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Michael Owen “can see” the exit of a Liverpool man who was “consistently poor” last season and has been strongly linked with Tottenham in recent weeks.

The Reds are pushing firmly to improve their attack after the exit of Mohamed Salah, who’s landed at Trabzonspor. After nine years of superstardom at Anfield, Liverpool need to get the right man in the attack.

Bradley Barcola is heavily linked as the Reds’ favourite on the wing, and there have been some suggestions that they might first need to sell somebody.

Amid links between Tottenham and Cody Gakpo, that could be ideal.

Asked about the potential of Gakpo leaving amid Spurs interest, former Liverpool man Owen sees it as possible.

He told GOAL: “Well, he was consistent last year, but consistently poor. He had a good opening 10 games or something, but then for the rest of the season, he was pretty poor.

“Gakpo has already proven that he can be very effective in the Liverpool team. But it was a concern, his performances last season, although it was a concern a lot of their performances. It was a poor season.

“I don’t think that’s an impossible one. If they lose him, they’re already desperate for wide men. If they lose him, are you going into the season relying on Rio Ngumoha? If you’ve got a replacement, then I can see it.

“It could happen. At the moment, I think they’re looking at adding, I’m not sure they’re thinking of getting rid of too many players. His season last year was not very good. However, he has proven over time that he is very good. That’s an up in the air one.”

Gakpo talks ongoing

Initially, it was suggested that Liverpool would not get rid of Gakpo, but the stance now appears to be softening, partially tied to the pursuit of Barcola.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano said: ‘Tottenham are in direct talks with Cody Gakpo’s camp over possible move this summer, after approaches revealed in July.

‘Deal depends on Liverpool decision; doors closed back in July but now could depend on financial package/Barcola pursuit.

‘#THFC are trying.’

And though Owen is somewhat wary of Liverpool having to rely on Ngumoha, it’s believed he might well be the starting left-winger this season, while Spain international Victor Munoz has also arrived at Anfield over the summer.

Reporter Ben Jacobs has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are ‘getting closer’ to striking an ‘agreement’ with star defender Micky van de Ven.

Spurs have already made a real statement in this summer’s transfer window, having invested around £230m to sign Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.

The north London side have also recruited Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka, while they remain in the market for more additions.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side are still to sign a new winger, with reports suggesting they are keen on Cody Gakpo and Savinho.

However, Tottenham’s best bit of business in this window could come via keeping Van de Ven, who is one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs.

READ: Djed Spence reaches decision on joining Liverpool as Tottenham set price for sale

Tottenham sorely missed Van de Ven while he was unavailable last season and he got his side out of trouble on numerous occasions when he was fit.

For a while, it felt inevitable that Van de Ven would leave Tottenham this summer, with Liverpool and Man Utd mentioned as possible destinations for the versatile defender.

Last month, a report from our colleagues at TEAMtalk claimed Van de Ven was previously leaning towards joining Liverpool over Man Utd, but he has now made a ‘significant U-turn’ on his future.

At the time, it was reported that Spurs were preparing to open talks with Van de Ven over a new contract after he previously ‘made it clear to Spurs earlier this year that he was not interested in discussing fresh terms and had been targeting a move away this summer’.

Micky van de Ven closing in on new contract ‘agreement’

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.’

Now, in a fresh update, Jacobs has revealed that the club are ‘getting closer’ to reaching an ‘agreement’ with Van de Ven.

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.’

Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown feels an attacking signing is “likely” and the “domino effect” of the deal could see Chelsea lose one of their best players.

Spurs moved onto attacking transfers in recent weeks after their £230million spend fixed defence and midfield. Roberto De Zerbi has stated there are more signings coming, with a “bomba” to come through the door.

The signing of Manchester City winger Savinho has looked possible all summer, and he’s even been open to joining since January, but there has been no formal conclusion to this point.

Indeed, our friends at TEAMtalk recently suggested Tottenham had given City an ultimatum, to make a decision on the winger’s sale on the weekend of August 1 and 2, or they’d move onto other targets.

But discussions still seem to be ongoing, and that’s relevant to City’s interest in Pedro Neto.

Indeed, there’s previously been a suggestion that Enzo Maresca wants to reunite with the Portuguese winger at the Etihad, and Fabrizio Romano recently revealed an approach for that transfer.

He said: “Manchester City made a formal approach today to Pedro Neto’s representatives to explore the possibility of bringing the Portuguese winger to the club.

