TEAMtalk

Tottenham could sell arguably their best player this season to Liverpool if the Reds meet their £88m asking price, according to a shock report.

Tottenham are quietly enjoying a fantastic start to the new campaign and new manager Thomas Frank has hit the ground running. Spurs are without two of their finest attackers in James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, yet are the joint-top scorers in the Premier League with 17 goals.

The biggest improvement has come at the other end of the pitch, with their mark of seven goals conceded bettered only by Arsenal (three). The dire days of shambolic defensive displays under Ange Postecoglou are mercifully a thing of the past.

Micky van de Ven has made huge impacts at both ends of the pitch. His partnership with Cristian Romero has been watertight at the back and the Dutchman has incredibly scored five goals across all competitions in just 13 appearances this term.

Tottenham obviously have no interest in letting the 24-year-old go, but according to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, there is a price that could change their mind.

It’s claimed Spurs have let it be known Van de Ven is valued at €100m / £88m and Liverpool are among three clubs taking a look. The others are Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

The report read: ‘His physique, speed, and defensive awareness have attracted the attention of clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich.’

It continued: ‘Micky van de Ven is on Real Madrid’s radar, who see the Dutchman as an alternative to strengthen their defence for the next cycle.

‘However, Real Madrid is not alone. Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also closely monitoring the situation, making the competition for him real and fierce.’

Should Tottenham fear Van de Ven sale?

The first point to make is Fichajes are not known for being among the more reliable outlets when it comes to transfer news, even if a handful of aspects in their story do make sense.

All three of the interested clubs named – Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid – want to sign a new centre-back next summer.

However, that trio of teams all have confirmed interest in other targets who can be signed without having to pay such a monster fee.

At £88m, Van de Ven would become the most expensive defender of all time, surpassing the £80m Manchester United paid when signing Harry Maguire.

Liverpool, Bayern and Real are all pursuing Marc Guehi. Liverpool and Real are also monitoring Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano.

As mentioned, both of those players are out of contract next summer and could be signed for free. Upamecano may yet pen fresh terms in Munich, but it’s already been confirmed Guehi is leaving Crystal Palace.

Sticking solely to Liverpool, Van de Ven as a left-footer could be perceived as the long-term heir to Virgil van Dijk. The iconic Reds ace is right-footed but has always played at left centre-back.

However, Van Dijk is under contract to Liverpool until the summer of 2027 and it’s at right centre-back where Liverpool are sizing up a new defender in 2026.

Latest Liverpool and Tottenham news – Chiesa / McTominay

In other news, TEAMtalk has outlined the six reasons why Federico Chiesa must leave Liverpool despite the Italian openly admitting he wants to stay.

In Chiesa’s case, he may need to start thinking with his head and hot just his heart.

Elsewhere, reports have detailed what Scott McTominay thinks about the possibility of joining Tottenham.

A fresh report has backed up what TEAMtalk are hearing about Scott McTominay and the possibility of joining Tottenham, and the Scot is expected to put pen to paper, though not on the deal you might be expecting.

McTominay left Manchester United two summers ago in what is now universally perceived to be a poor piece of business from the Red Devils.

The midfielder moved for just £25.7m and in his first season with Napoli – in which they won Serie A – the Scot was named the league’s MVP.

A curious report from The Sun earlier this week claimed that while McTominay enjoys the admiration and love he feels in Naples, it is on the verge of becoming too much to handle.

The 28-year-old is treated like a true superstar in the city and amid the extra attention, the report suggested he could look favourably on a return to England if a suitable opportunity arose.

Tottenham are the team drawing the strongest links and TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Fraser Fletcher, has been able to verify Spurs’ interest in the player.

However, sources have also told us that suggestions McTominay is uncomfortable with the added attention he receives in Italy are not true.

As such, it should come as no surprise to see reporter, Sacha Tavolieri, now claim McTominay wants to remain with Napoli rather than return to England and join a club like Spurs.

Tavolieri wrote on Wednesday: ‘While several English media outlets have reported growing interest in Scott McTominay from Tottenham and other Premier League clubs in recent days, the Scottish midfielder appears in no rush to leave Napoli.

‘According to our sources, the player’s entourage has firmly denied rumours of a possible return to England, stating that McTominay is “extremely happy” in Campania.’

