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Tottenham Hotspur have been given a double incentive over a possible move for Cody Gakpo this summer after a BBC man shared the price it would take to prise the Dutch winger out of Liverpool, while another journalist has shared FSG’s “surprising” stance on a summer sale.

Gakpo joined the Reds in a deal ultimately worth €50m (£44.3m, $59m) from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, the winger going on to play a part in 73 goals (50 scored, 23 assists) in 180 appearances for Liverpool – a G/A every 2.46 outings.

Like so many of his teammates, though, the Dutchman endured a significant loss of form across the 2025/26 campaign, with a large section of the fanbase turning on him and with many questioning how he managed to earn selection so many times over electric teenager Rio Ngumoha in then-boss Arne Slot’s teamsheet.

That has led to speculation that the 27-year-old could be allowed to leave Anfield this summer, with Tottenham strongly linked with his signature as Roberto De Zerbi looks to add another option to the left side of his attack.

Indeed, sources have confirmed to our correspondent, Graeme Bailey, last week that talks had been held between the clubs over a prospective summer deal.

In light of that, BBC Sport journalist Aadam Patel has revealed that any move for Gakpo is “likely to cost upwards of £60m”.

Indeed, Bailey revealed in his article last week that any sale of Gakpo would be judged against Barcelona’s recent signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, who joined the Blaugrana in a €80m (£69m, $91m) switch earlier this summer.

Gakpo himself has refused to comment on his future, instead keeping his focus on helping the Netherlands go as deep as possible at this summer’s World Cup.

However, he has admitted to enjoying playing with a little more “freedom” for his country, though he stopped himself from saying too much and creating headlines for the wrong reasons…

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Gakpo enjoys ‘freedom’ as journalist shares Liverpool’s sale stance

Gakpo is contracted to Anfield until summer 2030, earning an estimated £160,000 a week.

After a season of frustration at Anfield, he looks near back to his best for the Netherlands and the player recently spoke to the media on the differences between his performances for club and country.

“A good question. Obviously it’s a little bit different,” he said

“It’s different where the coach wants me to be, the freedom that I have.”

Gakpo then stopped himself from speaking further on the subject, presumably for wanting to avoid some unnecessary attention on his comments.

Backing up speculation that Gakpo could leave Anfield this summer, respected Liverpool FC specialist journalist Dave Lynch understands that FSG will not stand in the Dutchman’s way if they receive an acceptable offer for his services.

He also reports that, while Gakpo himself is not pushing for an exit, he could be replaced at Anfield by PSG star Bradley Barcola. It was reported earlier this week that the France star’s contract talks with the Ligue 1 champions have ground to a halt, leaving him vulnerable to a summer sale.

Turning to Gakpo, Lynch stated: “I was really, really surprised, I’ll be honest, when I kind of had a conversation about this just before I went away.

“I said, surely there’s no chance Gakpo’s on the way this summer, they’ve got so much to do already. The answer I got back was kind of ‘hmm, nah, we could sell him.’ I really didn’t expect that personally, I thought Liverpool would just totally acknowledge that he’s got his flaws, but give him one more season, see where he’s up to and what they can get out of him from a new manager. But he very much seems to me to be up for a possible sale this summer.

“That’s not to say he’s guaranteed to go, but if an offer on the table comes in that is good enough, then Liverpool will 100 per cent accept it. I just didn’t expect that at all. So, one to definitely keep an eye on.”

He added: “One thing that was played down, this idea that he’s asked to leave, is nonsense.

“At the moment, the player’s focus is on the World Cup as I understand it, but maybe when he comes back, there’s a real chance for him to go. It does rely on people stumping up the money, but it seems there’s interest in him. So, if that happens, we could be saying goodbye to Gakpo.”

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Liverpool could replace Gakpo with Barcola

While Liverpool’s main focus is undoubtedly on securing Yan Diomande – though there are suggestions of an element of frustration building among the player’s agents – Lynch reckons Liverpool could yet turn to the €90m-rated (£78m) Barcola should they manage to offload Gakpo.

