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Tottenham transfers: Spurs to open formal talks with key player imminently as TWO Euro giants consider moves

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Tottenham are set to open formal talks with Rodrigo Bentancur as they look to stave off interest from two European giants, and TEAMtalk sources suggest a decision could be reached soon.

The 27-year-old’s current Tottenham contract expires in 2026, and exploratory conversations have taken place between the club and his entourage about a new deal.

There is concrete interest in Bentancur, which is normal when a player of his standing is set to enter the final year of his contract.

Ange Postecoglou often favours Bentancur in key games when he is fit and although he has struggled to find consistent form since picking up an ACL injury in February 2023, the Uruguayan remains valued at Spurs.

TEAMtalk understands that AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are admirers of the Uruguayan international and are considering a move for him this summer. Bentancur will be able to leverage that interest in his contract negotiations with Tottenham.

If no new deal is signed, Milan could swoop in for Bentancur knowing Spurs won’t want to lose him on a free in 2026 making a summer sale a possibility. However, they are at a disadvantage because their finances are tight, and currently sit ninth in the Serie A table, so may miss out on European football next season.

This would put Atletico in a strong position if Bentancur becomes available. The Madrid-based side are third in LaLiga, on track for Champions League qualification, and are just about still in the title race.

Tottenham to open Bentancur contract talks imminently

TEAMtalk understands that it is more likely, at this stage, that Bentancur prioritises contract talks with Tottenham rather than engaging with other suitors.

The exploratory conversations between Spurs and the midfielder’s representatives have been positive, so that’s why the club are calm about the situation, for now at least.

Tottenham do not believe that Bentancur will agitate for a move, but sources state that Atletico and Milan are two sides to keep an eye on in the coming months. Moreover, if an extension can’t be agreed, Spurs would prefer a sale than to let Bentancur run down his current deal.

Atletico are keen to sign a new midfielder this summer and they have reached out to Bentancur’s entourage recently to gauge the player’s interest in a potential move, but nothing is advanced at this stage.

Tottenham are determined to keep hold of Bentancur and won’t give up without a fight. A new deal is not expected to be decided upon in this international break, but we could get more clarity in April.

The expectation is that Spurs will submit a formal concrete offer to Bentancur by early summer at the latest.

DON’T MISS: The FOUR Tottenham players out of contract in 2026: Keep or Sell?

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Antonio Conte tells Napoli to sign Tottenham’s ‘best player’ this season

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Tottenham Hotspur are facing a battle to keep hold of Dejan Kulusevski, with an Italian report revealing that Antonio Conte wants him at Napoli, as an astonishing stat about the attacking midfielder emerges.

It has not been a great season for Tottenham, who are out of all domestic cup competitions and may not even finish in the top half of the Premier League table. It was supposed to be a campaign where head coach Ange Postecoglou takes the club back into the Champions League, and while that is still possible via the Europa League, Spurs fans will admit that it has been a hugely disappointing campaign.

One of the players who has given his all and has tried his best for Tottenham this season is Kulusevski.

Postecoglou has deployed the Sweden international as an attacking midfielder and on the right wing this season.

The 24-year-old former Juventus star has scored 10 goals and given 10 assists in 42 appearances for Tottenham so far this season.

In January 2025, former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster described Kulusevski as “incredible” and “phenomenal” on his YouTube channel and noted that “he’s been without a doubt their best player of the season so far”.

It seems that the attacker’s former Tottenham boss Conte has been impressed as well, with TuttoJuve revealing that the ex-Juventus head coach wants him at Napoli this summer.

According to the report, Conte has told his Napoli bosses that he ‘wants a competitive squad with high-quality players to bring the team back to its rightful place both in Italy and in Europe’.

The report has added that ‘on the list of priorities is one name that has not gone unnoticed: Dejan Kulusevski’.

Conte worked with Kulusevski at Tottenham, and it seems that the Italian tactician believes that he would be a very good signing for Napoli, who are three points behind leaders Inter Milan in second place in the Serie A table at the moment.

Dejan Kulusevski’s work-rate best in Premier League

While Kulusevski is often associated with creating havoc for the opposition defence and being very good and creative on the ball, a new stat has emerged that shows just how hard the Sweden international works.

According to Opta Stats, ‘of regular starters – those with 1,500+ minutes to their name – Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski is the Premier League’s marathon man, covering 12.3 km per 90’.

