TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur have made contact with a world-class winger after Son Heung-min announced his decision to leave, according to a report, but the chances of him moving to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium do not appear great.

Son has been on the books of Tottenham since 2015 when he joined from Bayer Leverkusen and is under contract at the north London club until the summer of 2026. The South Korea international forward is one of the best players ever in Tottenham’s history, having scored 173 goals and given 101 assists in 454 appearances.

Son won the Europa League with Tottenham last season and also helped the Premier League club reach the final of the Champions League in the 2018/19 campaign.

In January 2025, Tottenham exercised the option of extending Son’s contract for another season, keeping him at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until the summer of 2026.

However, at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday morning, a tearful Son announced that he has decided to leave Tottenham.

While Son has played as a centre-forward at times for Tottenham, he has operated primarily on the left wing and has been brilliant in that role.

Tottenham will need a replacement for the 33-year-old, and the Premier League club have already made contact with Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, according to a Spanish report.

TBR reported on July 28 that Tottenham were planning to firm up their interest in Rodrygo should Son leave the north London club.

Spurs were said to be willing to make Rodrygo their highest-paid player.

According to Fichajes, Tottenham have ‘intensified contact’ with Rodrygo’s entourage to ‘convince’ him to join Thomas Frank’s team.

Rodrygo has been used mainly as a centre-forward and as a right-winger at Madrid, and the Brazilian wants to play on the left flank.

Tottenham are looking for a left-winger and believe that signing the 24-year-old Brazil international winger would enhance their chances of winning the Premier League title.

Moreover, with Son leaving, Rodrygo – hailed as a “very complete” forward who is “fast, physical, technical” and “has great one-on-one skills” by Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino in Marca in April 2025 – could simply replace the South Korea international in new manager Frank’s starting line-up.

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Could Tottenham Hotspur really sign Rodrygo?

Fichajes is not one of the most reliable sources, but the claim that Tottenham are interested in Rodrygo can be backed by other media outlets.

TBR themselves reported that Tottenham have been in ‘discussions with intermediaries’ to assess their chances of signing Rodrygo and to understand the Brazilian’s situation at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Spanish publication AS has also reported Tottenham’s interest in Rodrygo, and so has Mundo Deportivo.

However, there is interest in the three-time LaLiga and two-time Champions League winner with Madrid from other clubs as well.

Football.London has reported that Arsenal want Rodrygo to replace Leandro Trossard if the Belgian leaves.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Rudy Galetti, has reported that Liverpool have set their sights on Rodrygo as a replacement for Luis Diaz, who has left for Bayern Munich.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Madrid want €90million (£78m / $105m) for the Brazilian and will also demand add-ons on top of that.

According to AS, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy wants to negotiate that fee and will not pay that sum for Rodrygo.

Liverpool appear to be in the lead for Rodrygo at the moment, with Spanish journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon claiming that he prefers a move to Anfield to other clubs, while Siro Lopez has reported that the winger is ‘delighted’ by the offer that the Premier League champions have made to him.

In a further blow to Spurs’ chances of signing the 24-year-old, journalist Santi Aouna has reported that ‘Rodrygo has no interest in joining Tottenham’.

While Rodrygo has not told Madrid that he wants to leave, the forward plans to speak to manager Xabi Alonso when pre-season training starts next week, before making a final decision on his future.

Latest Tottenham news: Manor Solomon exit, PSG raid

There is still a chance that Manor Solomon could leave Tottenham for Leeds United in the summer transfer window, with the Israel international winger having spent the 2024/25 campaign non loan at Elland Road last season.

Tottenham are set to complete the signing of a top international player, who is ready to make the switch to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the coming days.

A report has claimed that Tottenham are ready to make an offer to convince a Paris Saint-Germain star to team up with Frank’s side in north London.

Tottenham are ‘serious’ about hijacking a Juventus move for a PSG attacker and a report claims they’re ready to make a ‘one-time’ offer.

Spurs have already bolstered their forward line this summer when turning Mathys Tel’s loan spell permanent. A bigger move was to follow, with Tottenham signing West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus for £55m.

Yet despite the abundance of options available to new boss Thomas Frank, FootMercato now state the Dane could be provided with one more explosive option.

Randal Kolo Muani’s future lays away from PSG just two summers after his €90m (add-ons included) arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt.