“For me, that feels very feasible,” he said. “There are so many things that have to happen here. Gakpo has to go; the bid has to be right, and that probably happens after his World Cup campaign. Then Barcola will have to be in a position where PSG are willing to let him leave. He’s got to pick them [Liverpool].”

He added: “Arsenal have been linked previously, there’ll be competition. But I’ve been reporting for a long time that Barcola’s a player of interest.

“Earlier in the summer, I felt that they want Diomande, if they can’t get him, then maybe the door is open to Barcola, but the fact that he’s someone that they do like, he can play on either side and centrally, though he primarily prefers the left, it does make sense that he’d be someone they’d pursue if they do lose Gakpo.

“If Gakpo goes, then he would need to be replaced,” Lynch added. “And I don’t think Diomande and Ngumoha are seen as replacements. I would watch that one, it feels like it’s not taking too huge a leap to say it’s a possibility to see Gakpo going and Barcola coming in.”

However, it is important to note that The Athletic’s James Pearce has since stated that he expects Gakpo to stay at Anfield this summer and new boss Andoni Iraola hopes to go into next season with four wing options: Gakpo, Ngumoha, new signing Victor Munoz and their undisputed top target, Diomande.

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Antonin Kinsky has completed a remarkable turnaround at Tottenham Hotspur after agreeing a new long-term contract, as TEAMtalk understands Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear the Czech goalkeeper is his new No.1.

And in a further sign of the club’s plans, Tottenham are now working with intermediaries to find Guglielmo Vicario a new club, with growing confidence he will return to Serie A this summer.

However, his fortunes changed completely following De Zerbi’s appointment.

With Vicario sidelined through injury, the Italian coach handed Kinsky an opportunity to stake his claim, and the former Slavia Prague stopper responded with a string of outstanding displays.

TEAMtalk understands those performances convinced De Zerbi that Kinsky is the goalkeeper he wants to build around for the future.

Sources have confirmed that Tottenham had been assessing a number of alternative options in recent months, including Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen and Burnley’s James Trafford.

Both remain highly rated internally, but De Zerbi’s faith in Kinsky means Spurs now believe they can avoid spending upwards of £50million on a new first-choice goalkeeper and instead focus those funds on strengthening other areas of the squad.

That belief has now been reflected in Kinsky’s new contract.

TEAMtalk can reveal the Czech international has agreed a new five-year deal, which also includes an option for a further season, alongside a substantial pay rise that underlines his new status within the club.

The agreement is viewed as a major statement from Spurs and another indication of De Zerbi’s growing influence over recruitment and squad planning.

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Kinsky now No 1, Vicario to leave

Kinsky’s rise has inevitably impacted Vicario’s future.

Sources have told us that Spurs are actively working with intermediaries to secure the Italy international a move away from north London, with Serie A viewed as his most likely destination.

There is growing confidence inside the club that Vicario will soon be heading back to his homeland, where a number of clubs are monitoring his situation closely.

Spurs have already moved to strengthen their goalkeeping department by bringing in experienced former Newcastle United stopper Martin Dubravka to provide reliable competition and cover.

With Kinsky established as De Zerbi’s first choice and Dubravka set to provide experienced support, Spurs believe they are well equipped between the posts heading into the new campaign.

For Kinsky, it completes one of the most remarkable reversals of fortune at the club.

From struggling for opportunities and suffering one of the most difficult moments of his career, he has emerged as Spurs’ first-choice goalkeeper and one of the key beneficiaries of De Zerbi’s arrival.

And with Vicario now expected to move on, TEAMtalk understands Spurs’ goalkeeping reshuffle is nearing completion.

Norway World Cup star Andreas Schjelderup is a new winger being considered by Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports, while the Reds’ latest offer for top target Yan Diomande has been debunked.

Liverpool began the process of revamping their winger ranks by beating Newcastle United to the capture of Victor Munoz, sealing a €40million (£34.5m) deal. Munoz will provide Cody Gakpo with competition and cover on the left flank.

