TEAMtalk

Newcastle United are pushing back strongly against growing claims that they are preparing to allow a number of their biggest stars to leave this summer, with club sources insisting they remain firmly in control of every major decision, TEAMtalk understands.

The Magpies accept there is significant interest in several of their leading players following another impressive campaign, but those close to the club have made it clear there will be no fire sale at St James’ Park.

That stance comes amid mounting speculation surrounding the likes of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade.

Tonali’s representatives have spent much of the summer speaking to interested clubs, with Arsenal, Manchester City and former club AC Milan all making checks on the Italy international’s situation.

More recently, Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the strongest contenders.

As TEAMtalk has revealed throughout the week, Spurs have made major progress in discussions with Tonali’s camp.

They are now preparing an offer worth around £100million after seeing an earlier proposal rejected by Newcastle.

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Tonali to ‘get his wish’ but different story for Guimaraes

Meanwhile, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes has also become the subject of increasing transfer activity.

His representatives have been carrying out due diligence on potential options, with Arsenal and Manchester City both maintaining long-standing interest..

Manchester United and Liverpool have also been spoken to regarding the Brazil international’s situation, as we have previously reported.

However, despite the growing noise around several of their biggest names, Newcastle insist they remain the ones calling the shots.

The club acknowledge there is inevitable interest after selling Anthony Gordon to Barcelona earlier this summer, but sources stress that does not mean they are prepared to sanction further departures simply because clubs are asking questions.

TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey understands there is increasing frustration inside St James’ Park over the volume of speculation.

“Newcastle are not happy. They know the stories are coming out and they know people are briefing, but nobody is going to leave the club without their say-so. They are making that abundantly clear,” Bailey exclusively told TEAMtalk.

“As it stands, Tonali does look like getting his wish, but only if Tottenham, or whoever else, matches Newcastle’s valuation.

“But that stance is not the same for Guimaraes, Hall, Livramento, Thiaw or even Woltemade.”

Newcastle contract stand-off does pose big problem

Bailey understands Newcastle’s biggest concern beyond Tonali is ensuring Guimaraes remains central to the club’s long-term project.

The Brazilian has just two years remaining on his current contract and Newcastle have been attempting to open discussions over an extension for several months.

Those conversations, however, have not progressed as smoothly as the club had hoped.

“Take Guimaraes,” Bailey explained. “They’ve been trying to engage with him over a new deal for months, but from the player’s side the conversations haven’t been particularly free-flowing.

“The problem with Bruno is that he isn’t going to commit himself, even on a new contract, if he feels he’s simply staying to oversee a rebuild.

“He isn’t entirely happy with where things are, but Newcastle genuinely believe their plans this summer are enough to convince him that this isn’t a rebuild at all.”

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Double Tonali, Guimaraes exit would be unacceptable

Newcastle are also aware that allowing Tonali to leave would inevitably increase the pressure to retain Guimaraes.

Losing both midfield stars during the same transfer window is not a scenario club officials believe is acceptable.

“If Tonali gets his wish, which at this moment looks increasingly possible with Tottenham preparing a £100million bid, that only increases the importance of tying Bruno down.

“Within Newcastle they simply do not see a summer where Tonali leaves and Guimaraes follows him out of the door. That isn’t how they view this window.”

While Newcastle continue to project confidence internally, Bailey believes actions in the transfer market now need to match the messaging coming from the club.

“Newcastle insist they’re excited by what they’ve got planned. But if they want people to stop focusing on the negatives, they need to do more than sign a reserve goalkeeper, because as things stand, that’s all they’ve done.”

With Tottenham stepping up their pursuit of Tonali and interest continuing to grow in several of Newcastle’s biggest names, the coming weeks promise to be among the most significant of the club’s summer.

The message from St James’ Park, though, remains unchanged: Newcastle will decide who leaves, not the market.

Tottenham insider John Wenham believes a Premier League rival will secure the signing of Lucas Bergvall, which is directly relevant to Elliot Anderson’s impending move to Manchester City.

Bergvall informed Spurs that he wanted to leave for a new challenge on June 21. Reports suggested he sees little way of forcing his way into Roberto De Zerbi’s plans, and therefore wants to find another club to give him regular minutes at No.8.

Reports of late have suggested Nottingham Forest want to land the Swede, and Spurs insider Wenham feels that move has a good chance of going through.

He told Tottenham News: “I think Lucas Bergvall will leave Tottenham. I think he’ll have a fantastic career.

“We’re probably going to have to drop £85million each if we are to sign Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

“I think we’ll recover between £40-45million, maybe even £50m, on Bergvall. I could see the link to Nottingham Forest happening.

