Football365

Tottenham have been hit with a transfer blow as a journalist has revealed it is now “highly unlikely” they sign top target Eli Junior Kroupi this summer.

Spurs narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship last season as a final-day win over Everton secured their top-flight status for another campaign.

And the Tottenham hierarchy are determined that they don’t find themselves in a similar position next term by investing in six new players already this summer.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have all signed on free transfers, while Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have joined in deals totalling £237m.

Tottenham are now looking to improve their attack with Manchester City’s Savinho and Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo are believed to be their main winger targets, while Bournemouth’s Kroupi is at the top of their list up front.

Tottenham insider John Wenham recently insisted that it’s now or never for Spurs if they want to sign Kroupi as his value will take off soon.

READ: Romano rules out Tottenham move for winger who ‘wants’ PL move; names two top targets

Wenham told Tottenham News: “Tottenham are rightfully in the market for a goalscorer, Kroupi would be an outstanding bit of recruitment if we managed to get him.

“I feel like this summer may be Tottenham’s only chance to get him, I expect if his form continues next season, with Bournemouth playing in the Europa League as well after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, his exposure and his sort of knowledge around world football will dramatically increase.

“It feels like if Tottenham are going to get him, possibly now is the only chance. It may be seen to others as Tottenham overpaying if they pay £85-90million for him, but I think Tottenham have got to act on these two 17th back-to-back finishes.”

Tottenham have had rivals for Kroupi’s signature this summer with Paris Saint-Germain showing interest – but TEAMtalk insider Graeme Bailey insists that the Bournemouth forward is ‘not prepared’ to join the French side if it means being a squad player.

READ: Tottenham eye immediate next signing instead of Savinho in stunning Saudi hijack

Bailey revealed: ‘Sources can reveal PSG have now been informed the French youngster is not prepared to join the Ligue 1 giants if it means accepting a squad role behind the likes of Ousmane Dembele and the club’s established attacking stars.’

Bournemouth would likely turn down £85m bid from Tottenham

And now Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke claims that Tottenham are “willing” to go to £85m for Kroupi but that a transfer is looking “highly unlikely” this summer.

Speaking on Football Insider‘s podcast: “Tottenham are willing to go to £85m for Junior Kroupi, which is a huge fee, but even then, Bournemouth would likely turn that down.

“A deal is highly unlikely because they want to try and keep hold of their best players under the new manager, Marco Rose. Over the years, they’ve seen their best players prised away, so they don’t want that to happen again with European football to look forward to.

“For Spurs, it’s a very ambitious move for them to try and get ahead of all the clubs in this race for Junior Kroupi, but he is under contract until 2030 at Bournemouth, and they are under no immediate pressure to cash in on him or anything like that as well.”

Premier League rivals Bournemouth are attempting to do everything they can to deter Tottenham from signing Eli Junior Kroupi this summer, according to reports.

Tottenham narrowly missed out on relegation to the Championship last season as Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor were both sacked in a disastrous campaign for the club.

It took a 1-0 win over Everton on the final day of the season to give them a two-point cushion over London rivals West Ham, who were relegated to the Championship.

Tottenham’s owners are now determined to avoid a similar scenario next season with ENIC already bringing in six new faces this summer.

Andry Robertson, Martin Dubravka and Marcos Senesi all arrived on free transfers, while they spent £237m on the signings of Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.

Tottenham are now looking to improve their attack with Manchester City’s Savinho and Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo understood to be two of their top targets for the wide positions, while Bournemouth’s Kroupi is their pick of the forwards.

READ: £85m striker rejects PSG to sign for Tottenham as £145m double signing explodes

But Spurs will not have it easy as they look to get a deal for Kroupi – who is valued at £85m by Bournemouth – over the line with the Cherries set to do everything in their power to stop a transfer.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Kroupi is somebody that they’re (Spurs) definitely interested in, whether they can pull it off or not, it’s going to be very difficult, there’s no doubt about that.

“Bournemouth are doing everything they can to keep hold of the player. They’ve put a huge price tag on his head as well.”