However, Liverpool remain on the hunt for more additions in wide areas. Anfield hero Mohamed Salah has departed on a free transfer, and Gakpo might have to help out Alexander Isak at centre-forward until Hugo Ekitike returns from his Achilles injury.

Liverpool are pressing hard to forge an agreement for RB Leipzig ace Diomande, though Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb claim Benfica’s Schjelderup is also being monitored by Anfield chiefs.

Liverpool and Spurs are ‘following’ the 22-year-old forward ahead of opening potential transfer talks, with Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Como all interested, too.

Schjelderup featured in Norway’s first two World Cup group matches, which comes after an impressive club campaign with Benfica. He notched 10 goals and seven assists in 43 games as Benfica went unbeaten in the Primeira Liga under Jose Mourinho but still did not manage to lift the title.

Benfica originally paid €14m for Schjelderup, and the report claims he is now worth ‘more than double’, mooting a €30m (£26m) price tag. But earlier on Friday, Portuguese newspaper Record revealed Benfica will only consider offers worth €40m or higher.

Record stated that Spurs have burst into the race for Schjelderup amid competition from Liverpool, interest which has been backed up by TMW.

Returning to Diomande, there was speculation on Thursday afternoon that Liverpool had increased their ‘bid’ to €116m (£100m) after having an opening €100m (£86m) proposal rejected.

But Sky Germany’s Philipp Hinze swiftly shut down this rumour, stating that it is ‘not true’. ‘There has not yet been a second offer’, he added.

Liverpool officials are still debating whether to launch a new bid, which could be worth €116-120m (up to £104m).

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Liverpool weigh up second Yan Diomande offer

An offer worth €120m would certainly get Leipzig thinking about a possible sale, though it might still not be enough.

We revealed on June 19 that Leipzig are holding out for a Bundesliga-record €148m (£128m) fee as they are eager for Diomande to stay for at least one more year.

Even with his massive valuation, Liverpool would much rather sign Diomande than Schjelderup. The latter mainly plays on the left wing, a position Munoz has already bolstered.

Diomande, in contrast, is equally effective on either flank, making him an incredible asset.

Tottenham have secured a £72m ‘total agreement’ on a six-year deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to reports.

Spurs ended the season with a 1-0 win over Everton to narrowly secure their Premier League status for another season, as West Ham were relegated to the Championship.

The 18th-placed Hammers finished just two points adrift of Tottenham and Spurs are now putting in place measures to avoid getting in a similar situation again next term.

Tottenham have already secured four new signings with Martin Dubravka, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson joining on free transfers from Burnley, Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively, while Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke has moved to north London in a deal worth £52m.

Tottenham are also very keen to bring in at least one new midfielder with Newcastle star Tonali at the top of their list of targets this summer.

TEAMtalk‘s transfer insider Graeme Bailey revealed earlier on Friday that Tonali has informed Newcastle United that he now WANTS to make the move to Tottenham this summer.

The Italy midfielder has indicated he is prepared to accept Tottenham’s proposal, which we understand would see him more than double his current salary at St James’ Park, while Newcastle are still asking for £100m for the Italian.

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Tonali to Tottenham is gathering serious pace

Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Tottenham are the main club in the race to sign Tonali with the transfer expert only mentioning Spurs.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “I stand by my news. Last week, out of nowhere, exclusive news – Sandro Tonali – Tottenham full stop.

“So, today, I keep mentioning Tottenham and Tonali, Tonali and Tottenham. I remain on my position.

“Tottenham are working on the deal to sign Sandro Tonali, and that remains the case. Deal on. Tottenham – Tonali.

“I am not coming here mentioning Man City, I am not coming here mentioning other clubs.

“Since I told you Tonali – Tottenham last week, the other clubs are no longer mentioned by myself at least.

“Let’s follow the situation, but the deal is on.”

