Football365

Tottenham Hotspur have been backed to sign AS Monaco star Folarin Balogun for a ‘lesser fee’, but there is bad news over Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.

Spurs made a rapid start to this summer’s transfer window, having moved swiftly to make six signings.

They are also among this summer’s biggest spenders in Europe after investing around £230m to sign Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side have also been working on exits to balance the books, while they still want to strengthen their attack with at least one winger and/or striker.

Former Arsenal star Balogun is among Tottenham’s options after he scored 18 goals in all competitions for AS Monaco last season. He also netted three goals in four appearances for the United States at the World Cup, albeit while his outing against Belgium was clouded in controversy.

READ: Fabrizio Romano reveals Tottenham stance on selling Cristian Romero to Arsenal

Despite this, Football Insider‘s Pete O’Rourke is reporting that Spurs can ‘agree a deal with Monaco for a lesser fee’ than his true value, as he is only under contract until 2028 after joining them for around £25m in 2023.

O’Rourke explained: “Tottenham, as we’ve mentioned previously, are looking to bolster their attacking reinforcements and bring more players in.

“Balogun could be one who could be available and relatively cheap, because he’s only got two years left on his contract, so I don’t think Monaco would be demanding too big a fee for the USA striker.

“He’s not the only forward on Tottenham’s radar. I don’t think there’s anything too imminent on a possible move for him as well.

“He’s just one of those players that’s on the radar for Tottenham, there’s nothing advanced on it.”

Liverpool stand firm over Cody Gakpo

Regarding the wing department, Liverpool’s Gakpo and Manchester City’s Savinho have been mooted as leading targets for Spurs.

Another report from O’Rourke for Football Insider claims Tottenham have a ‘definite plan’ to sign Gakpo this summer, but Liverpool’s ‘response’ is that they don’t want to let him leave.

O’Rourke claimed: “Well, there’s definitely substance to Spurs’ interest in Gakpo.

“They are very much interested in the Dutchman because of his versatility, that ability to play out wide or through the middle as a number nine as well has placed him on their radar.

“But as things stand right now, Liverpool do not plan on selling Cody Gakpo despite Tottenham’s interest.

“He had come under fire from the Liverpool fans for some of his performances last season, but he is still a very important part of the team and the squad under Andoni Iraola.

“He slotted into the side last season as well to fill in for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike when they were out injured, and can play on the wing as well where they do need depth.

“Liverpool have got Gakpo under a long-term contract until 2030, and they’re under no financial pressure to sell.”

The agent of a former Tottenham midfielder has revealed his thoughts in regards to his current club amid links with a move to Newcastle United.

The Magpies are losing Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal, having already seen Sandro Tonali head to Tottenham. Their midfield has taken a massive hit, and though they’ve signed Sean Steur, they’ll need more recruits.

Multiple outlets, including Sky Sports, are reporting Newcastle are exploring the signing of former Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Their reporter, Keith Downie, states the Danish international is valued at around £15million, and is an experienced option who could potentially help ease the exit of Guimaraes.

Hojbjerg, currently at Marseille, is said to be just one of Newcastle’s options at the moment.

Santi Aouna, meanwhile, states discussions are ongoing between the Magpies and Marseille for the Dane, and that talks are progressing with the former Tottenham man.

He is already said to have given the green light for a return to the Premier League.

Hojbjerg’s agent weighs in

Meanwhile, Hojbjerg’s agent, Luca Puccinelli, has given his insight into a potential transfer.

He said: “Pierre is a proud Olympique de Marseille player, he is working hard and staying focused everyday. About the future we will see.”

But after Aouna’s reveal, it seems Hojbjerg is open to a move and there could be progress on it.

Newcastle fans will be aware they’re not getting the same level of player as Guimaraes if they are to land the Dane, but what they would be getting is a 31-year-old with a good deal of Premier League experience for a big-six club.

It will sting that the Brazilian star is leaving the club, but per sporting director Ross Wilson, he’s gone about things the right way.

He said of Guimaraes: “We didn’t want to sell Bruno. It wasn’t in the plan to sell Bruno. None of us — or ownership — wanted to sell Bruno.

“He’s our captain, he was very, very important to us and the debate over his price — it’s a world-record fee for a player of his age.

“What we had to weigh up was, very respectfully from Bruno with his behaviour towards us, very emotionally as well, effectively told us he wanted to leave and move on.

“That doesn’t mean he can go but it certainly plays a part in what our thinking is when we hit a certain range of number. But there’s no part in saying it was part of our strategy and was in our thinking this summer — it wasn’t.

