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The main reason for Barcelona opting to sell Tottenham and Arsenal target Ferran Torres on the relative cheap this summer has emerged, and it’s not just down to him having a year remaining on his contract.

Torres has emerged as a forward target for the north London duo after it reported that he could be available for as little as €35m (£29m / $40m) this summer, given that his contract is running down.

Capable of playing as a traditional No.9 or out wide, Torres has scored 91 goals and notched 44 assists in 359 club-career games to date and is also a regular for the Spain national side.

Indeed, the former City star has also found the net 24 times in 63 appearances for his country and is likely to feature in their World Cup semi-final against France on Tuesday.

While Tottenham and Arsenal are looking at Torres to give them a fresh attacking option, The Athletic has dropped a further update on why Barcelona are prepared to allow a player of Torres’ quality, at just 26 years of age too, leave for such a low fee.

They claim that the Catalan giants are thinking about selling Torres because of a clause in his contract that could prove costly if an extension is signed.

Indeed, Barcelona would reportedly have to pay Torres’ former club Manchester City around €8m (£6.8,m / $9m) if the forward does extend his contract at the Camp Nou.

Such a move would take the total transfer fee for Torres to a whopping €73m (£62m / $83m), after Barca signed the attacker for an initial fee of €55m (£47m / $63m) in 2022, with a further €10m (£8.5m / $11.4m) in add-ons.

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Laporta plays down Torres exit talk

Barcelona president Joan Laporta actually moved to play down talk of Torres leaving on Sunday, stating (as per Mundo Deportivo): “I’ve heard something about it, but we have no confirmation. He’s a Barça player, one of the 14 players we’ve had here.

“Ferran is also doing very well [with Spain at the World Cup]; every time he comes on, he’s dangerous. He gave that pass to [Mikel] Merino, which was excellent.

“Anyway, we have great players here at the World Cup, and that’s why I’m here too,” he added.

Despite those comments, it’s our understanding that Torres will be moved on this summer, especially when you now factor in the money that Barcelona will owe City to extend his current deal.

Torres himself is yet to speak about the latest speculation, and any decision will likely have to wait until the World Cup is over.

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Aston Villa are looking at two potential options to replace Manchester United-bound Youri Tielemans, including a Tottenham Hotspur star who feels his days are numbered in north London.

Villa are preparing for the departure of Tielemans after United activated his £35million release clause, leaving them with a major void to fill in the middle of the park.

Sources close to Villa have confirmed to TEAMtalk the club were expecting to lose the Belgian midfielder this summer and have already drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements.

One name that has emerged is Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall, with the 20-year-old understood to be a genuine target for the club.

Bergvall has informed Spurs of his desire to leave this summer and would be keen on a move to Villa Park. While there has been no direct contact between the two clubs so far, Tielemans’ exit is expected to accelerate Villa’s pursuit of another midfielder.

Villa have already bolstered their midfield options with the signing of Johan Manzambi, but they are keen to add further depth.

Indeed, the club are specifically looking for a midfielder who offers a more defensive and controlled profile than the attacking Manzambi, providing balance and squad cover across the middle of the park – with the defensive side not a particular strength of Bergvall’s.

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Adam Wharton also on Villa’s radar

Sources have also highlighted Crystal Palace and England international Adam Wharton as another who Villa have listed and are looking at.

Wharton has been superb for Palace and is on the radar of multiple top sides, however, like Bergvall Palace have not received any direct approaches for him yet.

Tielemans has been a key figure for Unai Emery in recent seasons, and his departure will leave a noticeable gap in experience and composure.

Bergvall, meanwhile, is viewed as a player who could develop into that role over time, combining technical quality with the energy and versatility needed in a high-pressing side.

Although no formal approach has yet been made, sources believe Villa will step up their interest in the coming weeks once Tielemans’ move to United is confirmed.

Bergvall’s willingness to leave Tottenham is seen as a positive factor, and the timing of Tielemans’ exit could prove decisive in pushing the deal forward before the end of the transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur are among the sides monitoring the progress of a young Guinean midfielder who has already debuted for his country and has earned comparisons to double Premier League winner, N’Golo Kante, though they do face strong competition for the player, sources can reveal.

Several top Premier League clubs are monitoring 18-year-old midfielder Ousmane Diabate following a promising debut season in Turkey and for his superb potential.

The teenager has already attracted attention from Tottenham, Aston Villa, Brighton and Brentford, with all four clubs sending scouts to assess him in recent months, we understand.