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Spurs close to wrapping up signing – journalist

And now Italian journalist Nicolo Schira claimed on a Thursday that a new offer was imminent, he revealed: ‘Excl- This Week #Tottenham will submit to #Newcastle a new bid to try to sign Sandro #Tonali. The midfielder has already given his availability to #THFC for a contract until 2032. There are also other two Premier League clubs at the window for the midfielder. So Spurs pushing.’

And now Schira is reporting that Tottenham and Tonali have reached a ‘total agreement’ over a contract worth £72m, with Spurs now ‘confident’ of reaching a deal with Newcastle.

Which of Manchester United or Mateus Fernandes will ultimately end up signing for this summer continues to be a topic of hot debate, with five hacks all having their say on the West Ham star’s preference and with new information coming to light on the players the Red Devils could target should they miss out.

Fernandes is proving one of this summer’s biggest transfer stories as he prepares to leave West Ham after just one season following their relegation to the Championship.

But which club will ultimately win the battle to sign the 21-year-old Portuguese star remains hotly contested.

Manchester United have been lurking for weeks, having made contact with his representatives and secured what they believe is an agreement to move to Old Trafford.

However, they are willing to meet the £85m fee the Irons are demanding, feeling it is too excessive and believing a patient approach to securing a deal will ultimately see his price tumble.

But that delay has allowed an ambitious Tottenham Hotspur to burst into the race and sources reported on Thursday how their willingness to both meet the Hammers’ expectations and pay the player significantly higher wages than offer by United had seen them thrust into the lead in the race for his signature.

With United now pondering what to do next, five journalists have all had their say on a fascinating transfer battle.

Andy Mitten, appearing on Talk of the Devils podcast, said: “Manchester United understand that the player [Fernades] wants to join the club.

“West Ham want the highest fee, as much money as possible and an auction situation, maybe his agent does as well, and the agent is influencing the player. Jorge Mendes is the agent!

“I’m told he would play for Spurs, but prefers Manchester United… It boils down to how much United want to pay for the player. They don’t want to get into an auction situation.”

Shaun Connolly, the editor of Theatre of Red, commented: “Fernandes has indicated that United is his preferred destination for some time. Still, he needs a contingency plan-hence, Spurs. There will come a time during this public auction when his word will carry weight. That doesn’t mean West Ham will crumble, but it will play a part.”

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Tottenham move for Fernandes is a ‘fly in the ointment’ for Man Utd

Chris Wheeler, speaking to Stretford Paddock, meanwhile, stated: “A couple of weeks ago, if the personal terms were all done, it was never going to be a problem. The two clubs were talking. He was keen to come. Everything seemed to be heading in that direction.

“Tottenham have come in pretty hot and heavy. Not just on him either, on [Sandro] Tonali as well, and on several players now, actually. They are pushing hard, and I think they’ve definitely put a fly in the ointment and it’s causing problems.”

Fabrizio Romano has also provided an update: “Let me be clear. West Ham will sell Mateus Fernandes to the club offering the best money.

“So, West Ham don’t care if it’s called Tottenham, Man Utd, Real Madrid or whatever.

“Manchester United have been in talks with the agent of the player for a long time, and Man Utd also had direct contact with West Ham.

“So, Man Utd are working hard on this deal for Mateus Fernandes, and that remains my information.

“Man Utd are there.

“Tottenham are also there because Tottenham are pushing in a separate story compared to Sandro Tonali.

“Sandro Tonali is still there.

“So, Tottenham are working on it, and Manchester United are working on it.

“Real Madrid, the name was indicated by Jose Mourinho, but at the time, is still not advancing.

“But West Ham communicated to those close to the player, ‘Bring us the proposals. We start at £85million. That’s the starting price’.

“West Ham obviously hope to get more than this, with so many clubs involved.

“And, so the idea at West Ham is to get the best transfer fee possible for Mateus Fernandes.

“This is going to be the way to sign the player.

“Then obviously, the player can have preferences.”

Our own transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher now believes it is ‘advantage Tottenham’ and the pressure dial is being turned on Man Utd to up the ante over a proposal.

He writes: ‘Sources indicate that Fernandes has given Spurs what’s described as his full green light to press forward, accepting their proposal on personal terms.

