The Peoples Person

Reports from Germany have delivered an interesting update on Edmond Tapsoba and Manchester United.

Apparently, there is a growing feeling that Tapsoba might leave Bayer Leverkusen for a top European side.

German outlet Fussballdaten reports that if he does depart the BayArena, he is likely to join a Premier League club.

Man United among those in contact with Tapsoba

Links to Premier League sides Man United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are coming thick and fast.

These clubs “maintain close contact with the player’s representatives to learn about his wishes and the parameters of a potential transfer.”

Interestingly, while the 27-year-old’s deal with Leverkusen does not expire until 2031, the Bundesliga outfit has already made a clear decision over any potential transfer.

Transfer fee set

“The German club has set a minimum limit of €50 million for negotiations and made it clear that offers below this amount will not be considered,” claims the report.

£42 million for Tapsoba looks quite tempting given the rare breed of defender he is.

With his composure, physical dominance and exceptional passing range, this defensive monster would walk straight into the starting XI of most elite teams.

Man United have other transfer priorities

Unfortunately for United fans, the club is unlikely to pursue this transfer.

The focus at Old Trafford at the moment remains firmly on signing a defensive midfielder and a left-back.

It remains a mystery which players will eventually meet these needs. United continue to struggle to secure their top targets for these positions.

However, just as the surprising but worthy arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos came about, it is still expected some beautiful transfer surprises will be sprung before deadline day.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment

Overall credibility: 7/10

Why?

✅ Reported by a reputable German outlet specialising in Bundesliga news

⚠️ No other credible source is currently reporting that United are looking to sign a centre-back

TPP View

We believe Man United’s name is being used here purely to generate interest in Tapsoba, given these links have appeared completely out of the blue.

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It is well known that Manchester United are looking for a left-back this summer, but INEOS opted to turn down the chance to sign an England international full-back, as per the latest reports.

Shaw‘s fitness problems have the co-owners worried, and the Red Devils have been linked with a move for Lewis Hall.

Newcastle have made things difficult for United, which has meant the 20-time English league champions are considering alternatives.

Djed Spence was one of them, and according to TEAMtalk, the Tottenham Hotspur ace was offered to United, who baulked at Spurs’ demands.

United baulked at Spurs’ demands

The North London side demanded £45 million on the back of the 26-year-old’s impressive World Cup displays, with other Premier League sides also afforded the same opportunity.

“A host of Premier League clubs were offered the chance to sign the 26-year-old, including Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Everton.

“There was interest, but Tottenham‘s initial asking price of around £45million was viewed as too high and no deal materialised.”

Sky Sports have now reported that the full-back, who can play on either flank, is closing in on a move to Inter Milan.

Djed Spence heading to Inter instead

The Serie A side is paying £30 million, which shows how teams continue to demand a premium when it comes to the Old Trafford side.

“Inter Milan have agreed a £30m deal to sign England defender Djed Spence from Tottenham. Sky Sports News understands the agreement includes a 10 per cent sell-on clause.”

It will be interesting to see who United turn to in the end, with academy star Harry Amass also expected to depart.

The opportunity to sign Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal was also turned down, and this indicates that United still feel Hall is gettable.

INEOS have lined up low-cost alternatives like David Raum, Jorge Salinas, and Joaquin Seys, in case the Magpies do not change their stance.

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Djed Spence emerged as one of England’s shining stars at the World Cup.

Initially a surprise inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, Spence seized his chance with a string of quality performances that even prompted Harry Kane to describe him as “outstanding.”

Yet, despite those eye‑catching displays, Spence now looks set to leave Tottenham Hotspur.

Djed Spence asking price

The North London club are keen to cash in, slapping a £40 million price tag on his head. Spence, meanwhile, is eager for a fresh start and has his sights set on a Champions League side.

Inter Milan initially were his likely destination, but the Italian giants are unwilling to meet Tottenham’s valuation.