Orgullo Biri has revealed that Tottenham are one of the clubs attempting to hijack a deal for Sevilla striker Rubén Vargas with the La Liga side setting an asking price of €15m (£13m) for the Switzerland international.

The report adds: ‘West Ham has been the most persistent club in recent hours, considering submitting a formal offer to bring the two sides closer. However, Tottenham and Brighton continue to monitor the market and could intervene if negotiations progress towards figures closer to the player’s market value.’

Waddle impressed by Tottenham business this summer

Former Tottenham winger Chris Waddle is pleased to see Spurs signing some proven Premier League talent to improve their squad ahead of next season.

On whether he has been impressed by the spending at Tottenham so far this summer, Waddle told 10bet: “Yeah, it’s nice to see them competing in the market and buying proven players who are still at a good age where they hold resale value—which we know is Tottenham’s policy. They’re buying players who are already proven in the Premier League and have done well for their respective clubs.

READ: Romano rules out Tottenham move for winger who ‘wants’ PL move; names two top targets

“It’s not like when they bought Lucas Bergvall or Archie Gray, where you weren’t completely sure because they were young or inexperienced and might take two or three years to settle. These current signings have played in the league, they know what it’s about, and they’ve held their own quite comfortably.

“That’s what Tottenham have been lacking: players with genuine Premier League experience. Having players who know what to expect every week when they’re playing Liverpool, Manchester United, or Arsenal can only do them good. Buying proven top-flight talent is definitely the way forward for them.”

When asked if they should aim for European qualification next season, Waddle added: “Yeah, I don’t see why not. They’ve got a very good manager who plays Tottenham-style football—he wants to play on the front foot and loves to entertain.

“I’m sure there will be two or three players going out the door when the World Cup is finished, but he’s heading in the right direction. He’s buying players who can handle the Premier League week in, week out. There’s no reason why they can’t get themselves back into that top six.”

Why Bournemouth striker, Eli Junior Kroupi, has turned down the chance to join PSG in favour of signing for Tottenham has been revealed, with the move part of a double attacking reinforcement worth £145m.

It’s dreamland stuff for Tottenham this summer, with no fewer than six first-team signings already made. Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi all arrived via free agency, while a combined £237m was splashed out on Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

With the goalkeeping position, defence and midfield all addressed, it’s full steam ahead for two new attackers.

And according to our colleagues over on TEAMtalk, Tottenham have just received a gigantic boost in their efforts to sign Bournemouth frontman, Eli Junior Kroupi.

The 20-year-old plays either as a central striker or left winger, and blitzed the Premier League in his first season last term, scoring 13 times despite entering the campaign as a teenager.

Kroupi is a wanted man over at back-to-back Champions League winners, PSG. They’re looking to sign a direct replacement for Goncalo Ramos who was sold to AC Milan for an initial €74m.

However, TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has revealed why Kroupi has just signalled his intention to sign for Spurs instead of PSG.

Eli Junior Kroupi picks Tottenham over PSG

Bailey revealed: ‘Sources can reveal PSG have now been informed the French youngster is not prepared to join the Ligue 1 giants if it means accepting a squad role behind the likes of Ousmane Dembele and the club’s established attacking stars.’

Naturally Kroupi would slot in as a guaranteed starter in north London, and the Frenchman is understood to view the project Roberto De Zerbi and Spurs are embarking on as ‘hugely appealing.’

Accordingly, Spurs are now ready to act on their interest by launching an official bid in the coming weeks.

Regarding cost, Bailey explained an offer totalling £85m is expected to get Bournemouth’s green light.

And in further indication PSG have given up on Kroupi, both Bailey and Gianluza Di Marzio have confirmed Luis Enrique’s side have just agreed personal terms with Barcelona’s Ferran Torres instead.

Tottenham to sign £60m-rated Savinho too?

Aside from Kroupi, Spurs also intend to sign a specialist winger, and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the undisputed number one target is Manchester City’s Savinho.

Reporting on YouTube, he declared: “On links between Rafael Leao and Tottenham. Can Rafael Leao go to Tottenham? Is it true that Tottenham are negotiating for Rafael Leao?