Of that quartet, we’re informed that Spurs and Brentford have both already made contact with his club, Genclerbirligi Ankara, to find out the parameters of a deal.

Sources close to the player have revealed that interest from across the top five leagues is growing, with several sides viewing him as a potential long-term addition to their squads as they continue to monitor him regularly.

Diabate’s performances have highlighted his defensive qualities and composure on the ball, leading some observers to suggest he possesses the raw attributes to develop into a player in the mould of the like of N’Golo Kanté.

While comparisons remain premature, clubs are excited by his physical profile and tactical intelligence at such a young age. Already recognised by his country, he recently made his senior international debut for Guinea, featuring in a May 2026 friendly against Northern Ireland.

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Genclerbirligi Ankara could be forced to sell prized asset Diabate

The most appealing aspect for potential suitors is his availability.

Diabate is believed to be under contract with his current club on terms that would allow a move for a relatively modest fee, particularly given the Turkish side’s financial situation and clauses in the deal.

This has made him an attractive proposition for clubs looking to strengthen their midfield options and add superb potential without spending huge amounts.

Diabate is unlikely to be the first like this with clubs now looking in different places to find cheaper deals and bypass the crazy market values being driven by the Premier League.

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* Big update on Tottenham chances of signing Eli Junior Kroupi after £85m proposal

Despite the interest, those close to the player have stressed that any decision will be guided by what is best for his development.

Diabate is understood to be open to a move to a top-five league, with a transfer possibly happening this summer or, perhaps more realistically, within the next 12 months.

However, he and his representatives will be keen to ensure he joins a club where he can continue his progression rather than being rushed into a high-pressure environment too soon or sitting in the sidelines without game time.

With his stock rising rapidly, Diabate is expected to be one of the more closely watched young midfielders in Europe over the coming months.

A Tottenham Hotspur target has chosen to move to the Saudi Pro League rather than head to north London, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the conditions of the deal.

Spurs have moved their attention to attacking moves after their near-£230million spend in defence and midfield. A wide man and potentially a new striker are on the agenda.

After it was revealed that Portugal forward Francisco Trincao had cooled on a move to Al-Ahli, giving himself a few days after the World Cup to think about the move, Tottenham were one of the main clubs looking at him.

But they’ve been left high and dry as the winger has, in fact, decided to move to the Saudi Pro League side.

And Italian journalist Romano reveals a deal is in place for the 26-year-old to head to Al-Ahli for a full package of $50million (£37.3m).

Paperwork is now in the process of being exchanged, with Trincao set to complete the formalities of the deal very soon.

While Spurs won’t be signing one Portuguese winger, his international teammate, Rafael Leao, remains on their radar after it was suggested he was open to listening to an offer from the north London club.

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Leao a big upgrade

What’s more, Tottenham have been told that signing Leao would be cheaper than expected, and he’d be a great addition to the side.

European expert Andy Brassell said: “We talked about that €175million buyout clause. No one’s paying even half that at the moment. There’s no question of that.

“So this brings the Premier League teams back into the picture. It’s not just about the Saudi clubs. And he’s shown a real disinclination to go to Saudi.

“He wants to stay in Europe, and he wants to test himself in the Premier League.

“We know Tottenham were interested in him, and that would be a really interesting bit, a big upgrade for him for them on that left-hand side.

“Of course, since Son [Heung-min] has gone, they’ve not really had a player of that sort of explosive quality in that sort of area of the pitch, and I think they are comparable because even though Son did become more central in the closing part of his time, it’s first we know Rafael now can do that.

“We know he can come inside and score goals as well, and maybe the fluidity of the Premier League and the pace of it really works for him in that sense in the sense that he’s always fighting for the right to counter-attack.

“Now look, there are loads of other clubs that he could end up at, but with Tottenham really nailing their colours to the mast in terms of getting out there in terms of battering down all the previous cliches about them not spending money this season. He would be a huge, huge upgrade in attack.

“Working with a coach as intense as Roberto De Zerbi might get the best out of him consistently, which is exactly what he needs at the age of 27 if he’s really to become one of the best players in the world.”

A trusted source has provided an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s efforts to bring Bournemouth attacking sensation Eli Junior Kroupi to north London, as the club’s stunning summer transfer drive continues at pace.

Spurs have already splashed £237million to bring in Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke, alongside the free transfer additions of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka.