Kulusevski has often complained about playing a lot this season and is on the sidelines at the moment with a foot injury.

The Tottenham star’s team-mate Lucas Bergvall told Expressen this month: “It’s something completely different than what you’re used to. It’s two games every week, away games all over England and Europe. So I understand how he (Kulusevski) thinks, one hundred percent.

“That he’s played more than he might have needed to. But that’s what it’s like to be a footballer. We had 12-13 players when we had the most injuries, so it is what it is.

“It hasn’t been a fair season, honestly, not for anyone, considering all the injuries we’ve had. Many have played an incredible number of minutes, which is not human.”

Latest Tottenham news: Bissouma exit, Madueke interest

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher has reported that Aston Villa are interested in signing Yves Bissouma from Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Tottenham are willing to sell Bissouma if Villa pay them £25million in transfer fees.

TEAMtalk also understands that Tottenham are keen on a summer deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

Chelsea are willing to sell Madueke, but the Blues are looking for at least £50million to cash in on him and could even demand £60m.

Sources have said that Newcastle United and Villa are keeping tabs on Madueke.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have made a bid of £37million for Sunderland star Chris Rigg, according to a report.

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Aston Villa transfers: Tottenham demands revealed as Emery plots shock move for underperforming midfielder

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Aston Villa are keen to sign a new midfielder and Tottenham star Yves Bissouma is a confirmed target, with Spurs willing to sell if their price tag is met, TEAMtalk understands.

Unai Emery’s side are enjoying another impressive season as they remain in the race to finish in the top four and have also made it to the Champions League quarter-finals, in which they’ll play Paris Saint-Germain.

Villa brought in the two eye-catching loan signings of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio in January, and both of those players could sign permanently. They are expected to be busy again in the summer, and Emery is understood to want to reinforce his midfield options.

TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham centre-mid Bissouma is on Villa’s radar, which may come as a surprise given his inconsistent form. Sources state that Emery is an admirer of the 28-year-old, who was excellent for former club Brighton.

We can confirm that Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is willing to part ways with Bissouma after he has failed to live up to expectations.

Spurs also feel they have two ready-made replacements in young duo Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, who have both played big roles for the club this term.

Bissouma is therefore set to be available for transfer. His Tottenham contract expires in 2026, and the London side are happy to sell for the right price.

Tottenham name their price for Aston Villa target Bissouma

TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham will consider offers in the region of £35m for Bissouma this summer.

Emery believes he can get the best out of the Malian international. He could compete with the likes of Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana for a starting spot.

While Bissouma has faired better under Postecoglou than previous Spurs boss Antonio Conte, the decision has been made that he will be available this summer.

It is not yet known whether Postecoglou will remain in charge for next season as Tottenham have already begun considering potential replacements, but Bissouma could still leave regardless.

“I just feel Biss can sometimes let the game drift by him,” Postecoglou said about Bissouma last week.

“He needs to be a little bit more dominant in the way he gets on the ball. At times I think the game gets away from him and we need more in that position.

“I need him to play though, because he hasn’t played a lot. At the same time you’ve got to perform. It’s fair to say, Biss and a few others are probably lacking a bit of confidence. That’s affecting him but we’re at the point of the season now where we need guys to get out there and put those things to one side and perform.”

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Tottenham transfers: Spurs plotting raid on Chelsea for 17

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Tottenham to hand 17-goal Chelsea winger escape chance as Maresca green lights exit - TEAMtalk
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Tottenham are plotting a move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and TEAMtalk can reveal the Blues’ stance on selling the 23-year-old this summer, while two other Premier League sides are also interested.

Spurs have endured a very disappointing season and sit in 13th place in the Premier League table. Their last chance of success is in the Europa League and winning that would see them qualify for the Champions League.

There is major pressure on Ange Postecoglou and while Tottenham’s hierarchy are yet to make a final decision on him, they are still building a list of targets for next season.

TEAMtalk understands that Spurs are looking to add quality attacking options and a move for Chelsea winger Madueke is under consideration.

Sources have confirmed that the England international is not in Enzo Maresca’s long term plans and therefore, the Blues are ready to cash in at the end of the season.

Madueke has interest from multiple Champions League sides and two other Premier League clubs, per our sources, and therefore Tottenham may have to win the Europa League to have a chance of landing him.

