The Peoples Person

Manchester United appear to have revealed what they hope to do with Kobbie Mainoo as the transfer race for the midfield prodigy heats up.

While a standout performer over the course of the past season, Mainoo has had limited minutes on the pitch this season, missing out on both of Man United’s first two Premier League games.

His first appearance came in the dismal EFL Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town, where he struggled to find his groove.

Still, this performance has not dampened the rising interest that a multitude of clubs have expressed in him, with Tottenham Hotspur attempting an audacious swoop for the player before the transfer deadline arrives.

The race is on

Chelsea have been linked with the youngster, reportedly discussing a £70 million asking price back in January, which has allegedly fallen to £45 million.

Italian giants Napoli have also emerged as potential suitors, with the team also looking to sign Rasmus Hojlund in an audacious double swoop.

Then there’s Newcastle United, who reportedly also entered the fray – a move which could allow United to fetch more money from a potential deal.

Still, the player himself would also need to decide where he wants to play his football going forward.

Mainoo reveals his true desire

Earlier today, The Peoples Person relayed that Mainoo desires to remain at United, although he would like to leave the club on loan as a means of getting more minutes on the pitch.

Still, this hasn’t dissuaded Tottenham Hotspur from pursuing a sneaky late deal, with United responding in a way that voices their true feelings on the academy graduate.

United respond to Spurs

“Tottenham Hotspur have explored the possibility of signing Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United before the summer transfer window closes on September 1, sources have told TEAMtalk, with initial contacts understood to have taken place on Thursday,” TEAMtalk reported this morning.

“Tottenham have moved quickly to open the door, believing he could flourish under manager Thomas Frank’s set-up,” the article continued, before revealing United’s stance.

“Sources have told TEAMtalk that Man Utd officials are reluctant to sanction any departure, instead wanting him to work his way into manager Ruben Amorim’s side to earn a new contract. That stance was reiterated on Thursday, even as Tottenham sensed an opportunity.”

It’s clear that United are acutely aware of Mainoo’s enormous potential, and should this latest report prove true, United fans would surely be relieved to see that United are attempting to avoid offloading a talent who could surely serve the club well for years to come.

Still, with the transfer window closing on September 1, it’s difficult to know what dramatic late moves could be made as United scramble to build their squad for the season.

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Manchester United appear to be ramping up their efforts to sign young up-and-coming stars this summer as they seek to secure their long-term future.

With the new Premier League season underway, it has been a busy transfer window for the club, with no signs of Man United’s transfer ambitions slowing down.

Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko have all added significant firepower to United’s attack, but it has so far seemed that the club is largely satisfied with its current defensive lineup.

That is, until a fresh update.

A centre-back target emerges

Last week, The Peoples Person relayed that United have taken an interest in Fenerbahce’s Yusuf Akçicek.

Exhibiting his talent at the back in the U19 Süper Lig, Akçiçek has also seemingly attracted the interest of Aston Villa.

This comes as little surprise, with former United manager Jose Mourinho even comparing him to Raphael Varane.

Bayern Munich are also believed to be in the running for the Turkish youngster, with the Bundesliga champions reportedly sending representatives to watch him in action.

As such, it appears that United need to act fast in order to sign the teenager. Interestingly, it appears that they already have, if new reports are to be believed.

The race is on

Sabah [via Sport Witness] reported that Manchester United sent officials to Turkey to “take a closer look at the youngster.”

The report claimed that Tottenham Hotspur also happened to send their own officials to Turkey, presenting themselves as rivals to United in what could become a heated transfer race.

While United’s attack has been a clear area of focus this summer, signing a promising new defender such as Akçiçek could prove to be a prudent move, especially since Lisandro Martinez remains injured and Harry Maguire continues to age.

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Manchester United have been trying to move on Alejandro Garnacho since the summer window opened. So far, an exit has not materialised.

It is not because of a lack of interest with Saudi Arabian sides, and plenty of European clubs chasing his signature.

But the Argentine seems hellbent on moving to Chelsea, who have, until now, only offered lowball proposals or swap deals. In fact, the Stamford Bridge outfit only want to spend £30 million on the 21-year-old.