“Guys, my understanding is the main names to take into consideration for Tottenham for the winger positions are: Cody Gakpo – but at the moment Liverpool are yet to open doors to an exit – and Savinho. Savinho is a top target for Tottenham. These two players are considered priorities for Tottenham for the winger position.

“I’m not saying they are joining, because this depends on negotiations, but Savinho is number one, two and three because Tottenham already wanted one year ago. If you remember, in my videos I always told you this.

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“Then Cody Gakpo is a desire of Tottenham but at the moment Liverpool are not opening the doors to an exit, so we have to be patient. On Rafael Leao, I’m not aware of negotiations between Tottenham, his agent, Tottenham and Milan, at the moment I’m not aware.”

Man City have given the green light to Savinho’s sale this summer, and the Brazilian, 22, is prepared to join Tottenham.

Prior reports have claimed this is a deal that can be struck if Tottenham put £60m on the table.

The Mailbox reacts to Belgium’s exit after Senne Lammens’ slip up, while Spurs attempt to distance themselves from The Cartel…

We also have a scientific explanation for Jarell Quansah’s extended ban.

Send your thoughts to theeditor@football365.com.

Lammens will be fine

That’s rough on Senne Lammens. It won’t feel like it now but it will do him good in the long run. Man Utd will probably get a better keeper this season because of it.

The cutaway to Courtois on the bench immediately after Spain’s winner was brutal. The arrogance is probably part of what makes him a great keeper but he comes across as a tit.

Anyway, seeing Courtois in tears is nice boost for Jordan Pickford before Saturday night.

Phil

MORE: Senne Lammens suffers on World Cup baptism of fire as Merino capitalises for Spain

How to tarnish your image

When I read the news that Michael Edwards had left Liverpool, I wasn’t totally surprised based on his ambition but it doesn’t say much for his reputation and standing when you consider his management of transfers and player contracts has been less than stellar over the last two years – something he was supposed to excel.

Building this aura around one key trade – bringing in Salah – supposedly over Klopp’s desire for Brandt – and his ability to check out players after data showed they might be worthwhile (according to Ian Graham in his book on ‘How to win the Premier League.’

While Slot didn’t do himself any favours in Season 2, the player trade fiasco was largely in Edward’s and Hughes domain. I was never happy over the fact neither faced the public over it. Never came out with any explanation of strategy – short or long term. Meanwhile it really handcuffed Slot, the guy they hung out to dry.

Then he replaces Slot with Iraola, a decent change, but jumps ship because FSG didn’t buy another club, right in the middle of probably Liverpool’s most important transfer window for a long while.

I’m sure he’ll get a decent well paid job – and likely already has something in the hopper – but the timing sucks.

Or is it that FSG were not enamoured with how the transfer business has been going and have him a nudge?

Paul McDevitt

Hold fire on Spurs

As much as the hurricane of pissing and wailing from Villa and Newcastle fans has been about our spending has been in the past weeks, it really does show the complete and utter lack of clear guidance and information from journalists and those who set the rules.

FFP, PSR, and whatever the latest incarnation is, has been around now for the best part of a decade or more. They were never going away, and were always going to continue long into the future

All this talk of a “top 6 cartel” may be true to an extent, and as much as I place my club Tottenham as a ‘top 6 club” on average based on the last 20 years (not the last two alone lads) I don’t think we’re part of any sort of “cartel”.

Chelsea and Manchester City were bought by billionaires and have had unlimited money poured in. These two clubs are legitimate targets for your crying. Arsenal and Liverpool have bought and sold well and had sustained champions league money coming in. Arsenal built a new stadium in 2006 and Liverpool extended theirs, and Man Utd already had a huge one and a massive global following due to sustained success over decades. These three clubs invest a lot of money on making their club’s more self sustainable longer term:

Both Villa and Newcastle were bought out by billionaires and wouldn’t have given a shit about the ‘integrity of the game’ if there were no financial rules. Neither would care about the negative impact on clubs like Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford who spend well on data and sustainability, scout well and buy and sell well. These two clubs would nick their players and pay them top dollar. So let’s not get too upset on their behalf

Spurs have been derided for a long time, both internally by our fan base and externally by others, and experts, for not spending money or showing ambition. We’ve taken the long term approach of concentrating on increasing our revenues, building a state of the art stadium, building partnerships with global brands, and now we’re able to spend more money. If we continued how we had in the 2000’s, we’d be in the same spot now as Newcastle and Aston Villa, but without owners able to spend.