“But we have got to be flexible and react to things that happen. It might have been in our plan to sign one player but we didn’t get him so we move on to another. We can only be honest about that.”

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal will fail in their quest to bring Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal are on the hunt for a new centre-back, with France international star William Saliba facing an extended spell on the sidelines due to a back injury.

Tottenham and Arsenal are bitter north London rivals, but that has not stopped the Gunners from trying to raid Spurs for Romero.

Romero is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, but he wants to leave Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla reported on August 6 that Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Romero.

Pedulla wrote on his website: “We can add that in just a few minutes, direct contact has been established between Tottenham and Atletico Madrid to get to the heart of the matter.

READ: Transfer rumour ranking: Arsenal eye Everton man after Vini snub as Real Madrid face Rodri hijack

“Atletico is moving forward, and an agreement with Cuti would not be a problem.

“It’s the same deal Inter reached last Friday (after previously reaching an agreement worth around €40 million for his transfer with Tottenham).

“We explained that it was a way to get ahead of the competition, but that the deal would be unlocked by a sale, a top priority.

“Pavard in particular offered to the entire world but without much appeal; furthermore, the Frenchman has so far rejected the few offers the Nerazzurri have received.

“And so, it was inevitable that competition would return: Atletico Madrid had started with a lower price for the player, and will have to reach at least the famous €40 million.

“Arsenal have also been pushing hard for Romero in recent days, but relations with Tottenham have been frosty for years.

“We’ll have to wait for the final steps, but right now, Atlético are leading the race for the Argentine central defender.”

Transfer guru Romano has confirmed that Arsenal have been in contact with the agents of Romero, but the Italian journalist has said that Tottenham are not keen on selling the Argentina international centre-back to their Premier League rivals.

Tottenham stance on selling Cristian Romero to Arsenal

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Arsenal spoke to the agents of Cuti Romero.

“Arsenal asked for information on Cuti Romero.

“What’s the point?

“The relationship, Arsenal Tottenham is obviously a complicated relationship.

“Way easier for Tottenham to give the green light to Atletico Madrid.

“My understanding is that the clear favourites to sign Cuti Romero now are Atletico Madrid.

“The player is negotiating with them.

“Atletico Madrid are negotiating with Tottenham.

“So, Atletico are on it.

“Inter had an agreement with Tottenham for some time, but Inter, if they do not sell Benjamin Pavard, they can’t proceed, and also they still don’t have an agreement on the contract.

“So, this depends on the outgoings for Inter.

“Atletico Madrid are already in negotiations.

“Arsenal asked for information, but Tottenham don’t want to sell to Arsenal.

“So, the only way would be an historical green light from Tottenham to Arsenal.

“Let’s see what’s going to happen on that one, but I expect Arsenal to go for a centre-back.”

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Micky van de Ven has an ‘agreement’ with Tottenham Hotspur over a new contract and has backed them to make a £60m signing.

Injuries plagued Van de Ven during the 2025/26 campaign, and his absence was sorely felt as Tottenham battled to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

When fit, Van de Ven remains one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and it seemed inevitable for a while that he would pursue an exit from Tottenham in this transfer window.

However, our colleagues at TEAMtalk reported last month that he has been tempted to change his mind on staying at Tottenham and could now sign a new contract, partly because he has been impressed with their transfer business in this window.

READ: £35m Tottenham star has now been ‘offered’ to Man Utd against De Zerbi’s wishes

The report explained:

‘Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Spurs believe the transformation under De Zerbi has significantly altered Van de Ven’s thinking.

‘Indeed, there has already been encouraging communication with the player’s representatives during the summer, prompting the club to prepare formal negotiations over a new deal. There is confidence internally that the Netherlands international can now be persuaded to remain in North London.’

On Thursday, journalist Ben Jacobs provided an update, claiming Van de Ven was now closing in on a new deal at Tottenham.

Jacobs said on X: ‘Micky Van de Ven is in talks with Spurs to sign a new contract. Discussions have been positive. An agreement is getting closer, although nothing is done yet.’

Fabrizio Romano reveals Micky van de Ven ‘agreement’ and Savinho update

Now, Romano has revealed that the club and player have a ‘verbal agreement’ over a new long-term contract.

Romano said on X: ‘Breaking: Tottenham reach verbal agreement on new deal with Micky van de Ven!

‘Same process as Pedro Porro: key players for De Zerbi and the club, never been for sale this summer.

‘New long term contract with salary rise agreed at #THFC.’

Regarding signings, Tottenham have brought in six new players in this window, having landed Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka.

And it appears that their focus for the remainder of this window will be to strengthen on the flanks and up front, with Manchester City’s Savinho and Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo mooted as leading targets.

