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Tottenham have opened talks over the signing of young Cologne forward Said El Mala, and hope to beat Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest to his signature as part of a unique double deal, sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side have been arguably the most active side this summer so far, having already agreed deals for Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers and now locking on to an impressive triple £212m transfer to completely transform their side.

However, they are far from done there, and sources have now confirmed they have ambitious plans over the prospective signing of in-demand 19-year-old German Under-21 talent El Mala.

Indeed, we can reveal that Tottenham have made regular checks on the player throughout the 2025/26 campaign and have now made contact with his representatives over the past week, adding themselves to a growing list of Premier League interest.

Nottingham Forest and Newcastle had already been in active dialogue, while Brentford’s prolonged pursuit ended when the London club withdrew due to complications surrounding the deal earlier this summer.

El Mala, who has impressed in Germany with his pace, technical ability and goal threat, which has seen him register 27 goals in 81 senior games, is seen as a bright prospect capable of making an immediate impact in the Premier League.

His parents, who are helping to represent him, continue to play a central role in negotiations and are keen for any interested party to also consider signing his older brother, Malek El Mala, 21, who remains at Cologne.

This family element has added difficulties to any deal and is understood to have been a factor in Brentford’s decision to step away.

However, despite those complications, there is already optimism that a deal can be struck to bring the player to N17…

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Tottenham transfers: El Mala keen on Premier League switch

Despite the added complications, there remains positivity that a deal for El Mala – rated in the €40m (£34.5m, $46m) bracket – can be struck in the coming weeks.

With the player more than open to moving to England, clubs are exploring ways to navigate the dual-player request while prioritising the capture of the younger sibling, who is viewed as having significant long-term potential. Most interested clubs, though, do not want both players.

Spurs, though, are prepared to compromise, although the coming weeks will be critical as his family evaluates his options and balances personal development with the right move.

Tottenham’s interest adds another top team to the race. Spurs are looking to strengthen their attacking options and see the teenager as a versatile addition who can play across the front line. Spurs are backing De Zerbi with serious funds and will spend big this summer to ensure they are not embroiled in a fight at the wrong end of the table for a third season in a row.

With multiple clubs now involved, the transfer is expected to gather pace. While the family package remains a hurdle, sources suggest all parties are motivated to find a resolution that allows Said El Mala to take the next step in his career.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to make contact with Newcastle United officials before the end of the week as they bid to wrap up the signing of Sandro Tonali for a fee that could cost less than expected and with Roberto De Zerbi’s side also closing on two other eye-catching transfers.

The Italian midfielder’s representatives have made no secret of their desire to move the player on this summer after becoming unsettled on Tyneside and, while sources have made clear that a return to Italy would be the dream scenario for Tonali, it seems that the star is very much open to all exit avenues.

Indeed, over the last 48 hours, it has been widely reported that Tottenham are very much hot on his trail, with the move to bring the 26-year-old to north London very much driven by Roberto De Zerbi.

Any sale, though, would be a begrudging one for Newcastle, who have learned lessons from last summer’s Alexander Isak, and have insisted they will not be railroaded over a deal.

Nonetheless, the player is now understood to have said yes to a move to N17 and, with personal terms no issue, Spurs are expected to make contact with Newcastle over the breakdown of a deal, which will set a new club record for Tottenham.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano confirmed a move is rapidly gathering pace.

“Sandro Tonali WANTS to go to Tottenham, so he’s keen on the move.

“I don’t think there’s going to be any problem with the player, financially or in terms of the contract.

“Also because the connection between Tonali and De Zerbi is very clear, both from the same city of Brescia, so the connection is very, very good.”

Spurs’ current transfer record stands at the £65m paid to Bournemouth for Dominic Solanke two summers ago.

And with Romano noting that club-to-club negotiations will soon begin, his fellow journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Newcastle could be prepared to cash in for £100m, and that figure won’t necessarily have to consist of fully guaranteed payments.