‘The north London club are prepared to offer substantially higher wages than Manchester United, who are seeking to maintain discipline within their wage structure. This financial edge on personal terms has strengthened Spurs’ position in the race.

‘Significantly for Tottenham, and as TEAMtalk reported on Wednesday, the north London side have shown greater willingness to meet West Ham’s asking price for Fernandes, a stance that is now evident in their aggressive approach to finalising Fernandes.’

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The six other midfielders Man Utd could look to sign instead

Should United miss out, then the club are already doing their homework on a number of other top contenders.

Laurie Whitwell told Talk of the Devils: “There might be players you’ve not heard of that come into, like with [Senne] Lammens. I’ve heard other names around United in the midfield area. They’re not as exciting as the ones we’ve heard before, but they’ve got a list of targets.”

He continued: “Alex Scott is a player they’re interested in. Bournemouth want to keep him and want him to sign a new contract with a release clause being a proposal they’d be willing to make.

“He’s got two years left on his contract, so why would you sign a new contract with a release clause that could be more than what you could go for this summer. He’s an option.”

Mitten also reckons Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni will come into the equation: “United have liked him for a long time, as they should, he’s one of the best players in his position in the world.

“He’s happy at Real Madrid. Should the situation change, would he like to play for Manchester United? My understanding is yes, he would.”

Wheeler, meanwhile, also thinks Scott will be targeted next: “Alex Scott is one they are looking at. I’m told Scott is more likely than someone like Wharton, for instance.

“Other names have been mentioned. Tonali feels a lot less likely now. All I know for certain right now is that Fernandes is the guy they’re working on.

“Probably Scott would be the next one, the kind of next go-to. And then you have this list – Wharton, Baleba, Guimaraes, Tonali. Some of them might be gettable, some of them not.”

With regards to Scott, TEAMtalk exclusively revealed on Thursday that Bournemouth have given United an instant response to their fresh efforts to pursue the player.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed the truth on Tottenham Hotspur’s reported move for Marcus Rashford, while Manchester United face the “ultimate betrayal” amid shock suggestions the England star could sign for Liverpool.

Rashford will currently be focused on the World Cup, but his future also needs to be settled within the next few weeks/months.

The versatile forward is coming off an impressive loan stint at Barcelona, but they opted against activating their £26m buy option to sign him permanently.

The Spanish giants are reportedly holding out hope that the Red Devils will change their demands for Rashford, and we have reported that they remain confident of signing him for three reasons.

However, Barcelona’s dilly-dallying has opened the door for rivals to make a move for Rashford, and it has been reported that Tottenham are a contender to sign him.

Tottenham are making ambitious moves in this summer’s transfer window, and a recent report claimed the north London outfit are prepared to pay Rashford over £325,000 a week to sign him ahead of other clubs.

Romano has pointed out that three factors are ‘keeping this story alive’, but he is also insistent that a move to Tottenham for Rashford is not currently realistic.

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Romano explains Rashford’s situation as Man Utd warned over “ultimate betrayal”

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Another situation that needs clarifying is Marcus Rashford because there have been many questions regarding reports linking him with Tottenham Hotspur.

“My understanding is that, as of today, there is nothing advanced, nothing close and nothing concrete between Marcus Rashford and Tottenham.

“Of course, Rashford’s future remains an open situation at Man Utd. The club still needs to decide whether he will stay or leave, what happens following his loan spell at Barcelona, and whether other clubs enter the race for his signature.

“There are several factors keeping this story alive, but despite the rumours, especially across social media, I am not aware of any serious negotiations between Tottenham and Marcus Rashford at this stage.

“If that changes, I will let you know immediately, but right now there is nothing realistic developing between the parties.”

Earlier this month, Liverpool were urged to make a shock move for Rashford and ex-United player Teddy Sheringham thinks this “ultimate betrayal” cannot be completely ruled out.

“Marcus Rashford to Liverpool would feel like the ultimate betrayal to Manchester United fans but what if Manchester United don’t want him?” Sheringham told ComeOn.

