The Peoples Person

Manchester United have missed out on a bargain opportunity to sign a long-term target at Old Trafford after Tottenham Hotspur instead reached an agreement for the 6’3 powerhouse, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Spurs agree loan deal

Joao Palhinha is a player United have been strongly linked with in recent years after establishing himself as a superb defensive midfielder for Fulham.

Previously, the Portugal international had played for Braga and Sporting CP under the tutelage of none other than Red Devils’ head coach, Ruben Amorim.

Palhinha joined Bayern Munich last year in a deal worth £47.4 million after a brilliant 2023/24 campaign for Fulham. However, he has not been able to translate this form at Craven Cottage on to the grand stage of the Allianz Arena.

Bayern were open to the 30-year-old midfielder’s exit this summer as he has fallen firmly down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany – but the Bundesliga champions were not believed to be interested in a loan deal, instead preferring a permanent transfer.

United were linked with a move but a report relayed by The Peoples Person indicated the Palhinha was intent on remaining in Bavaria.

However, this stance has now changed – from both Bayern and Palhinha – with Spurs having struck a loan agreement with a €30 million (£25m) buy option to sign Palhinha for the 2024/25 campaign, Romano reveals, with the Italian transfer guru giving the move his trademark ‘Here we go’ seal of approval.

Tweet: “João Palhinha to Tottenham, here we go! Final green light arrived right now from Bayern. Exclusive detail: loan deal includes €30m buy option clause for #THFC, not mandatory. Salary covered by Spurs, Bayern said yes and Palhinha will now travel for medical tests.”

A missed opportunity for United

United are on the hunt for a new midfielder this summer with Amorim having declared the need for more speed in the centre of the pitch after watching his side’s frustrating 0-0 draw with Leeds in pre-season.

But the bulk of the budget has been directed towards the dismal attacking unit with deals already agreed for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, totalling in excess of £130 million, and a similarly priced pursuit of Benjamin Sesko ongoing.

This has left little financial wiggle room to sign a midfielder – which is what makes Spurs’ loan of Palhinha such a missed opportunity.

INEOS could have secured a seasoned veteran with experience in the Premier League and, more crucially, Amorim’s system in a cost-effective deal to buttress a porous midfield unit.

Instead, that same option will now play for one of the club’s domestic rivals. A stone left truly unturned.

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Manchester United have already spent over £130m this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to bolster their ailing attack, but are yet to raise a penny through player sales.

Marcus Rashford departed on loan to Barcelona earlier this month and the removal of his wages from the books at Old Trafford is a boost, but permanent departures for decent fees are needed to raise funds to continue the summer overhaul.

With the Red Devils eyeing big-money moves for the likes of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand, some current United stars will have to be sacrificed to secure cash to reinvest.

Likely departures

Ruben Amorim’s squad is starting to take shape during the close season, specifically in terms of who has not made the trip across the pond to the USA.

Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia have all been left out and are all known to be seeking a way out of Old Trafford. United chiefs are thought to be working hard to secure permanent transfers for these players, with Antony linked with a surprise move to Al-Nassr and Bayern Munich recently enquiring for Alejandro Garnacho.

It would be a surprise to see any of these players working under Amorim next season, but at a time when cash is famously tight at United the list of potential departees is certainly not limited to just those four.

Mainoo linked with exit

Talented youngster Kobbie Mainoo was immense under Erik ten Hag but slipped down the pecking order under his Portuguese replacement, not helped by injury.

The 20-year-old was suddenly no longer unsellable, and given his Carrington background and huge potential instead became a valuable asset which could be sold for the right price.

Strong interest from Chelsea in January amounted to nothing and Mainoo looked set to stay put after all, but fans were given another scare last week with the news that Tottenham Hotspur were interested in the England international.

United plan to keep their midfielder

But according to GIVEMESPORT sources United “are not looking to sell” the player who was the subject of “informal enquiries” from Spurs.

In fact, the report claims, Mainoo is doing everything he can to earn “a prominent role” under Amorim rather than find a fresh challenge elsewhere, and wants to impress at United to put himself in the frame for next year’s World Cup. Spurs are said to have looked to Mainoo as an alternative to Morgan Gibbs-White, but were rebuffed with United “not seeking to do business even though it is not a given that he will be a regular starter under Amorim”.

The youngster, who United have previously valued at £70m, did in fact start in United’s recent pre-season clash with West Ham United and looked accomplished in a midfield pivot alongside Manuel Ugarte.

And while competition for places is set to be fierce at Old Trafford next season with no European football reducing the number of games, Mainoo can still expect plenty of opportunities as it is “intended that he will still be in his current surroundings by the time the summer transfer window slams shut on September 1.”

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Manchester United’s move to sweeten the terms of one of their wantaway stars’ exits may have just had the desired effect.

