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New midfield signing Mateus Fernandes scored what he called “the best goal of his career” inside three minutes of his Tottenham Hotspur debut in a behind-closed-doors friendly win over MK Dons on Wednesday.

The £85m signing from West Ham United struck with a stunning first-time volley into the top corner from outside the box, as manager Roberto De Zerbi fielded two different sides for the victory over the League One outfit.

Free agent goalkeeper signing Martin Dubravka also caught the eye with a superb flick over from close range on his first appearance since joining earlier this summer.

Fernandes partnered fellow summer signing Sandro Tonali in De Zerbi’s engine room, with the pair forming what could be one of the Premier League’s best double pivots ahead of the coming campaign.

READ: Transfer rumour ranking: Liverpool attempt last-gasp hijack as Man City close in on next signing

Both impressed, with Conor Gallagher operating in the No.10 position as competition for places in Tottenham‘s midfield is expected to be fierce following the £185million invested in the position.

None of Tottenham’s other summer signings featured, with Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke only just returning to pre-season training, while Marcos Senesi is now on his holidays after Argentina finished runners-up at the World Cup.

But the contest was decided by an absolute screamer from Fernandes, with the 22-year-old smashing home after MK Dons goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray’s long punch clear from a corner.

“It was my favourite goal of my career. By a mile,” he said.

“I need to do this more and more times, to shoot outside of the box, I know that I can do it.

“This just gives me confidence for the rest of the days.”

Former Spurs defender Sebastian Bassong, who now works for the club’s media channels, was equally impressed, comparing the strike to Gareth Bale’s goal against Stoke City or Zinedine Zidane’s famous volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

“What I’m impressed about is the balance, the quality, the connection, the fact that he’s looking at the ball – he doesn’t lose sight of the ball,” Bassong said.

“He’s such a gifted player.”

Fernandes and Tonali both departed at half-time of the contest but showed their qualities throughout the opening 45, with the latter in particular dictating play.

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Dubravka also made his debut, coming on at the break for Antonin Kinsky in goal in an otherwise more youthful second-half side but did make that one fine stop.

Tottenham fly to New Zealand on Thursday for their pre-season tour and will take on A-League side Auckland in a friendly at Eden Park on Sunday, with kick-off at 04:00 BST.

Tottenham insider Alasdair Gold feels a quoted price for Djed Spence is “insane” while Inter Milan have walked away from the chase for the Liverpool target.

Spence is coming off the back of a good World Cup, which could alter his fortunes. Our friends at TEAMtalk reported that following last season at Tottenham, he was informed he wouldn’t be part of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans.

But amid some good displays for England, there are clubs on the hunt for the full-back, who’s capable of playing either right or left.

Inter Milan appeared to be the leaders for his signature, but Liverpool have been credited with strong interest of late.

Either way, club insider Gold doesn’t feel Spence should be let go, especially not for a price quoted in some reports.

He said on YouTube: “We’ll talk about Djed a little bit and how the price tag that I’ve heard about is utterly ridiculous. I mean, utterly ridiculous.

“£25m as a price tag for him – not a chance. You’d have to be insane, Tottenham. First off, I don’t think they should sell him anyway. Have two terrific players for every position, that would be the best way to do it.

“But £25m, they signed him for a £20m package. He’s got three years left on his contract, and he’s just had a mega World Cup. Just no, don’t do it.”

Inter Milan exit Spence chase

However, the more widely accepted fee Tottenham are looking for is £40million, and that has put Inter off the chase.

Journalist Orazio Accomando has revealed that they won’t be proceeding for the moment as they see that price as an ‘excessively high’ one.

That could leave Liverpool as leaders in the chase for the full-back, after their interest in him was revealed of late.

Reds journalist Dave Davis said: “We went digging on this and Djed Spence is absolutely a player that Liverpool are looking at. That’s our info now. Liverpool absolutely are having a serious look at Djed Spence.

“He can play right-back and left-back at the same time, which means you just wonder, you know, you sell [Kostas] Tsimikas, and then you’ve got right-back and left-back cover there in Djed Spence.

Again, though, the price could be an issue, as Davis said: “They’re going to want top dollar. So they should. Spurs should be asking for something like £40million because he’s homegrown. He’s just had a great World Cup.

“He’s not worth that though, is he? It’s just that it’s a complicated one at right-back and centre-back for Liverpool right now.”

Al-Hilal have made a ‘fresh move’ to sign Bayern Munich star Harry Kane after he made a decision on re-joining Tottenham, according to reports.

Kane once again showed his worth for club and country over the past year with the former Tottenham striker winning his second Bundesliga title at Bayern Munich.

