TEAMtalk

Tottenham are intent on signing a striker before the end of the summer transfer window and they have two Premier League proven hitmen on their wanted list.

Spurs finished fifth in the Premier League last season after selling all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich and failed to bring in a direct replacement.

Although Ange Postecoglou adapted to use the likes of Son Heung-min, Richarlison and Timo Werner in attack, they lacked the required firepower to reach the Champions League, which will be the target once again this season.

Sources have exclusively told TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Rudy Galetti that Spurs are chasing both Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke.

Toney, 28, is said to be available at the right price this summer due to his desire to play for a bigger club and having one year remaining on his Bees contract. But he is back in training with Thomas Frank’s side after missing most of last season due to a suspension received for gambling rule breaches.

Brentford are already looking to sign a replacement, with a number of options available including Benfica’s Arthur Cabral. Once there is progress there, Toney’s future could become a lot clearer.

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He enjoyed a successful summer with England, playing a key role from the bench and helping the Three Lions reach the final at Euro 2024, which they lost 2-1 to Spain last month.

Solanke, 26, had his most prolific scoring season with the Cherries in the top flight last year, netting 19 goals as Andoni Iraola’s men impressed and finished 12th.

However, it is believed Bournemouth would be reluctant to sell the once-capped England forward so late in the window because of his standing in the squad. He has three years remaining on his Vitality Stadium contract.

TEAMtalk understands that Tottenham could lodge bids for both Toney and Solanke in the coming weeks as their hunt for a new striker intensifies.

Tottenham chase Brentford and Bournemouth strikers

Postecoglou admits Spurs still have plenty of work to do before the window closes.

“I don’t think it’ll all get done [in this window]. I’ve never believed in quick fixes and I think I said that it would have been great if we had done our business already, but I’ve always maintained a discipline not to go off and sort of get too emotional through these times,” he said.

“It’s a difficult time. This is the part of the season where I’ve probably got the least control over decisions and I’ve learned to stay disciplined and make sure that we do what we set out to do. We’ve added the two young guys, but I also think there’s been growth from other guys from last year, which naturally makes us stronger this year.

“But yeah, we obviously still got a hand in this window, but I think we’ll go beyond this window. This was wasn’t just tinkering around the edges when I took over, it needed, you know, a big shift from where it was.”

Postecoglou is looking to make huge changes to the Spurs squad and admits that is already well underway.

“I was just thinking about last year’s pre-season, you know, I reckon 50% of the people who were on that tour are probably not here now. So we’ve already done a hell of a lot and we don’t need to do as much, but I still think there’s… because it’s not just about having success one year. What you’re trying to build is another, hopefully another cycle of success, and I think that’ll take a bit longer.”

Tottenham travel to newly-promoted Leicester on August 19 for the start of the Premier League season.

There will reportedly be ‘huge question marks’ over the future of Richarlison at Tottenham at the back end of the summer, with the club pushing to sign a new striker.

Richarlison has struggled to make his mark in two seasons with Spurs so far. In his first campaign after joining from Everton, the Brazilian forward netted just one league goal – less than the amount of yellow cards he reecived.

Last term, he improved upon that figure, finding the back of the net 11 times in the league. But for a club used to having Harry Kane banging in at least 20 goals a season, those returns will seem very underwhelming.

Richarlison himself has suggested he is happy at Tottenham and wants to stay.

But he might not have much choice in the matter, with reports linking him away from the club.

Spurs have been linked with a number of strikers over the summer, though it’s been reported the easiest way of getting anyone through the door would be to see the back of him first.

Fresh reports state that may not have to be the case, but Richarlison’s Spurs career remains firmly in danger.

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‘Huge question marks’ over Richarlison future

Indeed, Football Insider suggests the striker faces an uncertain future if a new striker comes through the door before the end of the window.

‘Huge question marks’ will surround his future if that is the case.