The France international, 26, spent the second half of last season loaned to Juventus and made an instant impact, scoring 10 goals in 22 matches.

Taking to X earlier this week, Fabrizio Romano revealed Kolo Muani’s ideal outcome is re-joining Juventus.

“Juventus keep working on Randal Kolo Muani deal… as player still wants Juve as priority despite calls from UK,” wrote Romano.

“Understand Juventus could also discuss a permanent deal or loan with obligation with PSG, instead of loan with option to buy.”

But according to FootMercato, Juventus have not only failed to agree a deal with PSG, but they’ve also fallen short when negotiating personal terms with Kolo Muani.

Juventus haven’t thrown the towel in just yet but their struggles to secure a deal have opened the door for Tottenham.

The report, which labelled Tottenham’s interest as ‘serious’, added: ‘Already very interested last year, Tottenham are particularly keen on the deal.

‘Spurs are still looking to strengthen their attacking position and have already checked off Kolo Muani’s name. Above all, they are in a position to offer PSG a one-time transfer.’

While not made explicitly clear, the inference in the reporting is Spurs are prepared to offer a permanent deal. Thus far, Juventus have only put loan proposals forward.

Man Utd and Newcastle were also credited with interest in the piece. Both are on the hunt for a new striker and Kolo Muani is predominantly a No 9 despite occasionally playing out wide.

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Tottenham are in talks with Bayern Munich for the signing of a star who previously dominated the Premier League, multiple sources have confirmed.

An area of Tottenham’s squad ripe for improvement is central midfield. And according to multiple reliable outlets, the remedy to that problem could come via Bayern Munich.

Sky Sports led the way, with their reporter, Michael Bridge, confirming Spurs have opened discussions for the loan signing of Joao Palhinha.

“Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with Bayern Munich over a loan move for Joao Palhinha,” wrote Bridge.

“Sky Sports News understands it would be a straight loan as it stands without an option or an obligation to buy.”

Palhinha, 30, proved a dominant force in England during his two-year stint with Fulham. The Portugal international regularly topped the charts for successful tackles and chipped in with important goals too.

Palhinha was named Fulham’s Player of the Season in the 2022/23 campaign before earning a €56m (add-ons included) switch to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024.

However, Palhinha has struggled to earn Vincent Kompany’s trust and after just a single sub-par season in Germany, could return to England.

Tottenham get ‘serious’ for Palhinha

Bridge’s report was quickly followed by separate updates from Sky Germany and Ben Jacobs.

Taking to X, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg wrote: “Tottenham Hotspur have entered into concrete talks with FC Bayern (Max Eberl) and Joao Palhinha’s camp.

“Spurs are currently considering a loan move. FC Bayern are still open to negotiations, should a suitable offer arrive for the 30-year-old.

“Palhinha is more and more open to leaving Bayern in order to play regularly. There are plenty of enquiries – Tottenham are serious now.”

Adding his take on X, Jacobs stated: “Spurs have made an approach to Bayern to loan Joao Palhinha.

“Former Fulham midfielder is keen on a move back to the Premier League.”

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Tottenham Hotspur’s star forward Son Heung-min has emerged as a prime target for Major League Soccer clubs Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC, TEAMtalk can confirm, while Spurs are readying a new contract offer.

With the South Korean international entering the final year of his contract with Spurs, set to expire in June 2026, both clubs are planning to pursue the 33-year-old over the next 12 months, aiming to lure him to the United States.

Son, Tottenham’s captain and one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers, has been a cornerstone of the North London club since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.

With over 450 appearances and a reputation for spectacular goals, his experience and marketability make him an attractive prospect for MLS sides looking to elevate their global profile.

Inter Miami, backed by David Beckham and already boasting stars like Lionel Messi, sees Son as a potential marquee signing to further bolster their attacking prowess.

LAFC, meanwhile, views him as a statement addition to maintain their competitive edge in the Western Conference.

Sources indicate that Tottenham are aware of the growing interest and are considering offering Son a one-year contract extension to protect his transfer value.

Son Heung-min won’t be short of offers

Given Son’s age, TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham are unlikely to offer Son anything more than a one-year extension.

If an agreement is struck with the winger over a 12-month deal, it would allow Spurs to collect a transfer fee for him next summer, or keep the talisman for another campaign.

For Son, a move to the MLS could offer a fresh challenge in a growing league, following a storied career that includes a Premier League Golden Boot in 2022, and of course the Europa League triumph last term.