The 32-year-old scored 61 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions for the German champions, while he also hit the back of the net six times in seven matches at the World Cup, as England lost in the semi-finals to Argentina.

Kane has been attracting attention of top clubs around the world for years and now Al-Midan Al-Riyadi (via Goal) have revealed that Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have ‘made a fresh move’ for the ex-Tottenham striker.

It is understood that ‘Al-Hilal technical director Simon Francis has travelled to London in a bid to seal the deal officially’ with the former Bournemouth defender to ‘use the meeting to learn Kane’s financial demands and the privileges he wants’.

The news comes a few days after Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk ruled out Kane moving to Tottenham or Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.

READ: Tottenham ‘close to beating’ Arsenal for midfielder as favourites for Bergvall transfer are named

Falk said: “Bayern Munich will give Harry Kane some holiday time after England’s World Cup exit.

“Of course, now there will be extra time to take advantage of to start contract talks, and I hope this will happen soon, as we really want to keep Harry in the Bundesliga.

“What I’ve heard about the striker’s contract situation comes directly from the club, as Harry blocked any questions about his contract while he was concentrating fully on the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign.

“It was his last chance, I think, and I believe he was thinking the same thing, because when I looked at his face after the defeat to Argentina, when he was looking up at the fans in the stands, he seemed to be thinking, This could be the last time I’m here at the World Cup with a chance to actually win it.

READ:Man Utd reach final transfer decision on Marcus Rashford as Tottenham prepare big play

“Now, he can focus on Bayern Munich again. Perhaps this showed him what he has at Bayern Munich.

‘Sorry, Tottenham. Harry wants to win the Champions League now.’

“He will win titles in Bavaria, but of course he wants to win the Champions League – that’s the next big title he can win. And, crucially, it’s one he’s yet to win! Kane knows he has a big chance to win it if he stays with Bayern.

“As for reported interest from Real Madrid and Tottenham… Los Blancos have to make a new plan, which could take a year, perhaps even two.

“Perhaps they’ll be good enough next year under new manager Jose Mourinho, but they don’t know. At Bayern Munich, Harry Kane knows there’s a chance.

“Sorry, Tottenham. Harry wants to win the Champions League now. He can’t wait for Spurs to build towards something. He wants the big title.”

Tottenham are now close to hijacking an Arsenal deal to sign West Ham midfielder Isaac Allen this summer, according to reports.

Spurs have already got six deals over the line this summer as the Tottenham hierarchy looks to avoid being in a relegation battle again next season.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side survived on the final day of the season by beating Everton 1-0 and finished two points ahead of West Ham, who were relegated to the Championship.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka signed on free transfers, while Tottenham spent £237m on the signings of Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

Tottenham are also looking to the future with Daily Mail reporter Isaan Khan claiming that Spurs are now on the verge of completing a deal to hijack Arsenal’s signing of young West Ham midfielder Allen.

Khan wrote on X: ‘EXC: Tottenham are close to beating Arsenal to signing West Ham’s Isaac Allen. The England Under 15 midfield captain has been actively pursued by the Gunners for weeks – the club are keen on the player. But Spurs are confident. #afc.’

READ: Tottenham worries over selling top scorer ‘fourth year in a row’ for subpar Man City man revealed

Both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are interested in Lucas Bergvall, who reportedly wants to leave Tottenham this summer, and former Everton CEO Keith Wyness reckons Forest are favourites to make the deal happen.

Who will win the race to sign Bergvall from Tottenham?

Wyness told Football Insider: “I actually see Forest coming out on top on this one. I think the manager at Forest will be the factor that will convince him to go there.

“Look, both clubs have got war chests in terms of the sales that they’ve done. Both clubs need to improve in those positions. But I’ve just got a feeling that Forest are going to be the ones that come out on top

“I don’t think there’ll be any difference between the two of them. It’ll be up to the player to decide. And from what I’m hearing, I think he’s going to choose Forest.”

READ: Man Utd reach final transfer decision on Marcus Rashford as Tottenham prepare big play

Former senior Tottenham scout Bryan King reckons Spurs have a chance to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest this summer if he pushes for a move.

King told Football Insider: “Well, you had all this fuss last year, didn’t you, with him? He was going, he was staying, he was going, then the new contract came up.

“There’s no point in having an unhappy footballer within your football club. But he’s got to start thinking: ‘How will I get back in the England reckoning. Have I got more chance playing for a London club than I have for being up here?’

“Spurs are a bigger club than Nottingham Forest at this moment in time. So, you know, they’re all things to be taken into consideration.”