Recently, according to reports relayed by The Peoples Person, it emerged that United had dropped the hefty asking price they had previously set for Alejandro Garnacho.

Price drop puts spotlight on suitors

Perhaps not receiving the level of interest (inquiries) they had hoped for, despite the winger being available, INEOS are now willing to accept offers as low as £40 million – a £30 million drop – to let the Argentine leave.

News of the price drop has turned the spotlight on his suitors.

Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked, with Garnacho keen to remain in the Premier League. While a three-horse race was expected for his signature, it has now emerged that Villa enter the battle at a disadvantage.

With no Champions League football, the Unai Emery-led side does not appeal to the Red Devil, who wants to play in Europe’s elite competition.

That may leave Chelsea and Spurs to battle it out for the 21-year-old (though, as mysterious as the transfer window can be, Villa cannot be ruled out).

The Blues, thought to have been waiting for the asking price to drop, will hope to win the race, but risk missing out if the latest reports from Give Me Sport are anything to go by.

Tottenham emerge as team to watch in Garnacho race

According to the UK publication, Tottenham are a team to watch.

“Tottenham are becoming more serious in their push to sign Garnacho,” GMS reveal, “after Frank and influential figures behind the scenes have been left intrigued by his value and determination to prove his worth after falling out of favour under Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.”

Even so, it’s not certain the North London side will win the battle, as GMS go on to admit:

“Tottenham have upped the ante in their pursuit of Garnacho this week, GMS sources have learned, but Frank and members of the recruitment department have not made a final decision on whether to table a formal proposal.”

Despite Spurs’ uncertainty, leaving the door open in this transfer race, their reaction (being more serious) to Garnacho’s new asking price is exactly what United were hoping for.

Alarm bells should be ringing at Villa Park and Stamford Bridge. If they do not act soon, they might just miss out on an opportunistic Old Trafford raid.

For a player with 21 goal involvements, raw but with Premier League experience, whoever lands Garnacho should feel confident they are signing a future superstar.

It is just a shame he blew his chance to become that: a superstar, at the Theatre of Dreams.

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Further details have emerged on Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur suing Manchester United owners, Ineos.

The Red Devils need to raise money through sales this summer to carry out the extensive work on the squad that manager Ruben Amorim demands.

The owners have already implemented numerous cost-cutting options such as setting in place rounds of job losses in all departments of the club.

As an example, they have recently cut the scouting department from 100 to 10 people in an effort to streamline the operation.

Nonetheless, this cost-cutting has recently suffered a setback as Tottenham have threatened to sue the owners of the club for a breach of contract.

The Times reports that Spurs have “filed a High Court claim over unpaid sponsorship fees. The dispute involves a terminated five-year deal, initially worth £17.5 million.”

The report adds that “Court documents show that Spurs are alleging that Ineos failed to make a payment as contracted of just under £500,000 in August last year and in December missed a payment of £5.1 million for the 2025-26 season.”

A five-year sponsorship agreement was signed in 2022 which saw Ineos Automotive sponsor Spurs and have the company’s name on the back of seats on the bench at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The deal also saw company advertising displayed on big screens at matches and its Grenadier car was the club’s official 4×4 vehicle partner.

Nonetheless, Ineos ended this partnership in March but Spurs feel aggrieved by the situation. Overall, “Spurs are seeking just over £11 million from Ineos — £5.5 million for missed payments last year, another £5.3 million for the 2026-27 season, the final year of the original sponsorship deal, as well as £300,000 in interest.”

Ineos have evidently defended themselves and claimed, they “had a contractual right” to end their relationship early and also stated that it is “completely normal” for partnerships to be reviewed at regular intervals.

United will be keen for Ineos to win their case as they will be terrified of any more money being siphoned away from the first team’s efforts to improve in the transfer market.

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Bryan Mbeumo has made it crystal clear to Brentford and other suitors, including Tottenham Hotspur, that he only wants to join Manchester United this summer.

United have been locked in talks with Brentford for weeks now over a deal for Mbeumo.

The Red Devils had an opening offer worth a total £55m rejected by Brentford earlier this month. It was stated that the Bees value their talismanic forward at £60m.

United then launched an improved offer for Mbeumo, which values him at more than the £60m base payment Brentford are believed to be keen on.

This latest proposal seemed to align more closely with what the London club were seeking, as reports indicated they were in talks with the Red Devils to finalise the details of the deal, including the type of add-ons and the structure of the payments.

Brentford are believed to be eyeing easily achievable performance-related bonuses, in an effort to guarantee themselves future payments.

These suggestions gained further traction after a report claimed that United and Brentford had agreed on the framework of a deal worth around £65m. talkSPORT even revealed that Mbeumo is expected to undergo his United medical next week.

However, in a fresh update from the reliable David Ornstein, it appears that the deal isn’t quite as advanced as it’s been made out to be.

