TEAMtalk

Liverpool will be hugely disappointed to learn that Djed Spence’s people have offered the Tottenham Hotspur star to Manchester United, with Red Devils manager Michael Carrick looking for a left-back, according to a journalist.

On July 14, TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported that Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing Spence from Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

Sources told us at the time that Newcastle United and Inter Milan, too, are interested in Spence, who can operate as a right-back or as a left-back and starred for England at the 2026 World Cup.

It emerged earlier on August 6 that Tottenham are willing to sell Spence for £35millon this summer.

While Liverpool will find the price tag of the Tottenham star £35m appealing, Andoni Iraola’s side will be disappointed to learn that Spence’s people have offered him to Man Utd, too.

Man Utd are looking to sign a left-back and have made Lewis Hall their number one target.

However, Newcastle United do not want to sell the England international this summer.

The Sun journalist Tom Barclay wrote on X at 10:48am on August 6: “Understand Liverpool do have some interest in Djed Spence (as per @szyexcl).

“Told there are other clubs whose interest currently seems stronger, but let’s see how it develops.

“Spence’s price tag believed to be around £35m, seems increasingly likely he’ll leave #thfc this summer”

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Djed Spence ‘offered’ to Man Utd

Journalist Ben Jacobs said on The United Stand: “Obviously, the other option is more of a two-sided full-back.

“You may remember, in kind of March, April, we were speaking of how if they had a kind of left-winger that could drop into left wing-back, they might sign a right-sided full-back that can switch sides.

“And Djed Spence is a name on the player’s side that has been offered around.

“He has been offered to Liverpool, he has been offered to Manchester United.

“I am not aware yet whether the club’s interested in that deal, but Spence wants to go somewhere and play week in week out, whether it’s on the right and whether it’s on the left, so his future might be broadly one to watch again.

“I don’t think Man Utd at this point have said we want Djed Spence, we are going to move for Djed Spence, we are going to negotiate for Djed Spence, but the Spence side are offering him around to Premier League clubs because with Pedro Porro on one side and Destiny Udogie on the other and after a very positive World Cup, Spence can’t guarantees he is going to play every week at Tottenham Hotspur, and that’s why he is assessing his options even though Roberto De Zerbi would love to keep him as a squad player.”

Tottenham Hotspur are among the Premier League clubs to have been offered Victor Osimhen this summer, as the Nigerian striker looks to secure a move to English football, TEAMtalk understands.

Whether Spurs ultimately decide to pursue a deal for the highly rated forward is another matter entirely. What is clear, however, is that the north London club remain keen on bringing in a top-class striker to lead the line under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian is in the process of shaping and rebuilding the squad to suit his preferred style of play, and a clinical number nine is high on his shopping list.

Yet any move for Osimhen would first require Tottenham to sell either Dominic Solanke or Richarlison in order to create space both in the squad and in the wage bill.

Osimhen has built a strong reputation as a powerful, energetic and prolific goalscorer, and his desire for a Premier League challenge has been well documented. Several English clubs have been made aware of his availability, with Spurs one of those sounded out by those representing the player.

De Zerbi’s preference for a high-quality centre-forward is understandable. A proven marksman of Osimhen’s calibre could significantly improve Tottenham’s attacking output and help the side push for a higher league finish.

Tottenham face tough choice

At the same time, the club must carefully manage their existing options. Solanke has shown flashes of quality since joining but has struggled with injuries, while Richarlison continues to offer versatility and experience across the front line.

Deciding which of the current strikers to move on would not be straightforward, particularly given the need to maintain balance and harmony within the dressing room. Considerations over financial regulations also play a part in any potential transaction.

As the transfer window continues, Spurs’ hierarchy will weigh the opportunity carefully.

Landing Osimhen would represent a significant statement of intent, but only if the necessary outgoing deals can first be agreed and they are willing to pay his huge wages.

Currently Osimhen’s gross pay is €360,000 (£309,000) per week, which after tax (which is 20 per cent for professional footballers in Turkey) becomes €288,000 (£247,000).

That would already make the Nigerian by far the highest earner at Tottenham.

But given Osimhen would be taxed 45 per cent of his wages in England, Spurs would have to pay far above what he currently earns in order to make the sums even.

Tottenham could have to raise their bid for Andreas Schjelderup as Benfica head coach Marco Silva has made it clear the winger is “fundamental” to his plans.

Spurs are looking to avoid being dragged into another relegation battle in the coming season with the Tottenham hierarchy already confirming six new signings.