Savinho is a long-term target and talks over a move to Spurs have rumbled on throughout this summer window, but Romano is confident that the north London club will sign him.

READ NEXT: Michael Owen ‘can see’ Tottenham signing ‘consistently poor’ Liverpool man

Man City reportedly want £60m for Savinho and are waiting to sign a replacement before letting him leave, though Romano insists Spurs have a ‘very, very good chance’ of signing him.

Romano said: “I think at the end of the [summer] transfer window, Savinho has very, very good chances to join Tottenham [Hotspur].

“I don’t expect any surprises here.”

Liverpool have reportedly reached a firm decision on whether to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Djed Spence, who is keen to join.

Spence was one of Tottenham’s better performers during the 2025/26 campaign, and his stock has risen after he shone for England at the World Cup.

Despite this, the versatile full-back finds himself in a difficult position at Tottenham, who appear likely to prefer Pedro Porro and Andy Robertson over him next season.

This has fuelled exit speculation, with Premier League and European clubs linked with a move for Spence in recent weeks.

On Thursday, it emerged that Spence has been offered to Manchester United and Liverpool, while it was also reported that he has made it clear that he wants to join Andoni Iraola’s side.

So far this summer, Liverpool have only signed Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, so they still have a lot of business to do in the coming weeks.

READ: ‘Wow’ – Michael Owen advises Liverpool to walk away from signing Bradley Barcola for one reason

Their overwhelming priority is to strengthen on the flanks, with Paris Saint-Germain pair Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye mooted as leading targets.

But the Reds also need defensive reinforcements, and Spence could be a smart addition with his pace, strength in defensive duels and flexibility.

Liverpool reach decision on signing Djed Spence

However, a report from The Liverpool Echo claims Liverpool’s firm decision on signing Spence is that they have ‘absolutely no intention’ of signing him.

The report explains:

‘Despite rumours doing the rounds on social media and various outlets that Liverpool are interested in Tottenham Hotspur and England full-back Djed Spence, the Echo understands that the Reds have absolutely no intention of moving for the player.

‘Liverpool are battling a somewhat serious injury crisis at the back, but it doesn’t appear that the Reds are willing to dip into the market for defensive reinforcements as it stands.’

Journalist Ben Jacobs, too, is reporting that the Reds will not be signing Spence this summer.

Jacobs said on X: “Liverpool not currently working on Djed Spence.

“Spence is open to a move away from Spurs and has been offered to several clubs, but LFC are focused on other targets as it stands.”

Interestingly, Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam has stated this week that Liverpool do not intend to strengthen at the back this summer.

“No, is the answer we are being told,” McAdam said on Sky Sports when asked whether Liverpool intend to strengthen at the back this summer.

He explained: “My understanding is Liverpool will not go into the market to sign a [new defender] for the next four to six weeks.

“Do you spend £50 million, £60 million on a defender and then in six weeks’ time when everyone’s fit and back, what’s he going to do, sit on the bench? Sit in the stands?

“It doesn’t make financial sense. They’re just going to have to ride the storm and then wait for their players to come back. Then they will be at full strength at the back.”

Arsenal are still ‘pushing hard’ to sign Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero amid interest from Atletico Madrid, according to reports.

The Gunners are looking to bring in quality over quantity in the summer transfer window after Mikel Arteta led the club to their first Premier League title in 22 years last season.

Arsenal have signed Illan Meslier from Leeds United on a free transfer and Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for around £34m, while the Gunners made Piero Hincapie’s loan move into a permanent deal from Bayer Leverkusen.

Sporting director Andrea Berta and Arteta are closing in on the signing of Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes, while they also want a new winger.

In recent weeks a new centre-back has also jumped up their priority list after an injury to William Saliba and Tottenham star Romero – who is set to leave Spurs – has been linked to Arsenal.

And now Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla has revealed that Arsenal are ‘pushing hard’ to sign Romero from their north London rivals but Atletico Madrid are currently ‘leading’ the race.

READ:Arsenal told to replace £64m star after signing Bruno Guimaraes – ‘that’s the level’

Pedulla said on his website: ‘We can add that in just a few minutes, direct contact has been established between Tottenham and Atletico Madrid to get to the heart of the matter.

‘Atletico is moving forward, and an agreement with Cuti would not be a problem.

‘It’s the same deal Inter reached last Friday (after previously reaching an agreement worth around €40 million for his transfer with Tottenham).

‘We explained that it was a way to get ahead of the competition, but that the deal would be unlocked by a sale, a top priority.