INEOS value him at least £50 million, which makes a lot of sense given the prices Anthony Elanga, and Noni Madueke have fetched.

Garnacho only has eyes for Chelsea

The Blues want to take advantage of the fact that the Carrington graduate only has eyes for them. So desperate is the Argentina international to move to London that he is ready to watch from the stands if he does not get his desired switch.

That is why the Red Devils have an ace up their sleeve. As per Givemesport, they have given the green light to Tottenham Hotspur to approach them regarding a deal for the United No.17.

The 20-time English league champions are aware that the only way for them to get Chelsea to up their offer is if they encounter competition for the winger’s signature.

Spurs, who missed out on Eberechi Eze, could potentially try and land the ex-Atletico Madrid academy ace as a replacement.

Spurs invited to join the fray

They had been credited with interest in the versatile forward in the recent past. INEOS would welcome the prospect of a bidding war.

“Manchester United are hoping that Tottenham Hotspur will choose to re-enter the race to land Alejandro Garnacho as influential figures at Old Trafford have accepted that Chelsea will only come close to meeting their demands if they are facing competition for an agreement, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

“Manchester United have given Tottenham the green light to come back into the frame to sign Garnacho, according to GMS sources, as there are fears that they will be forced to allow him to join Chelsea for a cut-price fee if no other suitors are prepared to put cash on the table ahead of the summer transfer window slamming shut on September 1.

Hoping for a bidding war

“Tottenham used intermediaries to gauge what would be needed to recruit Garnacho and also made checks on his desire to leave Manchester United earlier in the transfer window, GMS sources have learned, resulting in his current employers being keen for the north Londoners to return to the market for his signature.

“Manchester United are resigned to the fact that Garnacho already has his heart set on being confirmed as Chelsea’s next arrival, GMS sources understand, but key decision-makers are desperate for Tottenham to provide him with an alternative destination as it would increase the possibility of a bidding war taking place.”

It will be interesting to see if Spurs’ entry can spur Chelsea to improve their offer. Hopefully, this saga can come to an end soon.

Amorim needs help in midfield and in goal, and with Garnacho not part of his plans, his sale could be key in unlocking further reinforcements.

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Manchester United are prepared to listen to offers for Kobbie Mainoo, who has attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Mainoo was a notable absence from Ruben Amorim’s starting lineup in the Premier League opener, especially as the academy midfielder enjoyed an encouraging pre-season.

Amorim also overlooked Mainoo in the second half, as he replaced Casemiro with Manuel Ugarte with the hosts trailing 1-0 against Arsenal.

Manchester United could sell Kobbie Mainoo

According to Givemesport, United are willing to “sacrifice” Mainoo to offset their “huge summer outlay.”

United are interested in signing a defensive midfielder this summer. However, they have splurged £200m on revamping their frontline.

The 20-year-old midfielder is “up for grabs at £60m” as the club’s hierarchy try to avoid potential PSR issues. United are supposedly looking to get rid of Alejandro Garnacho for the same reason.

Spurs set their sights on Mainoo

It is further claimed that Spurs are “waiting to take the bait.” The England international has emerged as a potential transfer target for the North Londoners in the final days of the transfer window.

James Maddison recently suffered a potential season-ending injury. As such, Thomas Frank is keen to sign a new attacking midfielder.

Spurs have failed in their pursuits of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze. The former has renewed his contract at Nottingham Forest and the latter has agreed to move to North London, but to join Arsenal.

Mainoo is not a like-for-like replacement for Maddison, but the United midfield gem fits their “brief for a young, dynamic midfielder.”

Interestingly, Amorim frequently used Mainoo in the advanced position behind the striker last campaign, as the United head coach had some worries about his defending. Still, the youngster impressed with his close control and link-up ability in the final third.

As such, it is difficult to see Ineos giving up on him so quickly and selling him, especially to their Premier League rivals. It is best to take the claim with a pinch of salt.

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing a move that could put them ahead of Manchester United and other rivals in the pursuit of Brentford skipper Nathan Collins.