Ornstein actually indicates that United’s second offer was also turned down by Brentford, although talks remain ongoing and there is still a good chance the transfer gets over the line.

According to the Athletic journalist, “Bryan Mbeumo has informed Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur of his decision to sign for Manchester United if he makes a transfer this summer.”

“The 26-year-old forward has attracted interest from likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Spurs.”

“Admiration for Mbeumo at Spurs increased after Thomas Frank moved from Brentford to become their new head coach. But the Cameroon international notified Frank and Brentford that should he depart the Gtech Community Stadium now, it will be for Old Trafford.”

Ornstein notes that there is no truth to the rumours that Spurs submitted a bid for Mbeumo. In fact, Spurs are “no longer pursuing the situation”, although this might change if United walk away from the acquisition.

Crucially, Ornstein adds, “Funds are said to be available for Manchester United to secure the former Troyes attacker without requiring sales in advance. However, they plan to remain disciplined and avoid overpaying for players in the market.”

Mbeumo has one year left on his terms at the Gtech Community Stadium, although Brentford have the option of extending his stay by an additional 12 months.

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Tottenham Hotspur are “weighing up a move” for long-term Manchester United target Eberechi Eze, according to a report.

Eze, 26, enjoyed a brilliant campaign for Crystal Palace last year as he helped propel them to an FA Cup triumph and Europa League football next season.

The England international scored a brilliant goal in the final to secure the 1-0 win over Manchester City at Wembley. In total, he returned 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for the Eagles.

United have been linked with a move for Eze on multiple occasions in recent years but the Reds’ interest appeared to ramp up following Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford in November.

The former Sporting CP manager’s 3-4-2-1 system relies heavily on two attacking midfielders to act as the creative heartbeat of his side.

Under the 4-2-3-1 set-up favoured by Amorim’s predecessor, Erik ten Hag, Eze would have been in direct competition with talismanic captain Bruno Fernandes for his favoured number ten role.

But Amorim’s system would have placed Eze in one of the two options for the position, enabling him to thrive at the heart of United’s team in the exact manner he has at Selhurst Park. A report in May revealed United were considering the 26-year-old as a target this summer

However, the Red Devils have prioritised moves for two alternative Premier League attackers – Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) – over Eze with a deal agreed for the former and one set to be struck for the latter.

Eze’s release clause with Palace – worth around £68 million – would prove too prohibitive to target in addition to Cunha and Mbeumo as both players will cost United similar amounts.

But this could enable Spurs to steal a march on their North West rival with the Lilywhites considering targeting Eze as a “statement signing” for new manager Thomas Frank, according to The Guardian.

The North London cub had expressed interest in reuniting Frank with Mbeumo after their successful time at Brentford together. But the Cameroonian winger only has eyes for Old Trafford with United having launched a second bid yesterday after their opening proposal was rejected by the Bees.

Eze appears a better fit for Spurs, however, while Mbeumo is tailor made for the right-hand side of Amorim’s system in a variety of different roles, meaning this could simply be a happy coincidence for the two clubs as they end up the right options for their respective sides.

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Manchester United have joined Tottenham Hotspur in backing off the pursuit of Antoine Semenyo after learning of Bournemouth’s prohibitive asking price.

United are looking to add goals to the team after a toothless 2024/25 campaign and despite completing the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the club is still looking to bring in more attackers.

Talks with Brentford over a deal for Bryan Mbeumo are still ongoing, while Semenyo has also emerged as a player of interest to the Red Devils.

Ruben Amorim is believed to be an admirer of Semenyo, who notched 13 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances across all competitions last term.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United would switch their focus to Semenyo if a swoop for Mbeumo fails to get over the line.

More recently, it emerged that Tottenham had stepped up their pursuit of the Ghanaian in a bid to pip United to his signature.

However, David Ornstein has now revealed that Tottenham have cooled their interest in Semenyo, with Bournemouth asking for too much money to sanction his sale. United are also understood to have pulled out of the race as it stands.

According to Ornstein, “Tottenham Hotspur have made an enquiry to Bournemouth about forward Antoine Semenyo but are not proceeding with a move for the Ghanaian forward at present.”

“Semenyo is thought to be attracted by the prospect of a move to north London but Bournemouth’s steep asking price has deterred further interest from Spurs in the short term, as well as his other suitors, including Manchester United.

Bournemouth are thought to value the 25-year-old winger at £70million.”

This information has been corroborated by Ben Jacobs.

Jacobs wrote on X, “Bournemouth’s valuation on Antoine Semenyo is clear. They want more than the £55m+£10m Spurs paid for Dominic Solanke.”

“£65m+ package required, otherwise Bournemouth have no plans to sell.”

Semenyo joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 and agreed a new five-year deal with the Cherries last year in July. Andoni Iraola’s side are therefore under no pressure to sell him this summer.