Andy Robertson, Martin Dubravka and Marcos Senesi all joined on free transfers, while £237m was spent on Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Tottenham are now concentrating on moving some of their bloated squad on, while they are looking to bring in two or three players to improve their attack.

Fabrizio Romano has been insisting that Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Manchester City’s Savinho are their top two targets for both wings.

Giving an update on Gakpo on Wednesday, Romano said on X: ‘Tottenham are in direct talks with Cody Gakpo’s camp over possible move this summer, after approaches revealed in July.

‘Deal depends on Liverpool decision; doors closed back in July but now could depend on financial package/Barcola pursuit.

‘#THFC are trying.’

TEAMtalk revealed earlier today that Tottenham are stepping up efforts to force a breakthrough in their pursuit of Savinho by exploring a potential move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto.

Spurs have made enquiries over Neto’s availability as they assess contingency options, although Savinho remains the club’s clear first-choice target.

And, as Tottenham continue to work on those deals, it was reportedly recently that Spurs have also submitted a €55m ‘offer’ to sign Benfica winger Schjelderup, who starred at the World Cup for Norway.

Silva explains why Tottenham could face a tough transfer battle

New Benfica head coach Silva, who arrived from Fulham over the summer, insists that the Norway international is still key to his plans at the Portuguese giants.

Explaining why there has been a lot of interest in Schjelderup, Silva told A Bola: “I understand why there is so much talk about Andreas. First, because he has quality. Benfica made public the possible renewal and the offer he has. From the moment that became public, it’s understandable there are conversations.

“Because of the quality he has, because of the last five months of last season and because of the excellent World Cup he had… I think by praising him like this I’ve already answered whether he is fundamental to me or not.”

Without discussing Benfica’s plans for Schjelderup, Silva laid out his importance to the side, he added: “For the way we want to play, wide players are fundamental. He has very specific characteristics to face low blocks and is capable of doing something different against teams that defend well.

“We’re going to face plenty of those in the Portuguese league. Andreas is a player I believe in a lot and he is different.”

Touching on whether Schjelderup’s mentality has changed because of the latest rumours of moves to Tottenham or elsewhere, Silva continued: “He has been working very well, he is fully committed and he is a great lad, always happy in his day-to-day work. I only have positive things to say about him.

“Our objective is to get the best out of him and help him improve every day so he can help the team. I’m certain he will.”

Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up efforts to force a breakthrough in their pursuit of Savinho by exploring a potential move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, TEAMtalk understands.

Spurs have been working on a deal for Savinho for several weeks and remain determined to make the Brazilian their marquee wide signing this summer.

However, Manchester City have continued to delay negotiations as they insist they first need to secure a replacement before sanctioning his departure.

TEAMtalk can reveal that City have identified Neto as one of their leading options along with Paris Saint-Germain’s Ibrahim Mbaye.

Sources have confirmed the Premier League champions have held talks with Chelsea over the Portugal international, with head coach Enzo Maresca giving sporting director Hugo Viana his approval to pursue a move.

While Neto is not actively pushing to leave Stamford Bridge, TEAMtalk understands the 26-year-old is weighing up his future following Chelsea’s recruitment drive this summer.

The arrivals of Morgan Rogers and Geovany Quenda have increased competition in the attacking positions, leaving Neto open to assessing opportunities should the right project present itself.

Chelsea are understood to be willing to consider offers for the former Wolves winger, with sources indicating they would demand at least £60million before entering serious negotiations.

Man City prepared to pay Neto price

Manchester City are prepared to meet that valuation if they decide to press ahead, believing Neto would provide the experience and versatility required to replace Savinho.

Tottenham, though, have also entered the picture.

TEAMtalk understands Spurs have made enquiries over Neto’s availability as they assess contingency options, although Savinho remains the club’s clear first-choice target.

The north London side have now made it clear to City that they want the Savinho situation resolved within the next week, with Roberto De Zerbi’s and his recruitment team eager to have their attacking options in place before the new season gets underway.

For now, Savinho remains Tottenham’s priority, but City’s pursuit of Neto could ultimately hold the key to unlocking one of the longest running sagas of the summer.

Middlesbrough have reached an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur for England Under-21 defender Ashley Phillips, with TEAMtalk understanding the centre-back is set to become the latest major addition to Kim Hellberg’s squad.

TEAMtalk revealed last month that Boro had opened talks with Spurs over Phillips, and sources have now confirmed a permanent deal has been agreed after Tottenham decided against sending the 21-year-old out on loan for a third successive season.

Phillips spent the past two campaigns gaining valuable Championship experience with Stoke City, but Middlesbrough have moved decisively to secure him on a long-term basis.