However, we also understand that Madueke is keen to stay in London, which could play into Tottenham’s hands, but he will still require some serious convincing to make the move to the Lilywhites.

Tottenham to rival two Premier League clubs for Chelsea star

TEAMtalk understands that Chelsea will demand a minimum of £50m for Madueke, who they believe has seen his value increase since his move from PSV Eindhoven in 2023.

Chelsea will look to push a deal towards the £60m mark. They are in a strong negotiating position, given the winger is contracted until 2030 and they have the option to extend the deal by another year.

Despite Tottenham’s poor season, they are in a strong PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Rules) position and could afford to splash £60m on Madueke if they choose to do so.

Newcastle and Aston Villa are also keeping close tabs on Madueke and again, their chances of landing him could depend on Champions League qualification.

Newcastle and Villa’s main challenge with regards to Madueke will be convincing him to leave London.

Chelsea are open to selling several stars this summer to help fund a move for a top striker and sources state that Madueke is one they are willing to let go.

The winger has made 74 appearances since his £30m switch from PSV, notching 17 goals and seven assists in the process.

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Tottenham news: Spurs star at centre of Madrid storm as Atletico barge into race to sign long

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Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero is now said to be on the radar of both Madrid clubs after a report revealed that Atletico have joined Real in the race for the Argentine’s signature this summer.

Romero has been a target for Carlo Ancelotti’s men since playing a pivotal role in Argentina World Cup triumph in Qatar back in 2022, although Spurs have continually refused to entertain the possibility of the sale of the 26-year-old.

However, there have been rumours that the landscape is starting to change, especially since Romero‘s pointed criticism of the club’s medical team this season.

Romero only recently returned from a 21-game Tottenham absence and played the full 90 minutes for his country against Uruguay over the weekend, before then aiming shots at his employers in north London.

Journalist Eduardo Burgos reported that Romero was ‘deeply upset’ with how Tottenham’s medical staff handled his rehabilitation as he thanked the physios at Argentina for “getting me out of a bad moment and putting me back on the field”.

Indeed, there is a school of thought that the defender is actively trying to force a transfer after becoming frustrated at the club’s lack of ambition in recent seasons, while his performances on the field have been way below the standard he usually produces for Argentina.

And now a report from Relevo suggests that Atletico are actively searching for a new central defender and have put Romero at the top of their wishlist.

Depending on how legit that report is, it could stir Real into action in the race to sign a player who could cost in the region of £60million (€72m / $77m).

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Clock ticking on fresh Romero contract offer

For their part, Tottenham have been hopeful that Romero will put pen-to-paper on a new contract in north London, with an offer on the table for the former Juventus and Atalanta man.

The Spurs vice-captain will enter the final two years of his current deal in June, and while Spurs are prepared to offer him a significant pay rise, Romero is in no rush to sign as he considers potential offers elsewhere.

Indeed, it’s since been stated that Tottenham chiefs have told the player that if he does not commit to the new deal by the start of the summer window then they will consider offers for his services.

At this stage, however, it’s understood no discussions have taken place between Tottenham and any clubs keen on signing Romero, with Daniel Levy certain to play a strong hand when it comes to what the club could recoup for a player who is in his prime.

Spurs are, however, actively weighing up potential replacements for the Argentine, having been linked with the likes of Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, Everton’s Jarrard Branthwaite and Bournemouth ace Dean Huijsen.

Latest Tottenham news: Double striker swoop / Dortmund winger ‘groundwork’ laid

Meanwhile, Spurs are being tipped to potentially add two new strikers to their ranks this summer after a season of domestic struggles that has seen both Dominic Solanke and Richarlison spend a number of games on the sidelines.

Two new forward targets have emerged in north London, with Tottenham said to be keen on a deal for 15-goal Mainz and Germany attacker Jonathan Burkardt.

The club are also reported to be chasing an Aston Villa attacker, in a move that appears much more fanciful.

In terms of wide attacking targets, a report from reliable GiveMeSport journalist Dean Jones claims that Tottenham have already laid the ‘groundwork’ in their efforts to sign a Borussia Dortmund sensation.

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Tottenham doubling up on striker signings as Bundesliga ace and surprise Prem raid mooted

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Tottenham Hotspur are being tipped to potentially add two new strikers to their ranks this summer after a season of domestic struggles that has seen both their current No.9s spend too much time on the sidelines.

