The Mirror

Ex-Spurs captain Hugo Lloris gives brutally honest verdict on Ange Postecoglou sacking

Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as Tottenham Hotspur manager despite leading the team to Europa League glory, with Thomas Frank taking his place

Hugo Lloris says a weight has been lifted off Tottenham’s shoulders after they ended their 17 year trophy drought. But Lloris also claimed that sacking Ange Postecoglou after his “remarkable” success was just a brutal reality of football.

Former Tottenham captain Lloris, 38, who spent 12 years at Spurs, is hoping lifting the Europa League will signal a change in the club’s fortunes. Los Angeles FC keeper Lloris, whose side face Chelsea in the Club World Cup, said: “I am really pleased.

"I am really happy for the club. For the people at the club, for the players. We ran for so many years after this trophy, finally the club got rewarded and it is well deserved.

“Hopefully it will make their shoulders a little bit lighter for the future and I think it is also the moment to build on this success for Spurs. Even if I am not a Spurs player, I still follow the news, the team and the results.

"I think Ange Postecoglou deserves a lot of credit, the players as well, it is not easy to win that kind of competition. It is also another way to get the Champions League.

“There was a lot of frustration and disappointment about the Premier League season but at the end, the last few years everybody was talking about trophies and finally they got one so that’s really good. I hope now they are going to build a momentum and get even more competitive in all the competitions they are involved in.”

Despite leading Tottenham to their first trophy since 2008, Postecoglou was given his marching orders and has now been replaced by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank. Even Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy admitted it was a tough decision to make the change but Spurs had lost 22 games in their Premier League season. However, Lloris was brutally honest about the failings of his teams during his time at the club and questioned whether they would have swapped finishing higher in the table for a trophy.

When asked whether the decision to sack Postecoglou surprised him, Lloris added: “No, nothing surprises me in football. But at the same time, it is hard to say something because I am on the other side. I don’t know what happened inside the club so it's really hard for me to judge.

“If they made this decision it is because they believe there is another option which is better for the future of the club. What Ange Postecoglou did was just remarkable. He brought this Europa League trophy, he brought a lot of joy to the Spurs community, a lot of pride as well and we all have to be thankful for that.

“I think they had a really hard season. They had a lot of injuries as well that affected the team and performances and I think in the second part of the season, it looks like they decided to go all-in for the Europa League.

“They made it and you just have to congratulate them because it is another way to go to the Champions League. At the end of the day, I don’t know, if you finish 10th, 14th, 15th, 16th and if you get a chance to win a trophy on the other hand, it is just an amazing achievement.

“I was part of a really competitive team for many years and the target was to reach the top four but at which price? We could not find a way to win a cup, a league cup or even a Europa League cup but we managed to go and get the top four for many years. I don’t know, it is all about the optics of the club.”

Tottenham are pursuing Bryan Mbeumo in a move that would reunite him with his former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, though the manager will already be pleased with two new players he gets to work with

Two Tottenham stars will know exactly where they stand with new Spurs boss Thomas Frank after the manager tried to sign them for Brentford. Spurs confirmed the appointment of Frank as their new head coach on Thursday.

The Dane joined as Ange Postecoglou's successor on a three-year deal after Daniel Levy triggered the £10million release clause in his contract. Frank had long impressed with his work in charge at the Gtech Community Stadium during a near seven-year period, with some of his assistant coaches now following him in the move to north London.

As he looks ahead to competing in the Champions League, Frank will be keen to quickly establish exactly who his key players are while signing new players of his choosing. And the 51-year-old will be pleased that he will now work alongside two players whom he almost signed for Brentford in recent years.

Frank and Brentford had a long-held interest in Brennan Johnson during his time with Nottingham Forest in the Championship. They had several bids rejected by Forest in the January window of 2022.

Brentford again pushed hard to sign Johnson in the summer of 2023, with Frank seeing the then 22-year-old as a pivotal part of his plans for the 2023/24 season after Ivan Toney was hit with an eight-month ban.

The west London side reportedly had a £40million bid rejected after falling short of Forest's £50m valuation. Spurs eventually won the race for Johnson, paying £47.5m to the east Midlands side before the summer transfer deadline.

The Lilywhites were once again able to get one over Frank’s Brentford last summer by signing Archie Gray from Championship side Leeds United. The versatile youngster was close to joining the Bees in a £40m move before the plug was pulled, as Leeds were unhappy with the structure of the deal Brentford were offering.

That led to Tottenham sweeping in and stealing Gray from under Frank's nose. The 19-year-old went on to feature heavily in the 2024/25 campaign, making 46 appearances in all competitions, with the majority of those games coming at centre-back.