United interested in Collins

There remains a small chance that United will make reinforcements to their defensive department before the close of the summer transfer window.

There is a desire to beef up Ruben Amorim’s backline options following the exits of Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans at the end of June. It’s also worth noting that Lisandro Martinez is still recovering from an ACL injury sustained in February and will almost certainly need time to fully get back up to speed.

But, with United also looking at making additions in midfield and potentially between the sticks, a defensive signing may be entirely contingent on player sales.

The Red Devils are still trying to offload the likes of Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia. Rasmus Hojlund is another player who looks set to leave the club amidst interest from Napoli and AC Milan.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United have earmarked Collins as a surprise target.

Collins has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Brentford from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2023. The Bees forked out £23m to land the Republic of Ireland international.

It was stated that United are not the only party chasing Collins, with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur also named as admirers of his.

Now, CaughtOffside relay that Tottenham are preparing to step up their pursuit of the 24-year-old.

Tottenham intensify Collins chase

CaughtOffside claim that Tottenham are “upping their efforts” to beat their competitors to Collins’ services. Thomas Frank is eager for a reunion and North London and contacts between the two clubs are expected to commence imminently.

Regarding where United currently stand on Collins, CaughtOffside explain, “Manchester United are also in the mix, but their financial situation means they’d need to sell players before making a serious bid.”

“Numerous sources have confirmed that this is expected to put them at a disadvantage in the race.”

Liverpool have the funds to swoop in for Collins but their primary objective is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

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The ongoing legal row between INEOS – the company of Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe – and Tottenham Hotspur has taken a surprise turn.

Tottenham sue INEOS

Soon after Tottenham beat United in the Europa League final, it emerged that the London club had started legal proceedings against INEOS over a terminated sponsorship deal.

INEOS and Tottenham struck a five-year deal in 2022 for the petrochemicals company to be the side’s official 4×4 vehicle partner.

The agreement was reached before Ratcliffe completed his partial investment in United, became co-owner and assumed operational control from the Glazer family.

However, in March 2025, INEOS exited the partnership with Tottenham, three years into the five-year agreement. This prompted Tottenham to file a commercial claim against Ratcliffe’s firm. It’s believed that Tottenham sued INEOS for more than £11m over an alleged breach of contract.

Tottenham claimed INEOS missed the £5m-plus instalment due on December 1, as well as an earlier inflation-adjusted payment of nearly £500,000. Thomas Frank’s side are also seeking an additional £5,275,974 in damages.

Now, according to The Telegraph, Ratcliffe’s INEOS have hit back, countersuing Tottenham.

INEOS fire back at Tottenham

The newspaper reveals that INEOS are countersuing Tottenham for more than £1m, accusing them of holding sponsorship talks with Audi linked to the sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in 2023.

INEOS said about the development, “The particulars of claim make no mention of a highly significant series of events by which the club, unbeknown to Ineos, started negotiating with a major competitor to Ineos with the intention of granting rights to that competitor which were exclusive to Ineos under the agreement.”

“On or around 3 August 2023 (i.e. early in contract year two), Todd Kline of the club (“Mr Kline”) indicated to Ashley Reed of Ineos (‘Mr Reed’) that the club had been in discussions with the German car manufacturer Audi AG (‘Audi’) in connection with rights which were the same as, or substantially similar to, the rights granted to Ineos under the agreement and/or the club had been negotiating with Audi in respect of rights which were exclusive to Ineos under clause 4 of the agreement.”

“According to Mr Kline, the discussions and/or negotiations related to a proposed transfer of the club’s player Harry Kane (‘Mr Kane’) to the German club FC Bayern Munich (‘Bayern Munich’).”

Ineos noted that negotiations between Tottenham and Audi did not bear fruit but added, “this sequence of events ultimately resulted in the parties agreeing that Ineos could terminate the agreement with effect from the end of year three of the contract term.”

“In the circumstances, it is the club which owes Ineos more than £1 million for failing to provide any rights to Ineos in the final part of year three.”

It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds. Meanwhile, United are back in action on Sunday when they go away to Fulham.

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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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