We understand the guaranteed fee is worth £7million, with add-ons and performance-related bonuses capable of taking the overall package beyond £10million.

The deal continues an increasingly strong relationship between the two clubs, and means Middlesbrough could spend more than £30million with Tottenham this summer alone following the earlier arrival of striker Will Lankshear. That could be worth more than £20million with add-ons.

Having narrowly missed out on promotion after defeat in last season’s Championship play-off final, Boro have shown they are determined to go one step further under Hellberg.

The club’s ambitious recruitment drive has been fuelled by the sale of Hayden Hackney, while the record-breaking transfer of Morgan Rogers has also delivered another significant financial windfall through sell-on clauses.

READ NEXT – Simeone in dreamland as Tottenham star AGREES to join Atletico Madrid; £38m hijack ON

Phillips becomes the latest high-profile arrival for Middlesbrough in what has already been one of the Championship’s busiest transfer windows.

This week alone, Middlesbrough have also agreed a £14million deal with Manchester United for goalkeeper Radek Vitek.

Earlier in the summer, the Teesside club completed moves for Jeremy Sarmiento, Kyle Joseph and United States internationals Max Arfsten and Sebastian Berhalter.

Steve Gibson has now committed more than £50million to strengthening the squad this summer.

This underlines Middlesbrough’s determination to build a side capable of securing automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

Atletico Madrid have moved into pole position to sign Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero after agreeing personal terms with the Argentinian international, TEAMtalk understands.

We reported last week that Diego Simeone’s side were preparing a serious move for the centre-back after Romero made it clear he wanted to leave north London this summer.

Now, sources have confirmed Atletico have overtaken Inter Milan in the race by reaching an agreement with the defender on a four-year contract.

Inter had previously negotiated a deal with Tottenham worth up to £38million, but we understand the Serie A champions were unable to agree personal terms with Romero.

Atletico, however, have succeeded where Inter fell short as they push to hijack the deal.

Sources have confirmed Romero has agreed a contract on terms similar to those he currently earns at Tottenham, removing one of the biggest obstacles to completing the transfer.

The defender has long admired Simeone and views the opportunity to play under his fellow Argentine as the ideal next step in his career.

READ NEXT – £132m double Tottenham swoop to include ‘bomba’ winger signing

We understand negotiations between Atletico and Tottenham are progressing well, with all parties increasingly confident a deal can be struck.

Spurs remain determined not to accept less than the financial package previously agreed with Inter, but Atletico are edging closer to matching those demands.

Atletico to sell multiple stars to fund Romero transfer

Atletico have also been working hard behind the scenes to create both the financial and squad space required to complete the signing.

The Spanish giants have accelerated the departures of several first-team players to facilitate Romero’s arrival.

Left-back Matteo Ruggeri is closing in on a £22million move to Aston Villa.

Villa have stepped up their search for a new left-back with Lucas Digne preparing to join Paris Saint-Germain, and Ruggeri has emerged as their preferred target.

Although the Italian has been happy in Madrid, Atletico have already signed his replacement following the earlier arrival of Alejandro Grimaldo, allowing negotiations with Villa to advance.

Another likely departure is Nahuel Molina.

The Argentina international attracted interest from several Premier League clubs earlier this summer, but TEAMtalk understands Roma have now emerged as favourites and are in advanced discussions with Atletico over a deal for the right-back.

Roma have turned to Molina after failing to agree terms with Feyenoord for Givairo Read, with the Dutch club’s asking price deemed too high.

With outgoing transfers gathering pace and personal terms already secured, Atletico are increasingly confident Romero will become the latest marquee addition to Simeone’s squad as they look to strengthen their title credentials ahead of the new campaign.

Liverpool are weighing up a move for a Tottenham star who is ‘extremely receptive’ to signing at Anfield, and how much a deal would cost has also been revealed.

The respective windows at Tottenham and Liverpool have been contrasting ones so far, with the former signing six players and the latter just two. What’s more, the deal for one of Liverpool’s arrivals this summer, Jeremy Jacquet, was pre-agreed at the beginning of the year.

Nevertheless, Spurs are still planning more fireworks and in the final third specifically. Savinho is the top target for the right wing, and either a left winger or striker is wanted too.

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo is in Spurs’ sights, and the Reds could give the green light to his sale if signing a direct replacement.

At present, it’s full steam ahead for Bradley Barcola, while Liverpool are also exploring a move for Barcola’s PSG teammate, Ibrahim Mbaye.