Tottenham insider John Wenham has some worry over the signing of long-term target Savinho, while he feels the club will sell their top scorer for the fourth year in a row.

Spurs’ attack was stale in their 17th-placed Premier League finish last term. Richarlison was the only man to surpass 10 goals, and he’s heavily linked with a move away.

Our friends at TEAMtalk have revealed there are multiple clubs interested in the Brazilian, Juventus among them, though his preference is to remain in England, with the club willing to sell.

Spurs insider Wenham feels he will be sold, with a price in mind.

He told Tottenham News: “Tottenham aren’t going to offer him a new deal. I thought he’d go to MLS and it would be announced in dollars and it would seem like a bigger fee than it actually was when he converted it to pounds.

“He will go for about £15-20 million maximum. It’s the contractual situation, the wages he probably wants. I think that’s the sort of fee he’ll go for and I expect he will go.

“It’ll be the fourth year in a row we’re selling our top goalscorer, but in reality he needs to move on and Tottenham have actively tried to sell him for the last two or three windows.

“I think it’s a reasonable and fair fee for someone of his ability.”

Indeed, Harry Kane, Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min all left within a three-year period – though the latter pair in the same year – and Richarlison could follow.

READ: Transfer rumour ranking: Dream on, Man Utd; Chelsea rival Arsenal for England star

Worry over Savinho move

Wenham also believes that Manchester City man Savinho will become a Tottenham player this summer, having been linked for some time.

However, he’s worried why nobody else is in the chase for the winger, who has two goals and 12 assists in 53 Premier League games.

Wenham said: “I can only see it happening because it’s been talked about so much for so long going back to last summer.

“I’m slightly concerned that nobody else is seemingly interested in him. It’s just been made clear from the outset that it’s Tottenham, Tottenham, Tottenham.

“I’m worried that he doesn’t contribute too many goals but maybe his time at Tottenham will flourish and they’ve seen something in him that will continue to be linked with him for two summer transfer windows now.

“I think that is a deal that will end up happening and we’ll see Savinho at Tottenham.”

Tottenham are running the risk of missing out on Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup amid interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, according to reports.

Spurs have flown out of the blocks in the summer transfer window as the Tottenham hierarchy look to avoid a repeat of their 17th-placed finish in the last two seasons.

Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the campaign by beating Everton 1-0 to finish two points clear of West Ham, who were relegated to the Championship.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka were their first three signings on free transfers from Liverpool, Bournemouth and Burnley respectively.

Tottenham then spent £237m on the signings of Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali and Jan Paul van Hecke as Roberto De Zerbi keeps improving his squad.

But Spurs are far from done with De Zerbi still hoping to seriously improve his attacking options with a couple of new wingers and a striker.

READ: Liverpool now ‘serious’ for shock Tottenham signing after Spurs approve transfer

Speaking over the weekend, Italian transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Savinho is still their main target from Manchester City.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “On Tottenham in terms of incomings, I stand by my news. In May, June, July I maintain my information. Tottenham want Savinho. Tottenham will go for Savinho. There are negotiations ongoing club to club, Tottenham and Manchester City.

“Savinho is very keen on a move to Tottenham. Savinho was already prepared to go to Tottenham one year ago, they wanted him in summer 2025. It was an exclusive story, I remember, July 2025.

“Then the deal didn’t happen because City decided to keep Savinho, to offer him a new contract in September, but now Savinho wants to go to Tottenham and Tottenham are negotiating for Savinho with Man City.

READ: Tottenham tipped to sell £60m star in Nottm Forest swap deal after Spurs U-turn on sale

“Then in order to get the green light for the move, Man City would need a replacement for Savinho, that’s the point. But Tottenham are working on the Savinho deal. Not today, not yesterday, but I told you in June and I stand by my information. Tottenham and Savinho, this remains the priority. This remains the topic and this remains the deal.”

Tottenham ‘could risk’ hijack from Liverpool or Chelsea

Another winger they are interested in is Benfica and Norway star Schjelderup with Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (Sport Witness) insisting that Tottenham are the ‘most advanced’ club in the race to sign the player.

However, Tottenham – who have opened talks to sign Schjelderup – ‘could risk’ a hijack from either Liverpool or Chelsea if they don’t get a move on as their interest in the Bodo-born 22-year-old ‘is no longer a secret’.

It is understood that the ‘biggest obstacle’ is now Benfica’s asking price for the young winger with previous reports claiming that €40m could be a starting point – but the latest report is insisting that the Portuguese side could now look to get €80m.