While Son’s immediate focus remains on Tottenham’s ambitions, the prospect of joining Messi in Miami or shining in Los Angeles could prove tempting as he approaches the twilight of his career.

The coming months will be pivotal in determining Son’s future, with his time with Spurs likely to be in its final chapter.

Son has made 454 appearances in total for Tottenham, notching a fantastic 173 goals and 101 assists in the process, and will always be considered an iconic player for the north Londoners.

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Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo looks set to head to the Premier League this summer, with Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, and Leeds United all holding concrete interest, TEAMtalk understands.

The 23-year-old, who scored 10 Ligue 1 goals in the 2024/25 season, has attracted attention for his pace, finishing, and ability to play across the front line.

TEAMtalk sources confirm that Tottenham and Forest have held talks with Kalimuendo’s representatives, while Leeds’ long-standing interest in the French forward remains strong, described as “never having died down.”

Rennes, anticipating his departure, are seeking £30million (€35m / $40m) for the versatile attacker and have already begun working on replacements.

Tottenham, under new manger Thomas Frank, view Kalimuendo as a dynamic addition to complement their attacking options, especially with uncertainties surrounding Richarlison and Son Heung-min’s futures.

Frank has also been strong in asking the board for more reinforcements before the transfer deadline.

Kalimuendo figures highly on Spurs’ shortlist but they must move quickly to strike a deal amid growing rival interest…

Tottenham face competition for exciting forward

TEAMtalk understands that Forest, buoyed by their European qualification, see Kalimuendo as a statement signing to bolster their forward line.

Nuno Espirito Santo is keen for the club to bring in a new attacker who can play in multiple positions and complement Chris Wood, and the Rennes star fits the profile.

Leeds, who are hoping to avoid relegation after promotion from the Championship, consider Kalimuendo a marquee target to lead their attack, though their chances may hinge on non European playing sides dropping out the race.

Rennes, meanwhile, are open to negotiations, with the £30million valuation reflecting Kalimuendo’s potential and impressive Ligue 1 performances last term.

The Ligue 1 club’s proactive approach to identifying new targets who could replace Kalimuendo suggests they are preparing for a sale before the transfer deadline.

Kalimuendo, who came through Paris Saint-Germain’s academy and had loan spells at Lens, is keen on testing himself in the Premier League, with his representatives assessing the best fit.

While Spurs and Forest hold an edge due to their European prospects status, Leeds’ persistent interest could make them a dark horse if they make a move.

With Rennes preparing for life without Kalimuendo, the race for his signature is heating up, promising a pivotal move in the final weeks of the transfer window.

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Who is Arnaud Kalimuendo?

Born less than 10 miles from the centre of Paris, Kalimuendo spent eight years learning his trade in the PSG academy until he gained his senior debut in September 2020.

The PSG attack that season contained Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Moise Kean and Mauro Icardi, while Lionel Messi would join in the summer of 2021. Naturally, it was hard for a teenage Kalimuendo to break through.

Thus, PSG sent him on loan to Lens in October 2020 and then again in August 2021 to further his development. It was over these two loan spells that the attacker began to fulfil his potential, scoring 21 goals from 65 games.

Despite PSG extending his contract prior to that first loan spell, he never played competitively for the club again. Instead, after his second return from Lens, he moved to Rennes for a fee believed to be €25m.

Kalimuendo’s goal tally for Rennes has improved season upon season. He only scored seven times in 2022-23, but set a new career best with 15 in 2023-24 and – after winning silver at the Paris Olympics with France’s U23s – exceeded it with 18 in 2024-25, despite Rennes not being involved in Europe in his third season there.

The caveat is that five of those 18 goals were penalties, and a sixth was scored off a rebound after a penalty.

Standing at 5 ft 9 in, Kalimuendo has found a home for himself as a centre-forward, although he has covered on the wing very occasionally before.

He’s the type of finisher who likes to get shots off quickly, but can also bring others into play.

At 23 years of age, Kalimuendo isn’t the finished article yet and has areas of his game to refine, but he seems to be on an upwards trajectory.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking to take advantage of a failed Nottingham Forest bid for an impressive playmaking talent, in what could be viewed by some as somewhat of a revenge mission following the embarrassing Morgan Gibbs-White episode.