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Manchester United risk losing out on Dexter Oliver as Manchester City are “advancing in talks” to sign the 16-year-old starlet from Tottenham Hotspur, according to Fabrizio Romano.

United were reported to be interested in a raid for the attacking midfielder, considered one of the standout prospects in Spurs’ academy.

The Reds have demonstrated a renewed focus on securing the best young talent from across the globe since INEOS assumed control of the football operation at Old Trafford last year.

A successful domestic raid on Arsenal to sign Chido Obi (17) and Ayden Heaven (18) was buttressed by deals for Sekou Kone (19) from Mali and Diego Leon (18) from Paraguay last season.

Last week, United made a move for Southampton starlet Harley Emsden-James, demonstrating the continued emphasis on signing academy talent.

And the Mancunian side were ready to pounce on another youngster from a Premier League rival in the form of Oliver.

A source with close connections to Spurs describes Oliver as a “top academy talent” who the Lilywhites were keen to lock down on his first professional contract as United circled.

Oliver was reported to have rebuffed attempts to sign a “two-year scholarship proposal” at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the youngster considering options elsewhere in England.

Both Manchester clubs are tracking the 16-year-old but it is City who have struck first, Romano reveals, as part of their “strategy to develop top young players.”

Tweet: “Understand Manchester City are advancing in talks to sign talented midfielder Dexter Oliver from Spurs. Negotiations are beginning to advance with clear strategy to develop top young players.

The Italian transfer guru contends “negotiations are beginning to advance” to complete a switch to the Etihad.

But the deal is far from completion and United can still strike to add another one of the country’s standout stars to the growing collection at Old Trafford.

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly scaled down their interest in Bryan Mbeumo after finding out that they have little chance of convincing him to snub Manchester United.

After confirming the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, United are now working on getting a deal for Mbeumo over the line.

Mbeumo has been earmarked by the club as an ideal fit to partner Cunha in the two No. 10 roles within Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 setup.

The Brentford man enjoyed a superb 2024/25 campaign, scoring a career-high 20 goals while providing an additional seven assists. Only three Premier League players – Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland – netted more goals than Mbeumo.

His standout performances naturally caught the eye of several top clubs, but the reliable David Ornstein revealed that Mbeumo’s preference is to join United, even without the lure of European football.

United tabled an opening bid worth a total £55m for the forward, but this was swiftly rejected by Brentford. It then emerged that Tottenham – buoyed by the managerial appointment of Thomas Frank from Brentford – were trying to hijack United’s deal for Mbeumo.

There were even claims that Tottenham had submitted a £70m bid for the 25-year-old, though it now appears those reports may have been somewhat premature.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person indicated that United are closing in on Mbeumo, following a new round of talks that saw the Red Devils and Brentford significantly narrow the gap in their respective valuations.

The report claimed that only “a few million” are left before the two sides can strike a full agreement.

A new update has been issued by journalist Rudiy Galetti, who notes that Tottenham may pull out of the race for Mbeumo, who appears determined to secure a switch to Old Trafford.

Galetti wrote on X, “Tottenham have cooled their interest in Bryan Mbeumo after understanding the player only wants Man UTD.”

“Tottenham see it as almost impossible to overtake Man United in the race at this stage.”

Hopefully, a breakthrough is reached soon, allowing United to shift focus to outgoings and free up space and funds for further additions to the squad.

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Eagle-eyed Manchester United fans will remember the club getting linked with Roony Bardghji of FC Copenhagen in 2023 back when Erik ten Hag was in charge.

The then-17-year-old forward scored his first Champions League goal, an 87th-minute winner against the Red Devils that had scouts purring.

And naturally, the Old Trafford giants made their interest known in the Swedish wonderkid then and there.

However, talks of a move died down as the right winger suffered an ACL injury back in April 2024, which kept him sidelined until March this year.

Spurs in pole position for Roony Bardghji

The 20-time English league champions have kept monitoring his progress, and TBR Football have claimed that INEOS have even held talks regarding a move but Tottenham Hotspur seem to be in pole position as of now.

The Swedish Messi, as Bardghji is referred to, has attracted a lot of interest from clubs all across Europe, with the 19-year-old currently having only six months left on his current deal.

This means a cost-effective transfer could be on the cards for any team which can pull off a summer deal.

“Sources have confirmed to TBR Football that interest in England remains, and Tottenham Hotspur are one of those who are doing work on Roony Bardghji.

United have also held talks

“The Lilywhites are not the only club that remains keen on the winger, with Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Manchester United having also had talks.

“The Swedish youth star has held talks with clubs throughout Europe, including the likes of RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Marseille, Porto and Benfica.”

Whether the Sweden U21 international is ready for a move to the Premier League, so soon after a major injury, remains to be seen.

Any team which goes after him will be taking a major risk. But his young age and potential makes him the perfect target for INEOS.