It’s been an unprecedented window to date for Tottenham, and it’s showing no signs of stopping, with Roberto De Zerbi now looking to club bosses to bolster his misfiring forward line.

Having failed to replace legendary former skipper Son Heung-min last summer, Spurs are finally looking to rectify their left-wing woes this time around, with a plethora of names tipped to come in.

Manchester City star Savinho is actively pushing for the move, having failed to chalk up significant game time at the Etihad, while reputed transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has also delivered news on two other targets in Cody Gakpo and Rafael Leao.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are also in the market for a new No.9, especially given the likelihood that last season’s top scorer Richarlison moves on before the summer window closes.

While our sources have revealed ‘contact’ over free agent frontman Dusan Vlahovic, it’s the versatile Kroupi who remains the top target for De Zerbi.

Tottenham have had rivals for Kroupi’s signature this summer with Paris Saint-Germain showing interest – but our insider, Graeme Bailey, insists that the Bournemouth forward is ‘not prepared’ to join the French side if it means being a squad player.

Bailey revealed: “Sources can reveal PSG have now been informed the French youngster is not prepared to join the Ligue 1 giants if it means accepting a squad role behind the likes of Ousmane Dembele and the club’s established attacking stars.”

That leaves the door wide open for Spurs to swoop for the 20-year-old, who scored 13 Premier League goals in his maiden campaign in English football.

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Journalist shuts down Tottenham, Kroupi signing hopes

As much as the north London outfit are looking to spend big again when it comes to Kroupi, any move has pretty much been shut down by one trusted reporter.

Football Insider‘s Pete O’Rourke claims that while Tottenham are “willing” to go to £85m for Kroupi, a transfer is looking “highly unlikely” at this stage.

Speaking on Football Insider‘s podcast: “Tottenham are willing to go to £85m for Junior Kroupi, which is a huge fee, but even then, Bournemouth would likely turn that down.

“A deal is highly unlikely because they want to try and keep hold of their best players under the new manager, Marco Rose. Over the years, they’ve seen their best players prised away, so they don’t want that to happen again with European football to look forward to.

“For Spurs, it’s a very ambitious move for them to try and get ahead of all the clubs in this race for Junior Kroupi, but he is under contract until 2030 at Bournemouth, and they are under no immediate pressure to cash in on him or anything like that as well.”

While it’s not a definitive NO, Spurs look set to be tested when it comes to their desire for giving De Zerbi exactly what he wants – and he does want Kroupi.

You also have to question whether Bournemouth are really prepared to turn down £5m for a 20-year-old who has only been at the club for one season.

All will become clearer over the days and weeks to come, before the summer window finally shuts on September 1.

A Tottenham forward has been tipped to follow the lead of Jadon Sancho in a loan move away from the club by a former Spurs scout.

Spurs have rectified their defence and midfield with some stunning moves this summer, namely those of Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. They now look to be eyeing new attacking signings, too.

That could ensure that Mikey Moore is loaned out again, having spent last season with Rangers.

He’s currently being linked with Borussia Dortmund, and Bryan King feels there’s a precedent set for that move being a good one.

He told Tottenham News: “That would be a fantastic loan, I think Dortmund would be a huge step up in terms of the level of the club, the fact that they’re playing Champions League football, and are in the Bundesliga, a top-five league.

“Tottenham are just operating at a different level now, and I think a loan where Moore is playing week in, week out would be very good.

“Dortmund obviously have a history of doing very well with English wingers, you look at Jadon Sancho, who was outstanding for Dortmund and has never managed to recreate those levels.

“Jamie Gittens was also at Dortmund, so, I think that would be brilliant for him. If that is reliable and there is true interest there, then I think that’d be a fantastic move for all parties.”

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Dortmund push ongoing

TEAMtalk is aware that Tottenham and Dortmund are in dialogue over Moore. However, the German club are talking about a loan with an option to buy.

Spurs are not enthused by the prospect of losing Moore permanently given his high ceiling.

Indeed, they’d be happy for him to go out on loan to gain experience, but would rather he came back to them afterwards.

With that said, Tottenham are expected to block any approaches for a permanent move.

It is not clear whether Dortmund will depart negotiations or continue to pursue Moore solely for a flat loan.

Spurs would be open to Moore’s departure to the German club on loan, aware of the benefits of time spent in Germany – which Luka Vuskovic highlighted when he was in the Bundesliga Team of the Season in his first year in a top-five European league last term.