If Tottenham are to get a new striker through the door, it seems they could well choose to push Richarlison out.

The club are said to believe there is still interest in the Brazilian from the Saudi Pro League towards the back end of the window.

Whether or not Richarlison will decide it is best to look to the future elsewhere if a new striker joins remains to be seen.

Tottenham working on striker deals

Tottenham currently have a deal for Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke in the works.

The club are eager to push Heung-min Son back out wide and utilise a top striker such as the Englishman up top.

But if their player-plus-cash offer – including £50million – for Solanke does not see him join, CaughtOffside states Jonathan David could be courted.

Talks have reportedly been held with contacts close to the player of late with a view to his potential signing.

He could be available for a much smaller fee that Solanke, owing to the fact he is out of contract with Lille in a year’s time.

A somewhat surprising Tottenham exit is reportedly on the cards for a midfielder who only penned a contract extension until 2025 last summer.

The north London club are in the middle of a semi re-build under Ange Postecoglou after the Australian previously admitted he was not happy with the first-team squad at his disposal towards the end of a season in which Spurs just missed out on a Champions League spot.

In terms of incomings, there have been few and far between, with Timo Werner arriving on loan, Archie Gray completing his switch from Leeds and Lucas Bergvall arriving from Sweden. South Korean winger Min-hyeok Yang is another addition but he will join the club until 2025.

The likes of Eric Dier, Japhet Tangana, Ryan Sessegnon, Tanguy Ndombele, Ivan Perisic and Joe Rodon have all left Tottenham permanently, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bryan Gil have been loaned out with options to buy.

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But it now appears that one of the club’s highly-touted young talents will also be moving on in the form of midfielder Nile John.

The 21-year-old played 18 times in the Premier League 2 last season for Spurs’ Under-21s, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

John set for permanent Tottenham exit

And Tottenham insider John Wenham has reacted to the news that John is close to making a permanent exit from the club.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “I was surprised when he was handed a contract extension last summer if I’m being honest.

“With the emergence of the likes of Tyrese Hall and George Abbott, I thought it was time for John to seek pastures anew.

“However he did very well last season, he put his head down and worked hard but I think it is the right time for him to move on and play first-team football elsewhere.

“Therefore, I think this will be a good move for all parties.”

John only ever managed two appearances for Tottenham at senior level, both coming in Europe, although he did feature 77 times for the club’s Under-21 side.

And, with his contract set to expire next summer, Spurs have seemingly decided that the time is right to try and cash in on the player.

READ NEXT – Tottenham accelerate dream striker signing with mammoth cash-plus-player bid prepared

Indeed, John has seen himself pushed down the midfield pecking order by the arrival of talented duo Gray and Bergvall, while Alfie Devine has impressed in pre-season and the club also hold Hall and Abbott in very high regard too.

There is no mention of any interested clubs or what sort of fee Tottenham will be looking for, although it’s highly likely that the north London outfit will at least include a buy-back clause or a big sell-on fee in any eventual transfer.

Tottenham will advance on the signing of a proven Premier League striker and TEAMtalk has learned how much they’re prepared to offer in a tempting cash-plus-player bid.

Spurs have quietly completed several deals already this summer, with Timo Werner (loan), Archie Gray (£40m) and Yang Min-hyuk all signed. 18-year-old South Korean winger Yang will link up with his new Tottenham teammates six months from now in January.

Regarding exits, fees have been collected for Joe Rodon (£10m – Leeds United) and Troy Parrott (£6.7m – AZ Alkmaar).

Elsewhere, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Marseille) and Bryan Gil (Girona) have both left on season-long loans. Hojbjerg’s deal contains an option to buy.

Right-back Emerson Royal is understood to be closing in on a permanent switch to AC Milan, though today’s update regards a blockbuster striker signing.

Fabrizio Romano led the way when revealing Tottenham’s interest in Bournemouth frontman, Dominic Solanke, back on August 1.