He declared Newcastle would consider a bid of £85m, so long as add-ons bump the final number up to £100m.

Seemingly, though, Spurs will not stop there and, with a determination to ensure successive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League will not be repeated, the club are also pressing ahead with two more eye-catching deals, with all three deals worth a colossal £212m…

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Tottenham on brink of Van Hecke deal; Brazilian winger to follow

Before any deal for Tonali is finalised, the next one over the line for Spurs will be the capture of defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton after Tottenham finally settled on a fee.

The north London side, who saw two offers rejected for the Netherlands international last weekend, have now settled on a package worth £52m for the 26-year-old.

The player previously played under De Zerbi at Brighton and made clear he wanted to reunite with a manager he regards as a ‘father figure’ with the defender swatting away rival interest from the likes of Liverpool to make the move to Spurs.

The Seagulls, who paid just £1.8m to sign Van Hecke from NAC Breda in 2020, have also negotiated a 20% sell-on profit for Van Hecke, who will leave the Amex with just a year left on his deal.

Once a deal for Van Hecke is wrapped up, Spurs will turn their focus to Tonali, while Manchester City winger Savinho also remains a major target for De Zerbi.

Indeed, while the Spurs boss is desperate to add a left-sided winger, and has been touted with a fresh move to sign West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville, it is Savinho – cleared to leave Manchester City for £60m this summer – who remains their top target.

The Brazilian is a player that Spurs have chased for a year now, and there is a growing belief that a deal can be pushed over the line with City prepared to sanction his exit. He has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad, and an offer worth £60m is likely to be accepted.

Spurs already have a loose agreement with the player to make the move to London and are now expected to make contact with City in due course to come to an agreement over a deal.

Of course, there will have to be departures to make room for all these big-money arrivals.

One deal that Spurs are also discussing, independent to that of the Van Hecke signing, is the departure of highly-rated defender Luka Vuskovic to Brighton.

And while the Seagulls have seen an initial offer rejected, the 19-year-old has made it clear he is not prepared to spend another season out on loan, giving them hope of a big-money deal.

Sandro Tonali favours Tottenham over Manchester City, and with no issues on personal terms, attention has now turned to discussions with Newcastle over the fee that could cost less than expected.

Newcastle are begrudgingly open to selling Tonali this summer ahead of a painful rebuild up at St. James’ Park. The Italy international, 26, is in predictably high demand.

Manchester United, Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham have all called. Man Utd were the first to walk away from the move after baulking at the overall costs involved.

However, Spurs aren’t so shy, with Fabrizio Romano the first to detail their interest in the midfield ace on Monday night.

What’s more, the Roberto De Zerbi connection – both he and Tonali hail from the Italian city of Brescia – looks to be proving key.

Tonali is more than willing to join Spurs despite their lack of European football next term. And according to transfer guru Romano, there’ll be no issues agreeing personal terms.

Sandro Tonali wants to sign for Tottenham

After confirming on his YouTube channel that Tottenham are “in conversations” with Tonali’s camp, Romano added: “Sandro Tonali WANTS to go to Tottenham, so he’s keen on the move.

“I don’t think there’s going to be any problem with the player, financially or in terms of the contract.

“Also because the connection between Tonali and De Zerbi is very clear, both from the same city of Brescia, so the connection is very, very good.”

Romano concluded by noting Tottenham will “soon” reach out to Newcastle to begin club-to-club talks and discuss the fee and overall package.

In another, albeit brief, update on his YouTube channel mere hours later, Romano confirmed that despite Man City approaching the player and holding concrete interest, Tonali still favours Tottenham.

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Newcastle could accept significant add-ons in Tonali bid

Regarding cost, numerous reports including from The Chronicle have pointed to a £100m asking price.

However, trusted reporter, Ben Jacobs, claims that while Newcastle are indeed seeking £100m, a sizeable chunk of that figure can be made up of add-ons.

“Spurs a serious contender and have money to spend despite no European football,” wrote Jacobs on X. “Roberto De Zerbi driving the move.