If you want a whinge, aim it at Chelsea and City.

Spurs are a massive club in a blip, finally waking up to the fact we need to invest in football: our current finishes are a result of years of underinvestment, not the potential of the club. We’ve built our position without a billionaire benefactor. We are owned by a billionaire, but what we have has been done with borrowing from banks and investing clumps of our revenue, often only having wages at 40% or turnover

Ross H THFC

Spending isn’t wrong but spending badly is

Tarqs is well within his rights to be annoyed about Newcastle selling players, but the issue isn’t that smaller clubs aren’t allowed compete, it’s that they can’t make mistakes.

Newcastle signed plenty of players after the takeover and several were very good and they got into the CL. From there though, they have to stay in the CL to keep competing and, most importantly, can’t make mistakes in the transfer market. Last summer they sold Isak for record money and profit and got into the CL, which is all great and put them on a great trajectory. The problem was that they then spent all of that and more on Woltemade, Wissa and Elanga, all of who were dropped (or playing CM) by the end of the season and you missed out on Europe. That’s an expensive mistake you cannot afford to make, and players are going to subsequently have to leave and want to leave for bigger clubs (we couldn’t keep Konate – there’s always a bigger fish). City or Chelsea, on the other hand, can spend 60m on a midfielder and stop playing him for half a season and then buy a replacement for twice as much. That’s the issue – you have to make no mistakes and the historic clubs can afford to.

The aim with PSR (which isn’t as onerous as the UEFA regs, so if you’re going to be in Europe you need that anyway) is that it stops clubs doing a Leeds and mortgaging (quite literally) their future. You can spend as much as you like on training and youth facilities but if you spend big money you have to deliver and that is extremely difficult.

Tom, Andover

Enjoy the ride

It’s like guessing the gender of a baby. Let’s just play the game and see what happens. Yes, beating Croatia (fair dos) Panama, DR Congo and Mexico and getting to the quarter finals is good, but does it make us a shoe in? Why do we go through this every time? 50 minutes of Dan Burn putting his head in dangerous situations and we are suddenly world beaters? We basically proved that we can make lots of last ditch tackles and headers, we gave up chances that better teams would make more of. But here we are, the Mexico performance is apparently proof that not only will we breeze past Norway and Argentina, but once we have done that we can keep Doue, Dembele, mmmmbop, Barcola, Olisse et al quiet. Taking Norway and Argentina for granted and looking ahead to the final is mental, and piles on the pressure for the players.

And who is to say Spain won’t beat France?

History tells us anything can and will happen, christ, look at what the so called minnows have achieved this World Cup, look at the FA cup! I imagine the boys from Brazil probably thought they’d win, but here we are. Norway are a proper team and we are in for a hell of a game.

Supporting the team is not the same as gaslighting ourselves into believing we have already won. It’s cheering the wins and applauding the losses. Unless Tuchel f*cks it, in which case he can leave the door open for Pep as he leaves the building.

Tom

The first law of Red Card Dynamics

Nice to see FIFA’s commitment to The First Law of Thermodynamics – namely that matter cannot be either created or destroyed in relation to Balogun’s red card.

The suspension couldn’t just vanish, it had to go somewhere so they gave Quansah a two-match ban instead.

Problem solved. Good work. Probably prevented the entire World Cup from collapsing in on itself in some kind of disciplinary black hole.

Conor Malone, Donegal.

Anthony McGordon

Don’t know if anyone else experiences this, but whenever I see Anthony Gordon or hear his name mentioned, all I can think about is that he is definitely Scottish.

