🔵 Tottenham fans turn on ‘pathetic’ Romero with ‘talks held’ over £50m replacement

🔵 Tottenham to launch daring raid on London rivals for incredibly versatile Portugal star

Ange Postecoglou remains under pressure as Tottenham struggle for form ahead of a crucial Europa League quarter-final, and three potential candidates are on the London club’s radar, TEAMtalk understands.

Spurs lost 4-2 to a struggling Wolves side on Sunday and the result has left them 15th in the Premier League table, on track for their worst league finish since the 1993/94 campaign.

Postecoglou has previously stated that he “always” wins trophies in his second season with his clubs, which is accurate to date. His final hope to fulfill that promise, and maintain his record, lies in the Europa League. Tottenham head to Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night with the aggregate score standing at 1-1. Winning that competition would also grant Spurs entry into the Champions League.

Many supporters are calling for Tottenham to sack Postecoglou. Sources acknolwedge a summer change is realistic but the focus for now is on the Europa League.

The Spurs hierarchy are planning to conduct a detailed end-of-season review into all aspects of the club and Postecoglou’s position will be looked at as part of this. Until now, the club have tried not to do the latter during the season.

Daniel Levy does recognise Postecoglou has been dealt a difficult hand in terms of injuries this season. And Spurs tried to back him in the January window, including landing a key target in Mathys Tel, a transfer Levy handled personally. Now, Postecoglou needs a strong end to the campaign to turn things around.

Like all well run clubs, Tottenham have been succession planning in case they need to change manager. At the end of the season they will have a big decision to make, and that may be the case even if Postecoglou achieve success in the Europa League, although clearly winning the tournament will help his cause.

Tottenham interested in three Premier League managers

Another reason why Tottenham are more likely to make a decision on Postecoglou at the end of the season is that the manager targets they’re looking at are not available now.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola would be high in their thinking if they part ways with Postecoglou. But TEAMtalk understands that Bournemouth’s owner, Bill Foley, has had a meeting with Iraola in the past two weeks to discuss his future and goals, and further face to face talks are planned thsi month. The Cherries are desperate to keep the Spanish coach at the club and optimistic they can persuade him to extend his stay.

The other names in the frame for Tottenham should Postecologu depart are Fulham’s Marco Silva and Brentford’s Thomas Frank.

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has also been linked with Tottenham in the past, but there has been no concrete approaches to the English coach as yet.

Meanwhile, Spurs’ soon-to-be new CEO Vinai Venkatesham, formerly of Arsenal, only starts his role in the summer. Venkatesham is set to have a significant say in Spurs’ strategy going forward alongside Levy.

Succession planning does not always mean a managerial change will be made, but it’s fair to say that Spurs are well prepared if Postecoglou does depart, which remains a realistic possibility.

The idea Postecoglou could depart if Spurs get knocked out to Frankfurt on Thursday is less likely. Spurs would likely have to again put Ryan Mason in charge on a caretaker basis until the summer, as he did when both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte were sacked, and this is a scenario the club would prefer to avoid.

DON’T MISS: Premier League Signings of the Season: Liverpool, Real Madrid target surges second

Tottenham Hotspur are pushing hard to complete the signing of Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci this summer after he was made the express wish of Fabio Paratici, but the London side do face competition from three elite Serie A sides, sources have confirmed.

Spurs have made strengthening their midfield a priority for the transfer window and although Paratici officially left the club two years ago, he is still recommending players.

TEAMtalk exclusively revealed last month that Paratici is expected to return to Tottenham in an official capacity this summer.

The Italian was handed a 30-month suspension from football in January 2023 after his former club Juventus, where he worked for 11 years, was found guilty by an Italian court of false accounting.

Paratici’s return is now closer than ever after several Italian outlets have claimed that AC Milan are set to leave the race for the transfer guru due to ‘legal issues.’

As previously reported, Paratici has recommended 23-year-old Torino midfielder Ricci to Tottenham in recent months. Sources have now stated that Spurs continue to follow his situation and monitor his performances closely ahead of a big-money summer swoop.

Torino, for their part, are willing to sell Ricci for the right price. Their valuation stands at around €40m (£34.3m, $44.1m), but that is considered negotiable. With interest growing in the eight-time capped Italian international, Spurs will have to move quickly if they want to sign him this summer.

Tottenham face competition for Italian international

Despite Ricci being firmly on Tottenham’s radar, TEAMtalk understands that they have NOT contacted the player’s agents about a transfer yet.

Spurs are yet to follow up their interest with any concrete moves and in general – NO English club has contacted Ricci’s entourage.

However, other clubs are interested, especially in Italy. Sources state that AC Milan have shown the most concrete interest in Ricci to date – again thanks to Paratici’s recommendation – while Inter Milan and Napoli are also following his situation.