“Bid of around £85m plus add-ons taking the package to around £100m expected to be considered by #NUFC.”

Spurs have already signed Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi (both free agents) this summer, and on Tuesday, wrapped up a deal to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52m.

They’re in discussions with Man City over the £60m signing of Savinho. If that deal crumbles, Spurs will consider moving for West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville, who is also a target for Man Utd.

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Luka Vuskovic is said to have made his stance very clear over his future in north London following the news that a deal has been agreed for Jan Paul van Hecke, while a stunning return to the club is reportedly on.

Spurs are going all in on revamping their backline this summer, having already recruited Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, while Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein have confirmed that the £52million deal to land Van Hecke from Brighton is now done.

That leaves the highly-rated Vuskovic on the outside looking in, however, and it appears that the Van Hecke signing has now pushed the Tottenham youngster over the precipice.

Vuskovic accelerates Tottenham exit

The 19-year-old is still to make a competitive appearance for Spurs, having been loaned out three times after moving to the north London club in 2023.

Stints at Radomiak Radom and Westerlo were followed by an outstanding season with Hamburg in Germany, where Vuskovic was voted as the third best player in the Bundesliga during the 2025/26, behind Tottenham, legend Harry Kane and Michael Olise.

His performances have led to interest from a number of Europe’s top clubs, but Spurs’ interest in Van Hecke prompted Brighton to try and make their own move for Vuskovic.

Having already seen two bids turned down, the latest of which was believed to be in the region of £35m, it’s unclear whether the Seagulls will try and make it third time lucky.

But one thing is now clear, Vuskovic has seen enough of Tottenham’s summer business to realise his prospects of game time in 2026/27 are pretty much slim and none.

For their part Spurs chiefs are not looking to sell Vuskovic and would favour another loan for a player they rate highly, although it’s not clear if Roberto De Zerbi feels the same way.

Either way, talkSPORT‘s Alex Crook claims that Vuskovic has now told the club he wants out, writing on X: “Told #BHAFC target Luka Vušković is pushing to leave #THFC. Vušković is not happy at the prospect of being sent out on loan or a lack of gametime at Spurs following the addition of Senesi and impending arrival van Hecke. Brighton have had one offer of £35m rejected.”

While that news will not come as a massive surprise to Tottenham, it’s hard to see which way they now turn with a player who is widely regarded as one the top central defensive prospects in European football.

Indeed, Vuskovic could even end up as a starter for Croatia at their World Cup as they prepare to face England in their opening group match on Wednesday evening.

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Shock Son return being touted

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King has revealed the club have made an approach to re-sign legendary forward Son Heung-min, and there’s “always a possibility” of him coming back.

Spurs are evidently looking to improve the attack, and are said to be attempting the stunning re-signing of the South Korean to try and fix their left-wing woes.

That’s per former club scout King, who’s heard about an approach for the LAFC man.

He told Tottenham News: “This is from someone who I know – Spurs were trying to get Son back for a year, for the season coming.

“He’d certainly generate some interest if he came back. There’s always the possibility of him coming on loan.”

However, Son returning to Tottenham does not feel particularly likely. He left still with time on his contract, with the club happy to let him go and Spurs willing to let him leave.

There is also the issue of his wages – Son is reported to be the second-highest earner in the MLS, behind only Lionel Messi. Generally, a loan deal would see the parent club cover at least a portion of the wages.

LAFC won’t want to be shelling a big chunk of cash for a player who is not representing them, and Spurs won’t want to pay a large percentage of what is a higher wage than most of their current squad get.

All in all, King’s comments must be taken with a pinch of salt, expecially with Tottenham continuing to look at the likes of Savinho to fill that troublesome left-wing spot.

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More Tottenham news: Tonali swoop; winger hijack

Sandro Tonali is ready to join Tottenham and play under manager Roberto De Zerbi, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, as TEAMtalk reveals Newcastle United’s on selling the Italian midfielder to Spurs.