“Enzo Maresca is a big factor in this deal because he knows Pedro Neto very well from their time together at Chelsea. He’s a player Maresca appreciates a lot.

“Manchester City are looking for a winger because there is a real possibility that Savinho leaves the club. Pedro Neto is considered an ideal opportunity and a player they rate very highly.

“This also depends on Chelsea’s valuation. Pedro Neto is not on Chelsea’s list of players for sale and remains part of Xabi Alonso’s plans.

“If Chelsea receive an important offer, then the situation could develop. Otherwise, he is not expected to leave.”

Savinho domino effect explained

Brown, who was formerly a scout at Tottenham, expects a deal for Savinho will be done at Tottenham, and the effects of that could be that Neto joins City.

He told Football Insider: “This is certainly going to be one to watch, because there’s a domino effect involved.

“I can definitely see Man City making a move to sign Pedro Neto, but it seems it will only happen if they can sell the Brazilian Savinho, and that’s where Tottenham come in.

“They’ve been working on that deal for a long time, he’s somebody they want to bring in, Man City seem to be open to the deal, and the player seems to be keen as well.

“So it seems likely that they will complete that move, and then it opens the door for Man City to go out and bring in another winger.

“Neto, in my opinion, has been one of Chelsea’s best players over the last couple of years, so in terms of Man City trying to find a new winger, they won’t need to look far.

“There are a lot of moving parts, but once that first deal is completed, I expect Man City will be stepping up their efforts to bring him in.”

According to reports, three Tottenham Hotspur stars are close to leaving, with Cristian Romero set to join Atletico Madrid instead of Inter Milan.

Tottenham have been incredibly busy in this summer’s transfer window, having invested around £230m to sign Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side have also signed Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka, but they remain in the market for further additions.

Tottenham’s focus for the remainder of this window will be to improve their attack, and they are expected to sign at least one winger and a new striker.

But Spurs have also been working on exits to balance the books, with Romero set to be one of their most notable departures this summer.

READ: Djed Spence reaches decision on joining Liverpool as Tottenham set price for sale

It has seemed inevitable for a while that the centre-back would leave Spurs in this window, and this has been made more likely by his current club signing Van Hecke and Senesi.

Initially, a move to Inter Milan looked most likely for Romero, but our colleagues at TEAMtalk are reporting that a ‘hijack is on’ for the defender to join Atletico Madrid instead.

According to the report, Romero has now ‘agreed terms’ with Atletico Madrid, who are in ‘pole position’ to secure his services.

The report explains:

‘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.’

Ashley Phillips and Mikey Moore set to leave Tottenham

Young defender Ashley Phillips is also on the exit ramp, with The Northern Echo reporting that Championship side Middlesbrough have reached an ‘agreement’ with Spurs.

Regarding the terms of this deal, the report claims: ‘The Teessiders are paying an initial fee of £7m for Phillips, with a number of potential future add-ons also included as part of the deal. That is the same up-front price Boro paid to sign goalkeeper Radek Vitek from Manchester United earlier this week.

‘Spurs are understood to have included a sell-on clause in the deal that will take Phillips to the Riverside, with Boro officials hoping to complete the transfer in the next couple of days.’

Following this report, journalist Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Middlesbrough are ‘set to sign’ Phillips, who has been given ‘permission to undergo a medical’.

And Moore is another Spurs player who is about to leave, though his move to Bundesliga outfit FC Koln will be a loan.

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Wednesday that this deal is now ‘one step away’ from being completed.

According to reports, England international Djed Spence wants to join Liverpool, while Tottenham Hotspur have set their asking price.

So far this summer, Liverpool have only made two signings, having landed Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet.

With the Reds targeting PSG pair Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, they remain in the market for at least one new winger in the coming weeks.

But Andoni Iraola‘s side also need recruits in other positions, especially in defence.

For various reasons, Liverpool are currently without Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez, while they are also weak at full-back.

Therefore, Liverpool arguably need to sign a new full-back and centre-back before this transfer window closes, and Spence is reportedly among their targets.

READ: Ranking the Big Eight (that’s a thing) by banter season potential

Spence is in a strong position to earn a transfer after he shone for England at the World Cup, while he was one of Tottenham’s better players last season.

But with Pedro Porro and Andy Robertson likely to be Tottenham’s preferred full-backs next season, Spurs are likely to be open to his exit under the right conditions.

And Anfield Sector has revealed that the defender is ‘extremely receptive’ to joining Liverpool this summer.