Nottingham Forest are reported to have opened talks with Tottenham Hotspur over the proposed signing of Lucas Bergvall this summer, despite the north London club’s stance that they are keen to keep the midfielder.

Spurs are in the midst of a massive revamp of a squad that has underperformed massively on the domestic stage over the past two seasons, with six new signings already through the door.

The initial defensive overhaul has since been followed by the captures of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes for a combined £185million to bolster a midfield that has often struggled to control games.

That double signing prompted Bergvall to tell Tottenham bosses that he wanted out in the search for more regular game time in north London.

Spurs’ stance has been clear, though. They want to keep a player who they beat Barcelona to the signature of back in 2024 but has failed to deliver on his potential to date.

The fact that Bergvall is still pushing to leave, though, has alerted other clubs to his availability, with Aston Villa showing significant interest in the 20-year-old.

However, as our sources revealed last month, Forest showed immediate interest in Bergvall as soon as it became apparent that Elliot Anderson was heading to Manchester City.

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Forest make their move for Bergvall

And it’s now being reported by multiple sources that Forest have made an official move for the Swede, who made three substitute appearances and one start for his country at the World Cup.

It’s being claimed that dialogue has started over a potential transfer but that Spurs will only sell at the right price, which they deem to be in the region of £50m.

Another of our sources has also revealed the plethora of clubs chasing Bergvall, which will only aid Tottenham when it comes to landing the fee they want for the attacking midfielder.

A potential exit will frustrate a large section of the Tottenham fanbase who think very highly of Bergvall, although the player himself has not backed up their faith in his quality.

Indeed, in 78 games for the club in all competitions, he has scored just two goals and laid on nine assists.

With that in mind, Spurs will do incredibly well to get anything close to their asking price for the player, having spent just £8.5m to secure his signature two years ago.

Omar Marmoush is set for key talks with Manchester City over his future amid growing interest from England and Germany, with TEAMtalk understanding both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle are showing interest.

The Egyptian international has emerged as one of the more intriguing names to watch before the transfer window closes after slipping down the pecking order during the second half of last season.

Marmoush joined Man City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 in a deal worth close to £60million and initially made an encouraging impression following his arrival.

However, opportunities became increasingly limited under Pep Guardiola.

The 27-year-old started just eight Premier League matches last season and spent much of the campaign among the substitutes, prompting a number of clubs to begin monitoring his situation.

We can reveal that Tottenham and Newcastle have both made enquiries about the versatile forward, while there is also significant interest from several Bundesliga clubs, who are keen to bring Marmoush back to Germany.

His performances for Eintracht Frankfurt prior to joining Man City ensured he retained a strong reputation in the Bundesliga, and sources indicate multiple German sides would be interested if he became available.

Despite that interest, Marmoush is not rushing towards an exit.

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Maresca faces decision on Marmoush’s Man City future

TEAMtalk understands Marmoush and his representatives want clarity from new Man City head coach Enzo Maresca before making any decision over his future.

Sources have confirmed Marmoush is keen to hear exactly where he fits into Maresca’s plans before deciding whether to pursue a move elsewhere or remain at the Etihad.

The upcoming discussions are expected to be decisive.

If Maresca signals Marmoush will have a prominent role, the Egyptian is open to staying and fighting for his place.

However, should it become apparent that regular opportunities will again be difficult to come by, his camp are prepared to explore the growing interest from England and abroad.

Tottenham remain keen to strengthen in attack and are tracking Marmoush’s situation, while also retaining an interest in his Man City teammate Savinho.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have funds to play with following the £100million (including add-ons) sale of Sandro Tonali to Spurs.

They are also in the market for attacking reinforcements after Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa both failed to make the expected impact last season.

Marsmoush’s ability to play as a striker, second striker or winger are viewed as major positives by Tottenham and Newcastle.

With his future up in the air and Maresca’s decision looming, the two Premier League sides are poised to strike.

Bayern Munich remain confident they will tie Harry Kane down to a new long-term contract despite growing interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Tottenham among the sides tracking his situation, TEAMtalk understands.

The England captain has enjoyed another phenomenal campaign, carrying his outstanding Bayern form onto the World Cup stage after helping the Bundesliga giants complete a domestic double and being crowned Bundesliga Player of the Year.

Kane’s numbers since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 have been extraordinary.

The 32-year-old has scored an astonishing 146 goals in just 147 appearances, cementing his status as one of the finest strikers in world football.

However, with just 12 months remaining on his current contract, his situation is inevitably attracting attention across Europe.