Liverpool are ‘serious’ about signing a rapid Tottenham player who Spurs fans might be more than a little disappointed to learn has the club’s approval to leave.

You can make a case for two of Spurs’ full-backs being among the best we saw in the recent World Cup. Pedro Porro was part of Spain’s imperious backline and found the net on two occasions during the tournament. His goal against France in the semi-finals helped Porro win the player of the match in that particular contest.

Elsewhere, Djed Spence was a force for England, and despite being right-footed, primarily lined up at left-back.

However, our colleagues over on TEAMtalk brought news last week of Tottenham giving the green light to Spence’s sale.

Their insider, Graeme Bailey, explained: ‘We understand that Spence has already been informed that he is not part of Roberto De Zerbi’s long-term plans at Tottenham Hotspur, leaving the 25-year-old free to explore opportunities elsewhere.’

Serie A champions Inter Milan have explored a move after selling Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid. However, a shock in-Premier League switch to Liverpool could now await.

Liverpool get ‘serious’ for Djed Spence transfer

Speaking on the Anfield Index YouTube channel, their journalist, Dave Davis, explained: “We went digging on this and Djed Spence is absolutely a player that Liverpool are looking at.”

Davis continued: “That’s our info now. Liverpool absolutely are having a serious look at Djed Spence.”

Liverpool’s current options at full-back consist of Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas.

Putting it bluntly, there’s more holes in that collection of players than a block of Swiss cheese.

The attack-minded Frimpong endured a difficult first season in England and is more of a wing-back than traditional full-back. Bradley remains sidelined after suffering a serious knee injury in January.

Kerkez wasn’t as bad as many make out in his debut season at Anfield, but Tsimikas is not and has never been the answer at left-back.

Clearly, there’s scope for Liverpool to add a new full-back, and in Spence, they’d be signing a player who can operate at a high level on both sides.

His versatility was cited by Davis as one of the key reasons Liverpool are smitten with the player, and why their interest is now ‘serious’.

READ NEXT: Tottenham tipped to sell £60m star in Nottm Forest swap deal after Spurs U-turn on sale

He added: “Liverpool like him for a number of reasons. Number one, he is electric quick. He is an excellent one-on-one defender, as you’ve also seen, and he’s an excellent carrier.”

Davis continued: “He can play right-back and left-back at the same time, which means you just wonder, you know, you sell Tsimikas, and then you’ve got right-back and left-back cover there in Djed Spence.”

But with Liverpool primed to break the bank on whichever winger they ultimately sign, the reporter stressed money could pose a problem for the Reds in this instance.

He concluded: “They’re going to want top dollar. So they should. Spurs should be asking for something like 40 million quid because he’s homegrown. He’s just had a great World Cup.”

According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur could offload Lucas Bergvall as part of a swap deal involving Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.

Tottenham are currently this summer’s biggest spenders in Europe, having invested around £230m to sign Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Spurs are expected to make more signings as they target forward reinforcements, so several exits are expected in the coming weeks to balance the books and/or raise funds.

And with Tottenham signing Tonali and Fernandes, it is hardly surprising that Bergvall, who is reportedly valued at £60m, is being heavily linked with an exit.

Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest have been heavily linked with Bergvall and a report from Football Insider over the weekend claimed the north London side have made a ‘U-turn’ on selling the midfielder.

READ: Transfer rumour ranking: Chelsea, Spurs discuss swap deal, Arsenal eye World Cup winner

The report claims:

‘Spurs’ initial stance was that the 20-year-old midfielder was not for sale under any circumstances in this transfer window.

‘However, Bergvall’s insistence on leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has resulted in the North London club reluctantly changing their mind.’

GOAL, meanwhile, have shed light on the relationship between Tottenham and Bergvall, claiming there has been ‘no communication’ between the two sides over his future.

The report explains: ‘Sources tell GOAL that there has been little direct communication between Tottenham’s leadership and Bergvall since the end of the Premier League season, with no substantive talks aimed at resolving his concerns or convincing him to reconsider his position.’

Tottenham tipped to strike Nottingham Forest swap deal

And a report from Football Insider claims Tottenham could seal a ‘part-exchange’ deal with Nottm Forest involving Bergvall and Gibbs-White.

Gibbs-White is a long-term Tottenham target. He looked likely to join the north London side last summer, but the deal fell through after Forest accused their rivals of tapping up the Englishman.

Now, though, former Tottenham scout Bryan King has argued that “there’s a deal there” for Tottenham and Nottm Forest with the two players.

“There’s a deal there with Bergvall, isn’t there? If he went to Forest. I think it’s certainly doable,” King told Football Insider.