He’s got a Scottish name, he looks totally Scottish and somehow even plays a bit Scottish. I find it weird that he’s allowed to play for England. Because he’s Scottish.

That’s my contribution to the big talking points of today.

Cheers,

Al

England’s three-point plan

One. Beat Norway

Two: Beat Argentina

Three: Beat France

Thanks

Phil the Terrier, Holywell

Tottenham will not pursue a move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao this summer as they have two other targets in mind, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Spurs have already revamped much of their side this summer with six new signings coming through the door by early July.

The Tottenham hierarchy are looking to make sure they don’t find themselves in another relegation battle next season after finishing just two points above the drop last term.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have all joined on free transfers, while Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali have all arrived in deals totalling £237m.

Tottenham are now looking to improve the attacking areas of their side after addressing the defence and midfielder, with many rumours about potential targets.

AC Milan winger Leao, who could be available for a cut-price fee, is one player who has been heavily linked – but Italian transfer insider Romano insists that Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Manchester City’s Savinho are their top two targets.

READ: Tottenham told it’s now or never for £85m Prem striker who’s going to be great

Romano said on YouTube: “On links between Rafael Leao and Tottenham. Can Rafael Leao go to Tottenham? Is it true that Tottenham are negotiating for Rafael Leao?

“Guys, my understanding is the main names to take into consideration for Tottenham for the winger positions are: Cody Gakpo – but at the moment Liverpool are yet to open doors to an exit – and Savinho. Savinho is a top target for Tottenham. These two players are considered priorities for Tottenham for the winger position.

“I’m not saying they are joining, because this depends on negotiations, but Savinho is number one, two and three because Tottenham already wanted one year ago. If you remember, in my videos I always told you this.

“Then Cody Gakpo is a desire of Tottenham but at the moment Liverpool are not opening the doors to an exit, so we have to be patient. On Rafael Leao, I’m not aware of negotiations between Tottenham, his agent, Tottenham and Milan, at the moment I’m not aware.”

Rafael Leao ‘wants to test himself in the Premier League’

European expert Andy Brassell has given the lowdown on what a new club could expect from Leao after news that the Portugal international “wants to test himself in the Premier League”.

Brassell told talkSPORT: “Rafael Leao is not at the peak of his form at the moment. But that probably means he’s a potential bargain for some lucky Premier League team out there.

“He’s had some stuff going on off the pitch as well – personal stuff that he’s had to deal with which is no doubt affected him.

“But as we said, even with him playing below potential, the numbers have actually been pretty good if we overlook the fact that he didn’t create as much as he might have done last season and, in fact, all the numbers have been down.

“But what this has meant is that there’s a potential bargain there. We talked about that 175 million euro buyout clause.

READ: Tottenham eye immediate next signing instead of Savinho in stunning Saudi hijack

“No one’s paying even half that at the moment. There’s no question of that.

“So this brings the Premier League teams back into the picture. It’s not just about the Saudi clubs. And he’s shown a real disinclination to go to Saudi.

“He wants to stay in Europe, and he wants to test himself in the Premier League.”

Brassell added: “He said before the World Cup that he thinks this is the moment for him at 27 to separate from Milan.

“So I guess the question is: can he do it, and where is the fit? He can definitely do it. We’ve seen that in this World Cup.

“In fact, in that rather scratchy last 32 performance that Portugal gave against Croatia, he was one of their better players.

“He’s brilliant on that left-hand side, creating the winner with a fantastic cross for Goncalo Ramos. How much is he as well?

“So underlining exactly what an impactful player he can be any given moment. Before you look at his dribbling and his speed, the way he can change pace and direction. It just glides on the ball. It looks so effortless, almost like Thierry Henry in that sort of slot.

“He never looks like he’s busting a blood vessel, but he’s completely outpacing others. So the second bit that who really see?

“We know Tottenham were interested in him, and that would be a really interesting bit, a big upgrade for him for them on that left-hand side.

“Of course, since Son [Heung-min] has gone, they’ve not really had a player of that sort of explosive quality in that sort of area of the pitch, and I think they are comparable because even though Son did become more central in the closing part of his time, it’s first we know Rafael now can do that.