‘Pavard in particular offered to the entire world but without much appeal; furthermore, the Frenchman has so far rejected the few offers the Nerazzurri have received.

‘And so, it was inevitable that competition would return: Atletico Madrid had started with a lower price for the player, and will have to reach at least the famous €40 million.

‘Arsenal have also been pushing hard for Romero in recent days, but relations with Tottenham have been frosty for years.

READ: Arsenal make shock contact over £70m Premier League star as Vinicius Junior alternative

‘We’ll have to wait for the final steps, but right now, Atlético are leading the race for the Argentine central defender.’

Arsenal target Romero has ‘agreed a contract’ with Atletico Madrid

TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey has already reported that the Tottenham defender wants to join Atletico Madrid this summer.

Bailey said: ‘Inter had previously negotiated a deal with Tottenham worth up to £38million, but we understand the Serie A champions were unable to agree personal terms with Romero.

‘Atletico, however, have succeeded where Inter fell short as they push to hijack the deal.

‘Sources have confirmed Romero has agreed a contract on terms similar to those he currently earns at Tottenham, removing one of the biggest obstacles to completing the transfer.

‘The defender has long admired Simeone and views the opportunity to play under his fellow Argentine as the ideal next step in his career.’

Djed Spence has now informed Tottenham that he would like to leave the club to join Premier League rivals Liverpool, according to reports.

Spence impressed for England at the World Cup with the Tottenham full-back looking motivated and coming to the fore for the Three Lions in big moments.

Those performances have seen Spence linked with a potential move away from Spurs this summer with the ex-Nottingham Forest defender facing increased competition in the form of Andy Robertson next term.

As well as Robertson, Tottenham have brought in another five new players with Marcos Senesi, Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka all joining.

With excitement building around the new season at Spurs, Roberto De Zerbi recently made it clear that Spence will be allowed to leave if that’s what he chooses to do.

When asked about rumours surrounding Spence and Lucas Bergvall’s future, De Zerbi replied: “What I say to you, is the same I said to Djed and to Lucas – ‘I would like you to stay’. Not ‘I want you to stay’. ‘I would like you to stay if you want to stay. If you don’t want to stay, if you want to leave, you have to leave’. If you want to leave, speak with Vinai [Venkatesham] and Johan, because I don’t manage the price, the sale.

READ: ‘Wow’ – Michael Owen advises Liverpool to walk away from signing Bradley Barcola for one reason

“I can speak with Vinai and Johan about the best strategy, but I don’t decide £30m, £40m, that’s not my position, and I don’t want to change my position. It’s tough enough to be a coach, and I want to stay as a coach.”

De Zerbi added: “I respected the player’s ideas and opinions or projects. But if they stay, they have to stay following my rules, decisions on the pitch.

“After two games, three games, if one player is not playing and he starts to be sad or not correct with the other players, the coaches, staff, the club, we would make a big, big mistake because we didn’t learn from the past season.”

A report on Thursday morning revealed interest from Liverpool in signing Spence with the England international apparently ‘extremely receptive to the idea’ of moving to Anfield.

Anfield Sector wrote on X: ‘Liverpool have an interest in Tottenham defender Djed Spence. Spence is said to be extremely receptive to the idea of a move to Liverpool. Andoni Iraola has defensive concerns around the current right-backs. Not the only name under consideration so no clarity whether progresses but definite interest even if downplayed.’

READMichael Owen ‘can see’ Tottenham signing ‘consistently poor’ Liverpool man

While Tottenham reporter szyexcl insists that Spurs want at least £35m to sell Spence and also revealed that Spence would be ‘very open’ to pursuing the move.

They claimed: ‘Understand liverpool hold an interest in Djed Spence. player would be very open to Liverpool if an offer arises. #thfc would seek at least £35M. W/@AnfieldSector.’

And now a well-known account on X, which is made up of ‘five elite reporters’ with over 700k followers, has claimed Spence has taken the step to tell Tottenham he wants to leave for Liverpool as talks between the clubs begin.

The account posted on X: ‘Exclusive. Djed Spence informs Spurs of his wish to leave and join @LFC. Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit and in club-to-club talks with @SpursOfficial.’

Former scout Bryan King reckons Tottneham would be “foolish” to allow Spence to go for anything under £50m after other reports placed his value at around £25m.

King told Football Insider: “I think he’s done well every time he’s played for England. They’d be foolish to let him go for £25m, that is for sure.

“You wouldn’t let him go for £25m. You wouldn’t even start thinking about letting him go for under £50m. We’re talking about a young, current England international. It’s a situation where Tottenham would be stupid to let him go.”