Much has been written about Spurs missing out on Gibbs-White, with the latest suggestion that they never actually triggered all the clauses in the midfielder’s exit clause before he then ended up signing a record-breaking new contract at The City Ground.

The failed transfer left Tottenham with egg on their face and Forest chairman Evangelos Marinakis claiming a big victory for his side, while it also meant Thomas Frank would have to cast his net wider to bring in a new creative midfielder.

In terms of those options, Manchester United are now looking to keep hold of Kobbie Mainoo after his impressive pre-season performances so far, while a report on Tuesday evening claimed that Spurs are also after Leicester star Bilal El Khannouss.

In a more speculative report, Frank is also said to be looking to raid West Ham again for a cut-price star, but TBR Football stated over the weekend that a move for Manchester City’s James McAtee could be more likely.

Tottenham’s interest has now intensified, though, after Fabrizio Romano revealed that City have actually rejected a £25m (€29m / $33m) offer from Forest for the 22-year-old.

They deem that figure not high enough, despite the fact that McAtee only has a year remaining on his existing contract at The Etihad.

Indeed, City transfer chiefs are believed to be demanding in excess of that figure for a player Guardiola has great admiration for but is struggling to guarantee regular minutes.

And now, according to TheSpursWeb, Tottenham could jump in ahead of Forest and try and conclude a deal for McAtee in a move to bolster Frank’s attacking options ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League stage.

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Guardiola talks up McAtee ‘quality’

City are planning to sell McAtee in order to balance out their squad after making a number of signings already this summer, particularly in midfield.

However, that does not mean Guardiola does not rate the player, as is evidenced by his comments towards the end of a difficult season for City.

Indeed, Guardiola took it on himself as to why McAtee has not been able to fully showcase the qualities he has in his locker.

Speaking about McAtee back in April, the Spaniard said: “We haven’t seen it [from James] this season because I didn’t allow him to play minutes.

“I cannot ask anything from these types of players when they do not play a lot of minutes. They could do better? No. In the Spurs game, maybe the first games he played in the Carabao Cup he played really good.

“Macca has this quality, he could’ve scored four goals [against Palace]. He has the ability to create chances, he is there.

“Macca lives close to the box, quite similar to Phil and they are there. They have a sense [of goal], it’s difficult to train in the moment the ball is coming and after he didn’t score but it’s fine. As much minutes he plays he will score.”

While landing a player of McAtee’s talent for a relatively low fee would be a potentially great signing for Tottenham, questions will also be asked about how much he would actually play in north London too.

Spurs already have James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski to occupy the No.10 role and have also been working with Lucas Bergvall in that role during their pre-season trip to Asia.

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Tottenham Hotspur can ‘take advantage’ of Manchester United by signing Alejandro Garnacho alongside one of his Old Trafford team-mates this summer, according to reports.

Ruben Amorim told Garnacho he is free to find a new club in a team meeting following the end of last season. Garnacho has a very bright future but does not suit Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system as he likes to operate as a left winger.

Amorim was also angered by Garnacho’s criticism for not starting him in the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham in May.

The Argentina international is known to be of interest to Chelsea, Aston Villa and Napoli. He has received a lucrative offer to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr but has rejected the Saudis’ approach as he wants to continue playing at the highest level in Europe.

There have been few links between Garnacho and Tottenham in recent months, but Football Insider claim it is a move that is on the cards this summer.

They state that Spurs hold ‘strong interest’ in Garnacho and have added him to their ‘list’ as a replacement for Son Heung-min on the left flank. MLS club Los Angeles FC have presented their project to Son in recent days.

Garnacho is described as an ‘excellent’ potential addition to Spurs’ forward line given he is a proven Premier League performer and has top-class potential.

As United are so desperate to get rid of the 21-year-old, they have been tipped to ‘drop their asking price’ in the latter stages of the transfer window. This would allow Spurs to ‘take advantage’ of United by snaring Garnacho in a cut-price deal.

Garnacho is not the only United starlet who could swap Old Trafford for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as Thomas Frank’s side are also big admirers of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

It emerged on Monday that Spurs have ramped up their pursuit of Mainoo by making ‘contact’ to see if a deal is there to be struck.

Spurs are ‘closely monitoring’ the Englishman’s contract situation and have been making ‘enquiries’ to gauge his interest in a shock move.