“We know he can come inside and score goals as well, and maybe the fluidity of the Premier League and the pace of it really works for him in that sense in the sense that he’s always fighting for the right to counter-attack.

“Now look, there are loads of other clubs that he could end up at, but with Tottenham really nailing their colours to the mast in terms of getting out there in terms of battering down all the previous cliches about them not spending money this season – He would be a huge, huge upgrade in attack.

“Working with a coach as intense as Roberto De Zerbi might get the best out of him consistently, which is exactly what he needs at the age of 27 if he’s really to become one of the best players in the world.”

Tottenham have been told by insider John Wenham that this summer is the only chance they’ll get to land £85million-rated striker Eli Junior Kroupi.

Spurs have shelled around £230million this summer, with the defence and midfield essentially fully sorted. The finishing touches on what could be the perfect summer would be one or two additions in the final third.

Tottenham have eyes on Bournemouth striker Kroupi after his 13-goal debut Premier League campaign, with a suggestion that they’re willing to shell £85million on him.

If they are to do that, Wenham has told them it’ll have to be now, as Kroupi could explode onto the radar of a lot of other clubs with another top season.

He told Tottenham News: “Tottenham are rightfully in the market for a goalscorer, Kroupi would be an outstanding bit of recruitment if we managed to get him.

“I feel like this summer may be Tottenham’s only chance to get him, I expect if his form continues next season, with Bournemouth playing in the Europa League as well after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, his exposure and his sort of knowledge around world football will dramatically increase.

“It feels like if Tottenham are going to get him, possibly now is the only chance. It may be seen to others as Tottenham overpaying if they pay £85-90million for him, but I think Tottenham have got to act on these two 17th back-to-back finishes.”

READ: Tottenham transfer now 100% dead for two reasons despite De Zerbi plea to get deal done

Tottenham attack under par

Indeed, Wenham has suggested the current options available to Roberto De Zerbi in the attack are less than rousing.

He said: “The forward line currently, with Randal Kolo Muani, who has left the club, consists of Dominic Solanke, who’s missed a lot of last year through injury, and Richarlison, who has 10 months left on his contract and is expected to leave.

“When you write down Tottenham’s strongest team moving forward, the forward line looks decidedly like an issue.”

With Richarlison the only Spurs attacker who netted more than 10 goals last season, new additions certainly seem necessary to round out what looks a very useful team now following two 17th-placed finishes in a row.

Of the new additions, at least three or four should slot straight into the starting XI, and should one or two new attackers join, the case would likely be the same there.

Tottenham are keen on bringing Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao to north London as their seventh signing of the summer, according to reports.

Spurs have made a quick start to the summer transfer window with the Tottenham hierarchy already completing six signings so far.

And there are more to come with ENIC hoping to avoid another relegation battle after finishing just two points above the drop last term.

Tottenham have brought in Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka on free transfers, while Jan Paul van Hecke also arrived early on in the window in a £52m deal from Brighton.

In more recent deals, Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes both made the move to Tottenham in deals totalling £185m.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently insisted that Manchester City winger Savinho is the “next big name” on their list of summer targets.

READ: Tottenham transfer now 100% dead for two reasons despite De Zerbi plea to get deal done

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Tottenham remain very interested in Savinho. Tottenham keep working on the Savinho deal.

“They’re waiting for Manchester City to take a decision on Savinho – whether they want to let him go or not, and under which conditions

“But the conversations have started. The conversation is ongoing.

“Savinho is the next big name on their list, I would include also Cody Gakpo among the players they like at the winger position after reshaping the midfield with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.”

Tottenham could pursue versatile Trincao over Savinho

However, Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness) claims that Trincao has paused a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli amid interest from Premier League sides Tottenham and Manchester City.

As he takes a while to think about a potential move, the possibility of remaining in a top European league is ‘still very much alive’ with Man City ready to make a move for Trincao if Savinho leaves the Etihad Stadium.

