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New Benfica boss Marco Silva is reportedly at the forefront of trying to block a proposed Tottenham Hotspur swoop for one of his best players this summer, as Roberto De Zerbi focuses on fixing his misfiring attack next.

Spurs have already shown their intent in the summer transfer window by splashing out over £230million on midfield duo Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, alongside centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

The trio have been added alongside free agents Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka, with De Zerbi actively looking to add more experience to a Tottenham squad that has finished 17th in the Premier League in back-to-back seasons.

With the focus now switching to the forward line, the club are actively looking for a new left-winger to finally fill the void left by Son Heung-min’s departure last summer, alongside a more prolific No.9.

While the likes of Rafael Leao, Savinho and Antonio Nusa have all been linked with that left-sided role, Liverpool have reportedly made a decision over the future of another top target in Cody Gakpo.

A more surprising link emerged last month, however, with reports suggesting that Tottenham were also in the mix for Benfica star and Norwegian sensation Andreas Schjelderup.

Portuguese outlet Record claimed that Spurs transfer chiefs were monitoring the 22-year-old performances at the World Cup, where he scored with a stunning strike/cross against England in the quarter-finals.

Indeed, it’s stated that Schjelderup’s performances in North America, where he also notched four assists, has sparked significant interest in his services.

Meanwhile, it’s also been reported that Liverpool have major interest in the Benfica star and are trying to lire him to Anfield, with Schjelderup’s valuation sitting at around €50m (£43m).

DON’T MISS: Former Tottenham scout tells De Zerbi England star’s exit would be ‘stupid’ for under £50m

Silva standing his ground over Schjelderup exit

New Benfica chief Silva, fresh from leaving Fulham, is not ready to part ways with the player, though.

According to a report in Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha, Silva is aware of the growing interest in the attacking talent and has already spoken directly to Schjelderup about his future, stressing that he considers him to be a key part of his plans at Estadio da Luz.

Indeed, Silva is said to have told the exciting attacker that he sees him as a ‘fundamental part’ of his tactical system and his project at Benfica going forward.

And, while Silva is attempting to persuade the player to remain in Lisbon, he is fully aware that the Schjelderup’s preference is to move to a more competitive league where he can challenge himself more.

Record, meanwhile, adds that Benfica are looking to cash in on Schjelderup’s success at the World Cup, especially with his value increasing over the past month.

The outlet adds that the Portuguese giants are in a situation where they need to balance the books, after failing to qualify for this season’s Champions League, with Schjelderup regarded as a ‘sellable asset’.

That stance very much keeps the door open to Tottenham to make their move for the player, although it’s likely they will prioritise a swoop for a high-profile target first – with Schjelderup very much viewed as an alternative options, at this stage.

Liverpool will not sell Cody Gakpo to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to a report, forcing Roberto De Zerbi’s side to step up moves for their other winger targets.

Gakpo had a disappointing 2025-26 season at club level, as his goals dropped from 18 the previous year to nine in 52 matches. The forward was not alone though, as most of Liverpool’s players suffered drops in form during an awful defence of their Premier League title.

Gakpo looked far better at the World Cup however, managing three goals and one assist before the Netherlands’ shock last-32 exit to Morocco.

Gakpo will soon return to Liverpool to begin pre-season training under new head coach Andoni Iraola. Various reports have predicted the 27-year-old might leave Anfield this summer, as he has picked up interest from multiple clubs, most notably Tottenham.

De Zerbi has told Spurs to bring in a new left winger and striker after completing a series of impressive deals to improve their backline and midfield.

But talkSPORT claim Liverpool will not be letting Gakpo leave for north London.

‘Liverpool do not plan to sell winger Cody Gakpo this summer,’ Alex Crook wrote in his latest Transfer Notebook.

‘Gakpo is among Tottenham’s list of transfer targets while several other clubs are also keeping tabs on the Netherlands ace.

‘Despite his form tailing off last season, sources have informed talkSPORT that the 27-year-old remains part of their plans.

‘In fact, Liverpool are looking to add to their wide options, not reduce them.

‘PSG’s Bradley Barcola is their dream target, but the message coming out of the French capital is that he is very much off limits.’