Elsewhere, Manchester United’s transfer window is in freefall after pulling out of two big-money moves, refusing to pay up for Mateus Fernandes, and now seeing Tottenham take the first step towards hijacking a winger signing.

Roberto De Zerbi has got his man after Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein both confirmed a stellar Tottenham transfer coup.

Tottenham have already bolstered their defensive ranks this summer with the twin signings of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson.

The veteran pair will add experience to the Spurs dressing room, though it’s arguable as to whether they’ll be regular starters.

And with Cristian Romero expected to depart this summer, the true prize at the back laid down at Brighton.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi was desperate to forge a reunion with Jan Paul van Hecke, who he managed at Brighton.

The 26-year-old Dutch international is a known commodity to the Italian manager and would mesh well with his system that places huge emphasis on playing out from the back and defenders being comfortable on the ball.

Two bids were tabled for Van Hecke, the first worth £40m and the second £50m. Both were rejected by Brighton, but a third offer was always planned.

And according to both Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein, Tottenham’s anticipated third bid has not only been launched, but has been accepted.

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Tottenham agree £52m Jan Paul van Hecke signing

Ornstein was first to break the news, declaring: “Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £52million deal with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign defender Jan Paul van Hecke.”

He then claimed personal terms won’t be an issue, and they certainly won’t given trusted reporter, Matteo Morreto, claimed Van Hecke and Spurs have already agreed his contract anyway.

What’s more, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano subsequently gave the £52m switch his signature ‘here we go’ confirmation.

Reporting on X, he wrote: “Tottenham agree deal to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, here we go!

“New defender wanted by De Zerbi joining on £52m deal, agreement club to club done after player accepted #THFC conditions last week.

“All done and Vuskovic separate case, as @David_Ornstein reports.”

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Tottenham want Sandro Tonali and new winger next

Elsewhere, Tottenham are also making progress in their attempts to pull off a major coup by signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.

The De Zerbi connection is proving key, with both he and Tonali hailing from the same Italian city of Brescia.

Tonali has signalled he’ll say yes to joining Spurs, though the small matter of agreeing a blockbuster fee with Newcastle must be overcome. The Magpies are demanding £100m and there’ll be no discounts.

Tottenham are also aiming to sign Savinho from Manchester City for £60m. If that deal crumbles, Ben Jacobs claimed they could hijack Manchester United’s move for Crysencio Summerville, with a ‘call’ recently made to West Ham…

Manchester United’s transfer window is in freefall after pulling out of two big-money moves, refusing to pay up for Mateus Fernandes, and now seeing Tottenham take the first step towards hijacking a winger signing.

Man Utd moved quickly to bank Ederson who will become the first signing of the summer transfer window at Old Trafford. However, plans to add Elliot Anderson and/or Sandro Tonali have now been shelved for the same reason.

Man Utd don’t believe Nottingham Forest’s asking price for Anderson (£120m-plus guaranteed) represents sound business.

As such, they’re leaving that deal to Manchester City, and it’s a similar story with Sandro Tonali (£100m) who has surprisingly held positive talks over a shock switch to Tottenham.

With those two moves off, Man Utd’s focus is firmly on West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes. There’s more bad news there, however, with The Mirror claiming Man Utd have informed West Ham they will NOT meet their £80m valuation.

Man Utd are prepared to play hardball over the fee, which leaves them vulnerable given Real Madrid and PSG are both circling over the Portugal international too.

It gets worse for Michael Carrick’s men, with the latest from Ben Jacobs revealing Tottenham could snap up confirmed winger target, Crysencio Summerville.

Tottenham exploring Crysencio Summerville signing

The Athletic’s David Ornstein was first to report on Man Utd’s interest in West Ham’s Dutch winger.

He revealed an enquiry had been made over the transfer that would be projected to cost around £50m.

When taking to X, trusted reporter Jacobs revealed Summerville has scored highly on Man Utd’s data analysis.

However, he also revealed Spurs have ‘called’ about the move in case their attempts to sign Savinho from Manchester City come to nothing.