As a result, Spence finds himself in a tricky position. He is determined to leave The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but no serious suitor has stepped forward.

Man United impressed by Spence

That wait may not last long. According to Football Insider:

“Spence has emerged onto United’s radar over the last few weeks after impressing at the World Cup with England.”

A manager’s dream, a tempting transfer chance

Equally comfortable on the right or left, Spence is a versatile full‑back, a manager’s dream. It is surprising, then, that Tottenham Hotspur, in the midst of a rebuild, are prepared to let him go.

United, meanwhile, are known to be seeking a top left‑back to compete with Luke Shaw.

Spence’s Premier League experience, his standout qualities, and his past hint that he is a Man United fan all make this a transfer worth pursuing.

If interest solidifies into a formal enquiry, INEOS could well add another quality option to Michael Carrick’s resurgence project.

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Manchester United have completed a surprise swoop to sign Tottenham Hotspur winger Tynan Thompson in a deal hailed as a “steal” by industry sources – but who is the 18-year-old, and what will he bring to the Red Devils?

“An absolute steal”

Considered one of the premier prospects in Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, Manchester United moved quickly last week to accelerate their interest in Thompson. Having signed a professional contract in May 2025, a fee had to first be agreed with Spurs to bring the youngster to M16.

The deal, worth an initial £4 million, with a further £4m in potential add-ons, has been described as an “absolute steal” by sources. Crucially, The Athletic reveals, the add-ons are dependent on Thompson’s “senior progress”, which explains why it is seen as such a coup.

It means the total fee of £8 million will only be triggered should the England under-18 international stake a claim in Michael Carrick’s squad. If he does not, it will stay fixed at £4 million – a drop in the ocean when gambling on such a talent.

A 15% sell-on clause has been included, as well as “matching rights”, which entitle Tottenham to be offered the chance to re-sign their former starlet at whatever price United may look to sell him in the future.

Thompson is understood to have put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option for an additional twelve months. One of United’s key selling points was a “clear pathway to meaningful game time under Michael Carrick in the near future” – something Spurs could not guarantee under Roberto De Zerbi.

Wing Wizard

Standing 6’2″ with pace and power in abundance, Thompson’s profile as a winger is unique. There are few opposition full-backs capable of competing with a player of that size, particularly when it is paired with “incredibly quick feet” and lethal pace.

Academy Scoop, a youth football expert, claims the 18-year-old’s “standout trait” is his ability in 1v1 situations, possessing the ability to go inside or out. This unpredictability makes him a nightmare to defend against, as demonstrated by his 13 goals and six assists across all competitions last season.

“Thompson’s standout trait is his 1v1 ability, frequently beating his man on the left-wing thanks to a combination of agility, technicality and a willingness to cut in or take the ball on the outside. Thompson’s ability to ‘go both ways’ makes him an unpredictable handful for full-backs, and often forces opposition teams to allocate two or more defenders in efforts to nullify his attacking threat,” Academy Scoop writes.

“A common feature of some of the game’s most cunning dribblers, Thompson often gives his opposing full-back the illusion of leaving the ball open to being tackled, trusting his pace and change of direction to burst away from defenders with a quick touch after luring them into stabbing prematurely at the ball.”

Is he ready now?

Thompson is understood to be considered in the “emerging talent” bracket at Old Trafford, joining signings like Sekou Kone, Diego Leon and, most notably, Ayden Heaven, who have all arrived in the past two years with the hopes of establishing themselves in the first team.

Heaven, captured from a North London rival (Arsenal) in January 2025 for a bargain £1.5 million, is the template both Manchester United and Thompson will be hoping the newcomer can follow. The 19-year-old centre-back, blessed with speed, size and strength as well, has firmly established himself in Carrick’s squad, producing two outstanding performances in the 1-0 wins over Newcastle United and Chelsea.