Tavolieri added: ‘Despite approaches from some English clubs, McTominay has no intention of leaving Napoli in the short term.’

McTominay to sign new contract with Napoli?

If McTominay is to agree a deal in the coming months, the likeliest one is a contract extension in Naples.

That was the view sources put forward to TEAMtalk on Tuesday and it’s now been backed up by Tavolieri too.

The reporter continued: ‘A contract extension is not out of the question in the coming months.

‘The player, under contract until 2028, would like to sign a long-term contract with the Partenopei club, attracted by the project and the passion surrounding the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.’

What’s more, Napoli too have their eyes on a contract extension amid their total satisfaction with the player,

Tavolieri concluded: ‘The Neapolitan management, for their part, appreciate his exemplary mindset and his influence in the dressing room.

‘If Scotland have found a pillar for their national team in McTominay, Napoli seem to have found a new warrior in midfield – determined to make their mark on Serie A.’

Clearly, a move for McTominay is a non-starter for Tottenham.

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Tottenham have made no decision to cash in on Dominic Solanke in January, sources insist, as the striker works towards a return from injury.

The forward has been sidelined for Spurs and is determined to make a strong comeback.

There has been optimism that he could be back in action in November but the club are refusing to put a specific timeline on his return.

Tottenham have been cautious in managing his recovery and are taking things slowly to ensure he is fully fit before returning to match action.

Inside the club, Solanke is still regarded as a player who can add a new dimension to the attack and increase their goal threat.

Reports have recently suggested that manager Thomas Frank is willing to sell him in the January transfer market.

However, our sources believe that this is wide of the mark for now and that he is still viewed as the strongest number nine among their current options.

There remains confidence that he will score goals regularly once integrated into the side, with Frank’s track record of maximising the quality of his strikers strengthening that belief.

When Solanke is match fit, the Tottenham manager intends to give him his chance to thrive as the team’s main focal point.

As previously reported by TEAMtalk, it is Richarlison whose position is under greater threat – with a possibility he could be moved on in January.

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How has Solanke been performing?

Last season in the Premier League for Spurs, Solanke scored nine goals and assisted three more.

That tally made him the second-highest scorer in the Tottenham side. This term, he has played just 31 minutes, and has been sidelined since the second week of the season.

That has given Richarlison more opportunities, and while it looked initially like he was taking them, he’s scored just three league goals in nine games, though he does also have two assists.

Richarlison has been dropped for the last three league games, suggesting Frank isn’t enamoured with his recent returns.

As such, when Solanke returns to action, he could show he’s the main worthy of being kept, and Richarlison is therefore surplus to requirements.

Tottenham round-up: Bowen offer report

A report has claimed that Tottenham are offering £53million for the services of West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen.

TEAMtalk is aware the Hammers don’t want to sell, but Bowen would be open to leaving if the Hammers were on their way down.

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk sources have stated Spurs remain interested in Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, but have not solidified their interest into an active pursuit.

And TEAMtalk is also aware that Scott McTominay is on the radar of the north London club, but Napoli want to reward his stellar first season with a new contract.

Tottenham are reportedly one of the Premier League clubs in the hunt for a Brentford star who Thomas Frank never got to see the full impact of up close.

Spurs have made a great start to the season. They find themselves third in the Premier League after nine games, and no side has scored more than their 17 goals – level with Manchester City and Chelsea.

For Tottenham, the goals have been spread around, with Micky van de Ven – a centre-back – and Richarlison the top scorers, scoring just three each.

Thomas Frank therefore knows there is ground to be made if a top striker joins the side.

According to Caught Offside, Spurs are closely monitoring the situation of Brentford forward Igor Thiago, whose six goals this season make him the second-highest scorer in the league this season, behind only Erling Haaland.

They are not alone in their admiration, with Newcastle and Aston Villa both in the mix – the Magpies are believed to be ‘leading the chase.’

Tottenham have an offer in mind, though – a loan with an option to buy for €35million (£30.8m), which is essentially what Brentford paid for him in 2024.

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Frank could finally see Thiago shine

Tottenham have an ace up their sleeve in that Frank was the man who signed Thiago for Brentford.