Dominic Solanke has missed a total of 14 games this term through injury, while Richarlison has only featured in 14 outings in all competitions throughout the whole campaign as his woes in a Spurs shirt continue.

That has led to plenty of speculation that Tottenham will look to add another forward to their ranks in the summer, with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Liam Delap and Dusan Vlahovic – to name but a few – all linked with moves to north London.

However, two new names are now said to be in the frame for a move to Spurs, with free-scoring Bundesliga Jonathan Burkardt reportedly on their radar.

TBR Football reports that Tottenham have turned their gaze towards the Mainz frontman, who is capable of playing as an out-and-out No.9, as a second striker or wide on the left.

Burkardt is currently third in the Bundesliga Golden Boot race behind Harry Kane and Patrik Schick, having scored 15 goals this season while also laying on three assists for a Mainz side who sit an impressive third in the table.

Tottenham are not alone in the admiration for the 24-year-old though, with the likes Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Brighton also credited with an interest.

Indeed, it’s been reported that the Magpies have one eye on Burkardt if they opt to cash in on Alexander Isak this summer.

But the German is not the only forward being tipped to join Tottenham, as TT understands there is the distinct possibility that two new strikers are recruited to provide fiercer competition for Solanke.

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Tottenham also tipped for surprise Villa raid

Meanwhile, a rather fanciful report from Spain suggests that Spurs could also raid Premier League rivals Aston Villa for a player who only joined them in the winter window.

Fichajes reports that Donyell Malen is now in their sights, having joined Villa from Dortmund in January – although he is yet to score in seven appearances for Unai Emery’s men.

Malen did have an excellent record in Holland with PSV though and showed enough in Germany to prompt Villa to cough u £21m for his services.

The report states that Tottenham have seen enough of the 26-year-old in recent seasons to suggest that he could be a success in England, at the right club and in the right system.

Much like Burkardt, Malen has the ability to play multiple positions in the forward line, although he tends to operate more frequently from the right – where Brennan Johnson currently plays.

Links to the Dutch star do appear to be far-fetched though, as it’s hard to fathom why Villa would be willing to offload a player they signed months ago to a Premier League rival – unless it was for a very healthy profit.

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Tottenham news: 'Groundwork' already laid for explosive forward signing as price tag starts to fall

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Tottenham have reportedly laid the groundwork for what would be a major summer transfer coup, as they look to beat out a number of other clubs to the signing of a superb Bundesliga attacker.

Extensive transfer funds are expected to be made available to whoever is in charge of Spurs this summer, whether that’s Ange Postecoglou or a replacement, as the north London outfit look to avoid a repeat of their disastrous domestic campaign this time around.

New midfield and attacking recruits will be the main focus of attention for a Tottenham side that regularly lose the battle in the middle of the park and also fail to make the best of their opportunities in front of goal.

In terms of the attacking department, Timo Werner will return to RB Leipzig after his disastrous second loan stint while Brennan Johnson has been linked with a shock return to Nottingham Forest and Richarlison could be bound for the Saudi Pro League.

There also remains major doubt over what will happen with Bayern Munich loanee Mathys Tel, who has shown some flashes of quality but is still to score a Premier League goal for the club.

With all that in mind, the club continue to be linked with quality forward talent – one of which is outstanding 20-year-old Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.

Reliable GiveMeSport journalist Dean Jones reports that Spurs have been laying the groundwork on a potential move for the England Under-21 in recent months, as they look to see off the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City in the race for his signature.

Gittens has been on the club’s radar since last year and has enjoyed a superb campaign in Germany, scoring 11 goals and adding four assists in 40 appearances in all competitions.

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Gittens a natural Son replacement

The Reading-born attacker has been one of the real shining lights in a season of struggle for Dortmund, although they have at least booked a place in the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face French side Lille.

But with qualification for next season’s competition looking increasingly unlikely, given their lowly Bundesliga position and the quality of sides still left in this term’s Champions League, the report adds that Dortmund could be forced to generate funds for the summer by selling valuable assets.

Gittens’ form has tailed off a bit in the second half of the season, meaning Dortmud’s £70million when he was in full flow will almost certainly be adjusted – moving him more into Tottenham’s ballpark in the process.