INEOS have been searching for a new left-winger this summer, with the intention still to sell Marcus Rashford after FC Barcelona opted against triggering the £26 million buy-option in his deal. West Ham United wizard Crysencio Summerville is understood to be the leading target, but AS Roma have pulled ahead in the race for the 24-year-old Dutchman.

The signing of Thompson, who will be given the chance to test himself for the senior side during pre-season, may signal a shift in the hierarchy’s thinking. It could even suggest a softening of their stance on shifting Rashford, given Thompson’s profile aligns perfectly as the 28-year-old’s long-term successor.

Final Thoughts

Heaven is arguably the best piece of business Manchester United have conducted since INEOS took the helm in 2024. The 6’2″ London native is the prototype of a modern centre-back, capable of dominating duels and transitions with his pace and power, while also playing out from the back with a wand of a left foot.

Thompson offers a similarly tantalising selection of attributes out wide. The reaction amongst the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase at the loss of one of their “most promising talents” tells its own tale of what a coup INEOS have pulled off. If he breaks through for the first team, £8 million will justifiably look a “steal”.

The fact that both Heaven and Thompson were signed from direct rivals makes their signings all the sweeter. And The Athletic reveals the Red Devils are hoping to repeat this trick with Manchester City wonderkid Karim Cassim as the club are “in talks to sign” the highly rated 16-year-old midfielder.

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Manchester United have made their fourth summer signing.

Before their first pre-season outing against Wrexham, United had announced the arrivals of Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow, and Youri Tielemans.

Santos even featured for the Red Devils in their friendly defeat, and Darlow and Tielemans are expected to join their new teammates soon. Furthermore, a new attacker could soon be part of Michael Carrick’s pre-season plans.

Manchester United sign Tynan Thompson

Manchester United have formally secured the services of Tynan Thompson from Tottenham Hotspur.

“Everyone at United would like to welcome Tynan to the club and wish him the very best of luck for the future,” the club said in an official statement.

Born in Croydon, south London, Thompson, an explosive right-footed winger, stands at 6ft 2in tall.

The 18-year-old left-sided attacker scored 13 goals and contributed six assists last season across Under-18s to Under-21s level.

“Thompson, a right-footed left-winger like Liverpool starlet Ngumoha, has remarkable dribbling ability and can leave defenders for dust,” Football London underlined while analysing the youngster’s first-team prospects in February.

His performances earned him opportunities within Spurs’ first-team matchday squads, but he is yet to make his senior debut.

Tynan Thompson draws comparisons to Ayden Heaven

According to The Athletic, Thompson is set to join Michael Carrick’s first-team squad, and as such, senior minutes appear to be imminent.

It is understood United have agreed a deal worth £4 million in guaranteed fee plus a further £4m in add-ons. Spurs also retain a sell-on of 15 per cent and matching rights.

It is added that Thompson’s transfer is being seen as similar to Ayden Heaven’s arrival in January 2025. The young defender moved to Old Trafford from Arsenal’s academy for £1.5m and has since played 24 senior games.

United, meanwhile, are thought to be looking to the youth market in England and are in talks to sign other teenage talents.

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Manchester United are locked in talks with Tottenham Hotspur over a hostile raid for Tynan Thompson, according to a new report.

Under The Radar

Sometimes, the best signings a club can make go wholly under the radar, lost in the chaos of big-money deals for imports from Europe. Ayden Heaven is a textbook example.

There is a strong argument that the 19-year-old centre-back is the most effective deal INEOS have made since taking the helm at Old Trafford in 2024, once his fee and performances are taken into account.

Captured from Premier League rivals Arsenal for just £1.5 million in January 2025, Heaven’s value on Transfermarkt is now more than sixteen times that at £25 million. In truth, United would likely not sell for even double this, such is the potential he possesses.

Heaven is already an important member of Michael Carrick’s squad, having delivered a series of imperious displays in a red shirt last season. He possesses the prototypical build of a modern centre-back, with a blend of speed, size, strength and, most importantly, skill.