Aside from the wings, another area of concern for Liverpool is defence. Depth is light, neither Conor Bradley or Giovanni Leoni will be fit to start the new season, and Joe Gomez has already picked up a muscle injury in pre-season.

Accordingly, TEAMtalk previously brought news in late-July of Andoni Iraola requesting FSG provide him with a new defender.

AnfieldIndex previously claimed Tottenham’s ultra-versatile full-back, Djed Spence, was a player Liverpool like.

And according to a fresh update from Anfield Sector, the 25-year-old would now jump at the chance to move to Anfield.

READ NEXT: £132m double Tottenham swoop to include ‘bomba’ winger signing

Djed Spence wants Liverpool; Tottenham to sell for £35m-plus

‘Liverpool have an interest in Tottenham defender Djed Spence,’ they wrote on X.

‘Spence is said to be extremely receptive to the idea of a move to Liverpool.

‘Andoni Iraola has defensive concerns around the current right-backs.

‘Not the only name under consideration so no clarity whether progresses but definite interest even if downplayed.’

Anfield Sector’s update was sourced in conjunction with X account, @szyexcl, who have developed a reputation for being an ‘in the know’ on Tottenham.

At the same time as Anfield Sector’s post, they wrote on X: ‘Understand liverpool hold an interest in Djed Spence.

‘Player would be very open to Liverpool if an offer arises. Spurs would seek at least £35m’

Tottenham Hotspur are in talks to sign both Manchester City star Savinho and Cody Gakpo of Liverpool in a potential £132million double deal, according to a journalist.

Tottenham promised Roberto De Zerbi a transformative summer window to push the club up the Premier League table next season, and that is exactly what they have delivered. The process began with a defensive overhaul, as Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka all arrived on free transfers, while £52m was spent on Jan Paul van Hecke.

Tottenham then turned their attention to central midfield, which saw Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali join in record-breaking deals.

Spurs first made Fernandes their record signing by paying West Ham United £85m for him, before Tonali joined from Newcastle United in an even bigger £100m deal.

De Zerbi has now urged Spurs chiefs to improve his forward options, targeting a right winger, left winger and centre-forward.

Ben Jacobs has told talkSPORT that Man City’s right-sided attacker Savinho could be Spurs’ next ‘bomba’ signing, potentially followed by Gakpo.

“Tottenham seem to be dropping bomba signings all summer, and Savinho would kind of fall into that category in terms of his potential,” Jacobs said.

“But my expectation is another attacker arrives as well, and Tottenham like Cody Gakpo.

“Liverpool don’t want to sell Cody Gakpo, but if they add one, or potentially two attack-minded players – maybe a winger and a more central player, or a right-sided attacker and another left-sided one – then suddenly the Gakpo situation could change.

“Today, [the] player [is] not for sale. But I’m not so sure that stance will remain consistent throughout the month of August, providing Liverpool get what they need in the market.”

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Spurs are in discussions for both Savinho and Gakpo.

They have agreed personal terms with Savinho, having reignited the move after missing out on him last summer.

We confirmed on July 28 that Spurs have made serious progress in their pursuit of the Brazilian. However, Spurs have warned City that they could walk away from the deal if no agreement is reached soon.

Spurs are working on signing Savinho for £60m, while the deal could potentially rise to £65m through bonuses.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have set Gakpo’s price tag at £72m. That is a big fee for a player who had a disappointing 2025-26 club campaign.

But Gakpo did impress at the World Cup, and De Zerbi clearly feels he can get the best out of the Dutch left winger.

Tottenham in talks for Savinho, Cody Gakpo

Earlier on Wednesday, Romano posted the following update: ‘Tottenham are in direct talks with Cody Gakpo’s camp over possible move this summer, after approaches revealed in July.

‘Deal depends on Liverpool decision; doors closed back in July but now could depend on financial package/Barcola pursuit.

‘#THFC are trying.’

If Liverpool succeed in bringing Bradley Barcola to the Premier League from PSG, then Spurs will stand a much better chance of snaring Gakpo.

As mentioned previously, De Zerbi is also searching for a new striker. Nicolas Jackson, Eli Junior Kroupi, Dusan Vlahovic and Victor Osimhen have all been linked.

Aston Villa have reportedly secured an ‘agreement’ with Atletico Madrid for their fifth summer signing, but there is still a hurdle to overcome.

So far this summer, Aston Villa have invested around £100m to sign Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Alejandro Garnacho and Modou Keba Cisse.

But with Ezri Konsa linked with an exit following the departures of Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans, Unai Emery‘s side still have plenty of business to do in the coming weeks.