“Forest are getting big money for Elliot Anderson, and then they can pay half that fee, or maybe a little bit under half that fee, to get Bergvall through the door.”

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Forest plans clear regarding Bergvall

TEAMtalk can confirm that Forest are indeed one of many European clubs eager to sign Bergvall from Spurs.

Sources have made it clear that, amid Manchester City’s heavy pursuit of Anderson, which appears close to completion, the Midlanders want to land multiple new midfielders.

Bergvall is viewed as an excellent option both now and down the line – and it therefore looks that he’d get his wish of regular minutes.

He has refused to commit his future to Spurs, which and alongside reports of his desire to exit, that seems to tell its own story.

Bergvall said of late: “Right now, I’m just trying to focus on the World Cup. Whatever happens after that, I’ll deal with it then. I’m fully focused on the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, while there is some discrepancy over what Forest will earn from the sale of Anderson to City, £130million is the most widely-accepted number, and that is what TEAMtalk understands it will be.

Tottenham have been tipped to land a midfielder likened to former Spurs man Mousa Dembele, and Sandro Tonali, in a superb double deal.

Spurs’ ambition to push the upper echelons of the Premier League after coming 17th in the last two seasons is evident. They have already signed defenders Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke, and midfield moves are developing fast.

TEAMtalk is aware Tottenham want to land two top-quality midfielders, with Mateus Fernandes and Tonali their preferred options.

They have been in talks for both, and per Spurs insider Wenham, they’ll get both – an ideal signing as he has likened him to well-loved former Tottenham man Dembele.

Wenham told Tottenham News: “I think it’s been made clear that Roberto de Zerbi wants both. He wants Tonali as the kind of sitter in the midfield to dictate the play, pick up the ball from the goalkeeper and start our moves.

“And he wants Fernandes as somebody with the ability to sit deep, but also drive forward with the ball. It’s an unusual comparison, but as I’ve started to watch more videos of Mateus Fernandes, the way he moves with the ball is a bit similar to how Mousa Dembele operated for Tottenham.

“Obviously they’re a very different size, physique, aesthetics, I get that, but the way they carry the ball and transition the ball from the deep part of the pitch forward is quite similar to Mousa Dembele’s style at Tottenham.

“You see these stats of five goals, five assists and you kind of think he’s an attacking midfielder, Fernandes, but the more I’ve looked into it and the more videos I’ve watched, I can actually see he starts off very deep in the game and then he brings the ball forward with his ability. I think Tottenham are going to get both.”

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Fernandes green-lights Tottenham move

TEAMtalk is aware that Fernandes has given Spurs the go-ahead to complete a move for him.

Indeed, the midfielder has accepted their proposal on personal terms, giving the club the motivation to get a move confirmed with West Ham.

Sources state they are advancing rapidly to a deal, which would be the most expensive in Tottenham’s history.

That Spurs are willing to pay Fernandes significantly higher wages than rivals Manchester United is part of the reason they are seemingly leading the chase.

They are also willing to spend big on Tonali, for whom they are pushing hard.

Reports suggested Tottenham would be happy to part with £100million, believing that will be enough to see Newcastle accept his departure.

Tottenham Hotspur have no intention of allowing Archie Gray to leave the club this summer despite their ambitious plans to further strengthen Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield options, TEAMtalk understands.

Spurs remain active in the market and could yet bring in as many as three new midfielders before the transfer window closes, with the likes of Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes and Adam Wharton all featuring prominently on their radar.

However, sources have made it clear to us that Gray‘s future is not up for discussion.

The England Under-21 international continues to be viewed as a key part of Tottenham‘s long-term project and De Zerbi has personally indicated how highly he rates the 20-year-old.

Gray’s situation contrasts sharply with that of fellow young midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

As TEAMtalk revealed this week, Bergvall is assessing his future amid concerns over his role under De Zerbi and growing interest from clubs across England, Germany and Italy.

Gray, though, is understood to have no such concerns.

Indeed, sources close to Tottenham insist the former Leeds United star has been reassured of his importance to the club and remains fully committed to his future in north London.

De Zerbi is believed to be particularly impressed by Gray’s versatility.

Since arriving from Leeds in 2024, the youngster has demonstrated an ability to perform in a variety of positions, operating not only in central midfield but also in defence and wider roles when required.

That adaptability is viewed as a major asset by Tottenham’s coaching staff, who believe Gray can become one of the most important players in the squad over the coming years.

His development has not gone unnoticed elsewhere.