When you compare the £52 million outlay United spent luring Leny Yoro to England ahead of top clubs like Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, it reinforces the idea that there is always value to be found if you look hard enough.

As first revealed by The Secret Scout, the pursuit of Thompson, Tottenham Hotspur’s 18-year-old wing wizard, is an example of INEOS trying to strike gold again by raiding a major rival for a youngster who can help fill holes for the senior side at Old Trafford.

Club-to-club talks underway

Sam Tabuteau, an excellent source for London teams, confirms Manchester United’s interest in Thompson, further revealing the Red Devils are “in talks with Tottenham over a deal.” https://twitter.com/tabuteauS/status/2078422560006365262

Tweet: “Understand that Manchester United are in talks with Tottenham over a deal for Tynan Thompson. Club to club talks taking place over a fee. Thompson signed pro terms with Spurs in May 25 so any deal would be a formal transfer. Follows @TheSecretScout_ #THFC”

The Standard reporter reveals that Thompson’s potential switch to M16 would be a “formal transfer” as the youngster signed a professional contract in May last year. This is why “club to club talks [are] taking place over a fee”, mirroring the deal United struck to sign Heaven from Arsenal.

A left-winger by trade, Thompson possesses a frightening combination of speed and size, similar to Heaven. He stands 6’2″ – a giant by winger’s standards – but is lightning fast across the ground.

The Athletic describes the London native as “incredibly quick feet”, and says he is as comfortable with his stronger right foot as he is his left. This ability to go inside or out makes him a nightmare for opposition full-backs to contend with.

Final Thoughts

United have been strongly linked with new left-wingers this summer, with West Ham United wizard Crysencio Summerville considered the leading target. But if sporting director Jason Wilcox can pull off another magic trick by signing a wonderkid from a rival in the capital to provide Carrick with a significantly more cost-effective option, Heaven may soon lose his standing as INEOS’s best piece of business.

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Tottenham Hotspur have outmuscled Manchester United in the transfer market this summer.

Early in the summer, United thought they were clear frontrunners for the signature of Mateus Fernandes, but Spurs blew them out of the water by agreeing to pay £85m to West Ham.

The Red Devils were also thought to be interested in Sandro Tonali, who has moved to North London as well in a £100m deal.

Manchester United trying to seal swift deal for Tottenham winger

Manchester United have done well to address their midfield concerns by signing Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos for a combined fee of £85m.

Now, INEOS are looking to strengthen their attack with one eye on the present and another on the future, and have accordingly set their sights on a Tottenham Hotspur sensation.

According to The Secret Scout, a reputable source for youth football and transfer news, United are looking to sign Tynan Thompson.

United were reportedly only made aware of an opportunity to secure the 18-year-old winger’s services last week. Now, they plan to move swiftly.

“Learnt of opportunity last week and plan to do medical before completing move. Hamburg are also interested in signing the talented winger. Man United want it done quickly,” The Secret Scout posted on X.

Given Thompson’s age and how close he seemed to getting first-team minutes at Spurs, it remains unclear what kind of role he would be handed at United should the move materialise. Last year, United signed teenage Arsenal defender Ayden Heaven and put him straight into the senior side.

Who is Tottenham youngster Tynan Thompson knocking on first-team door?

Born in Croydon, south London, Thompson, an explosive right-footed winger, stands at 6ft 2in tall.

He is yet to make his senior debut but the Spurs starlet made 13 appearances in Premier League 2 last term, scoring twice and registering four assists.

“Thompson, a right-footed left-winger like Liverpool starlet Ngumoha, has remarkable dribbling ability and can leave defenders for dust,” Football London underlined while analysing the youngster’s first-team prospects in February.

Meanwhile, United have shown interest in Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, who is set to leave the London outfit this summer.

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Manchester United have added two midfielders in the space of a few days to strengthen the position which many perceived to be the side’s biggest concern ahead of next season.