We understand that Ricci is open to a new challenge and he won’t be short of offers this summer. His contract with Torino is valid until 2028, but a €40m bid will likely be enough to sign him this summer.

When asked about his future in an interview in October, Ricci said: “How does it feel to be linked with Milan? It definitely gives so much pleasure, but I’ve learned about football a little bit.

“When things are going well you get approached by these clubs and it’s gratifying because it means that the work is the right one, the path is the right one.”

Latest Tottenham news: Cardoso update, Son to Bayern rumours

👉 Expected Tottenham signing under threat by ‘more lucrative interests’ despite €25m purchase option

👉 Sensational Tottenham-Bayern transfer demolished by trusted source – ‘they can’t afford it’

👉 Tottenham strike gold as Euro giants SLASH price tag of ‘strong and reliable’ transfer target

Manchester City are considering a high-profile raid on Tottenham Hotspur for Destiny Udogie, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the full-back is one of two high-profile Italy stars Pep Guardiola wants to bring to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

While Manchester City still have 130 charges of FFP hanging over their heads, they continue to plead their innocence and hope a verdict will soon arrive that not only clears their name but also allows them to push on with their squad rebuilding. And after a dramatic fall from grace this summer that has left the four-time defending Premier League champions in a battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League, Guardiola is painfully aware that he needs several recruits this summer.

Two positions the City boss is determined to address are in both full-back positions and with Kyle Walker poised to finalise a permanent move to AC Milan, Guardiola wants new additions on both the right and left side of his defence.

And now, according to transfer expert Romano, City are pushing hard to bring in two players to strengthen both positions this summer.

‘The club is exploring alternative options on the market and sources tell us that one of the players appreciated internally at Manchester City is the Italian talent, Destiny Udogie,’ Romano wrote for Givemesport.

‘Udogie is highly-rated by people at Man City as he’s still very young, able to play on both wings and a physical player who has already proven himself in the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur.’

Romano also reveals the 22-year-old, who is contracted to Spurs until summer 2030 and has been described as ‘untouchable’ in the Italian media – is also a firm target of incoming City sporting director Hugo Viana.

The reporter added: ‘Man City’s new director Hugo Viana appreciates Udogie and was already following the player since he was at Udinese, when Spurs decided to invest in him with a move driven by Fabio Paratici.’

However, the Tottenham Hotspur full-back is now the only full-back City are chasing, with Romano also confirming the Cityzens are also actively pursuing a versatile Juventus star.

ICYMI 🌐 Kevin De Bruyne: Every club linked with Man City legend, including Ronaldo, Messi link up

City swoop on Spurs described as problematic

With Udogie’s contract in north London still having five years to run, Romano acknowledges that a deal to prise him to the north-west looks fraught with hurdles and with any negotiations with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy anticipated as being ‘difficult’.

At the same time, City are also ready to reactivate interest in Juventus star Andrea Cambiaso, having seen initial enquiries for the Juventus star in January come to nothing and having been scared off by the Serie A’s lofty demands for the 25-year-old, who is comfortable playing off either side of the defence.

However, while Juve’s valuation is unlikely to budge, Romano claims City are aware that the player is open to the possible move and a fresh approach from City may well result in a different response from the Italian giants, who have changed managers since City’s winter window approach.

Either way, Romano claims City are open to the prospect of signing either player this summer, and has declared that not only are ‘City likely to invest an important amount in a full-back in the summer’ but that both players are ‘ones to watch’ heading into the window and with both players ‘now on the list’.

Man City latest: World-record £237m swoop; two targets to succeed De Bruyne

Meanwhile, staggering reports in the Spain have suggested City are weighing up an extraordinary move to prise Lamine Yamal away from Barcelona and are preparing to shatter a number of global transfer records in order to get their hands on the teenager.

Elsewhere, with Kevin De Bruyne set to move on this summer, David Ornstein has named Florian Wirtz and a Premier League ace as two options for City as they look to replace one of their greatest ever players.

TEAMtalk can confirm City are firmly in the mix for Wirtz, with his new, lower price tag also being revealed.

But the Cityzens will need to overcome Bayern Munich to sign him as they are putting up a fierce fight for the talented Bayer Leverkusen star.

Tottenham’s agreement with Real Betis ‘doesn’t guarantee’ that Johnny Cardoso will be heading to the Premier League side this summer, according to a report.

When Giovani Lo Celso swapped Tottenham for Betis last year, Ange Postecoglou’s team acquired a non-mandatory €25 million (£21.6m, $27.6m) purchase option for Cardoso in the process.

Cardoso, who signed a new deal with the Spanish side until 2030 earlier this year, has impressed this season, and his progress is not going unnoticed.

Reports suggest other English top-flight sides are monitoring the 23-year-old, which could put Spurs at a disadvantage; particularly if they fail to get into Europe next season.