The Brazilian was brought in in July 2024, but was immediately injured and only ended up playing 169 minutes for Frank.

The boss clearly saw something in him to sign him for what was then Brentford’s record fee, and the Bees have reaped the rewards of that, with Thiago on six goals in nine league games this term.

Frank will be eager to get Thiago to his new club in order to see him continue to impress.

Indeed, the boss is not said to fancy current Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke, so the Brazilian could be a perfect replacement.

Tottenham round-up: Spurs want West Ham icon

A report has suggested Spurs are offering £53million in order to sign West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen.

They were told previously they’d have to pay around three times that to prise the icon away.

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk is aware Tottenham are continuing to pursue Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, but are not yet committing to an active pursuit.

Sources have also told TEAMtalk that the north London club are targeting Scott McTominay, but there’s a plan at Napoli to give him a new contract after his starring role in their title win last season.

Tottenham Hotspur are planning to make a huge offer for a West Ham United star that Nuno simply cannot sell, according to a sensational report, but TEAMtalk believes that it is very unlikely that Thomas Frank will be able to bring him to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the January transfer window.

Spurs and West Ham are bitter London rivals, and while the former is going from strength to strength, the latter is struggling. Under manager Thomas Frank, Tottenham are third in the Premier League table at the moment and have picked up five points from three matches in the Champions League, while West Ham continue to struggle for points despite replacing Graham Potter with Nuno as the manager in late September.

Jarrod Bowen has been West Ham’s shining light this season and has been the Hammers’ best player with three goals and one assist in nine Premier League matches.

The 28-year-old, who is a versatile player and operates as a right-winger or centre-forward, scored 14 goals and gave 10 assists in 36 matches in all competitions for West Ham last season.

According to Fichajes, Tottenham, who signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham in the summer of 2025, have taken a shine to Bowen and ‘are offering €60 million (£53m, $70m)’ for the England international.

The Spanish news outlet has claimed that Tottenham have ‘emerged as a clear candidate’ to sign Bowen and are ‘prepared to offer up to €60million (£53m, $70m) to convince West Ham’ to sell them their prized asset.

West Ham ‘are not ruling out a sale if they receive an offer that meets their expectations’, according to the report, which has noted that Tottenham view Bowen ‘as a high-impact signing’.

Bowen has been on the books of West Ham since January 2020 and is under contract at the London club until the summer of 2030.

The attacker has made 248 appearances for West Ham so far in his career, scoring 77 goals and giving 53 assists in the process.

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Any truth in Jarrod Bowen from West Ham to Tottenham rumour?

Fichajes is not one of the most reliable sources, so one has to take the rumour that Tottenham are planning a bid for Bowen with a pinch of salt.

It would be remiss to suggest that Tottenham would not at least admire Bowen, given how good he has been over the years for West Ham, but it is very unlikely that last season’s Europa League winners will feel that they will be able to sign him.

There have been historical links, too, with transfer journalist Graeme Bailey reporting on HITC in June 2024 that Tottenham wanted to sign Bowen at the time.

Tottenham made ‘an enquiry’ for Bowen, with West Ham telling their London and Premier League rivals that ‘it would take a bid in the region of £150million (€170.4m, $198.3m) for the Hammers to even consider the sale of Bowen’.

It was again Bailey who reported on TBR in April 2025 that Tottenham were in ‘constant contact about Bowen – both with West Ham and the forward’s representatives’, but no move materialised.

Tottenham and West Ham are bitter London rivals, and the Hammers fans would loathe to see their prized asset make the switch to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

English actor Danny Dyer publicly said in May 2025 that his son-in-law, Jarrod Bowen, would not join Tottenham.

Dyer said on Channel Four: “Let me tell you something now, he certainly won’t be going to Spurs.

“If he was ever going to leave, he would never go to Tottenham.

“No, listen, I would never stand in the way of his career. I have no right to do that.

“But he’s an incredible human being, an incredible player, he’s not a man that should sit on the bench.

“Chelsea, why would he come to a smaller club? Liverpool have got Mo Salah…

“We need a good season [next] year. I won’t blame him slipping off.

“But West Ham need to have a good season. In answer to your question, the geezer’s not going nowhere!”