Liverpool have been rumoured to consider selling Gakpo if a £70m bid comes in, but talkSPORT’s update suggests he is set to stay no matter what.

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Tottenham turn to other attacking options

Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Savinho (Manchester City) and Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig) are other avenues Spurs could go down.

We revealed on July 5 that Leao has said yes to joining Spurs this summer. His price tag has dropped to an enticing €50m (£43m).

Sources confirmed to us on July 8 that Spurs are also battling rivals Arsenal for Nusa, who will cost €60m (£51m).

While talkSPORT have cooled speculation Barcola could join Liverpool, we understand the Reds have made fresh contact for the French star.

Barcola has greenlit a stunning move to Anfield as he wants to leave PSG to pick up guaranteed starts at another elite club.

The issue for Liverpool is meeting PSG’s demands, which are understood to sit at over £116m.

Meanwhile, a journalist has rated the chances of Liverpool winning the race for midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King has told the club they’d be “stupid” to let go of an England star for under £50million, with Liverpool and Inter Milan among the sides keeping a close watch on his situation this summer.

Spurs have signed three new defenders this summer, in Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke. They’ve let go of Radu Dragusin (loan) and Luka Vuskovic, who was sold to Brighton.

There could be more moves in the backline, with Djed Spence of interest to a number of clubs, including Everton and Inter Milan, TEAMtalk is aware.

Former club scout King has told Tottenham that the England star shouldn’t be departing for anything under £50million (€58.5m, $67m) this summer.

“I think he’s done well every time he’s played for England. They’d be foolish to let him go for £25m, that is for sure,” King told Football Insider.

“You wouldn’t let him go for £25m. You wouldn’t even start thinking about letting him go for under £50m. We’re talking about a young, current England international. It’s a situation where Tottenham would be stupid to let him go.”

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Inter in talks for Spence

After playing 31 Premier League games for Spurs last season, Spence has added value in England’s World Cup squad this summer, playing both right and left-back. He was particularly effective off the bench on the left in the quarter-final against Norway, almost winning his side a penalty before VAR overturned the decision.

During his summer exploits, Spence has caught the eye of Italian giants Inter Milan, who have held talks with his representatives, TEAMtalk sources have revealed.

It comes after the defender was told he isn’t part of Roberto De Zerbi’s long-term plans.

The prospect of joining Inter appeals to Spence as a result.

However, other clubs are looking to steal in before the Italian giants get there – all of whom would keep Spence in England.

Indeed, Everton, Newcastle and even Liverpool are all monitoring developments with Spence.

Inter have taken concrete steps by opening discussions over the transfer, and are determined to land the Tottenham defender.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero IS leaving the club this summer, with Inter Milan and Barcelona interested in securing his signature.

The Argentina international endured arguably his worst season in a Spurs shirt as he captained a side that only escaped relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season.

Romero, who is poised to face England in a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, was red-carded twice and way off his best form throughout a campaign where he also missed the final six games due to a knee injury.

Despite only penning a new contract at Tottenham just under a year ago, the 28-year-old has always had ambitions to play in Spain and was heavily linked with Atletico Madrid throughout last summer.

The writing was clearly on the wall for the Argentine after Roberto De Zerbi signed off summer deals for compatriot Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, and now Romano has confirmed one of the worst kept secrets in football.

He wrote on X: “EXCLUSIVE: Cuti Romero to leave Tottenham this summer, Inter held talks with Spurs over recent days.

“Romero has been offered as option during talks for Djed Spence. Inter keen but costs very high. Barça also like Cuti Romero.”

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Barcelona and Inter in Romero transfer scrap

The Inter talk is somewhat surprising, given Romero’s preference is to head to Spain and not back to Italy, where he previously played for Genoa and Atalanta.

Indeed, Barcelona appears the better fit for a player whose game is well-suited to LaLiga – it just depends whether the Catalan giants are prepared to stump up the £50million (€58.5m / $67m) Tottenham are set to demand for their skipper.

Romero will leave having scored 13 goals in 156 appearances for Spurs, with his crowning moment the Europa League final victory over Manchester United during the 2024/25 campaign.