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Tottenham sticking with Gray despite Tonali chase

There have been suggestions that former club Leeds United have been keeping tabs on Gray’s situation, while Newcastle United, Everton and Nottingham Forest have also been credited with an interest in recent months.

However, we understand none of those clubs have been given any encouragement and that Tottenham’s stance is unequivocal.

Despite a summer rebuild that could see significant changes made to De Zerbi’s midfield department, particularly with Tonali potentially on his way in a club-record deal, Gray remains firmly part of the club’s plans and there is no appetite whatsoever to sanction his departure.

Sources indicate Spurs see him as a player capable of contributing immediately next season while also possessing the potential to become a cornerstone of the squad for years to come.

As such, while uncertainty surrounds the futures of several players at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Gray is one whose position appears secure.

The message from inside Spurs is simple: Archie Gray is staying put.

Liverpool have reportedly joined Tottenham and Newcastle in the race to sign Cologne winger Said El Mala, as they eye alternatives to dream winger target Yan Diomande.

The Reds have already signed Victor Munoz after hijacking Newcastle’s move for the Spanish international winger, but are looking to add another new face in attack.

Andoni Iraola’s side are looking for stars who can replace Mo Salah in the long term. TEAMtalk has consistently reported how Diomande is their top target, but RB Leipzig are making things difficult.

The Bundesliga side, ideally, want to keep Diomande for at least another season and are therefore demanding a Bundesliga-record €148million (£128m) fee for his signature.

According to German outlet FussballDaten, Liverpool are now showing interest in Cologne star El Mala, who is reportedly valued at €50million (£43.1m).

The 19-year-old, 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.

The report claims that Liverpool view El Mala, who can play as a winger on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, as an exciting alternative to Diomande. But they do face competition.

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Liverpool join two Prem rivals in El Mala chase

TEAMtalk transfer insider, Fraser Fletcher, revealed in an update earlier this month that Tottenham are interested in El Mala, too.

Spurs made regular checks on the Germany under-21s international this season and have held talks with his representatives as they consider a swoop.

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

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’s also 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.

With that in mind, it will be intriguing to see whether Liverpool formalise their interest in El Mala with an offer.

If the Reds don’t make their move soon, they run the risk of another Premier League side swooping in to sign the talented youngster.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly reignited their efforts to sign a top French attacker who has been on their radar for more than a year, as Roberto De Zerbi looks to breathe new life into the club’s forward line.

With the Spurs backline already sorted for the 2026/27 campaign, following the arrivals of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, to go alongside keeper Antonin Kinsky’s new deal as De Zerbi’s now undisputed No.1, the north London outfit are now focusing their efforts on further up the pitch.

Our sources have revealed that a blockbuster new bid for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is on the way, as Tottenham look to snap up a player who would arguably transform De Zerbi’s engine room.

Meanwhile, the club remain in a battle with Manchester United for West Ham star Mateus Fernandes, with the Red Devils reportedly hatching a plan to try and beat Spurs to the Portugal star.

However, a fresh report claims that Tottenham have reignited their interest in Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche, with the France international expected to leave the Ligue 1 side this summer.

As per Football Insider, PSG are currently leading the race to snap up the 24-year-old, who is also on the radar of multiple Premier League clubs.

The winger enjoyed another fantastic season at Monaco, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists across all competitions, with Spurs’ interest in the player dating back to last summer.

Indeed, Tottenham were in the market for Akliouche after missing out on both Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, although they ultimately landed Xavi Simons instead.

However, with the Dutchman almost certainly sidelined until 2027, alongside doubts over the long-term future of Dejan Kulusevski, De Zerbi wants another creative player on board to complement the likes of James Maddison and Mohammed Kudus.

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Akliouche can fill multiple Tottenham roles

That’s where Akliouche comes in, with the France World Cup star capable of playing on the right wing or in a No.10 role. Any hopes of him filling the troublesome left-wing spot are slim and none, though, with the Monaco star not considered an option for that role.

Akliouche has developed into one of Ligue 1’s best attacking talents since breaking into the Monaco senior team in 2023, and has gone on to score 23 goals and lay on 28 assists in 139 games for the French outfit to date.

Reputed transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported on Saturday that PSG are leading the race over two unnamed Premier League clubs, with bids expected soon.

Foot Mercato, meanwhile, has taken PSG’s interest one step further by claiming that the player has ‘agreed’ a deal to move to the French capital.

In terms of the asking price, it’s expected that Akliouche will cost in the region of €60m (£52m), though that fee could rise to €70m (£61m) in the event of a bidding war for a player who is currently under contract until 2028.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing an incredible new bid for Sandro Tonali, and Newcastle United look set to begin their replacement signing, according to a transfer insider.