The 26-year-old caused Spurs all manner of problems in their Premier League clashes with Bournemouth last season and Solanke’s mark of 19 league goals was surpassed only by Erling Haaland (27), Cole Palmer (22) and Alexander Isak (21).

Solanke has already proven he can torment EPL defences and the hope will be playing alongside higher quality stars such as James Maddison and Son Heung-min can see Solanke regularly break the 20-goal barrier in north London.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed the club are seeking a new signing at centre-forward. Richarlison hasn’t justified his lofty £60m price tag and continues to be courted by Saudi Arabian sides.

Richarlison’s struggles resulted in Son playing out of position at No 9 for much of last season. But per a fresh update from the Telegraph, Postecoglou wants to revert Son to his favoured left wing role.

But of far greatest interest to Spurs fans in the Telegraph’s update is the claim Tottenham are ready to accelerate their pursuit of Solanke.

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Tottenham ramp up Solanke signing

The outlet stated ‘Tottenham Hotspur are attempting to make progress in a move for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.’

TEAMtalk has learned Spurs have held talks with Solanke and his camp. The striker is understood to be keen on joining Tottenham and the Telegraph echo those claims.

Furthermore, the report added Solanke looks favourably on joining one of England’s biggest clubs after his prior spells with Chelsea and Liverpool came and went without ever getting a real opportunity to shine. The player believes he has a point to prove and would be doubly determined to succeed at Spurs.

Solanke has taken his game on leaps and bounds since joining Bournemouth and the Cherries are reluctant to sell.

There is a release clause worth £65m in place, though the clause can only be triggered by unspecified clubs. While not confirmed, some outlets have suggested only teams who qualified for the Champions League can trigger the clause. Tottenham are not one of those clubs.

That may not matter, however, after TEAMtalk learned Tottenham intend to offer a different type of deal that would ignore the clause anyway.

Spurs to bid £50m in cash-plus-player offer

We understand Spurs are ready to put £50m on the table and also serve up a player to sweeten the deal.

First-team stars such as Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon, Oliver Skipp, Djed Spence and Alejo Veliz could all be candidates for inclusion, with Spurs open to offloading the quintet this window.

Who Tottenham will offer as the bait isn’t yet clear, though it would be either a fringe or youth team player.

Tottenham’s record signing remains the £60m they committed to when signing Richarlison from Everton (£50m plus £10m in add-ons).

Factoring in the value of whichever star Spurs include in their cash-plus-player bid for Solanke, a move for the Bournemouth hitman could break their transfer record.

Elsewhere, Tottenham are still on the hunt for a dynamic central midfielder after electing NOT to bid for Conor Gallagher who is joining Atletico Madrid.

The Telegraph suggested Tottenham viewed acting on their interest as somewhat pointless given Chelsea greatly preferred selling to an overseas club rather than a domestic rival and especially one they share a rivalry with like Spurs.

Instead, interest in Man Utd’s Scott McTominay is growing and an exclusive update on the Scot’s future makes positive reading for Spurs and negative reading for fellow suitor Fulham…

Tottenham Hotspur have shortlisted Ligue 1 and Olympic Games star Amir Richardson as a potential summer transfer target as Ange Postecoglou tries to improve his midfield, according to reports.

Postecoglou has identified central midfield as a crucial area for Tottenham to bolster this summer after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg left for Marseille on an initial loan which is due to become permanent for £17million next summer. The North London side have brought in Archie Gray from Leeds United, though it is unclear exactly where the 18-year-old will play as he can operate either as a midfielder or at right-back.

Tottenham’s No 1 target for the centre of the pitch was Conor Gallagher of Chelsea. And Postecoglou was given a boost when it emerged that the England star had rejected the offer of a new contract at Chelsea.

However, Atletico Madrid are now on the cusp of landing Gallagher after he ‘said yes’ to the Spanish giants ahead of joining in a €40m (£34.3m) transfer.