He was outstanding in that game alongside fellow centre-back Micky van de Ven, but his form tailed off almost completely under Thomas Frank and then interim boss Igor Tudor last season.

Romero then played just one game under De Zerbi before his season-ending injury, leaving the pitch in tears as he feared his knee issue would end his World Cup hopes.

However, the Argentina star has started all five of his country’s outings in North America ahead of that huge clash against his old Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane and the Three Lions.

Tottenham Hotspur are reported to have been handed a lifeline in their pursuit of Portugal winger Francisco Trincao, despite the fact that the Sporting star appears to be on the brink of a switch to Saudi Arabia.

It emerged last week that Spurs had joined the chase for the 26-year-old, given Roberto De Zerbi’s desire to add more creativity to their forward line.

Indeed, Trincao scored 11 goals and added 15 assists across 50 appearances in all competitions for Sporting during the 2025/26 campaign, while Tottenham struggled in front of goal and only avoided relegation to the Championship on the final day.

The likes of Savinho, Rafael Leao, Cody Gakpo, Ferran Torres and Croatia World Cup star Martin Baturina continue to be heavily linked with a move to north London, while reports of a swoop for Trincao came a little out of the blue.

Those hopes appeared to fade pretty quickly, though, with reports over the last 24 hours stating that Sporting had agreed a deal with Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli for Trincao.

Indeed, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano even gave the switch the ‘here we go’. However, it’s being suggested that Spurs could yet beat Al Alhi to the signing of Trincao.

A new report from Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha has now confirmed that Al Ahli have agreed a package worth €45m (£38m) with Sporting for the versatile attacker.

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Trincao hesitation gives Tottenham signing hope

However, they also state that the former Wolves playmaker has yet to actually agree a move to the Middle East himself.

Indeed, it’s claimed that Trincao is holding out hope that he receives an offer to return to the Premier League, which remains his top preference.

That leaves the door ajar for Tottenham to hijack the attacker’s switch to Saudi Arabia, although they might also have to rival Manchester City for Trincao.

Correio da Manha adds that the big-spending north London club view the Sporting star as someone who can compete for a creative No.10 role as well as out wide, with the left flank a particular area of need for De Zerbi.

As for City‘s interest, that all stems from new boss Enzo Maresca’s admiration for Trincao, with the Sporting star tipped to fill the void left by Etihad legend Bernardo Silva’s exit this summer.

The report adds, however, that if Tottenham or City do decide to try and act on the player’s reluctance to head to the SPL, they will still have to pay Sporting’s full asking price of £38m to get their man.

Tottenham Hotspur have entered the frame for Morgan Rogers and could provide Arsenal with competition for the Aston Villa magician in a stunning twist, a report has claimed.

Rogers is currently on international duty with England at the World Cup, but he is a strong candidate to leave Villa once the tournament concludes. The attacking midfielder has built a reputation as one of the most exciting players in the Premier League, and top clubs are trying to prise him away from Villa Park.

Chelsea and Manchester City have both been monitoring Rogers’ displays, though it is Arsenal who have positioned themselves at the front of the queue.

Arsenal have identified Rogers as their No 1 target for the left wing position, believing he can also shine for them in a more central role if required.

Arsenal are planning to open the bidding for the 23-year-old at between £80-90million, and could end up offering as much as £100m.

Villa ideally want £130m to sell, but that price may drop as they know Rogers is keen to move on.

According to Spurs insider Himothy Reports, as cited by Last Word On Spurs, Roberto De Zerbi’s side have emerged as new suitors for the playmaker. If true, the development will put Arsenal on alert.

Last Word On Spurs posted the following transfer update on X, formerly Twitter: ‘JUST IN! Tottenham Hotspur are understood to be keeping an eye on the situation with Morgan Rogers.

‘Djed Spence and Lucas Bergvall are both LIKELY to leave Spurs this summer.

‘Roberto De Zerbi is understood to LOVE Conor Gallagher as a footballer.

‘Mathys Tel and Archie Gray are not rated by Roberto De Zerbi, but both are unlikely to leave this summer, however Tel’s future [is] dependent on incomings.