Roberto De Zerbi is leading Tottenham’s transfer window as he aims to fire the club back up the Premier League table next season. De Zerbi is searching for elite players who can seriously elevate the starting eleven, and Tottenham are backing his plans.

Spurs have overhauled their backline by capturing Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson on free transfers, while also spending £52million to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.

Guglielmo Vicario, Lucas Bergvall and Cristian Romero are just some of the players who are due to be sold to help fund yet more new signings.

De Zerbi has identified Tonali as his No 1 midfield target, and Spurs are in talks to sign both the Italian and West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes.

Spurs failed with an opening £75m bid for Tonali, and we revealed earlier on Saturday that they are ready to increase their proposal to £100m.

The north London side feel that will be enough to strike an agreement, as Newcastle value Tonali – who is also being chased by Manchester City – in the region of £100m.

A transfer at that price would see Spurs obliterate their transfer record, which is currently the £65m spent on Dominic Solanke in August 2024.

Spurs chiefs appreciate they have not been spending enough on player wages and transfer fees in recent years, which has contributed significantly to their decline. This transfer window is seen as a fresh start, with Tonali eyed as the first statement capture of the De Zerbi era.

Spurs may have finished 17th in the Premier League last season, but playing under De Zerbi is enticing for players such as Tonali.

As per Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Newcastle have set their sights on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, who has an €85m (£73m) release clause in his contract.

Nmecha is viewed as a potential replacement for Tonali at St James’ Park. Selling the latter for £100m would give Eddie Howe’s side more than enough money to bid for Nmecha.

Indeed, we revealed on June 20 that the German is available for £50m amid interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

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Nmecha might replace Tonali

Downie states that Newcastle are ‘considering a move’ for Nmecha, with Howe a ‘big fan’ of him. The Magpies previously eyed Nmecha in summer 2023, before ultimately landing Tonali.

Tonali’s midfield partner Bruno Guimaraes is also picking up interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.

We understand Arsenal are preparing a new offer worth £80m for Guimaraes after having their opening £55m gambit rejected.

However, Newcastle will only sell one of Tonali or Guimaraes this summer.

Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford does not want to join Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, according to a report, as TEAMtalk reveals which club the England international wants to move to.

Rashford’s loan spell with Barcelona has finished, with the Catalan giants deciding not to trigger the £26million buy option in the loan deal with Man Utd by the June 15 deadline.

The door has opened for other clubs to try to sign Rashford, who, according to The Athletic, has a release clause of £40m in his contract at Man Utd.

That release clause is not available to Liverpool or Manchester City, but it is to Tottenham, who are planning to convince Rashford to join manager Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

On June 22, The i Paper reported that Tottenham are planning to launch a move for Rashford, who is part of the England squad at the ongoing 2026 World Cup.

There have been subsequent suggestions that Tottenham are willing to match Rashford’s £325,000-a-week salary at Man Utd.

The i Paper has now reported that Rashford does not fancy a move to Spurs.

The report has stated: ‘Rashford is currently a target for Tottenham but, as it stands, the England forward does not want to move to another Premier League club.

‘United are looking to recoup £40m, but several sources insisted a fee closer to £25m is the best they can hope for.

‘Barcelona are monitoring the situation and ready with another loan offer.’

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Marcus Rashford wants to join Barcelona – sources

TEAMtalk understands that Rashford is still keen on a move to Barcelona.

Our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, reported on June 24 that Barcelona want to sign Rashford this summer, despite striking a deal with Newcastle United for winger Anthomy Gordon.

We understand that Barcelona are ready wait until late in the summer transfer window to do a deal with Man Utd for Rashford.

Fletcher has reported that “Rashford remains extremely keen to join Barcelona next season, and that buy-in from the player gives the Spanish giants hope that their long-game will ultimately pay off”.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to step up their pursuit of Sandro Tonali with a sensational offer worth around £100million, as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to make the Newcastle United star the marquee signing of his midfield rebuild, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Spurs have been working extensively behind the scenes on a deal for the Italy international throughout the summer and, as we revealed earlier this week, they have already made significant progress in talks with the player’s camp.

Tottenham’s opening proposal, worth closer to £75million, fell well short of Newcastle’s valuation, with the Magpies making it clear they would only consider offers in the region of £100million.

Now, sources have confirmed to us that Tottenham are ready to return with a fresh bid worth around that figure in what would comfortably smash the club’s existing transfer record.

The north London club have also put together a hugely lucrative contract package, worth more than double Tonali’s current salary at St James’ Park, in the belief they can persuade the 26-year-old to become the centre-piece of De Zerbi’s new-look midfield.