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Postecoglou and Tottenham must now move on from this disappointment and bring in an alternative midfielder.

As per reports in France, Spurs have expressed their interest in Amir Richardson, the 22-year-old rising star who is earning a big reputation at the Olympics.

At club level, Richardson plays for Reims in France, but on the international stage he represents Morocco.

The midfielder, who can play as a No 8 or in a deeper role as a No 6, has been one of Morocco’s ‘standout’ players in Paris, helping them reach the semi-finals, where they will face Spain.

Tottenham transfers: Olympics star in Postecoglou sights

Spurs scouts believe the France-born youngster has a bright future ahead of him and are aiming to win the race for his services.

Reims have tied Richardson down to a long-term contract which runs until June 2027 and would ideally like to keep him at the club for a little while longer. But the Ligue 1 outfit only paid €2m for him in August 2022 and could now have the opportunity to make a big profit thanks to his classy performances at the Olympics.

Last season, Richardson made 28 Ligue 1 appearances and chipped in with three goals and one assist, helping Reims finish ninth.

Tottenham’s two priorities for what remains of the transfer window are to sign a new winger and striker, and Wolves star Pedro Neto remains a key target.

Neto started last season on fire with seven assists and one goal in his first 10 Premier League games before he picked up a hamstring injury.

The 24-year-old struggled to get back to that form once he returned and then picked up the same injury again. He missed 23 games in total due to injury last term.

However, Neto is undoubtedly a top player when fully fit and it’s no surprise to see top clubs like Tottenham chasing his signature.

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil admitted in a recent interview that “if a massive bid comes from a top club, then no one is going to stand in Pedro’s way.”

The Midlands side would reportedly consider bids in the region of £60m for Neto this summer and Tottenham are considering launching an offer for him.

But his injury record makes the potential move somewhat risky, so Ange Postecoglou will have to think carefully before signing off on it.

Fabrizio Romano drops Tottenham update

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Neto is still on Tottenham’s shortlist amid their hunt for a new winger.

“Pedro Neto remains a player really appreciated and very highly rated by Tottenham,” Romano told CaughtOffside.

“So, for sure, he is one of the players they’ve always had on the list. Let’s see if they will decide to accelerate, but I expect Tottenham to be busy starting from next week.”

Tottenham have had a slow start to the transfer window, signing only Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Min-hyeok Hang so far.

But Postecoglou remains determined to strenghten his squad further so more movement is expected with incomings and outgoings before the window slams shut.

Richarlison, for example, continues to be linked with a move away from North London.

That would only increase Tottenham’s need to sign a new striker and as previously reported, Bournemouth star Dominic Solanke is viewed as a key target.

Solanke, 26, scored 19 Premier League goals last season and could therefore prove to be a game-changing addition for Spurs if he could replicate that form for them.

However, Arsenal have joined the race for Solanke after cooling their interest in Viktor Gyokeres, so it will be interesting to see who makes the first bid for the £65m-rated Bournemouth man.

Federico Chiesa’s agent has held talks with Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal in recent days and now Juventus have reportedly dropped their asking price.

The Italian international has just 12 months remaining on his contract with Juventus and has so far refused to sign an extension, so the Turin side are keen to sell him this summer.

Chiesa, 26, was considered one of the best wingers in the world only a couple of years ago but injuries have stunted his progress somewhat, but he’s undoubtedly a top player on his day.

He showed signs of getting back to his best last season, netting 10 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions.

Chiesa is thought to be keen to test himself in the Premier League and reports suggest that Tottenham, Man Utd and Arsenal are interested in him. Chelsea and Aston Villa are also thought to be keen on the forward.

Spurs have often been described as leaders in the race and with Richarlison linked with a move away from the club, Chiesa could be brought in as a replacement.

Tottenham learn new Federico Chiesa price tag

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Chiesa’s agent, Fali Ramadani, has failed to convince any Premier League club to match Juventus’ asking price.