Jacobs wrote: “Manchester United have added Crysencio Summerville to their list of wide options, as David Ornstein called.

“An enquiry has already been made to West Ham after Summerville scored high in data analysis.

“Spurs have also called West Ham as Summerville is an option in case Savinho doesn’t move”

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From Man Utd’s perspective, they’ll be hoping Spurs don’t falter in their attempts to lure Savinho to north London.

The Brazilian is open to joining Spurs and Man City have greenlit his sale. Club-to-club talks were recently said to be advancing, per The Daily Mail, with a deal anticipated to cost roughly £60m.

But if Savinho’s move were to progress no further, Man Utd would face a threat to their hopes of landing Summerville by way of an increasingly ambitious Spurs now Roberto De Zerbi is at the helm.

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King has revealed the club have made an approach to re-sign a club legend, and there’s “always a possibility” of him coming back.

Spurs have just had potentially the worst season in their history. They went into the final day of the Premier League season not knowing if they’d still be in the top flight next term.

They’ll be determined not to let that happen next season, and have made a good start, with the signings of defenders Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, and the new contract handed to Pedro Porro.

Tottenham are evidently looking to improve the attack, and are said to be attempting the stunning re-signing of Son Heung-min.

That’s per former club scout King, who’s heard about an approach for the LAFC man.

He told Tottenham News: “This is from someone who I know – Spurs were trying to get Son back for a year, for the season coming.

“He’d certainly generate some interest if he came back. There’s always the possibility of him coming on loan.”

DON’T MISS: ‘Superstar’ is ‘ready to join’ Tottenham after ENIC approves deal, Romano confirms

Son return feels unlikely

However, Son returning to Tottenham does not feel particularly likely. He left still with time on his contract, with the club happy to let him go and Spurs willing to let him leave.

He left after a 17th-placed Premier League finish and Europa League triumph. It felt as if the departure was due to having ticked off a goal of lifting silverware with Spurs, but also due to a lack of competitiveness in the league.

With the club having finished 17th again, luring a player back in who left in the same circumstances, even on loan, feels difficult.

There is also the issue of his wages – Son is reported to be the second-highest earner in the MLS, behind only Lionel Messi.

Generally, a loan deal would see the parent club cover at least a portion of the wages.

LAFC won’t want to be shelling a big chunk of cash for a player who is not representing them, and Spurs won’t want to pay a large percentage of what is a higher wage than most of their current squad get.

There is the sense that, after two poor season, Son, a true Tottenham legend with 454 appearances to his name, could bring some passion to a squad that has been deflated of late.

However, he’s 33, so he’s on the decline, and he’d not have left if he still felt as passionately as he did earlier in his Tottenham spell.

Sandro Tonali is ready to join Tottenham Hotspur and play under manager Roberto De Zerbi, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, as TEAMtalk reveals Newcastle United’s on selling the Italian midfielder to Spurs.

Romano revealed on X late on Monday night that Tottenham are planning to raid Newcastle for Tonali.

The Italian journalist revealed that Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is personally keen on his compatriot.

Romano subsequently added on his YouTube channel: “Tottenham today have entered the race very strong, very concrete, very determined to sign Sandro Tonali.

“And if Tottenham got this strong, my understanding is that it’s because Sandro Tonali is – important point of this video, important point of this information – keen on a move to Tottenham.

“Sandro Tonali is open to joining Tottenham.

“Sandro Tonali is ready to join Spurs, even without European football, even after a terrible season for Tottenham Hotspur.

“Tonali is attracted by the project, wants to play for Roberto De Zerbi.

“And so the possibility to say Tonali at Tottenham is really serious, is really concrete.

“Then let’s wait for the negotiation club-to-club.

“The understanding is that it could take around €100million package to sign Sandro Tonali, so around £85million.

“Let’s see, let’s follow the story, but Tottenham are going very strong.