Lucas Digne is another Aston Villa player who is set to move elsewhere this summer because he reportedly has a deal with Paris Saint-Germain, but the Premier League side need to secure a replacement before letting him go.

For a while, former Brighton star Pervis Estupinan, who currently plays for AC Milan, looked set to be Digne’s replacement, but Aston Villa have now turned to Atletico Madrid left-back Matteo Ruggeri.

The 24-year-old made 47 appearances and contributed seven assists for Atletico Madrid across all competitions last season, but the Spanish giants are open to letting him leave.

On Wednesday afternoon, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that they are planning to use Ruggeri and another player to fund their move for Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero.

Romano explained: ‘Atlético Madrid are preparing a bid for Cristian Romero to be submitted after next sales (Molina + possibly Ruggeri).

‘Bid to be in line with Inter previous proposal; Inter had €40m package in place with Spurs but nothing done on player side.

‘Simeone wants Cuti, as @marca reports.’

Matteo Ruggeri ‘agreement’ reached but one hurdle for Aston Villa remains

A report from The Athletic on Wednesday confirmed that Aston Villa are ‘considering’ Ruggeri, who was linked with Liverpool and Tottenham last month, among several left-back options, and he has now edged closer to a move to Villa Park.

This is because Spanish journalist Ruben Uria reports that the Villans have reached an ‘agreement’ with Atletico Madrid over a deal worth 25 million euros (£21m) for Ruggeri.

Still, there is a hurdle for Aston Villa to overcome to sign him.

Uria said on X: ‘MATTEO RUGGERI. Agreement in principle between Atlético de Madrid and Aston Villa for the transfer of Ruggeri for a total package, between fixed amounts and bonuses, of 25 M€.

‘The agreement between the English club and the Italian player still needs to be finalized. It is expected that he will not travel to Korea.’

As alluded to above, Aston Villa need signings, and a few more arrivals are expected in the coming weeks.

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that the door is open for Tottenham Hotspur to sign Liverpool star Cody Gakpo on two specific conditions.

Tottenham have already made a real statement in this summer’s transfer window, having invested around £230m to sign Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka.

But the north London side are not finished there because they are now focused on improving their attack, with at least one winger and/or striker likely to join before this summer’s window closes.

Regarding the wing department, Liverpool’s Gakpo and Manchester City’s Savinho have been mooted as leading targets for Spurs, but it has been reported that their rivals are keen to keep these players at least until they have a replacement lined up.

Liverpool are already weak in wide areas and they want to keep Gakpo unless certain conditions are met, even though he was among those who performed poorly during the 2025/26 campaign.

The Reds have signed Victor Munoz this summer, but they are still yet to sign a suitable long-term Mohamed Salah replacement.

Still, it has emerged in recent hours that they are stepping up their efforts to fill the void by signing Bradley Barcola and another PSG star, having been given the green light for one of their targets.

And this appears to have ensured that the Reds have softened their stance on selling Gakpo, with Romano reporting that his move to Spurs can go through on two conditions.

Two conditions for Cody Gakpo sale revealed

Romano said on X: ‘Tottenham are in direct talks with Cody Gakpo’s camp over possible move this summer, after approaches revealed in July.

‘Deal depends on Liverpool decision; doors closed back in July but now could depend on financial package/Barcola pursuit.

‘#THFC are trying.’

With Gakpo having four years remaining on his current Liverpool contract, Andoni Iraola’s side are in a strong negotiating position.

It has been reported this week that the Reds are holding out for around £72m for Gakpo, having decided to use Anthony Gordon’s £69m move from Newcastle United to FC Barcelona as a benchmark.

As mentioned, Spurs are also in the market for a new striker, and Romano has named two potential signings from Premier League rivals.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Tottenham are exploring the possibility of signing a striker this summer.

“They have discussed several names internally, including Omar Marmoush.

“For Nicolas Jackson, despite reports over the last 24 hours, there is nothing close or imminent with Tottenham.

“He is not a priority and there are no advanced negotiations. He is simply one of several names discussed internally.

“Don’t forget Aston Villa’s interest in Nicolas Jackson. Villa consider him one of their priority targets, but everything depends on how much they can spend.

“They have already signed Alejandro Garnacho on loan from Chelsea, so they cannot take another Chelsea player on loan during this transfer window.

“That means any move for Jackson would have to be permanent, and the finances will determine whether it is possible.

“Another important factor is Unai Emery’s relationship with Jackson. They worked together at Villarreal, have an excellent relationship and Emery would love to work with him again.”