We understand Bayern have been in discussions with Kane’s representatives for several months and, internally, there is little concern over the outcome.

Sources close to the German champions insist it is viewed as a matter of “when, not if” Kane signs fresh terms. That confidence has not stopped clubs from monitoring developments, though.

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Tottenham ready re-sign Harry Kane if chance arises

TEAMtalk can reveal intermediaries have been actively sounding out potential options for Kane and making both the player and his representatives aware of the interest, although there is no suggestion those individuals are acting directly on Kane’s behalf.

The Saudi Pro League continues to admire the England skipper, but sources indicate Kane has no interest in making that move at this stage of his career.

A switch to Major League Soccer is viewed far more favourably, although that is considered a long-term possibility rather than an immediate option.

Across Europe, interest remains significant. We understand Barcelona have made enquiries regarding Kane’s contractual situation, while Real Madrid have also requested to be kept informed should circumstances change over the coming months.

Former club Tottenham Hotspur are another side maintaining close contact.

Spurs are enjoying a hugely ambitious rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi and, thanks to clauses inserted into Kane’s move to Bayern, remain well informed on developments surrounding their former captain.

While no move is currently being discussed, sources believe Tottenham could be in a position next summer to offer Kane a genuine route back to north London if the circumstances aligned.

Ratcliffe dreaming of bringing Kane to Man Utd

Manchester United also remain long-term admirers.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has consistently been a huge fan of Kane and TEAMtalk understands United would be prepared to finance a move should an opportunity ever arise.

Chelsea and Manchester City have likewise been kept updated on the situation, with both clubs continuing to monitor one of Europe’s elite forwards.

Despite that widespread interest, Bayern’s position has not changed.

The Bundesliga champions remain fully confident Kane will commit his future to the Allianz Arena.

Ideally, they would like a new agreement signed before the new season gets underway, but TEAMtalk understands the club are relaxed if negotiations continue beyond the close of the transfer window.

Their only preference is to avoid allowing discussions to drift into the closing months of the year, with December or January viewed as the latest point they would want the situation resolved.

A fresh report claims Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined the race to sign an electric Barcelona forward in a move that could completely transform their attack, alongside the capture of Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi.

Spurs have finally got their house in order when it comes to their transfer business, moving early in the window to ensure they snare their top targets and give Roberto De Zerbi the maximum time to work with them in pre-season.

It’s been a back-to-front process to date, with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke arriving to bolster the defence, along the £185million spent on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes to completely transform the midfield.

Now, the focus has switched to upgrading a frontline that underwhelmed this past season, although significant injury issues stymied the creativity within the side.

Despite shock reports of a return for Randal Kolo Muani, Tottenham are hunting a new left-winger and a No.9 who can give them much more consistent output than Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.

Savinho, Cody Gakpo and Rafael Leao remain the top targets for the winger role, while sources indicate that the club is growing increasingly confident they can secure the signing of Kroupi.

However, a fresh report claims that Spurs are also firmly in the race for Barcelona star Ferran Torres, after the Catalan giants decided to cash in on the former Manchester City star.

Caught Offside reports that the door has opened for the north London, alongside Aston Villa, to snap up the 26-year-old, although TEAMtalk understands that PSG are the ones to watch when it comes to Torres.

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Tottenham eyeing bargain Torres swoop

Barcelona are reportedly ready to offload Torres for just €35m (£29m) this summer, due to the fact that he only has a year remaining on his contract at the Camp Nou.

Capable of playing as a traditional No.9 or out wide, Torres has scored 91 goals and notched 44 assists in 359 club-career games to date and is also a regular for the Spain national side.

Indeed, the former City star, who scored 16 times in 43 appearances across two seasons at The Etihad, has also found the net 24 times in 63 appearances for his country.

And former Barca boss Xavi is clearly a massive fan of Torres’ talents, stating during his time in charge at the LaLiga giants: “Perhaps Ferran has surprised me the most. He’s a player on another level, he’s spectacular: how he understands the space, links play, doesn’t lose the ball, his defensive work… he’s world-class.

“He’s a great signing, one I wanted, and a wonderful footballer.”

The Spain forward has featured in all of country’s World Cup matches to date, crucially assisting Mikel Merino’s winning goal in the 1-0 round of 16 victory against Portugal.

He would provide a significant upgrade in Tottenham’s attack and it’s expected that any signing would be alongside the addition of Kroupi and not instead of the Bournemouth man – especially with both players versatile enough to play out wide or through the middle.