“Arsenal have called for weeks, Manchester City in contact for weeks, but now Tottenham going all in for Sandro Tonali, the wanted player by Roberto De Zerbi to step up the project and to show the ambition of their view.

“So, keep an eye on this one.”

The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has also reported Tottenham’s desire to sign De Zerbi.

According to the trusted journalist in The Athletic, Tottenham have held ‘positive talks’ with Tonali’s camp, with the north London club’s owners, ENIC, backing manager De Zerbi.

The report has added: ‘Tottenham are prepared to push hard for a statement signing, which is being driven by head coach Roberto De Zerbi and is backed by the ownership.’

While noting Arsenal and Manchester City’s interest in the Italy international midfielder, the report has claimed that ‘Spurs are most advanced over a proposed deal’.

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Newcastle stance on selling Sandro Tonali to Tottenham – sources

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Newcastle will not make it easy for Tottenham to sign Tonali.

Sources have told us that the Magpies will only consider selling the Italian midfielder – who was described as “a superstar player” by Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson on talkSPORT on February 4, 2026 – if they get an offer of over £100million.

We understand that, while Tonali’s camp has told Newcastle that the midfielder wants to leave, his preference would be to return to Italy.

Tonali’s former club, AC Milan, are among those that are keen on the Italian midfielder.

Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has also noted that Tonali would be willing to move to Serie A.

However, according to the talkSPORT journalist, the total cost of the deal would make it tough for Italian clubs to seal a move.

Jacobs posted on X at 12:24pm on June 16: “Spurs have opened talks with Sandro Tonali, as @FabrizioRomano called.

“Move driven by Roberto De Zerbi and backed by the ownership.

“Spurs hoping to make a statement signing.

“Significant funds to be made available to strengthen in midfield and attack.

“No bid to Newcastle yet, but #NUFC braced for offers.

“Arsenal and Manchester City two other clubs who have made enquiries this year.

“Tonali would welcome a return to Italy but cost of a deal makes it unlikely.

“Newcastle’s negotiation position strengthened following the £70m sale of Anthony Gordon, but club aware Tonali is exploring options.”

Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed Antonin Kinsky is likely to remain at Tottenham this summer, but their quest for a new goalkeeper is likely to drop him to second choice.

Spurs narrowly avoided relegation and had some poor results across competitions last season. The worst spell of the campaign was under Tudor, who managed the club for just seven games and didn’t win one.

The most embarrassing result of his campaign was the 5-2 Champions League thrashing at the hands of Atletico Madrid, in which goalkeeper Kinsky survived just 17 minutes of his only European outing, making a series of horrendous mistakes to give Atleti a comfortable lead.

Kinsky’s Tottenham career looked over, but in the relegation run-in he performed far better, and as per insider Jacobs, speaking on Last Word on Spurs, the Czech keeper will survive but perhaps not as a starter.

He said: “They need to look at the goalkeeper situation. Vicario has interest from both Inter and Juventus. It’s great, by the way, to see Antonin Kinsky in form and having played a major role in Tottenham staying up – he made some outstanding saves.

“Under Igor Tudor it felt like he was going to go, now I think a different situation, and Tottenham still back Kinsky to succeed, but could add, of course, a number one goalkeeper.

“In fact, very likely will, and Lucas Chevalier is one name. He joined PSG as a number one goalkeeper and very quickly didn’t become the number one goalkeeper, and now the player is looking to leave.

“They have explored James Trafford as well, but I’d say at the moment, Newcastle can be considered as the frontrunners there.”

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Kinsky to stay and Vicario to go

It seems that one of Tottenham’s goalkeeper corps will be staying this summer and another will be leaving, with Kinsky indeed the man keeping his place and Guglielmo Vicario likely to depart.

TEAMtalk is indeed aware that the Czech man has re-established himself with late-season returns under Roberto De Zerbi, and is highly regarded within the set-up.

Sources have also made it clear that Vicario is of interest to clubs in his native Italy, with Juventus and Napoli both contending for his signature.

Enquiries have been made by both clubs, and a transfer is one that could definitely have legs.