United are reluctant to meet Mainoo’s wage demands and this has seen contract talks roll on for over a year. With Mainoo currently earning £25,000 a week, far less than most of his United team-mates, Spurs feel there is a great opportunity to take him to north London.

Although, it was revealed on Tuesday night that United have rejected Spurs’ initial enquiries for Mainoo as they want to keep him for the long run, which means it could be tricky to strike a deal.

Mainoo is valued at £70-80million (up to €92.5m / $107m) by the Red Devils.

TEAMtalk understands United want £55m (€64m / $73.5m) for Garnacho. As such, a double swoop would cost Spurs £125m (€144.5m / $167m) or more.

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Spurs, Chelsea to battle for Alejandro Garnacho

It would be a real statement of intent from Spurs, especially after they triumphed over United in the Europa League final. That result means Spurs can offer transfer targets Champions League football, whereas United will not be playing in any European competition this season.

Spurs will have to fend off rivals Chelsea to land Garnacho. TEAMtalk revealed on Tuesday that the forward is very much open to joining Chelsea, despite the fact such a transfer would ruin his reputation among United fans.

Garnacho wants to move to London when leaving United. This is also good news for Spurs, should they try to battle Chelsea for his capture.

Chelsea have identified Garnacho as a replacement for Fulham target Raheem Sterling in their squad.

While United are holding out for £55m for Garnacho, sources state that Chelsea are actually looking to forge an agreement for £40m (€46m / $53m). They aim to use the player’s desire to move to bring the price down.

Spurs have made deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso permanent this summer while also bringing in Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai. Garnacho and Mainoo are two players to watch as Spurs continue to revamp their squad for Frank’s new era.

Spurs in for Bayern Munich star; United sent advice

Meanwhile, Spurs have reportedly been cleared to sign a Bayern Munich star who’s on £200,000 a week.

Elsewhere, Man Utd are hunting a new striker and are aiming to sign Benjamin Sesko before Newcastle United.

But Rio Ferdinand has explained why Man Utd should go in a different direction.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly turned their attentions towards signing a sublime attacking talent, labelled a ‘magician’ by one top scout, as they look to bounce back from the crushing disappointment of missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White.

Spurs were left a little red-faced after seemingly agreeing a deal to sign the Nottingham Forest skipper, only for the 25-year-old to ultimately do a U-turn over a switch to north London in favour of penning a record-breaking new contract at The City Ground.

That has already led Tottenham to refocus their search for a new No.10, with the likes of Chelsea target Xavi Simons, Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott and Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo all listed as major options for Thomas Frank.

The need for a new attacking midfielder remains a surprise, given that Frank already has James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and new signing Mohammed Kudus who can all feature in that role.

However, that has not stopped speculation over who Spurs could turn to after the Gibbs-White episode, with TBR Football stating that Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss has now emerged as a significant target.

El Khannouss, who has been described as a ‘magician’ by scout Jacek Kulig, enjoyed a fine maiden season in the Premier League with Leicester City and was one of the standout performers for the Foxes despite their relegation back to the Championship.

Those performances have seen him attract the attention of several clubs, with unconfirmed rumours suggesting that Leeds United are also considering a move for the talented 21-year-old.

TBR Football claims that El Khannouss could be available for around £25m (€29m / $33m), while it’s also been rumoured that the Morocco international actually has a £22.5m relegation release clause in his contract.

Dealing with another release clause is probably the last thing Daniel Levy wants to do right now, although either of those figures mentioned above is easily achievable for a Tottenham side that still have a healthy budget to add to their squad this summer.

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Where El Khannouss fits in at Tottenham

While Tottenham could also face competition from the likes of Newcastle and Crystal Palace for the Leicester star, he would be a potentially valuable asset to Frank.

The large majority of his appearances for the Foxes last season came in an attacking midfield role, but he is also more than capable of playing out wide on the left.

Spurs are looking to bring in another left-sided attacker, with club legend Son Heung-min continually being linked with a switch to MLS side LAFC, and El Khannouss could certainly slot in there.

The former Genk starlet scored three goals and provided six assists for a Leicester side who failed to cope with the huge leap in quality on their return to the top flight, although El Khannouss did not look out of place on the Premier League stage.

As well as being described as a ‘magician’ by Jacek Kulig, El Khannouss has also been hailed as a ‘highly technical and creative attacking midfielder known for his playmaking abilities and dribbling skills’.