Both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos are known for their line-breaking passes and will certainly help improve United’s play going forward.

However, the Red Devils also need to improve defensively, and one of their targets is reportedly nearing a blockbuster exit.

Manchester United target set to leave Tottenham Hotspur

Ahead of the World Cup, The Peoples Person relayed a report from reputed Argentine journalist Gastón Edul claiming Manchester United want to sign Cristian Romero and are willing to make an offer for the Tottenham Hotspur captain.

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Romero will leave Tottenham this summer.

The Italian journalist added that Inter Milan have held talks with the North London outfit over recent days.

The Serie A giants are thought to be keen on signing Romero, but the potential cost of the deal is expected to be “very high”.

Romano did not mention United as one of his suitors, but given previous reports from Argentina, this development may alert the Red Devils.

A resilient but divisive figure

Romero, a World Cup winner in 2022, is enjoying another strong spell at the grandest stage with his country.

This time, he is playing alongside United fan favourite Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the Argentinian defence.

The 28-year-old is an aggressive dueller, who is comfortable defending large spaces. In possession, Romero is surprisingly composed and efficient with his passing.

However, there have been question marks over his commitment, which might be the reason behind Spurs’ decision to open the exit door for one of their most talented players. Romero seemed to have downed tools during their relegation battle last term.

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Manchester United remain intent on selling Marcus Rashford this summer as a host of new clubs emerge as contenders for the 28-year-old forward, according to a report.

Roma and Napoli contacted

AS Roma Live reveals both Roma and Napoli have been “sounded out” by intermediaries to gauge their interest in Rashford.

The Italian giants are understood to “like his profile”, with both clubs on the hunt for reinforcements in their frontlines as they prepare for the Champions League next season, having finished three points adrift of each other in Serie A.

However, Rashford’s wage packet at Old Trafford – worth in excess of £300,000 a week – is far beyond their reach. “[He] isn’t a priority for the Italian clubs, given his current salary of around €8.4 million, including bonuses,” the report states.

Interestingly, Roma and Napoli have each been linked with Joshua Zirkzee as well, who looks set to return to Italy after failing to adapt to the cut and thrust of Premier League football.

The 25-year-old Dutchman is said to want to remain at Old Trafford and prove himself, but INEOS want to sell him in order to fund the signing of a more reliable striker in his place.

Spurs leading the race

Rashford is still focused on remaining an FC Barcelona player next season, after the Blaugrana opted against triggering the £26 million buy-option in his loan deal, despite the England international’s impressive record for his adopted side.

Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season

CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga3218893-1,762' UEFA Champions League11554--579' Copa del Rey4311--249' Supercopa20----32' Total492614143-2,622'

Source: Transfermarkt.

German manager Hansi Flick is believed to want the England international to stay at the Camp Nou as well, though the recent capture of Anthony Gordon, and the ongoing negotiations for Karim Adeyemi, have virtually killed off any lingering hope of a return.

While Rashford’s wages are prohibitive for clubs in Serie A, the financial might of the Premier League offers more hope of a deal. A host of rivals, including Aston Villa and Newcastle United, have expressed interest in the Wythenshawe native.

But AS Roma Live reveals it is Tottenham Hotspur who are leading the charge. Tottenham Hotspur have made the “most concrete contact” with Rashford’s camp, with Roberto De Zerbi understood to be pushing for his arrival in North London.

However, Rashford is prioritising clubs competing in the Champions League, hence why advances were made to both Roma and Napoli. Tottenham , having come perilously close to relegation last season, are not in Europe at all, which is a significant hurdle to any move.

Another suitor the report states has opened negotiations this week is Süper Lig side Fenerbahce, while their rivals Galatasaray have also entered the race. But Rashford is not believed to be open to a switch to Türkiye at this stage of his career, preferring to remain in a top European league.