Spurs themselves also face an uphill task to quality for European football and will have to win the Europa League to make that happen, which could end up harming their chances of winning the Gittens race.

In terms of where he could into the Tottenham side, however, Gittens has played almost all his games this season as a left-winger. That would mean him replacing club legend Son Heung-min, who agreed a one-year contract extension until the summer of 2026 back in January.

Son’s form has dropped off this season, but he remains a key figure at the club as skipper and has the full backing of Postecoglou. All that could change though, if Spurs opt to part ways with the Australian and turn to one of several names tipped to replace him.

One of those names is former Dortmund coach Edin Terzic, who could end up managing Gittens again in north London.

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Tottenham offer £37m to beat out Prem rivals to incredible midfield talent – report

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a £37million offer to Championship outfit Sunderland in order to beat out Premier League rivals West Ham to the signing of a top midfield talent.

Teenage Black Cats star Chris Rigg is the player in question, with the 17-year-old rapidly emerging as one of the top midfield talents in English football after breaking into the Sunderland first-team squad back in January 2023.

Rigg actually made his senior bow as a 15-year-old and has become a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Championship club as they push for a Premier League return.

The highly-rated starlet has turned out over 50 times for the Wearside outfit so, scoring seven goals and adding one assist to catch the interest of the likes of Tottenham and West Ham.

Indeed, Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Spurs have already submitted an offer of €45m (£37m / $48m) to secure Rigg’s services, while The Sun states that the Hammers are ready to make a move of their own for the prodigy.

However, it appears that West Ham’s offer will be lower than Tottenham’s bid, giving the north London outfit the advantage in the race for the teenager’s signature.

Spurs have made a real point of pushing to sign some of Europe’s top young talent in recent windows, with the likes of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, South Korean Min-hyuk Yang and Republic of Ireland sensation Mason Melia all putting pen to paper over the last year.

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Tottenham midfield revamp

Rigg could end up being part of Tottenham’s major rebuild of their engine room this summer, with Yves Bissouma almost certain to leave and Rodrigo Bentancur also tipped to potentially follow suit.

Bissouma has had countless chances to impress Ange Postecoglou but has been publically criticised by the Tottenham boss more than once, with his days now surely numbered.

As for Bentancur, the Uruguay international continues to try and find his best form, and although he’s reported to have a new contract offer on the table there is still a chance he could leave.

Indeed, Bentancur’s contract runs out in the summer of 2026, meaning the next window will be the last chance to recoup a significant fee for his services. Interest from Atletico Madrid has also emerged in the 27-year-old, who could link up with fellow South American Diego Simeone in the Spanish capital.

Adding Rigg to that midfield mix would give Tottenham another quality talent to work with, although they will still look to add some experience and are also chasing the likes of Real Betis star Johnny Cardoso Wolves ace Joao Gomes and Lille’s Angel Gomes.

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Pochettino Tottenham return gets major update amid record-breaking compensation revelation

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Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of bringing former boss Mauricio Pochettino back to the club appear to have taken a major dent, should they opt to end Ange Postecoglou’s tenure in north London.

Pressure has been growing on the Australian during a largely woeful second half of the campaign for a Spurs side who sit 14th in the Premier League table and are clinging on to Europa League glory to salvage something from their season.

Injuries have played an obvious part in Tottenham‘s struggles, although the manner of some of the 15 defeats they have suffered in the league this season has led to speculation that Postecoglou’s time could be up – unless he can secure silverware via Europe.

The likes of Andoni Iraola, Thomas Frank and Edin Terzic continued to be mooted as potential Spurs options, but Pochettino got tongues wagging again in a recent interview when he was asked about one day returning to the club.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the current USA national team boss said: “Look, when I left the club I always remember one interview I said I would like one day to come back to Tottenham and that is of course.

“I am in the USA, I am not going to no, I’m not going to talk about that, but what I said then still after six years or five years, I still feel in my heart that, yes, I would like one day to come back. We see the timing, like Daniel said.”

Old photos of Pochettino sharing a coffee with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy that emerged on social media also served to spike the rumours of a return for a manager who guided the club to second and third-placed finishes in the Premier League and a Champions League final before his exit in 2019.

However, BBC Sport has been digging deeper regarding the actual chances of a return for Pochettino any time soon, and they are not looking good.