With West Ham second from bottom in the Premier League table at the moment, it is unthinkable that manager Nuno would be willing to sell Bowen.

Sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that West Ham have no plans whatsoever to sell Bowen in the January transfer window.

TEAMtalk understands that Lucas Paqueta wants to leave West Ham, who are not going to put themselves in a position where they lose two of their best players at the same time.

However, we understand that Bowen would not be against leaving West Ham if they are on their way down.

Latest Tottenham transfer news: No Barcelona raid, Ballon d’Or nominee wanted

Meanwhile, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, Tottenham’s stance on signing an in-form striker in the January transfer window.

TEAMtalk also understands that Tottenham are unlikely to pursue a deal for a Barcelona star, with Chelsea mulling over a loan deal.

And finally, our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has reported that Tottenham are planning a move for a Ballon d’Or nominee that Manchester United felt was not good enough for them.

Scott McTominay has transformed into a much more dangerous player since hitting the prime years of his career and joining Napoli – and now some clubs back in the Premier League are eyeing him.

When McTominay left Manchester United last summer, he did so on the back of his best goalscoring season in the Premier League, with seven goals in the 2023-24 top flight. However, he left under the cloud of a build-up of critical judgements from years gone by in which he was less effective – or even misused – at Old Trafford.

Over in Italy, McTominay has taken his game to a whole new level. As someone who played as a striker in youth football before being converted into a midfielder, the Man Utd academy graduate has been able to blend his best talents in Antonio Conte’s system – which even came to be built around him last season.

Yes, Conte even dispersed with his characteristic back-three formation to shift to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 in which McTominay could play as an advanced, box-breaking midfielder.

It worked. McTominay scored 12 goals in his debut season with Napoli, firing them to the Serie A title and also claiming the league’s MVP award.

Meanwhile, back at Old Trafford, no player – including strikers, let alone midfielders – scored double figures of goals in the 2024-25 Premier League season. It wasn’t a good look.

The question is whether McTominay would have been able to replicate that form back in the Premier League, or was the element of surprise what made him effective in a new environment in Serie A?

For those wondering, the prospect of a Premier League return for McTominay has come into focus recently. One report in The Sun, explaining the motive for a potential return to home soil, claimed he was struggling to deal with the attention he gets in Naples.

Our sources state that that part isn’t true. But there are avenues for him to come back to the Premier League.

TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are both interested in McTominay.

Current state of Tottenham midfield

Tottenham have been looking for more dynamism in their midfield for a while, which makes McTominay a player of intrigue – but how would they use him if they were able to tempt him away from his adoring Neapolitan base?

So far this season, Thomas Frank has been setting Tottenham up in either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 shape. Either system utilises three central midfielders, with the difference being whether one sits as an anchor or two play in a double pivot behind a no. 10.

Frank has fielded various combinations in midfield. The only ones seen more than once have been: Joao Palhinha sitting with Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr either side; Bentancur sitting with Lucas Bergvall and Sarr either side; and Palhinha and Bentancur in a double pivot, with either Bergvall or Xavi Simons in attacking midfield.

The versatile Archie Gray has gained some gametime across various roles, but Yves Bissouma – out of contract at the end of the season – and James Maddison have been unable to play this season due to injury. The same goes for Dejan Kulusevski, one of the options for the no. 10 role.

But if McTominay was to be added into the mix, what combination would he fit into best?

Where McTominay has played for Napoli

Last season, when playing in a 4-2-3-1, McTominay was most commonly deployed as an attacking midfielder, rather than being wasted in a double pivot like he used to be for United.

However, it was more common for Napoli to play a 4-3-3 formation, in which McTominay would tend to be the left-sided central midfielder – still with licence to get forward.

Weight off his shoulders, McTominay has made the most of his newfound freedom. If anyone wants to give him another chance in the Premier League – and the bigger if would be whether or not he wants to take it – they would need to keep in mind why he’s had more success with Napoli and not limit his ability to have an impact in the final third.

The formula is clear to follow. If Spurs envisage a 4-3-3 with McTominay in, his role as one of the no. 8s seems obvious. But in a 4-2-3-1, they would have to consider him for the attacking-midfield berths.

That’s where they’ve been having to do without Maddison and Kulusevski because of their injuries this season, but once fit, they – and Simons – would be competition for the same position.