They said 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.’

Tottenham demand £35m for Liverpool target Djed Spence

In conjunction with this report, Tottenham reporter @szyexcl said on X that Spence’s current club want £35m for him this summer.

They explained: ‘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’.

However, former Premier League scout Bryan King claimed last month that the north London side would be “stupid” to sell Spence for anything less than £50m this summer.

King explained: “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.”

Both Cristian Romero and Pape Matar Sarr want to leave Tottenham this summer with the former now close to an exit, according to reports.

Spurs are keen to avoid getting dragged into a relegation battle again next season after avoiding the drop to the Championship on the Premier League’s final day.

The Tottenham hierarchy are in the process of doing everything possible to give Roberto De Zerbi’s side the best chance of success next term.

Six new signings have arrived in north London with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka all joining on free transfers, while Spurs spent £237m in total on Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke.

Tottenham are now looking at improving their attacking options, especially on the wings, with Manchester City’s Savinho and Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo two of their top targets.

As well as players who could be coming in, Tottenham will be keen to move some players on, and Romero is one of those, with the Argentina international attracting interest from multiple clubs.

READ: Romano reveals Nicolas Jackson to Tottenham truth amid claims Spurs could move for Chelsea star

Fabrizio Romano wrote on X that Inter Milan are ‘expected to make final decision soon’ on Romero before he brought an update on his YouTube channel.

Romano said: “I think we have to be attentive to the situation of Cuti Romero. Because Inter are on it, and there are more clubs keen.

“I think there could be movement around Romero in the next days, eventually weeks, but for sure around Romero there is movement, and I still expect him to leave Tottenham in this summer transfer window.”

Romero and Sarr are both looking to leave Tottenham

Italian website Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) has now claimed that Romero ‘says yes’ to a move to Inter Milan with the Argentinian agreeing to a contract worth €5.5m a year until 2031.

The Serie A champions have ‘reached an agreement with Spurs for €35m plus €5m bonuses’ and have ‘verbally sealed a three-way agreement’ for the centre-back.

READ: Tottenham ‘agree’ winger deal as £65m-rated Chelsea star could be next signing

Sarr is also attracting interest from other clubs with the Senegal international being pushed down the pecking order at Tottenham following the arrivals of Tonali and Fernandes.

And now Football Insider has revealed that Sarr is ‘looking to leave’ the north London club before the closure of the transfer window with Aston Villa interested.

The report adds: ‘Tottenham are understood to be willing to let the 23-year-old move on if the right offer comes in, with Roberto De Zerbi happy with the depth in his midfield already.

‘Aston Villa are one of a number of clubs who are keen on the Senegal international, and could make a move for him in the final month of the window.’

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is a name Tottenham have “discussed internally” this summer.

Spurs narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship last term with a 1-0 win over Everton on the final day of the season preserving their Premier League status.

The Tottenham hierarchy don’t want to find themselves in a relegation battle again next year and they have made six signings to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka have arrived on free transfers, while £237m was spent on Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Tottenham are now looking to improve their attack in the final weeks of the summer with Spurs looking for two, maybe three, new signings before the window shuts.

The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that Tottenham are ‘interested’ in Chelsea striker Jackson, who spent last season out on loan at Bayern Munich.

READ:Liverpool tipped to sell Gakpo for £70m; ‘not happy’ Reds teammate to push for summer exit

Giving his understanding of Tottenham interest in Jackson, Romano told his YouTube channel: “Tottenham are exploring the possibility of signing a striker this summer.

“They have discussed several names internally, including Omar Marmoush.

“For Nicolas Jackson, despite reports over the last 24 hours, there is nothing close or imminent with Tottenham.

“He is not a priority and there are no advanced negotiations. He is simply one of several names discussed internally.

“Don’t forget Aston Villa’s interest in Nicolas Jackson. Villa consider him one of their priority targets, but everything depends on how much they can spend.

“They have already signed Alejandro Garnacho on loan from Chelsea, so they cannot take another Chelsea player on loan during this transfer window.

“That means any move for Jackson would have to be permanent, and the finances will determine whether it is possible.

READ:Former Tottenham scout questions transfer fee for forward who ‘could hardly get in’ Spurs’ team

“Another important factor is Unai Emery’s relationship with Jackson. They worked together at Villarreal, have an excellent relationship and Emery would love to work with him again.”

Cody Gakpo remains another top target for Tottenham

Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo is another player on Tottenham’s list but the Reds are not currently keen on letting the Netherlands international leave.