Ramadani travelled to England this week to hold talks with multiple sides. Juventus were initially demanding over €25m for Chiesa, but have now reduced his price tag.

Juventus are desperate not to lose the Italy star on a free transfer and will reportedly accept a bid of just €15m (£12.8m) for him this summer.

That arguably makes Chiesa one of the biggest bargains available on the market and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham or any other Premier League side take the bait.

Chiesa does have big wage demands, however. As we exclusively revealed, he is demanding a salary of around £130,000 per week.

This would make him the fifth-highest earner at Tottenham if they do sign him, behind Heung-min Son, James Maddison, Cristian Romero and Timo Werner.

Tottenham have had a slow start to the transfer window, signing only Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Min-hyeok Hang so far.

But the North London club are expected to be more active in the coming weeks and Chiesa is a player they could consider if the reports about his low valuation are true.

Cristian Romero has opened up on his Tottenham future amid continued speculation that Spanish giants Real Madrid are keen on sealing a big-money transfer.

Los Blancos reportedly made an enquiry for the World Cup and Copa America-winning central defender back in June via his representatives but the Champions League winners are yet to follow up that up with a concrete move for the player.

Vice-captain Romero remains an integral part of Ange Postecoglou’s team going forward though, and there is every chance that even if a substantial offer is made by Real, it will immediately be knocked back.

The Argentina international did have his disciplinary issues during the first half of last season but those improved as the pairing of Romero and Micky van de Ven largely impressed in their first campaign together.

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Romero currently remains under contract in north London until 2027 and at just 26 years of age would command a hefty fee.

However, it appears that the old-school centre-back is more than happy to stay in north London after reaffirming his commitment to the club during an interview with Argentinian TV.

Romero told ESPN F90: “I always strive to play at my best. I have a lot of respect for Tottenham. They’ve always given me a lot of support here, so I like playing here. I don’t think about other clubs or their possibilities.

“I know there’s a lot of talk about a possible move, but I’m calm. At my club I play differently to the national team, more forward. I still have years left in Europe and I want to see where I can go.

“Hopefully this year we can win a title at Tottenham.”

Romero a key cog for Postecoglou

That will certainly be music to the ears of Tottenham fans, who watched on in terror when Romero was banned and Van de Ven injured last season and how Postecoglou’s men coped without the pair.

In terms of other incomings and outgoings, TT has revealed the club’s firm interest in signing Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, while Wolves ace Pedro Neto also remains on their radar.

AC Milan are continuing to pursue right-back Emerson Royal, especially after Postecoglou hinted earlier this week that Djed Spence could stay at the club after impressing in pre-season.

Spence had loan spells with Leeds United and Genoa last term but was handed a start at left-back in the glamour friendly with Bayern Munich in South Korea on Saturday, a game Tottenham lost 2-1.

Should Emerson move on, Spence will be the first choice back up for Pedro Porro on the right and leave summer signing Archie Gray purely focusing on a central midfield role.

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The club have looked at other right-back options in Monaco’s Vanderson and Manchester City’s Issa Kabore, but Spence’s impressive form looks to have earned him the right to start the new campaign in north London.

Tottenham are back in pre-season action again on Saturday August 10 when they take on Bayern again at home in the Visit Malta Cup.

Arsenal and Tottenham could be set for a heated battle off the pitch as they prepare to go head to head for a Premier League winger in the final month of the transfer window.

The Gunners have strengthened their defence with the signing of Italian Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna and are hot on the pursuit of a deal for Spain midfielder Mikel Merino.

Spurs, meanwhile, have added Leeds utility man Archie Gray and are keen to strengthen in attack. Both North London clubs have been credited with an interest, while Newcastle United are also long-term admirers of the Portugal star. Caught Offside says interest is set to hot up.

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil admits that a deal could be struck to see the 24-year-old leave Molineux this summer but added that he hopes to keep the player.