“Then as a player you’ve got to do what’s best for you.”

He added: “Manchester United should be in control of the Marcus Rashford situation, not Marcus Rashford. He is still a Manchester United player.

“That’s what happens when you sign these big, long contracts, and he was happy to sign it at the time to get more money. All of a sudden, he’s not happy and he wants to leave.”

Tottenham Hotspur are being tipped to swoop for an explosive World Cup attacker, as the club’s busy summer window accelerates further, aided by a fresh cash injection from the Lewis family.

The north London club appear to have a strong summer strategy in place, having added four new defensive recruits to date in the shape of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka.

Midfield has been the next focus of action, with TEAMtalk sources revealing that Sandro Tonali has given Tottenham a firm yes to joining, while a stunning move for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes has also been given the green light.

Spurs are acting on back-to-back dire domestic campaigns, only escaping relegation to the Championship on the final of the 2025/26 campaign.

While the defence is already looking significantly stronger and midfield could be completely revamped, if they pull off what could be a spectacular double deal costing as much as £185million, there are stillk issues that need resolving in attack.

Indeed, Tottenham still need a reliable No.9 capable of scoring 20-plus goals per season, while also staying fit, two factors Richarlison and Dominic Solanke have both struggled with.

There is also the glaring issue of the left-wing position, which was not rectified last summer when club legend Son Heung-min left for LAFC.

And now, according to a report from Portugal, Spurs have joined the race to sign Benfica and Norway winger Andreas Schjelderup, who is currently away with his country at the World Cup.

Record states that Spurs are showing interest in the player alongside Liverpool, who are keeping tabs on Schjelderup as a cheaper alternative to top target Yan Diomande.

It’s stated that the 22-year-old wants a fresh challenge and is ready to reject any offers of a new contract in Lisbon in the hope of securing a switch to the Premier League, which is his preferred destination.

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Benfica set Schjelderup asking price

For their part, Benfica are reportedly willing to consider offers starting from the €40m (£34.5m / $45.5m) mark for a player who notched 10 goals and seven assists in 43 games in all competitions last season.

Schjelderup has impressed with cameo appearances for Norway at the World Cup to date and was a major target for West Ham in the January window, only for then-Benfica boss Jose Mourinho to block his exit.

With two years left on his current contract, it’s being reported that Schjelderup is ready to make his intentions clear over seeking a new challenge in England.

In terms of his tactical fit, Schjelderup played 37 of his 43 games on the left flank in 2025/26 so could slot straight into that position, assuming De Zerbi does not change up his formation next season, to which there are growing rumours he might.

In terms of other left-wing options, Tottenham remain in active talks with Manchester City over a move for Savinho, although things have gone a little quiet on that front.

It’s also being reported that Spurs are willing to pay Marcus Rashford’s mega salary to convince him to move to north London, while sources indicate Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo also remains an option.

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Lewis family inject £100m of fresh capital

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s summer transfer war chest has received another substantial security boost following a fresh financial injection from the club’s ownership.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs on X, confirming an initial report by Football.London‘s Alasdair Gold, the Lewis family has injected a further £100m into the club.

That newly provided capital is designated as working capital rather than strictly earmarked for player acquisitions. However, it’s expected that a portion of these funds will actively be deployed in the ongoing summer market.

This latest update indicates the ownership’s sustained commitment to backing the club’s infrastructure, bringing their total investment to £200m over the last nine months alone. It’s also expected that further investment will follow, with the Lewis family having continuously stated the club is not for sale.

The recent investments have allowed the club to work on premium deals and raise the club’s salary structure, as they look to challenge at the top end of the table again after two seasons of major underachievement, the Europa League triumph aside.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Sandro Tonali, with TEAMtalk understanding that he has informed Newcastle United that he now WANTS to make the move to North London, while the Magpies are also facing a battle to keep three other major stars.

Spurs have been working hard behind the scenes on a deal for Tonali and, as TEAMtalk revealed earlier this week, had already made significant progress in discussions surrounding the midfielder’s future.