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Tottenham facing potentially record-breaking Pochettino pay out

Pochettino is currently preparing USA for a home World Cup in 2026, which is just 15 months away, although his side have lost successive Concacaf Nations League matches in the past week to Panama and Canada.

However, the BBC report states that the prospect of the 53-year-old walking away from his USMNT team role and heading back to north London is highly unlikely given the compensation involved.

A source told the BBC that the United States Soccer Federation would be owed ‘one of the biggest financial compensation fees in football history’ if Pochettino was to leave for Spurs – or any other team for that matter – before the next World Cup.

Chelsea’s £21million payment to Brighton to land Graham Potter after sacking Thomas Tuchel in 2022 and Bayern Munich’s £21m to RB Leipzig to pave the way for Julian Nagelsmann’s appointment in 2021 are, according to reports, ranked as the two largest managerial compensation packages in history.

Pochettino signed a two-year contract to head to north America in September, with multiple reports stating he earns £4.6m a year.

However, it’s understood the sum US Soccer would recoup if Pochettino leaves before next year’s tournament ‘extends way beyond his salary and much closer to the amount Chelsea and Bayern, respectively, paid to land Potter and Nagelsmann’.

Assuming Levy would be unwilling to pay that potentially huge amount in compensation, that would leave Spurs turning to their other targets instead – if they do indeed pull the trigger on Postecoglou.

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Tottenham news: Big exit mooted as LaLiga giants 'test the ground' over signing; second sale increasingly likely

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Tottenham Hotspur could open next season with a whole new midfield following a fresh update on the future of Rodrigo Bentancur, while TT can also confirm that the club are also giving major consideration to another big sale.

After a season of struggle domestically, in which Ange Postecoglou’s first-team squad has been stretched to almost beyond its limits due to injuries, it’s expected that this summer will be a busy one to make sure that same scenario does not play out again.

Whether Postecoglou remains at the helm or not, Tottenham are expected to make major changes to their central midfield area, where the likes of Yves Bissouma and, to a lesser extent, Bentancur have underperformed for much of the season.

Indeed, the latter is still seemingly reaching out for the sort of form he was showing before his ACL injury in February 2023, although there have been moments more recently where he has looked like getting back to somewhere near his best.

It was reported last month that discussions have been held with the Uruguay international over a new deal in north London, with his current one ending in the summer of 2026. However, he has not made a move as yet to show that he is ready to commit and now a fresh report from Spain suggests a switch to LaLiga could be on the cards.

Relevo journalist Matteo Moretto suggests Bentancur might be of interest to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid this summer.

Indeed Moretto is quoted as saying ‘one of the footballers that Atletico has recently asked about is the Uruguayan of Tottenham Rodrigo Bentancur. The former Juventus player is 27 and has played 32 games in all competitions in the Spurs jersey this year. At the moment I cannot say that there is a real negotiation between the parties because it is still early, but Atletico has had contacts to test the ground for June’.

Links to Atletico are perhaps not that surprising, given that Bentancur’s game is arguably more suited to Spanish football than English. In Postecoglou’s very open midfield, he is asked to cover a lot of ground and often ends up looking frustrated as he fails to last 90 minutes.

Much will now depend on Bentancur’s stance when it comes to the reported contract offer on the table for him and whether he feels he is ready commit to another three or four more years in north London.

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All change in Tottenham’s midfield

As we reported above though, Bentancur won’t potentially be the only Spurs midfielder to move on this summer – given that it looks increasingly likely Bissouma will be shown the door.

TT have been told that Tottenham are giving serious consideration to the Mali star’s exit, with Bissouma having failed to deliver the sort of form he displayed while on the south coast at Brighton.

Indeed, the 28-year-old has proven to be a major disappointment in a Spurs shirt and has failed to show any sort of consistency under successive managers.

If Bentancur and Bissouma both move on, that only leaves young trio Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Pape Sarr to fill the void, and there is every chance that two new additions come in.

Real Betis star Johnny Cardoso could well be the first name through the door, given that Tottenham have a £21million option to buy the USA international in the first couple of weeks of the summer window.

Other central midfielders linked with the club include Wolves acee Joao Gomes, who could be part of a double raid on Molineux for Spurs this summer.

Lille and England star Angel Gomes continues to be linked with a return to the Premier League and could head to the capital, while Tottenham are also big fans of Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton and Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham.

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