Tottenham interest in Trincao is ‘more immediate’ than Man City’s with Spurs looking to provide someone to push Mohammed Kudus on the right-hand side of attack, while the Portugal international could also cover the area behind the striker.

READ: Tottenham make shock offer for ex-striker with De Zerbi ready to welcome star back

James Maddison has struggled for fitness since joining Tottenham and Xavi Simons is likely to be out until the New Year with an injury, meaning Trincao could become the ideal cover.

Earlier this week, Italian transfer insider Romano had insisted that Trincao was “very close” to leaving Sporting CP and moving to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Francisco Trincao is now very close to joining Al Ahli. Despite links with AC Milan, Man Utd and several Premier League clubs, Saudi Arabia is now his expected destination.

“Al Ahli allowed Riyad Mahrez to leave on a free transfer and have identified Trincao as his replacement. Negotiations are very advanced, with a transfer fee expected to be worth around €45-50 million.

“Trincao has already shown his willingness to make the move. It is a deal with strong Portuguese connections, as sporting director Rui Pedro Braz is Portuguese, Trincao is Portuguese and the player’s representatives are also Portuguese. Al Ahli first identified him as a target back in January, and talks are now progressing well.”

According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur’s move to sign Joao Palhinha permanently from Bayern Munich is now ‘100% dead in the water’.

The former Fulham midfielder joined Tottenham on loan with an option to buy from Bayern Munich in last summer’s transfer window.

The 2025/26 campaign was shambolic for Tottenham, but Palhinha was one of their standout performers and was praised by manager Roberto De Zerbi at the end of the season.

In May, De Zerbi revealed why he was so keen on keeping Palhinha at Tottenham heading into next season.

“100 per cent [I want to keep him next season)],” De Zerbi said in May.

READ: Tottenham in pole position for Man Utd ace Marcus Rashford but key issue emerges

“We have to start with [those] types of people. More than players, we need reliable people, reliable players. Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure, but as a guy.

“I want to see the player with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit, the same personality, and we are lucky to have with us Palhinha.”

Despite this, Tottenham are yet to sign Palhinha permanently. Instead, they have invested around £185m to sign Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke, while Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have joined the club on free transfers.

And journalist Christian Falk has now revealed that Tottenham’s proposed move for Palhinha is now ‘dead in the water’.

Joao Palhinha to Tottenham falls through for two reasons

According to Falk’s report, Palhinha is not joining Tottenham permanently because Bayern Munich have refused to lower their demands and that they have signed other midfielders.

Instead, Falk claims Palhinha could secure a return to Portugal in this summer’s transfer window.

Falk claimed: “It is TRUE: Talks with Tottenham over signing João Palhinha are 100% dead in the water.

“ Palhinha would also be keen to return to his native Portugal. Sporting Lisbon are keen on him, but the problem is that Bayern want to make another sale, while the former wish to secure a loan deal for the holding midfielder with a buy-option attached after a year.

“Bayern are firm: they want the money now. They had calculated that they would get €30m-35m if Tottenham had triggered his buy clause. Spurs won’t do that now, so Bayern want to get this money elsewhere.

“So, a loan wouldn’t be the perfect solution for the club, which is why this is going to take some time.”

Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race for Marcus Rashford, though a clear problem could emerge in talks with the Manchester United forward, a report has claimed.

Rashford joined Barcelona on a season-long loan last summer which included an option to buy worth €30million (£26m). Rashford proved his doubters wrong by shining in Catalonia, registering eight goals and seven assists in 32 league appearances as Hansi Flick’s side retained their LaLiga title.

The winger was hopeful of signing for Barca permanently, but the Blaugrana decided against activating their €30m purchase clause.

Barca instead wanted to negotiate another loan deal for Rashford, which Man Utd were never going to accept.

Barca have since moved on by signing Rashford’s England team-mate Anthony Gordon for £69m and entering talks for fellow winger Karim Adeyemi of Borussia Dortmund.

Those developments have forced Rashford to consider other solutions. Italian source AS Roma Live claim Tottenham are currently favourites to snap up the 28-year-old, but their lack of Champions League football could prove to be a stumbling block.