Now sources with knowledge of the situation have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Tonali has indicated he is prepared to accept Tottenham‘s proposal, which we understand would see him more than double his current salary at St James’ Park.

The 26-year-old has emerged as one of Tottenham’s priority midfield targets as Roberto De Zerbi looks to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Spurs have already tested Newcastle’s resolve with an opening offer, but that proposal was swiftly rejected.

TEAMtalk understands Tottenham’s first package was valued closer to £75million, some way short of Newcastle‘s minimum asking price of £100million for one of their most valuable assets.

Despite that setback, Tottenham have not been discouraged and remain firmly in the race.

Indeed, sources suggest Spurs are increasingly confident they can find a route to a deal following Tonali’s latest stance despite being far from the only side competing for his signature…

Newcastle facing battle to keep three other top stars

Indeed, former AC Milan star Tonali has no shortage of admirers.

Milan themselves have been assessing the possibility of bringing him back to San Siro and, as reported, could look to do a deal owing to previous monies still owed by the Magpies, while Manchester City have continued discussions regarding the midfielder as City side evaluate options for a significant midfield rebuild.

TEAMtalk exclusively revealed back in March that City were in the market for both Elliot Anderson AND Tonali this summer.

Arsenal are also keeping a close eye on developments and have not ruled out entering the race should the situation progress further.

However, as of now, Tottenham have moved themselves into a strong position.

Sources indicate the player’s willingness to join Spurs has been clearly communicated, and that has encouraged the North London club to continue pushing ahead with negotiations.

Tonali’s situation is also reflective of wider uncertainty within Newcastle’s squad. As a result, we understand the Italian is one of a number of senior players assessing their futures as the Magpies prepare for a pivotal summer.

Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are all understood to be considering their options amid growing interest from rival clubs across Europe.

Newcastle remain determined to keep hold of their core stars and publicly insist Tonali remains an important part of their plans.

However, with the midfielder now understood to have expressed a willingness to join Tottenham and Spurs prepared to significantly improve his financial package, the battle for his signature is set to intensify in the coming weeks.

The key issue now revolves around valuation.

Newcastle’s £100million-plus demands remain a significant hurdle, but Tottenham believe they have made meaningful progress and are expected to return with fresh proposals as they attempt to land one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.

As for Guimaraes, we revealed on Thursday how Arsenal are one of SIX sides to be contacted over a potential deal for the Brazilian.

It all adds up to a hugely frustrating summer on Tyneside, with Anthony Gordon having already departed.

It’s not much better on the incoming front, either, with sources revealing how Newcastle are facing brutal Bayer Leverkusen hijack in their bid to sign a dynamic French wonderkid.

Paul Ince has exclusively told TEAMtalk why he cannot believe the price Tottenham Hotspur are willing to spend to beat Manchester United to Mateus Fernandes, with a sly dig at the cost of modern-day players and amid claims of what he and Roy Keane would fetch today.

The West Ham star is emerging as one of this summer’s most in-demand stars as he prepares to leave the London Stadium after just one year in East London. Despite a superb season on a personal level, Fernandes was unable to prevent the Hammers slipping out of the top flight, ending a stay of 14 straight seasons, meaning he will now be sold off to the highest bidder.

That chase has, for several weeks now, been led by Manchester United, who have engaged in talks with the player and his representatives and gained what they had felt was a strong promise that he would say yes to a move to Old Trafford.

However, with West Ham holding firm on their minimum £80m valuation and refusing to be bullied into accepting a lower fee, United have opted to bide their time in the hope that the Irons buckle over their demands.

That tactic, though, looks like it has now backfired and with Tottenham now bursting into the race, sources have shared the growing optimism they now have at sealing a deal.

Spurs’ hopes are fuelled by not only a willingness to pay the player more than United are offering, but also by agreeing to stump up a £85m (€99m, $112m) package to convince the player to move across the capital.