TEAMtalk has also learned that Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is high on Tottenham’s shortlist to be the next No.1 in north London.

De Zerbi wants to reunite with him after they spent time together at the Amex, and views the Dutchman as an ideal fit for his side. Anatoliy Trubin is also being watched at Spurs.

In any case, Kinsky is deserving of a Tottenham stay, but the inconsistency at a high-pressure time last season suggests it would indeed be ideal to bring in another stopper to rival him.

Newcastle United have no intention of making it easy for any club hoping to sign Sandro Tonali this summer, with TEAMtalk understanding the Magpies would only begin to consider a sale if offers exceed £100million, following confirmation that Tottenham Hotspur are the latest club to register an interest.

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Roberto De Zerbi’s side are the latest club to express a desire to sign the 26-year-old Tonali, whose future at St James’ Park remains the subject of growing speculation.

However, Newcastle remain determined to keep hold of one of their most influential players and have made it clear internally that it would take a bid starting at £100million (€116m, $134m) before they would even entertain discussions over a sale.

That stance comes despite Tonali’s camp informing the Magpies that the Italy international is keen to move on, with a return to his homeland understood to be his preferred option should he leave Tyneside.

TEAMtalk understands the midfielder’s representatives have informed Newcastle that the player is keen to move on, with a return to Italy remaining his preferred option should he leave St James’ Park.

Former club AC Milan are among the sides keeping a close eye on developments.

The Rossoneri are close to finalising the appointments of Ruben Amorim as head coach and Markus Krosche as sporting director, and sources indicate Tonali remains a player admired at San Siro.

As TEAMtalk has previously revealed, there is also a belief that Milan could potentially structure a deal due to financial arrangements still linked to the transfers of Tonali and Malick Thiaw between the clubs.

However, it remains unclear whether Krosche will prioritise a move for his former player once he officially begins work and that will open the door for a move elsewhere for the unsettled midfielder…

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Competition for Tottenham target Tonali intensifies

Inter Milan and Juventus are also understood to be keen admirers of Tonali, but both clubs would face major difficulties funding a transfer at Newcastle’s valuation.

As a result, TEAMtalk understands that if Tonali does leave this summer, a move within the Premier League currently appears the more realistic outcome.

Manchester United have explored the situation but have effectively withdrawn from the race because of Newcastle’s asking price.

Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, however, have all held conversations regarding the Italy international and continue to monitor his circumstances closely.

TEAMtalk can also confirm that Tottenham Hotspur have now registered an interest.

Sources indicate Roberto De Zerbi is a huge admirer of his fellow Italian and would welcome the opportunity to bring Tonali to north London should an opportunity arise.

Indeed, there is a growing belief among those close to the player that if Tonali were to remain in England, a move to London could be the most likely destination.

Despite that interest, Newcastle remain unwavering in their position.

The club are determined not to repeat mistakes made during previous transfer windows and are drawing on lessons learned from the Alexander Isak situation, which left them scrambling for solutions and ultimately weakened their negotiating position.

Sporting director Ross Wilson, who was not involved in that episode, has been central to Newcastle’s firmer approach this summer.

Sources insist the club have established clear positions on their key assets and will not allow prolonged transfer sagas to develop.

That applies not only to Tonali but also to several other players who have attracted external attention.

Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Nick Woltemade have all been linked with moves elsewhere, yet Newcastle’s message remains consistent.

If the club decide a player is not for sale, they have no intention of being worn down by outside interest.

For now, Tonali’s camp may be exploring options and Europe’s elite may be circling, but Newcastle’s stance is unequivocal.

Any club hoping to prise away one of the Premier League’s most accomplished midfielders will need to produce an offer comfortably into nine figures before the Magpies even think about opening the door.

One player the Magpies will allow to leave this summer is Nick Pope, with Newcastle sticking a modest price on the goalkeeper’s head and with sources explaining that, while a move to Leeds is unlikely, there are two Premier League sides in the mix for his signature.