The Moroccan also ‘dictates the tempo of a game and is ‘adept at finding space between the lines’, while also being known for his ‘composure in the final third’ and ‘ability to pick out incisive passes’.

Adding El Khannouss to Tottenham’s midfield would potentially give Frank a creative presence that was at times missing under Ange Postecoglou last season.

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Bayern Munich have let Tottenham Hotspur know they will not stand in their way of securing the signing of Joao Palhinha this summer after a journalist revealed a sizeable offer was being prepared to bring the former Fulham man back to the Premier League.

Thomas Frank is keen to strengthen his central midfield options after it was identified as an area of weakness last season as Tottenham Hotspur slipped to an unacceptable 17th-placed finish in the Premier League. And while they were able to end their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League, a lack of strength in the central positions effectively saw Spurs overrun on too many occasions, domestically, last season.

After it emerged earlier this summer that Bayern Munich were prepared to cash in on Palhinha, who struggled to make an impact in his first season under Vincent Kompany, Spurs have held what has been described as constructive talks over a potential deal.

Off the back of that, Bild journalist Christian Falk has revealed the German champions are very much open to selling the £200,000 a week star and are hoping to claw back as much of the €55m (£47m, $63m) fee they paid Fulham for the Portugal international last summer.

Encouraged that a transfer is possible, journalist Sebastian Vidal now reports that Tottenham are planning a firm offer for Palhinha and with Frank ‘keen’ to wrap up his signing.

Taking to X, Vidal wrote: ‘Tottenham are ready to move for Joao Palhinha. Talks already held with Bayern. A £45M bid is being prepared. Spurs keen to bolster midfield after Gibbs-White setback.’

However, we understand Spurs could get their hands on Palhinha for a significantly lower price than the fee Vidal is suggesting Spurs may have to pay…

IN-DEPTH ⚪🔵 Every completed Tottenham transfer in summer 2025: Signings, exits, loans

Spurs can land Palhinha for a discounted fee

Indeed, we understand a fee in the region of €40m (£34.7m, $45m) will be enough for Bayern to cash in on the 30-year-old.

And our reporter Darren Witcoop has revealed his former club Fulham are also exploring a possible move to bring the fans’ favourite back to Craven Cottage.

Either way, and with the experienced Portuguese star a long way down Kompany’s plans and having fallen behind Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Leon Goretzka for central midfield roles, the Bundesliga champions are keen to negotiate his sale as quickly as possible and help them their own signing of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.

Bild journalist Falk believes Bayern’s asking price could fall even further this summer, such is their desperation to cash in.

“So there’s still the possibility of selling him this summer. The price is going down and down – €25m [£21.6m], perhaps €30m [£25.9m], but that’s it. Bayern Munich want to sell him. If he leaves, it’s also a chance for the club to go for Renato Veiga,” Falk told Bild.

It has since emerged that Atletico Madrid are also in the running to sign Switzerland star Veiga, who has been cleared to leave Chelsea.

As for Palhinha, the player himself admits his first season at the Allianz Arena did not go to plan, but insists his focus remains on staying with Bayern Munich.

Speaking at the recent Club World Cup, Palhinha told Portuguese outlet Sport TV: “Obviously, it hasn’t been an easy year for me, but I’m also very motivated to – as soon as the season starts – prove my worth once again, at a very special club like Bayern, a huge club.”

And when asked about his future, he added: “I have a contract with Bayern for another three years, so I’ll report back on the 29 [July], which is when we start pre-season.

“Enjoying these vacation days with family and friends is the most important thing right now.”

Tottenham transfer news: Rodrygo preference emerges; Kobbie Mainoo bid

Meanwhile, a Spanish source has revealed where Rodrygo will prefer to go if he has the choice between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, while Real Madrid have learned whether Arsenal and Manchester City have a genuine interest in signing the Brazil forward.

That comes amid strong claims in the London media that Daniel Levy has already signed off on the blockbuster deal and is ready to fork out the largest fee in Spurs’ history for the 24-year-old.

Elsewhere, Spurs are also ready to step up their efforts to sign Kobbie Mainoo, with a report suggesting Manchester United could ‘cash in’ amid uncertainty over how much money to offer the midfielder.

A Spanish source has revealed where Rodrygo will prefer to go if he has the choice between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, as Real Madrid learn whether Arsenal and Manchester City are keen on the Brazil international forward.