Now, Relevo claims Spurs’ purchase option – which runs from June 30 to July 10 in 2025 – ‘doesn’t guarantee control over the player’ and Betis have not given up trying to retain the United States international.

The report adds that the ex-Internacional star may not agree to a Tottenham move and that his entourage are handling other ‘more lucrative interests’, aside from Spurs.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham tipped to SHUN Iraola as Postecoglou successor and appoint ‘more of a Levy character’

Cardoso tight-lipped on his future

The American has grown in stature as the season has progressed for Betis, with Cardoso scoring three goals and bagging one assist in 35 appearances in all competitions.

All but six of those games have been in the starting XI, with the defensive midfielder becoming a key part of Manuel Pellegrini’s Champions League-chasing side.

And going by his comments in March, Cardoso isn’t itching for a transfer exit anytime soon.

When asked about potentially joining Spurs in the summer, he told AS: “I don’t think about it; it’s in the hands of my father and my agent. I try to enjoy myself and to evolve. Things will happen if my performance in the team is good.”

An intriguing summer lies ahead for him, Tottenham, and Betis.

Tottenham transfer roundup: Son move rubbished, Muniz links

Sensational Tottenham-Bayern transfer demolished by trusted source – ‘they can’t afford it’

Tottenham tipped to try and STEAL £50m-rated attacking talent who tormented Van Dijk

Reports of a huge Bayern Munich summer transfer raid on Tottenham Hotspur have been completely put to bed by respected Bild journalist Christian Falk.

It’s expected to be a busy summer in north London as Spurs look to bounce back from a disastrous domestic campaign that is likely to cost Ange Postecoglou his job, unless the club manage to secure Champions League football via Europa League success.

Postecoglou is not the only senior figure who could move on though, with skipper Son Heung-min‘s future also under threat due to a significant drop off in form this season.

Despite the club taking up an option to keep the South Korean on board for another season, the 32-year-old has faced plenty of criticism from Tottenham fans over his performance levels in a campaign where his electric pace and clinical finishing have clearly started to diminish.

Son has still scored 11 goals and notched 12 assists this term but the consistency of seasons past has not been there for a Spurs side currently sitting 14th in the Premier League table.

That has led to reports that Tottenham are willing to sell their skipper this summer to make room for new signings. Indeed, it’s been stated that cash-rich Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are looking to sign Son for £50million.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man has also been tentatively linked by Spanish outlet Fichajes with a return to Germany, where he could link up with former Spurs teammates Harry Kane and Eric Dier.

The report claimed that Bayern view Son as a potential replacement for Thomas Muller, who will bring his glittering career at the Allianz Arena to an end this summer.

However, reliable Bild writer Falk has completely rubbished any rumours of Son to Bayern, telling the Bayern Insider Podcast when asked about the rumour: “That’s not true.

“And I’d like to know if we’ve ever given Fichajes a true. So, this rumour is completely made up again, FC Bayern can’t afford it, FC Bayern doesn’t want to afford him.”

DON’T MISS ➡️ How Tottenham XI could look under Andoni Iraola as FOUR new signings step up in revamped attack

Son replacement lined up at Tottenham

Speculation over Son’s potential exit comes as no real surprise, especially given that Tottenham continue to be linked with wide players this summer.

One name that refuses to away is Bournemouth’s Antione Semenyo, who would be a straight swap for the South Korean on the left side of Spurs’ forward line.

Semenyo is seven years Son’s junior and has enjoyed an outstanding campaign for a Cherries side who are still pushing for European qualification under Tottenham managerial target Andoni Iraola.

But in terms of how much longer Son can cling on in north London, one former Tottenham player no longer sees him as a regular starter – no matter who the manager is beyond the end of this season.

Speaking after the 1-0 win over Manchester United in February, the outspoken Jamie O’Hara told talkSPORT: “I’ve been taking so much stick from South Korea fans. I’ve been getting loads of stick 24/7 on my Instagram because I said Son’s not a captain, not a leader, and we have to start looking at a replacement for him.

“He has been an unbelievable servant to the football club, and he’s a top player. He’s been world-class, but he isn’t anymore. He has lost a yard of pace. He doesn’t go past anyone. He doesn’t really make anything happen.

“Sometimes age gets the better of you, and you’ve got to start looking elsewhere. I think we’ve got to find someone else. I don’t think Son should be captain anymore. He shouldn’t be captain for Tottenham.”

Latest Tottenham news

🔵 Tottenham strike gold as Euro giants SLASH price tag of ‘strong and reliable’ transfer target

🔵 Tottenham tipped to try and STEAL £50m-rated attacking talent who tormented Van Dijk

🔵 Tottenham join eye-opening race to sign £35m midfield orchestrator turning heads in Italy

Tottenham are plotting a move for AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori this summer, who has been given a ‘new’ asking price ahead of the transfer window, TEAMtalk understands.