Final Thoughts

Manchester United will care little where Rashford is plying his trade next season, as long as it is not in a Manchester City or Liverpool shirt or another loan. If Tottenham are willing to meet the £40 million valuation, INEOS will bite their rivals’ hand off. The key point, however, is that it will need to be a permanent solution, not another temporary one, for Wilcox and co. to get their gnashers out.

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Manchester United risk missing out on another target to Tottenham Hotspur as the North London club prepares a big-money bid for Eli Junior Kroupi, according to the latest report.

Spurs going all-out

Having come perilously close to relegation last season, only securing survival on the final day with a 1-0 win over Everton, Tottenham are intent on transforming Roberto De Zerbi’s squad this summer.

The Italian manager wants to rebuild the spine of his side, believing the team’s frailties originate in the middle of the pitch. A £52 million deal for centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke has been struck, as have free transfers for Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson.

This was followed up by two record-breaking offers for Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, with Spurs hijacking Manchester United’s move for the latter.

The West Ham midfielder, who attributes his namesake, Bruno Fernandes, as an idol, was believed to be leaning towards Old Trafford, only for the Lilywhites to storm into the race with an £85 million bid and a much better wage packet than the one being offered in M16.

United were unwilling to match these proposals, with a suspicion Spurs would simply raise their offer were they to do so anyways. This led the Red Devils to pivot towards Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, reaching a £50 million agreement for the 22-year-old Brazilian this week.

Tottenham are also looking to reinforce De Zerbi’s forward line, setting up a potential tussle with United over a different West Ham star, Crysencio Summerville. The Dutchman is understood to be INEOS’ “No.1 target” on the left wing, with exploratory talks already underway with Hammers.

However, Tottenham are now threatening to sign another target on United’s radar in Kroupi, Bournemouth’s breakout star who made history as the best scoring teenager in Premier League history last season.

United risk missing out

Despite only turning 20 last month, Kroupi has already established himself as one of the most exciting talents in Europe after a superb maiden campaign for the Cherries. He was signed from Ligue 1 side Lorient last year for £10 million, a deal which has proven a masterstroke after 13 goals in the Premier League last season.

The France under-21 international’s reputation, and value, have exploded in this time, with virtually every top club in England, including Manchester United, and on the continent expressing interest in a summer swoop.

Despite a midfield rebuild being the priority, United are understood to be looking to sign a winger and a more reliable striker than Joshua Zirkzee. Kroupi, capable of playing right across the frontline, would be an option in both positions.

Scouts have been in regular attendance at the Vitality Stadium in recent months, at the request of sporting director Jason Wilcox. A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed INEOS want a “young icon” to lead their project at Old Trafford, with belief Kroupi fits the bill perfectly.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are similarly smitten, however, while Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Spanish heavyweights, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, are also in the race. But it is Tottenham who are ready to strike first, demonstrating a level of aggression in the market which has taken their rivals by surprise.

TEAMtalk reveals Spurs are “preparing to submit” a £75 million for Kroupi, who they believe is keen to play under De Zerbi, despite not being able to offer European football. Bournemouth are said to value their French jewel closer to £100m, though there is confidence in North London that £75m will “seriously test the Cherries’ resolve.”

There has been suggestions Kroupi had agreed personal terms with either Spurs or Barcelona, but his agent, Moussa Sissoko, moved quickly to dispel these rumours. “We are still discussing his future. We’ll see what happens in the coming days; at the moment there is no final decision,” the agent said.

Final Thoughts

If a £75 million offer is sufficient to at least Bournemouth to the negotiating table, Manchester United should submit one tomorrow. Their prime target on the wing, Summerville, is valued at £50m by West Ham, while an upgrade on Zirkzee will likely require a reasonable fee as well.

Kroupi is capable of thriving in either role, with the potential to develop into one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards. While it is a significant outlay for such a young player, the Lorient native is the type of talent worth ripping up plans for, particularly if it stops one of your major rivals grabbing him first.

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