Tottenham are set to wrap up a deal to allow Mikey Moore to join Koln this summer, according to reports, while Spurs are warned about a move for Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo.

The north Londoners have already invested heavily this summer in new signings with ENIC moving fast to get six new faces through the door.

Tottenham are keen to avoid being in a relegation battle again next term and Spurs are doing everything they can to make sure they are in good shape ahead of the next season.

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

Tottenham are now concentrating on moving players out of the club, while they are also looking to bring in two or three more attacking players to complement what they already have.

One player who looks likely to head out the door in the coming days is young winger Moore, who spent last season on loan at Rangers, and German newspaper Bild claim that the 18-year-old’s move to Koln is now ‘close to completion’.

READ: £35m Tottenham star has now been ‘offered’ to Man Utd against De Zerbi’s wishes

Despite the Bundesliga outfit looking to include an option to buy the young Spurs star, Koln had to give up on its ‘transfer principles’ to agree a season-long loan without the possibility of a purchase.

The signing of Moore is seen as a ‘small coup’ for Koln and they reckon that Moore can have an immediate impact on their performances next season.

Tottenham are on a ‘fool’s errand’ by negotiating for Gakpo

Tottenham are looking to bring in another winger of their own as they continue to explore a deal for Liverpool’s Gakpo – but one source has told reliable journalist Ben Jacobs that it is currently a ‘fool’s errand’ for Spurs to continue to negotiate with the Reds for the Netherlands international.

Jacobs explained on talkSPORT: “Liverpool’s preference is to keep (hold of Gakpo), that won’t change unless they add one if not two attack-minded players.

“Then possibly towards the middle or the end of the window, maybe not today, tomorrow, but by the time we get into mid-August and beyond, if Liverpool get what they need in the market, Cody Gakpo’s position could change a little bit.

READ: Tottenham told unlikely route in which they could ‘push’ for title as ‘perfect’ striker identified

“But, for now, it’s been described to me by sources as a ‘fool’s errand’ to negotiate with Liverpool for Gakpo now because they’re going to reject everything until such a point where they know one if not two players are going to come in.

“With Bradley Barcola being the top target and interest also in Ibrahim Mbaye amongst other players as well.

“And my sense is two would need to come in for Liverpool to change their stance, but Tottenham are serious about Cody Gakpo and that would in addition, according to my information, to Savinho, who Spurs are also working on.

“But before that one unlocks, it’s less about the finances and it’s more about Man City lining up a replacement.”

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Tottenham have been told they’re an elite striker away from pushing for the Premier League title, as a former scout has told them one man would have been “perfect.”

Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League for the second season in a row last term. But this term, it’s expected they’re going to be nowhere close to that after some good recruitment.

They’ve spent nearly £230million, entirely transforming their defence and midfields, with the biggest snares those of Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

Signings in the attack would polish off a quality transfer window, and Roberto De Zerbi has revealed he wants a couple through the door.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Carlton Cole and presenter Adam Catterall have suggested that an elite striker stands between Tottenham and a push for the Premier League title.

Cole said: “They need a 20-goal-a-season striker. There’s not many in the world, is there?

“I think that they’d look at bringing Ivan Toney or try to get Harry Kane back. They’ll be flying if they bring him back.”

Catterall responded: “If Harry Kane came back into this Spurs side, I’d move them from top six to a top four with a serious push [for the title].”

Unfortunately for Spurs, Kane won’t be coming back – he and Bayern Munich want to continue their relationship after his 61-goal season, and a new contract is in the offing.

Cole added when asked if Tottenham have a striker who can give them 20 goals: “Richarlison, no. We’ve seen his body of work. But I still have hope for Solanke if he can stay fit. I like him as a player.

“He’s just never never fit, that’s the problem. If you can get a run of games and get that confidence I think you could be your man because they’ve got someone there that can put the ball in the back of the net. They’ve got [James] Maddison coming back as well.

“They’ve got players coming back from injury where they’re going to be looking up and with the recruitment as well if they’ve got it right. It’s been very very good.”

Toney was ‘perfect’ for Tottenham

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King, speaking to Football Insider, is not sure why the aforementioned Toney has never been signed at the club.

He said: “Are clubs looking for him? I said a couple of years ago, when he was unsure about his future at Brentford and he ran his contract down there, why the hell Spurs never went for him, I don’t know.

“He would have been perfect for Tottenham. He was certainly a raw centre-forward when he went to Brentford.

“Of course, he got tied up with this thing about, you know, the betting stuff and all that. Then he ended up in a World Cup squad after playing a season and a half in Saudi Arabia.”