Interestingly, McTominay has been tested as a left-winger at times this season, partially as a consequence of Napoli adding Kevin de Bruyne into their midfield.

Left wing is the top priority position for Spurs to find a fixed solution in at the moment, and while McTominay himself wouldn’t be the answer, adding someone like him who can support attacks in that kind of territory could ease the burden.

But it seems a tall order to be able to prise him away from Napoli, where he remains under contract until 2028.

A January move seems difficult, so the situation would have to be assessed in the summer. At the same time, Spurs will have other questions to answer for their midfield. Do they keep Palhinha on a permanent basis after his loan from Bayern Munich? Do they release Bissouma at the end of his contract?

However they resolve those kind of issues, McTominay would be an interesting new element to add into the mix – if used in the right position. But a lot of groundwork needs to be done before Spurs can judge their chances of bringing him back to Britain.

Tottenham Hotspur are continuing to track Porto star Samu Aghehowa, though they have not yet committed to an active pursuit of the striker while potential sales are considered, TEAMtalk understands.

The club are entering a key period in their season as they begin to build a better picture of their current attacking options and how it shapes out from here.

Richarlison began the season as the starting centre-forward before Mathys Tel was given a chance and then, at the weekend, Randal Kolo Muani made his full debut in the role.

Dominic Solanke will also be back in the fold when he recovers from injury – possibly in early November – and then Thomas Frank will have a better vision of how the team functions best.

TEAMtalk revealed on October 23 how Richarlison’s future could be cast into doubt by the new year if his playing time becomes more limited.

Everton, who Spurs beat 3-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, could join the race for Richarlison should their former player become available.

And we have also revealed how Tottenham are drawing up their transfer plans for the next business window, and that is where Aghehowa comes in…

Porto star remains on Tottenham’s radar; big release clause in play

Tottenham’s planning for the January window began during the international break as the club aim to have a clear plan in place ahead of the new year.

Aghehowa is one of the names that has been on their radar, but at this stage, TEAMtalk sources insist it is too soon to confirm whether they will make an attempt to sign him.

The 21-year-old, who joined Porto from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2024, has scored six goals in eight league appearances so far this season,

That has taken his tally to 36 goals in 56 games overall for Porto, and his excellent form is attracting attention.

Aghehowa has also earned himself a place in the Spanish national team, having featured against Bulgaria in a World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

The player has an £87million release clause, which is unlikely to be met. But it is believed FC Porto do not want to let him leave for anything below £70million.

It is possible the player remains on Tottenham’s list longer-term rather than them launching a January approach.

The situation will become more clear once Frank has a clear vision of his current forward options and whether anyone is moved on.

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Latest Tottenham news: McTominay eyed / Barca swoop unlikely

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk transfer insider Fraser Fletcher has revealed that Tottenham could hand Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay a chance to return to the Premier League.

Spurs, Newcastle and Barcelona are all said to be interested in the former Manchester United man, who has flourished since his move to Italy.

In other news, TEAMtalk has revealed that Chelsea is a more likely destination than Tottenham for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in January.

QUIZ: Before or after – Who joined Spurs earlier?

Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to sign Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Barcelona in the January transfer window, sources have told TEAMtalk, but a loan move to Chelsea could be possible for the goalkeeper.

Ter Stegen’s future at Barcelona is in doubt. The goalkeeper is under contract at last season’s LaLiga winners until the summer of 2028, but there is a chance that he could leave earlier because of Joan Garcia.

Barcelona signed Garcia from Espanyol in the summer of 2025, with the 24-year-old the number one goalkeeper for the Blaugrana when he is fit and available.

Wojciech Szczesny is another option between the posts for Barcelona, who lost to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in El Clasico last weekend.

Ter Stegen is on the sidelines at the moment as he is recovering from a back surgery, with Sport reporting that the Germany international goalkeeper is not expected to play until January 2026.

According to Sport, a Catalan sports publication, Tottenham are among the clubs that have made contact over a deal for Ter Stegen in the January transfer window.

However, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, that it is unlikely that Tottenham will sign the 33-year-old goalkeeper, who earns €320,577 (£278,903, $374,624) per week at Barcelona, according to Capology.