Both Liverpool and Tottenham have been active in the summer transfer window. While Liverpool are aiming to win back-to-back Premier League titles next season, Tottenham are determined to push on after clinching the Europa League in the 2024/25 campaign and qualifying for the Champions League.

There have been seven new additions to the Liverpool squad that was hugely successful in Arne Slot’s first season in charge, while Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has backed his new manager, Thomas Frank, with the signings of Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai, with loan deals for Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel made permanent and Luka Vuskovic also an option now.

The north London club are not finished there, though, with reports claiming that Tottenham are planning an audacious raid on Madrid for Rodrygo.

Rodrygo is one of the best players in the world and has won LaLiga thrice and the Champions League twice with Madrid so far in his career.

According to AS, Tottenham chairman Levy is keen on a summer deal for Rodrygo and wants the 24-year-old to be the ‘crown jewel’ of Frank’s ‘new project.

However, Spurs do not want to pay the €90million (£78m / $105m) transfer fee that Madrid are demanding for Rodrygo.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Rudy Galetti, has reported that Liverpool want Rodrygo as a potential replacement for Luis Diaz, who is on his way to Bayern Munich.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Madrid want add-ons on top of the €90m (£78m / $105m) fixed fee for Rodrygo.

On July 22, journalist Santi Aouna reported on X that Liverpool and Rodrygo’s camp have held ‘direct talks’.

Aouna has now claimed that although Tottenham have made an enquiry for the forward, he has no interest in a move to the north London club, dismissing a report in the English media that Rodrygo is willing to join Spurs.

Writing on X at 8:15pm on July 28, Aouna noted: “Rodrygo has no interest in joining Tottenham despite reports.

“Spurs made an inquiry, but there’s no talk ongoing

“If Rodrygo leaves Real Madrid, he’s aiming for a bigger club than Tottenham.”

Journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon has not totally dismissed Tottenham’s chances of signing Rodrygo, but he has claimed that the Brazilian’s ‘preference’ is Liverpool.

The reporter wrote on X at 12:13pm on July 28: ‘Tottenham are in talks for Rodrygo and are waiting to see if Liverpool make a move. No decision has been made on the player’s part, and he could stay at Real Madrid.’

The journalist added on X: at 8:27pm on July 28: ‘Indeed, Rodrygo’s preference is Liverpool.’

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Arsenal out of Rodrygo race but Man City in – reports

According to AS, Arsenal have cooled their interest in Rodrygo.

While the Gunners’ sporting director, Andrea Berta is ‘a big admirer’ of Rodrygo’s talent, Arsenal’s ‘cash flow has dwindled’ following the signing of striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

Journalist Ben Jacobs also recently reported that Arsenal do not see enough value in making a big outlay on Rodrygo.

Jacobs old Latte Firm: “I think Arsenal love Rodrygo, there’s no denying that, but for it to happen, Trossard or Martinelli must depart and the overall package would have to be deemed valuable.

“Andrea Berta proved with Viktor Gyokeres that he can drive prices down; the end deal was actually five million less, and that’s Andrea Berta all over – a bit of a maverick in the market.

“If he says he wants to leave, Real are open to selling for around €90m (£78m, $104.5m), but you’ve got the wage and the agent fees, so Arsenal don’t see a great deal of value in the deal.

“If they’re going to move, they will need to bring in an important fee for either Trossard or Martinelli and secondly, Berta would have to work his magic to try and drive the overall cost of the deal down.”

Manchester City, though, are said to be keen on a move for Rodrygo in the summer transfer window.

According to a Spanish report, the Madrid forward is Man City manager Pep Guardiola’s ‘big obsession’.

The former Barcelona manager tried to convince Rodrygo to move to the Etihad Stadium in 2024, but the Brazilian decided to stay put at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Latest Liverpool news: Newcastle talks for Isak, four sales for mega deal

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool are ‘speaking’ with Newcastle United for Alexander Isak and has rated the chances of the blockbuster summer deal happening.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has named the four players that Liverpool are planning to sell in order to fund a £150million (€173m, $200m) move for Isak.

Former Anfield star Robbie Fowler has shared his verdict on the chances of Isak joining Liverpool from Newcastle this summer and has given his take on the Swedish striker.

IN FOCUS: How Rodrygo has progressed at Real Madrid