Spurs have made signing a new centre-back a priority after injuries to Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin have exposed their lack of quality cover in the position.

Romero is being linked with moves away from Tottenham, while back-up option Ben Davies is set to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires in the coming months.

TEAMtalk understands that Tomori has been on Tottenham’s radar for some time. They held concrete discussions with Milan over a transfer in January, but a move ultimately didn’t materialise.

The 27-year-old is viewed as a strong and reliable option, per sources, and the fact that he has Premier League experience has put him at the top of Tottenham’s shortlist.

Spurs are expected to move for Tomori again this summer, with the previous price tag set by Milan of €35m (£30m, $38m) to €40m (£34m, $44m) set to be reduced.

Tomori hasn’t been a consistent starter for Milan this season, hence why they’re willing to sell and the defender. His sale would also bring in funds they can spend to strengthen other areas.

AC Milan will accept cut-price Tottenham bid

TEAMtalk understands that Milan are ‘open’ to discussing the sale of Tomori and his ‘new’ asking price is around €30m (£26m, $33m), which is ‘negotiable’, per sources.

The Italian giants, in general, may need to sell one or two other players if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, due to their financial situation.

Milan currently sit in a disappointing ninth place in the Serie A table, nine points adrift from the top four.

TEAMtalk reported in December that Juventus and Newcastle United asked for information about Tomori, ahead of the January window.

Both clubs continue to Tomori’s situation but have taken no further concrete steps toward a transfer.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are in a strong position to sign the five-time capped England international. More talks will be held in the coming weeks and Tomori is a player to keep a close eye on.

Sources state that Tomori is happy with Milan and would like to stay for a long time. The reality is though that if he wants to play consistent minutes again and fight his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England plans, he may have to move elsewhere.

Latest Tottenham news: Fulham star wanted, Serie A midfielder eyed

👉 Tottenham tipped to try and STEAL £50m-rated attacking talent who tormented Van Dijk

👉 Tottenham join eye-opening race to sign £35m midfield orchestrator turning heads in Italy

👉 Tottenham pushing to sign ‘extremely dangerous’ Brazilian sensation in latest wonderkid coup

IN FOCUS: Why has Tomori fallen out of favour at AC Milan?

Tomori’s move from Chelsea to AC Milan in 2021 turned out to be one of the big unexpected success stories in recent memory for any English player – even if he never got the recognition many felt he deserved from Gareth Southgate.

After making the move permanent ahead of the 2021-22 season, Tomori went on to win the Scudetto with the Rossoneri, playing in 31 of their 38 league games along the way.

He was even busier during their failed title defence of 2022-23 and retained Stefano Pioli’s trust last season as well, until the head coach’s departure.

Tomori was expected to be one of the players that Pioli’s replacement, Paulo Fonseca, would build around at San Siro – but as with many things for Milan this season, the expectation has been different to reality.

Fonseca gave Tomori starts in Milan’s first three Serie A matches this season, as well as the captain’s armband for the third, and after being benched against Venezia on matchday four, Tomori went on to start three consecutive games again.

That spell ended in their first game of October. Tomori didn’t start again in the league until January, in the game just after Fonseca had been sacked.

So, what happened in between? Even some inside Milan have struggled to put their finger on it. First, Tomori was embroiled in some drama on his last Serie A start under Fonseca against Fiorentina, when intervening in a controversial move by Tammy Abraham to take a penalty instead of Christian Pulisic.

But that alone didn’t seem big enough of a factor for Milan to freeze Tomori out. There were other contributing reasons; the improving form of Matteo Gabbia and Malick Thiaw, while Tomori’s own form was declining, was timed to his detriment.

Under Sergio Conceicao, Tomori has followed a similar pattern. He started five of the first six Serie A games since Fonseca’s sacking, but was sent off in the sixth against Empoli and after serving his suspension was an unused sub for the next six league games.

Tomori insisted in February that he was happy to stay at Milan as long as he was wanted there. “In the end I am the one who comes to the training centre every day, and I feel good here, I feel at home,” he told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

“In these four years I have won two trophies, we could have won more. Now we have a stronger team, I feel good here. As long as they don’t tell me to leave, I am happy here.”

The problem is that Tomori is slipping out of Milan’s plans, at an age (27) when he should be moving into the prime of his career.

His inconsistency has become more apparent in recent months. On average, in Serie A, he is being dribbled past more often than last season and blocking fewer shots. Furthermore, he is being dispossessed more frequently.

There are statistical areas in which he has improved, but that could also be skewed slightly by the decreasing number of minutes he’s playing for. And that number could be the most telling of all.

Tomori is not a lost cause and still has some good years ahead of him, but the boost he got from moving to Milan seems to have worn off by now. Perhaps it will be time for his next challenge soon.