Gray will be looking to kick on even more from August under Frank, who will now be the one in charge of his development - 12 months on from missing out on him.

Frank will also be keen to reunite with his star player, Bryan Mbeumo, from this season at Brentford, with Tottenham holding initial talks about a deal for the Cameroonian forward with their London rivals.

Mbeumo is one of the most sought-after Premier League players this summer transfer window after a stellar season at Brentford, in which he scored 20 top-flight goals while also contributing seven assists.

After enjoying his most prolific campaign to date under Frank, the 25-year-old has become more intrigued by a Spurs move now, having been linked with Manchester United in recent weeks.

Mbeumo arrived in west London from French side Troyes six years ago for a then-club record fee of £5.8m. Fast-forward to this transfer window and he's the subject of huge bids from both the Red Devils and Spurs.

United have had a bid of around £55m rejected by Brentford. And as reported already by Mirror Football, a first official step has been made towards reuniting Mbeumo and Frank, with Spurs technical director Johan Lange offering up £65m plus £5m in add-ons to land the Cameroon international.

However, Sky Sports reported that Mbeumo is still leaning towards United, who are expected to go back in with a fresh offer for the Brentford talisman.

Manchester United target Bryan Mbeumo is also wanted by Tottenham now that Thomas Frank is in charge and the Cameroon star feels his ex-Brentford boss will thrive at his new club

Bryan Mbeumo has tipped Thomas Frank to be a huge hit at Tottenham during an impromptu interview at the Canadian Grand Prix - but he did not discuss the battle for his signature between Spurs and Manchester United.

The Cameroon star, 25, is wanted by both clubs with a summer exit from Brentford now likely. It's understood that United is Mbeumo's preferred destination with the Red Devils in desperate need of reinforcements after enduring their worst ever Premier League campaign.

They have so far failed to meet Brentford's valuation of the player and the situation has been complicated by Frank's move to Spurs.

Mirror Football revealed prior to the weekend that they have launched a £70million bid to try and make Mbeumo their marquee summer signing by gazumping their rivals.

And while Mbeumo did not discuss interest from the two clubs in Montreal, he did endorse Frank to do a stellar job at his new club.

"He's done so much for me," Mbeumo told Sky Sports when he was asked how influential Frank has been during his career.

"He literally trusted me from the start [at Brentford] and he developed the team so well. He developed me as a human and a player so much as well. I can only wish him all the best and I'm sure he's going to do well."

He added: "He knows everything; he's really smart and knows what he wants to bring the team, how he wants them to play. He's been fantastic for Brentford."

Join the debate! Where do you think Mbeumo will be playing next season? Let us know here

Mbeumo is hot property after breaking the 20-goal barrier in the Premier League for the first time last season, helping Brentford to a 10th place finish.

Crucially, the Bees are not expected to prevent their star man after his stellar campaign, though it remains unclear where he will end up with the summer transfer window set to reopen on Monday.

The versatile forward feels he is currently at the peak of his powers, adding: "I think it's been my best season so far in the Premier League. Even collectively, I think we played very good and were unlucky [to not get] a European spot."

As the tug-of-war between Manchester United and Tottenham for Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo ensues, the Cameroonian international's previous admission adds more fuel to the fire

Bryan Mbeumo lastyear revealed his wish to play in the '"biggest competitions" for "the best clubs" amid interest from Manchester United and Tottenham. The Brentford star looks set to make a switch this summer on the back of a 20-goal Premier League campaign.

The 25-year-old enjoyed his most prolific campaign to date under Thomas Frank this season, having arrived in west London from French side Troyes six years ago for a then-club record fee of £5.8million. Fast forward to this transfer window, and he's the subject of bids exceeding £55m from both the Red Devils and Spurs.

Ruben Amorim's side looked all set to wrap up a deal for Mbeumo earlier this month, with reports suggesting he had 'prioritised' a move to Old Trafford, and personal terms would be no issue. However, his former boss Frank's move from the west of the capital to the north threw a spanner in United's works.

The Danish head coach has replaced Europa League-winning boss Ange Postecoglou at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and it seems he wishes to bring Mbeumo along with him.

Spurs have now risen to the ascendency in securing Mbeumo's signature, tabling a £70m bid, £15m more than the £55m figure United had rejected, and reports suggest that the player is now 'more open' to staying in London. Comments made by the 25-year-old last May also give Frank's new side the edge.

Interest from top sides in Mbeumo can be traced back to the summer of 2024, when, after a campaign that saw him muster a respectable nine league goals, Liverpool and Newcastle came sniffing.

Mbeumo issued a response to rumours linking him with the Premier League's finest, and told L'Equipe: "I have spent five years at Brentford, at a club that has allowed me to grow and pass a milestone but yes, I would like to play in the biggest competitions, at the best clubs. It is tantalising to see some big clubs interested in me."