‘[@HimothyReports]’

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Arsenal best-placed for Rogers despite Tottenham claim

Himothy Reports has over 20k followers on X/Twitter and appears to have inside knowledge on the goings on at Spurs. It will be interesting to see whether other sources confirm or deny Spurs’ rumoured interest in Rogers.

Spurs landing the England international before Arsenal would see them get revenge for Eberechi Eze’s transfer last summer.

Spurs agreed terms with both Crystal Palace and Eze, only for the 28-year-old to choose Arsenal after they came calling at the last minute. Eze grew up supporting Arsenal, which helped Mikel Arteta’s side complete the hijack.

We understand Arsenal remain best-placed to sign Rogers this summer. They are stepping up their bid to land him in a phenomenal quadruple deal that could reach £366m.

Bruno Guimaraes is another of Arsenal’s key targets, and his agent has reportedly found Newcastle United a £26m replacement.

Tottenham have turned down an offer from a European club and two English sides for a forward who it’s said will command a ‘sizeable fee’ if he’s to be sold.

Spurs’ sale of Luka Vuskovic has been made official on Tuesday, while they’ve already let Radu Dragusin leave on loan, and sold youngsters Alfie Devine and Alejo Veliz. They are not willing to part with another young star, though.

Indeed, football.london reports approaches have been made by Sporting CP, Wolves and Southampton for Will Lankshear – all of which have been turned down.

The sides had made offers within the eight-figure package range, including either a loan with an option to buy, or a straight transfer.

Tottenham have turned those away, with the outlet stating a ‘sizeable fee’ would be needed to land Lankshear.

The striker will return to pre-season training with the north London club and there’s a suggestion he could well be in the first-team squad next season after Roberto De Zerbi gets his first look of him.

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Lankshear impressed on loan

Lankshear has been hailed as a potential Harry Kane heir at Tottenham, and though he’s played only six times for the first team, a lot of fans are impressed with him.

Many on social media want to see the 21-year-old promoted to the side, with fans feeling he’s one of their better options in attack.

That he scored 12 goals on loan at Oxford last season and assisted another four suggests he’s on the right track.

Indeed, it was his first full season of senior football, and Lankshear surpassed 10 goals in the Championship, doing so for a struggling Oxford side.

That suggests that, in a better side, like Tottenham’s, where there’s supply from the likes of James Maddison, Sandro Tonali, Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus, the striker could have a good season.

The report suggests that the future of Richarlison, who could leave Spurs this summer, could have a knock-on effect to the future of Lankshear.

But the rejection of three offers so far certainly suggests Tottenham see the 21-year-old as a player worth keeping.

Sources have revealed to TEAMtalk that Italian champions Inter Milan have held talks with Djed Spence’s representatives over a potential move to the San Siro, though a trio of English sides also remain attentive to his situation amid our understanding that Tottenham Hotspur are ready to greenlight his sale.

The England international is attracting growing interest after an impressive World Cup campaign and is now assessing his options ahead of what looks set to be a pivotal summer in his career.

We understand that Spence has already been informed that he is not part of Roberto De Zerbi’s long-term plans at Tottenham Hotspur, leaving the 25-year-old free to explore opportunities elsewhere.

Sources have confirmed Inter Milan have now entered the picture.

The Serie A champions have spoken with Spence’s camp to establish the framework of a possible deal and, significantly, sources can reveal that the prospect of joining Inter is one that appeals to the versatile defender.

Spence has enhanced his reputation during the World Cup, impressing with his ability to operate on either flank as well as in more advanced wing-back roles.

That tactical flexibility is one of the reasons Inter have identified him as a player capable of strengthening their squad as they prepare to defend the Serie A title and compete in the Champions League.

However, the Italian champions may need to act quickly to tie up a deal with a trio of English also considering counter moves of their own…

Liverpool, Newcastle among those keeping tabs on Djed Spence – Sources

Premier League interest in the 13-cap England star also remains strong.

As revealed by my colleague, Fraser Fletcher, on July 7, Everton have made contact over a possible move, while Liverpool and Newcastle United are both monitoring developments and remain attentive to the defender’s situation.