“If Forest fancy Bergvall and Gibbs-White wants to leave, and the offer’s right, I could see it happening.

“There again, you know, it comes down to loyalty again, doesn’t it? He signed a new contract. Things didn’t work out. They’re not in Europe. I think it’s going to be a tough year for Forest.

“They’ll be in a transitional year, it’s whether the new manager fancies him and maybe the new manager fancies Bergvall. There’s a deal to be done there, if there’s going to be a deal.”

According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero is ‘now certain’ to leave after the World Cup, while another Spurs player has ‘said yes’ to a move.

Romero has not been without his critics over his apparent attitude issues, but he is a brilliant defender when he is at his best.

The 2022 World Cup winner was only a bit-part player for Tottenham during the 2025/26 campaign due to injury, but he made a big impact for Argentina at this summer’s tournament.

Romero has been heavily linked with an exit from Tottenham in recent months, and they appear to have already replaced him with the signings of Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.

And a new report from Football Insider claims Romero is ‘certain to leave’ after ‘speaking with his Argentina teammates’, with former Premier League chief scout Mick Brown insisting that he is “going to move on”.

“Romero leaving Tottenham is a certainty at this stage, he’s going to move on,” Brown told Football Insider.

READ: Arsenal and Man Utd targets in 10 World Cup stars set to earn massive transfers

“Tottenham came to the conclusion at the end of last season that they can’t rely on him, his performances were too inconsistent and he cost them far too may games.

“As far as they’re concerned, if a good offer comes in for him, they’re ready to let him move on and then build their squad without him.

“Romero, meanwhile, he’s been on international duty speaking to his Argentina teammates, and I have no doubt they have been convincing him to move on.

“Most of them play in Spain, where we know there has been interest from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, and that most likely is where he’ll end up.

“He’ll get to reunite with some of his teammates, and by all accounts he is keen to play in Spain, so it’s a deal that works for everybody in the end, they all get what they want.

“Romero gets to move on to a new club, and Tottenham get to cash in on a player who they have been keen to replace for a while.”

Antother Tottenham star ‘says next’ to summer transfer

More Spurs players will inevitably leave the club in the coming weeks, and our colleagues at TEAMtalk has revealed that forward Will Lankshear has ‘said yes’ to joining Championship side Middlesbrough.

Boro are now said to be ‘poised to sign’ Lankshear this summer.

Regarding the terms of the £10m move, the report explains: ‘Tottenham remain huge admirers of the striker and are not prepared to sever ties completely.

‘Sources have told TEAMtalk that Spurs are expected to insert both a substantial sell-on clause and a buy-back option as part of any permanent transfer, reflecting the belief within the club that Lankshear still has the potential to develop into a Premier League striker.’

Tottenham insider John Wenham has backed Cristian Romero as a “really good signing” for Manchester United, as he has rated his chances of the move.

Spurs are resigned to losing Romero this summer. They’ve signed Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke to cover for the exit of the Argentina centre-back.

Romero has been linked with some big clubs in recent months, United included.

Tottenham insider Wenham has backed the Red Devils’ signing of the defender.

He told Tottenham News: “I think you look at Man United and they must see how well him and Martinez play together at the back.

“I know there was an earlier link in the window out of Argentina which I took that as a pinch of salt at the time, it seemed to me like agent talk to try and encourage someone else to move for him.

“Actually thinking about it now he would be a really good signing for Man United.

“He would bring them some leadership and as partner with Martinez at the back like they do for their country, it would be a really good move, but I still think it will be probably Serie A where he returns to.

“I’ve noticed in the Italian league, suddenly out of nowhere, after a 10 year drought, are spending serious money.

“I’m seeing Roma putting down £39million for Crysencio Summerville, we’ve also seen AC Milan spend £62m on Goncalo Ramos from PSG.”

Romero and Martinez great together

In their careers so far, Romero and Martinez have played 29 games together, and have only ever lost three times.

They were the preferred centre-back partnership for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, and the only game they lost was the final, in which both players were subbed off, so can’t be held accountable.

Our friends at TEAMtalk have revealed Tottenham know Romero is going to be leaving this summer, and though they’d like to earn £50million from his transfer, they’d be willing to accept closer to £40million for the right package.

READ: Man Utd confirm signing of Tottenham winger as transfer fee revealed

They state that there are four sides currently interested in the Argentine – Inter Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

From Real’s point of view, they’d be more willing to go after Romero knowing that they wouldn’t have to pay the full £50million.

Spurs were also hopeful of having his future sorted by the start of pre-season, but with the World Cup having ended, that seems very unlikely.