TEAMtalk understands that Chelsea are more likely than Tottenham to make a loan move for the Barcelona star.

Tottenham do not want to sign a major and established goalkeeper like Ter Stegen and create unnecessary “big headlines” should he fail to get ahead of Guglielmo Vicario in Thomas Frank’s starting line-up.

Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen are the two main goalkeepers at Chelsea at the moment, but last season’s Conference League winners are keen on a 2026 summer deal for Mike Maignan, who is out of contract at AC Milan at the end of the season.

Jones told TEAMtalk: “I don’t think he really fits the bill for what Spurs will be looking for if they sign a new keeper.

“From what I understand, they would be looking for a player to contend with Vicario and pushing for starts, but not to necessarily come with a huge reputation and a profile that would lead to big headlines if they were not playing.

“The idea is to simply make the squad stronger and ensure there is more competition.

“My understanding on Ter Stegen has always been that Chelsea could enter the picture, particularly if a short-term deal was possible.

“So, I still think that is worth looking out for while they consider what to do long-term.”

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Meanwhile, sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Tottenham Hotspur are keen on a midfielder that Manchester United discarded in 2024.

Sources have also TEAMtalk the names of the six exciting transfer targets for Tottenham Hotspur in 2026.

And finally, a Tottenham Hotspur player out on loan has revealed his desire to play for Real Madrid in the future.

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As Scott McTominay continues to flourish away from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing the Napoli midfielder, sources have told TEAMtalk, but it may not be easy for the north London club to bring the Scotland international to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

McTominay established himself in the Man Utd first team after rising through the ranks at the Premier League club’s youth academy. The Scotland international’s all-action attitude made him an important figure in the team and a favourite among the fans, as he went on to make 255 appearances for Man Utd, scoring 29 goals and giving eight assists in the process.

However, Man Utd decided to cash in on McTominay in the summer of 2024, with then-manager Erik ten Hag having used him just 18 times in the starting line-up in the Premier League in the 2023/24 campaign.

Napoli snapped up McTominay from Man Utd for an initial fee of just £21million (€24m, $28m), and the Scotland international midfielder has gone from strength to strength at the Italian giants.

McTominay helped Napoli win the Scudetto in the 2024/25 campaign and came 18th in the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Tottenham are among the clubs that have taken a shine to McTominay and are keen on bringing him back to the Premier League.

Sources close to McTominay have revealed that Barcelona have placed him on a three-man shortlist to bolster their midfield pivot next summer, alongside Amadou Onana and a La Masia graduate.

In England, Tottenham and Newcastle lead the chase for McTominay. Spurs see the 28-year-old as the ideal player to provide the energy and spark needed in the engine room.

As for Newcastle, manager Eddie Howe views the former Man Utd star’s leadership and Premier League pedigree as perfect for his side’s Champions League push.

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Napoli plan new contract for Scott McTominay – sources

Despite interest from Barcelona, Tottenham and Newcastle in McTominay, a January move is pretty much categorically off the table.

McTominay’s transformation from a Man Utd outcast to a Napoli linchpin has been nothing short of sensational.

The Scotland international has become the heartbeat of Antonio Conte’s midfield, earning rave reviews and the undying love of the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona faithful.

In 10 appearances for Napoli this season, McTominay has scored four goals and given one assist.

McTominay’s physicality, box-to-box energy, and newfound composure have made him indispensable for Napoli.

Fans chant his name, scarves bearing ‘McTominay 39′ sell out, and Conte loves him.

While it is only logical that top clubs, such as Barcelona, Tottenham and Newcastle are taking interest in McTominay, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has no intention of disrupting a title charge.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that McTominay, who is under contract at Napoli until 2028, is “extremely happy” in Naples, thriving under Conte’s regime and embracing the city’s passion.

“Scott loves the life here,” a source said. “The fans treat him like family.”

However, a Premier League return in the summer of 2026 remains a live possibility.

McTominay has never hidden his affection for English football, and sources say he would listen to “the right project.”

Napoli, aware of his value, plan contract extension talks in January, aiming to tie him down until 2030 with a significant release clause.

For now, McTominay’s focus is Napoli blue. Barcelona, Spurs, and Newcastle must wait – but the race for Scotland’s midfield colossus is only just beginning.