Romano confirmed: “Tottenham want to sign two wingers this summer and Cody Gakpo remains another top target.

“They have already explored the move, but it is not easy because Liverpool want to keep Gakpo and consider him a very important player.

“Tottenham have made contact with people close to the player to understand the cost of the deal and whether it would be possible to bring him to Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.

“So this remains one of the most interesting winger situations to follow.”

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reaffirmed that Savinho has ‘agreed’ personal terms, while another report insists a Chelsea star is also a target.

The north London club narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season as their 1-0 win over Everton on the final day saw them stay in the top-flight for another season.

And the Tottenham hierarchy have made sure they have done everything to avoid getting sucked into a relegation fight again next season by bringing in six new signings.

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

Tottenham are still looking to make two, maybe three, further signings before the end of the transfer window with improving their attack now a priority.

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Manchester City’s Savinho have emerged as their top targets in recent weeks with the latter on their radar for a few windows.

READ:Liverpool tipped to sell Gakpo for £70m; ‘not happy’ Reds teammate to push for summer exit

And Romano has revealed that, although the clubs remain some way apart in their valuation of the player, Savinho has “agreed” on personal terms.

Romano told time2play: “Keep a close eye on Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham. They aren’t slowing down after locking in defence and midfield upgrades – now their attack needs a total makeover.

“The top target out wide is Savinho, who has already put in a transfer request at Manchester City and wants to join De Zerbi in London ASAP.

“Negotiations are underway, but the clubs are still pretty far apart on price, even though Savinho already has personal terms agreed with Spurs.”

As well as Savinho, Tottenham are looking to bring in Gakpo and Romano continued: “And Spurs aren’t stopping at one – they want two wingers. Cody Gakpo is right at the top of their wishlist.

READ:Former Tottenham scout questions transfer fee for forward who ‘could hardly get in’ Spurs’ team

“Tottenham is waiting to see if Liverpool will even entertain letting him go. Right now, it’s a tough deal to pull off, but the interest is 100% real while everyone waits on the Reds’ stance.”

Tottenham ‘interested’ in £65m-rated Chelsea striker

It seems Tottenham could also look to bring in a different kind of forward with the Daily Mail insisting that Spurs are ‘interested’ in signing £65m-rated Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.

The report added: ‘There has been no formal approach to open club-to-club talks as of yet, it is understood, but sources have confirmed to Daily Mail Sport that Spurs currently have the 25-year-old Senegalese under consideration.’

The newspaper continued: ‘Tottenham, whose sporting director is Johan Lange, formerly of Villa, have admired Jackson for some time including before De Zerbi’s arrival as their head coach.’

Tottenham have added Barcelona forward Raphinha to their list of options to improve their attack, according to reports.

Spurs stayed up by the skin of their teeth at the end of last season as a 1-0 win over Everton on the final day of the campaign secured their top-flight status for another year.

And the Tottenham hierarchy are determined not to find themselves in the same position again next season by making six new signings.

Spurs flew out of the blocks this summer and have already signed Andy Robertson, Martin Dubravka and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, while they have also spent £237m on Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Tottenham are not done there either with at least two, maybe three, other new players set to come through the door before the end of the transfer market.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side are now concentrating on bringing in attacking players with Fabrizio Romano recently revealing the latest on their interest in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Manchester City’s Savinho.

READ: Liverpool tipped to sell Gakpo for £70m; ‘not happy’ Reds teammate to push for summer exit

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Cody Gakpo is a target for Tottenham. He’s a name I’ve been mentioning here several times for Tottenham Hotspur — I told you, keep an eye on Cody Gakpo, because Gakpo is a target for Tottenham.

“They’ve had contacts with the agency representing Gakpo. Tottenham like the player and believe he could be the right addition for Roberto De Zerbi. Now it depends on the price. So these two stories — Barcola-Liverpool and Gakpo-Tottenham — really depend on the price, because Liverpool are not pushing Gakpo out. Liverpool are very happy with Cody Gakpo.

“So the only way to change the story and let Gakpo go to Tottenham is if Liverpool open the door — because so far, Liverpool have never wanted to open that door. Even during the World Cup and through July, Liverpool were insisting on keeping Gakpo.

“The only way to open the door is if Tottenham present a really good financial proposal. In that case, if the player wants to go, that could change Liverpool’s stance. So let’s follow the Gakpo story.