“I know how good he is, and I know how well he would do at a big club. Obviously, I want our team here to be unbelievably successful. So I’m hoping that he stays,” O’Neil said.

“I think so (there’s a chance he stays). There’s nothing going on at this moment from anybody. He’s in a good spot, I’ve spoken to him about how we’re going to play and how it suits him and what a big part he’ll play in it.

“But of course, we’re all grown-ups while you’re having them conversations. If a massive bid comes from a top club then no one is going to stand in Pedro’s way.

“I’m confident that he will be here. Because we haven’t had anything really, that makes the club think that he won’t be. But of course, a lot of business can be done late.”

Neto to answer Spurs and Postecoglou’s forward plea?

As reported by TEAMtalk, sources suggest Spurs are keen on Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke. Although he wouldn’t be pushed on names, manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed he wants a new forward, with Harry Kane yet to be fully replaced since his exit for Bayern Munich last summer.

However, in quotes carried by Football.London, Postecoglou admitted he didn’t have a specific profile in mind.

“At Celtic, I had Kyogo, who was a sort of out and out number nine and in Japan, I’ve always had a striker. It just depends, like last year we had to be a bit creative, it’s fair to say. You know but if Harry would have stayed I definitely would have used him!” he said.

“So I think for us what’s more important is the type of striker we get. You know we play a certain way. We demand certain things from a physical perspective from the technical aspects of it that it’s going be a striker that fits that mould.

“It’s still the area of the park we’re really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that’s a focus for us.”

Postecoglou may look to play Neto centrally if he is to arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke is keen on a move to Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou’s side are hopeful they can circumnavigate his £65m release clause, TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal.

The 6ft 2in forward has rebuilt his career after failing to make the grade at Chelsea, a club he was at between the ages of seven and 19, and then flattering to deceive at Liverpool.

He made just one appearance for the Blues’ first-team and then scored a solitary goal in 27 games for the Reds, before signing for Bournemouth in 2019 for a sizeable £19m.

It took time for Solanke to find his feet at the Cherries, with the one-cap England international netting on just four occasions in his opening 46 matches in all competitions.

However, he came alive when the Dorset outfit dropped to the Championship. In the 2020/21 campaign, Solanke scored 15 goals and the following season he doubled his tally as Bournemouth were promoted back to the Premier League.

Although his seven goals in 35 matches didn’t set the world alight on their return to the English top-flight in 2023/23, it was enough to keep the Cherries in the league – before he exploded into life last term.

Solanke was tied in fourth with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Manchester City’s Phil Foden for Premier League goals scored (19), with only Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak (21), Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (22), and City’s Erling Haaland (27) outscoring him.

The former Vitesse loanee, who scored 21 goals and notched four assists in all competitions in 2023/24, has been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal, but Spurs’ interest is the most concrete.

Postecoglou’s side have been on the lookout for a new number nine after struggling to replace the goals left by Harry Kane following his move to Bayern Munich last summer.

Richarlison is yet to justify his £60m price tag and had it not been for Son Heung-min’s 17 goals last season, Tottenham would have been in all sorts of trouble.

Tottenham make Solanke their top target

While they have been linked with Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Lille’s Jonathan David, among others, TEAMtalk can reveal Solanke is Spurs’ ideal pick to lead their line for next season.

Our sources have confirmed he wants to move to the north London outfit and Tottenham have spoken to the 26-year-old’s agents.

Manager Postecoglou is also an admirer of Solanke, who caused stand-in centre-back duo Emerson Royal and Ben Davies all sorts of problems with his pace and movement when they faced off last December at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Although the striker has a £65m release clause – which only a handful of select, unnamed clubs can reportedly trigger – Tottenham believe £60m may be enough to secure his services.

Solanke has become a vital player for Bournemouth and they will want to keep onto their talisman, whose contract runs until the summer of 2027 at Vitality Stadium.