READ: Five-year net spend table now topped by Spurs after Tonali transfer

‘Tottenham have so far been the club that has made the most concrete contact with the player, who, however, would like to play in the Champions League next season,’ the report claims.

‘Several intermediaries have also sounded out the prospects with Roma and Napoli. Both clubs like his profile, but the player isn’t a priority for the Italian clubs, given his current salary of around €8.4m (£7m), including bonuses.

‘Aston Villa and Newcastle are also interested in the player, as are Galatasaray and, above all, Fenerbahce, who have started real negotiations in recent days.’

The report claims it is ‘not 100 per cent ruled out’ that Barca could re-sign Rashford. However, it is very hard to see them being able to afford his capture if they build on the Gordon deal by landing Adeyemi.

Bayern Munich could be another club to open talks for Rashford, as they hold long-term interest in him.

Our friends at TEAMtalk revealed on Wednesday that Man Utd are open to reintegrating Rashford into Michael Carrick’s squad if he cannot secure a transfer this summer.

The England international was pushed out of Old Trafford by former head coach Ruben Amorim, but new boss Carrick remains a big fan of his.

With regards to Spurs, Rashford is one of several winger options they are evaluating. Roberto De Zerbi’s side have reportedly shortlisted Rafael Leao, Savinho, Cody Gakpo, Antonio Nusa and Francisco Trincao.

Out of those players, AC Milan’s Leao appears to be their main target. The Portuguese is reportedly ‘ready to say yes’ to a €50m (£42.5m) switch to north London.

He has long wanted a Premier League move, and Spurs are poised to give him an exciting new opportunity.

According to reports, Manchester United could yet push to beat Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool.

Gakpo joined Liverpool for around £45m ahead of the 2023 winter transfer window, though he initially looked more likely to join Man Utd before they missed out on the deal.

The Dutchman impressed for his nation at the World Cup, but he is coming off a disappointing season for Liverpool and it has been suggested that he could be sold this summer.

In recent weeks, Tottenham have been mooted as a likely destination for Gakpo, who is said to be one of their three ‘dream’ targets for the remainder of this window.

However, Man Utd could yet rekindle their interest in signing Gakpo and make a move in this summer’s window.

READ: Man Utd line up French midfielder after Fabrizio Romano hints agreed signing is off

Man Utd are prioritising a midfield overhaul in this summer’s transfer window, but they could also bring in a new winger and are linked with West Ham standout Crysencio Summerville.

“All we can say is Man United loved Gakpo…”

Instead, journalist Ben Jacobs claims the Red Devils could sign Gakpo if he “asks to leave” Liverpool, though another team are the “most concrete suitor”.

“He has always been somewhat appreciated, but we know that Man United and Liverpool just don’t really do business. So, whether or not that could possibly get off the ground, I’m not so sure,” Jacobs told The United Stand.

“There are denials, despite recent reports in the Netherlands, that Gakpo has asked in any way, shape, or form to leave.

“So, Liverpool are quite calm about the situation, but Tottenham might consider that deal. And all we can say is Man United loved Gakpo before he joined Liverpool.

He added: “If Gakpo specifically asks to leave Liverpool, then let’s see where the Premier League clubs come forward. And it seems like Tottenham are the most concrete suitor.”

In recent days, it has emerged that Man Utd have moved to close the deals for Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow, whille Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Ederson Silva.

“I can tell you more about Ederson,” Romano said.

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“He has already completed the first part of his additional medical. There will be a second part and then, at any moment from now, everything will be sorted. I told you this week that we expected a final confirmation on the deal, and this week Man Utd will provide their verdict on the Ederson transfer.

“At the moment, the deal is on hold because everything has already been agreed verbally.

“Man Utd reached a verbal agreement with Ederson, and the first part of his medical was completed in the United States. The club wanted to carry out additional checks, which are now taking place in England.

“After that, Man Utd will communicate with Atalanta and the player’s representatives to confirm whether they will proceed with the signing or whether the deal is off. So let us wait for the final verdict on Ederson.”