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Meanwhile, TEAMtalk can reveal the six exciting targets that Tottenham have planned for 2026.

Sources have also told TEAMtalk the name of the Ligue 1 striker that Tottenham are planning to make a move for.

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Celtic are planning to approach former Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou to replace Brendan Rodgers, sources have told TEAMtalk, with Bhoys legend Scott Brown also being monitored.

Brendan Rodgers quit Celtic after resigning late on Sunday night, ending his second spell at the club amid a storm of boardroom tension and fan unrest.

The 52-year-old’s departure follows a dismal run that has left the defending Scottish Premiership champions reeling.

Celtic find themselves eight points behind leaders Hearts in second place in the Scottish Premiership table at the moment after losing 3-1 to them last weekend.

It proved to be the final straw for Rodgers’ departure from Celtic.

Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond had publicly branded Rodgers “divisive”, accusing him of misrepresenting the club’s backing.

Rodgers, who won two trebles in his first stint (2016-19) and a league title last term, leaves with immediate effect.

In a brief statement, the former Liverpool and Leicester City manager thanked the Celtic fans but said the time was right to step away. Insiders say the decision was mutual, though the timing stunned many.

Taking temporary charge of Celtic is Martin O’Neill, the 73-year-old icon who delivered Celtic’s last domestic invincible season in 2000-01.

The Northern Irishman, part of Celtic’s hall-of-fame, will be assisted by former midfielder Shaun Maloney, currently a coach within the academy setup. Their first task: Wednesday’s Premiership game at home to Falkirk.

Attention now turns to the permanent role. Club sources confirm they expect to make an official approach for Ange Postecoglou within days.

The Australian, sacked by Nottingham Forest just two weeks ago after a short, turbulent spell, is without a managerial role at the moment.

The 60-year-old’s transformative tenure at Celtic between 2021 and 2023 – winning the league and two cups with swashbuckling football – makes him the overwhelming fans’ choice.

“Ange knows the club, the league, and how to win here,” one Parkhead insider has told TEAMtalk.

Social media is ablaze with #BringBackAnge campaigns, but no deal is in place yet, and despite his love for the club, there may be other offers to contend with.

Other candidates – including Kjetil Knutsen and 40-year-old Celtic legend Scott Brown – are being monitored, but Postecoglou’s emotional pull and proven success make him the priority.

Celtic’s board, under pressure to act decisively, see his return as the quickest route to stability and silverware.

For O’Neill and Maloney, getting the fans back on side and the team winning is key.

For Celtic, the Postecoglou pursuit is already underway. The Hoops’ next chapter may be written by a familiar face.

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Chris Sutton backs Ange Postecoglou for Celtic role

Outspoken pundit and former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has given his backing to Postecoglou for the managerial role at the defending Scottish champions.

Sutton told Sky Sports: “I think Ange Postecoglou would be a really smart appointment. He was loved the first time round.

“His brand of football went down well in Glasgow. He’s out of work.

“I think that would be a pretty obvious choice, a good choice and bring a lot of positivity back to Celtic, which they need right now.”

Regarding O’Neill being placed in charge of Celtic for now, Sutton said: “I understand the appointment of Martin O’Neill because he’s a very popular manager. He was my manager when I first went up to Celtic, and he is loved by the supporters.

“Had the club handed the role to just Shaun Maloney, I think a lot of the supporters would have been unhappy about that. They’ve now got a figurehead and a front piece.

“I suppose the biggest question is, who’s going to be the next permanent Celtic manager? Who are they going to go for next?

“It’s not going to be an easy situation because the squad is decimated with injuries to key players and there’s not the strength and depth. The team will come under a fair bit of pressure [between now and January].

“There’s a League Cup semi-final against Rangers, which is absolutely massive. All those games coming up are massive.

“In the short term, Martin O’Neill doesn’t have an easy task on his hands with what he’s taking over.

“I think that the support will be happy that Martin has come back because he was loved in his time as manager there.

“He turned the tables and his era was the beginning of Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football.

“He will go in and try and do what he did first time round. Try and galvanise the club, try to bring the support and everybody, the staff at the club and hierarchy all pulling in the same direction.”