TEAMtalk understands confidence has continued to grow within Tottenham following positive discussions with Tonali’s representatives and, as we revealed earlier this week, the Italian is prepared to make the move to north London should the two clubs reach an agreement.

De Zerbi has made no secret internally of his desire to add elite quality in midfield and Tonali has emerged as his standout target.

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Newcastle stance on selling Sandro Tonali

While Spurs could recruit as many as three midfielders before the transfer window closes, the Newcastle star is viewed as the transformative signing capable of taking the squad to another level.

Newcastle, however, remain determined to keep hold of one of their most influential players.

The Magpies have consistently maintained that Tonali is not a player they want to lose, although sources have told us that there is growing awareness inside the club that several senior figures are assessing their futures this summer.

Tonali is among those, while Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have also attracted significant interest.

TEAMtalk can also reveal that Arsenal and Manchester City are both carefully monitoring developments surrounding Newcastle’s midfield.

However, neither club has yet decided whether to formally join the race for Tonali because they are also weighing up moves for his midfield partner, Bruno Guimaraes.

Both Arsenal and Man City remain huge admirers of Bruno Guimaraes and continue to assess which of Newcastle’s two star midfielders would represent the better long-term investment.

That leaves Newcastle facing the prospect of interest in both of the players who have formed the foundation of their midfield in recent seasons.

AC Milan also continue to admire Tonali and have explored the possibility of bringing their former midfielder back to San Siro, but financial constraints make a deal difficult compared to Tottenham’s resources.

For Spurs, though, the objective is clear.

The north London club are determined to provide De Zerbi with the elite-level additions he believes are needed to compete at the top end of the Premier League, and Tonali is regarded as the ideal player to lead that evolution.

Whether Newcastle are prepared to sanction such a high-profile sale remains to be seen, but with Tottenham now ready to test their resolve with a £100million offer, TEAMtalk understands one of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas is about to move into a crucial new phase.

Manchester United are ready to improve their offer to Mateus Fernandes to beat Tottenham Hotspur to the signature of the West Ham United midfielder, according to a top source, as Rio Ferdinand sends a plea to a Real Madrid star to move to Old Trafford.

On June 25, TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, reported that Tottenham believe that they will beat Man Utd to the signing of Fernandes.

Sources told us that Fernandes has given Tottenham ‘his full green light to press forward, accepting their proposal on personal terms’.

We reported at the time that Man Utd are not giving up on a deal for Fernandes and remain in talks for the midfielder.

West Ham, who will play in the Championship next season after getting relegated from the Premier League, want £85million for the 21-year-old.

It has now emerged that Man Utd are ready to increase their offer to Fernandes and convince him to move to Old Trafford and turn down the chance to join Tottenham.

According to reliable journalist Matteo Moretto, Man Utd have made new contact with Fernandes and are trying to persuade him to make the switch to Michael Carrick’s side.

Moretto posted on X at 9:56am on June 27: “Manchester United is back in the chase for Mateus Fernandes.

“In the last few hours, there have been new contacts with the player; the Red Devils are willing to improve their contractual offer to convince him to sign.

“Manchester United also plans to hold direct talks with West Ham.

“Tottenham remains in the race and has pressed hard in recent days, but now United is trying to get ahead.”

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Rio Ferdinand’s plea to Aurelien Tchouameni about Man Utd

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has also reported Man Utd’s desire to sign Aurelien Tchouameni.

Sources have told us that Real Madrid could sell Tchouameni in the summer transfer window, with Los Blancos planning to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea.

Former Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand believes that Tchouameni would be a brilliant signing for Carrick’s side and has openly urged him to move to Old Trafford.

Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: “My biggest thing about it (Mourinho going to Real Madrid) is are United going to get Tchouameni?

“Because I keep seeing that talked about, and he’d be one of the first midfielders on my list if we had a possibility of getting someone to go in there to replace Casemiro. Tchouameni would be that guy.

“Do you know what? I know I’ve been sitting here saying that Jose is going to be the man to reintegrate Tchouameni and Valverde together and keep them at Real Madrid.

“But I’ve got to say, if Tchouameni has a half a sniff of getting out of that club, Man Utd have to be the first team at the door knocking and make sure he can’t even talk to anybody else.

“Get him signed, sealed, delivered.”

Ferdinand added: “I know we’ve had a few conversations in private, but man, I know you watch the show.

“Looking down the lens right now at you, there’s only one club for you, man. If you’re looking to leave Real Madrid, we are the club.

“Man Utd are the club. If you want to make it happen, make the call. That’s what I’ll do.”