In light of that, former West Ham and United star Ince has revealed that the transfer fees being bandied about for top midfielders this summer are utterly mind-boggling.

Furthermore, the 58-year-old, who himself joined the Red Devils from the Hammers back in 1989, could not help making a sly dig over what he feels both he and his former Old Trafford teammate Roy Keane would be worth if they were playing today…

Paul Ince questions ‘crazy’ Mateus Fernandes valuation

When asked about the costs involved with Fernandes and if it takes him back to his own move from east London to Stretford, Ince told TEAMtalk, on behalf of BestBettingSites, the home of the best betting sites in the UK: “Well, it’s funny… I went from West Ham to Man United for £1 million! Which is absolute madness when you look at the prices today.

“When you are spending that type of money £80million, £110million, you expect that kind of money to be reserved for a striker who guarantees you 30 goals a season.

“Mateus Fernandes at West Ham… they’re talking £80 million for him. I mean, before he joined West Ham, he played in a Southampton side that went down; he’s now had back-to-back relegations, so to command that kind of money is crazy

“I know he’s technically a very good player, but when you pay that much money for midfield players, I want to see an all-rounder.

“I look at how I used to play, or Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, Steven Gerrard – lads who went up and down, scored goals, put in massive tackles, and set up chances. Pure all-rounders.

“I don’t think a lot of these modern players are true all-rounders.

“So, for clubs to spend this type of money is pure madness.

“If you’re talking £120 million for Elliot Anderson… come on. Jesus Christ, that’s a lot of money!

“It’s not the kid’s fault, but if Roy Keane is valued at £300 million in today’s money, then if Anderson is worth £120 million, I’ve got to be worth at least £250 million, at least (he said with a laugh!).”

Should Man Utd miss out on Fernandes, they do have other targets in mind.

However, as TEAMtalk exclusively revealed on Thursday morning, efforts to convince Bournemouth to sell Alex Scott have quickly been met with an emphatic response, with the Cherries making big plans of their own for the England midfield hopeful.

United could also turn to Aurelien Tchouameni instead, and an update from Fabrizio Romano has given United some hope that a big-money deal is there to be done with Real Madrid.

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly come back at Newcastle United with a ‘second approach’ for Sandro Tonali, and they have been given a firm response.

Spurs are really not messing around in this summer’s transfer window, with Roberto De Zerbi’s side making ambitious moves in the market after narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

The north London side have already splashed out around £55m to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, while they have landed Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka on free transfers.

And Tottenham remain in the market for plenty more additions, with at least one new centre-midfielder among their priorities.

In recent days, it has emerged that they are making a serious play for West Ham star Matheus Fernandes, who is also wanted by Manchester United.

We reported on Thursday afternoon that they have received the full green light to land Fernandes ahead of Man Utd, though they are also working on a deal to sign Tonali.

Tonali is looking to leave Newcastle following their failure to qualify for Europe, but we have reported this week that Manchester City could beat Spurs in the race to sign the centre-midfielder.

Now, a report from The Daily Mail‘s Newcastle United correspondent, Craig Hope, claims Spurs have had a ‘second approach’ for Tonali ‘rebuffed’ by their Premier League rivals.

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Reason for Newcastle decision revealed as club chiefs fear exodus

According to Hope, Tottenham’s first ‘offer’ for Tonali was worth around £75m and instead of submitting an improved proposal, they have got back in touch with Newcastle to ‘ask them to reconsider’.

Unsurprisingly, Newcastle have decided to ‘swiftly knock back’ this ‘second approach’ because they want ‘closer to £100m’ for their prized asset, who is under contract until 2030.

Still, Newcastle face a damaging exodus in this summer’s transfer window.

Having already lost Anthony Gordon, we have reported that Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are all seriously considering an exit this summer.

Regarding Guimaraes, Premier League champions Arsenal are among six leading suitors to sign the Brazil international, who has become disillusioned at St James’ Park because he has no intention of staying to purely be part of a prolonged rebuild.

Therefore, Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson has serious concerns about Guimaraes and fears that he may also leave this summer.