READ: Former Tottenham scout questions transfer fee for forward who ‘could hardly get in’ Spurs’ team

“But Liverpool are not pushing the player out, so let me be clear: this is not a guaranteed deal. It’s something that is being discussed, but it’s not guaranteed, because for Liverpool, Gakpo is still an important player.

“This would be in addition to Savinho. Savinho wants to go to Tottenham. He’s a top target for Tottenham. Savinho is pushing to go to Tottenham — he’s told Manchester City to let him go.

“Exclusive update for the week: Tottenham remain in conversation with Man City for Savinho. So it’s done for Savinho — it will be Savinho and one more.”

And now reports in Spain claim that Tottenham are preparing for failing on both fronts with Spurs ‘cooking up’ a deal for former Leeds United star Raphinha.

With Liverpool not too keen on allowing Gakpo to leave this summer, the report in Spain adds: ‘Faced with this impasse, Raphinha’s name has emerged. The Brazilian is another alternative being considered in London. His intensity matches De Zerbi’s style, as does his ability to score, assist, and work off the ball. Furthermore, he already has Premier League experience from his time at Leeds. From a sporting perspective, he would be an extraordinary addition, although turning that interest into a real deal seems even more difficult.

‘Raphinha has no intention of leaving Barcelona. He feels important within the team and wants to continue wearing the Blaugrana jersey. He hasn’t asked to listen to offers nor expressed any doubts about his future. Tottenham could keep him on their shortlist, but they would first need to convince the player. Currently, that scenario seems very unlikely. The Brazilian believes his future remains at Barça.’

According to reports, Liverpool ‘will accept’ £70m to sell Cody Gakpo to Tottenham Hotspur, while Curtis Jones wants to leave.

The summer transfer window has been frustrating for Liverpool, who still have a lot of business to do in the next few weeks.

So far this summer, Liverpool have signed Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, but they arguably still need to sign at least one more winger, a midfielder, a right-back and a centre-back.

There could also be more exits following Mohamed Salah’s departure, with Gakpo among those linked with a move elsewhere.

Gakpo is coming off a disappointing 2025/26 campaign and Liverpool target Bradley Barcola could be recruited as an upgrade, while Tottenham are keen to sign the Dutchman.

READ: Liverpool, Arsenal and Man Utd kids among 11 pre-season sensations

Still, a report from The Athletic claims Liverpool currently ‘have no intention’ of selling Gakpo becuase they are keen to strengthen their attack rather than make it weaker.

However, a report from Football Insider claims Liverpool ‘will accept’ £70m for Gakpo if Tottenham offer this much for the winger, though former Premier League scout Bryan King believes the north London club need to offload someone first.

King explained: “I think it would be a very good signing for them. He’s a good player,” King told Football Insider when asked about Gakpo.

“Done quite well in the World Cup, didn’t he? But again, if you’re going to bring in a player of that quality, you have to sell.

“They can’t, I know they’ve got rid of one front player [Randal Kolo Muani]. I think he’d be their type of player. I’d rate him above both Richarlison or Solanke.

“So, if that’s what the manager wants, at the moment, everything he’s wanted, they’ve gone out and bought, haven’t they? So, that’s going to be an interesting one.

“He’s going to cost them a lot of money, that’s for sure. At least £70m, I would have thought.”

Curtis Jones is “not happy” at Liverpool

Jones is another Liverpool player who could move elsewhere amid interest from Serie A giants Inter Milan.

Another report from Football Insider claims Jones has ‘set sights’ on leaving his boyhood club, with ex-Man Utd chief scout Mick Brown explaining that he is “not happy” at Anfield.

READ NEXT: Curtis Jones responds after Andoni Iraola tells him to sign new Liverpool contract

Brown claimed: “It’s become quite clear not that Curtis Jones is keen to leave Liverpool.

“He is not happy with his role at the club, his playing time, the position he’s been asked to play in across the last couple of seasons, or where he ranks in the pecking order.

“Now, judging by that video that we’ve seen, it appears he’s not happy with the captaincy either and feels he should be more involed at that level.

“I think when issues and frustrations like that start to crop up, that’s when it becomes clear that a player needs a fresh start, a new club, maybe even a new country.

“It seems that things just aren’t quite going to go the way he’s wanted them to at Liverpool, and that’s fine, it happens sometimes.

“But there’s no point having him sulking and hanging his head, or arguing with his teammates on the pitch. It’s better for everybody if he moves on, and all parties will be keen to make it happen.”