However, it is Inter who have taken concrete steps by opening discussions with the player’s representatives.

The Nerazzurri are no strangers to the English market this summer.

TEAMtalk has already revealed Inter are continuing their pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and hope to agree a deal after seeing two bids rejected by the Reds.

Sources now believe the Italian giants could attempt to make it a double Premier League raid by adding Spence to their shortlist.

Inter have also explored a move for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah during the current window, although those discussions have yet to progress beyond the initial stages.

Spence’s future, meanwhile, appears increasingly likely to lie away from North London and amid claims he is one of five players that the club plans to sell this summer to generate another £170m worth of signings.

On the incoming front, Spurs are being linked with a Barcelona attacker, and the main reason why the LaLiga giants want to sell has now come to light.

Everton have been told what it will take for them to land Djed Spence from Tottenham this summer, amid some impressive World Cup displays.

Spence is a target for the Toffees, this summer, TEAMtalk is aware. We are also informed by sources that Tottenham are willing to see the back of him for the right price.

As such, there’s uncertainty over his future while he’s at the World Cup impressing for England.

Spence was particularly useful off the bench against Norway, adding a spark with a turn of pace and energy that the rest of the players on the pitch did not have at that point.

Football Insider‘s Pete O’Rourke suggests a price is set for Spence amid his displays on the world stage.

He said: “If a suitable offer were to come in, then they might look at it and evaluate it. There’s been a lot of incoming Spurs this season, so maybe they might have to balance the books in some respects.

“But it would be a pretty hefty fee. You’re probably looking at around £40million plus for somebody like Djed Spence, and whether Everton would be willing to go to those sort of figures, I’m not too sure.”

The Toffees have paid that twice in the past, with Tyler Dibling’s entire package reaching £40million in 2025, and back in 2017, they paid £45million for Gylfi Sigurdsson.

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Everton looking beyond Spence

While Spence is a target for Everton, and will likely remain such given his impact at the World Cup, he’s not the only right-back they want to sign.

The position has been deemed a priority this summer, and therefore they want to get the right man.

Alongside Spence, the Toffees are also looking at Guela Doue, Raoul Bellanova, Ben White and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Spence is seen as the ideal fit, especially given he also offers an option at left-back, but whether Everton are able to pay the money for him remains to be seen.

Some of the other options on their radar could be cheaper, so they have a decision to make in regards to quality and price.

In any case, movement on Spence is likely to be slow at least for the next few days, with England gearing up for their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with the Tottenham man likely to play a role at some point.

A Serie A club have been urged to ‘watch out for’ Tottenham in the chase for a centre-back who is known to be a target of the north London club.

Spurs have splashed around £230million this summer, improving their defence and midfield. So farm they have signed two new central defenders in Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.

But they could lose three, with Cristian Romero of interest to some big clubs after the exits of Luka Vuskovic and Radu Dragusin.

Vuskovic has one of the highest ceilings in Europe of a defender, and in recent weeks, Tottenham have developed an interest in another young defensive star: 21-year-old Spaniard Sergi Dominguez.

The Dinamo Zagreb man is also on the radar of Lazio, but they’re struggling to finance a €15million (£12.8m) deal.

Corriere della Sera states Spurs could endanger them for Dominguez, stating ‘watch out for Tottenham.’

It is not clear whether the north London club will look to pat the fee Zagreb want, but they surely wouldn’t find doing so difficult.

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Defensive depth at Tottenham

Should Spurs sign Dominguez, it feels unlikely he’d be in line for a role in the first team in at least his first year.

It is most likely that, like the departing Vuskovic, he’d be loaned out to gain experience.

Indeed, Dominguez is 21 and has played just three games in a top-five European league, when he represented Barcelona in 2024-25, before making his move to Zagreb.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have a lot of depth in central defensive roles.

Romero is expected to leave, but is currently one of their options, alongside Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Kota Takai, and new arrivals Senesi and Van Hecke.

The expected starting pair in the league are the Dutchmen, Van de Ven and Van Hecke, while Danso and Senesi are also likely to play a good deal of football.

Dominguez wouldn’t have much of a shot in his first season, but as a player with good potential, could be a useful signing for the future.