The winger ultimately stayed put at the Gtech Community Stadium last summer. However, his comments regarding playing in the biggest and best competitions arguably throw weight behind Tottenham's bid in the current battle for his signature.

While Amorim's United will be without European football next term, having finished the season in a lowly 15th, Spurs will grace the Champions League.

They bested the Red Devils 1-0 in the Europa League final, ending a 17-year wait for silverware and qualifying them for UEFA's elite club competition. Yet, while Mbeumo clarified that playing in a tournament like the Champions League is an aim, he added the caveat that he would like to do so for the 'best clubs.'

Not only did United finish slightly higher than Spurs in the Premier League this season, but they are also historically superior, having lifted a joint record 20 top-flight league titles, among countless other accolades that Tottenham have not.

Mbeumo himself has dropped few hints as to which side he would prefer, though a post on Instagram when it was announced that head coach Frank would be departing made for telling viewing.

The 25-year-old uploaded pictures of himself and Frank, captioned only with two prayer emojis, perhaps alluding to a desire to reunite, or maybe just wishing his former boss good luck.

Either way, it seems the pull of Champions League football and the prospect of playing under the coach who mentored him into stardom could give Tottenham the advantage in this bidding war, though United still cannot be ruled out.

Tottenham have opted to make Mathys Tel's deal a permanent one as he completes his move from Bayern Munich with Thomas Frank now looking to land Bryan Mbeumo

Tottenham have completed the signing of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich on a permanent deal having landed him on loan back in January. The agreement gave the Premier League side the option to sign him this summer.

Thomas Frank has given the move the thumbs up and the French forward has now signed a deal in north London until 2031 for £30million. He becomes Tottenham's first signing after being bought to the club by Ange Postecoglou.

Tel made his debut for the Tottenham as a substitute against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and then marked his first start with a goal against Aston Villa in an FA Cup loss. He went on to make 20 appearances last term.

Frank was hired earlier this week following years of impressive work at Brentford, where he took them from the Championship to the Premier League. He is tasked with improving the club's domestic standing and has gone after his former player Bryan Mbeumo.

The Frenchman has just enjoyed his best season to date in front of goal and his signing would be a major statement given Manchester United's interest. Spurs have launched a £70m bid to hijack United’s move, which breaks down to £65m plus £5m in add-ons. That is £10m more than United’s.

Frank wants to bring the 25-year-old with him to north London. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy wants to deliver the Cameroon international with the club able to offer Champions League football - something they can't do at Old Trafford. United remain the preferred destination for Mbeumo however.

The Danish boss worked with Mbeumo since his arrival at Brentford from Troyes in 2019. United have already made two bids for Mbeumo, the most recent of which was a £60million package worth £55million plus £5million in add-ons last week. Brentford refused to accept it, leaving the door open for Spurs to come in with what could now be a decisive offer.

Frank is set to cast an eye over 18-year-old Tottenham centre-back Luka Vuskovic in pre-season despite widespread loan interest in the Croatian. Spurs agreed a reported £12m package deal with Hajduk Split for the teenager, then 16, in September 2023 and they pipped Man City and PSG to his signature.

Tottenham are in no immediate rush to make a decision over his future as numerous clubs register their loan interest and they're yet to rule out Vuskovic potentially staying put as part of their first-team squad for next season.

Luka Vuskovic is set to arrive at Tottenham this summer after they struck a deal to sign the Croatian wonderkid from Hajduk Split in September 2023

Thomas Frank is set to cast an eye over 18-year-old Tottenham centre-back Luka Vuskovic in pre-season despite widespread loan interest in the Croatian. Spurs agreed a reported £12million package deal with Hajduk Split for the teenager, then 16, in September 2023 and they're understood to have pipped Manchester City and PSG to his signature.

The towering defender starred on loan in Belgium last season with KVC Westerlo, scoring an impressive seven goals from the back, having also previously flourished in Poland during a six-month spell with Radomiak Radom in 2024.

Now a series of top-flight clubs from Germany, France and Belgium including Hamburg and Club Brugge have contacted his representatives to register an early interest in signing Vuskovic on loan for the 2025-26 season, should he become available.

However, Tottenham are in no immediate rush to make a decision over his future and they're yet to rule out Vuskovic potentially staying put as part of their first-team squad for the forthcoming campaign.

Earlier this week, he was handed his senior international debut by Croatia when he was a late substitute in a 5-1 World Cup qualification win over Czechia.

Spurs believe they have a major talent on their hands but they intend to manage his development carefully in a bid to ensure he fulfils his potential in north London.

Speaking earlier this month, Vuskovic was full of praise for the Europa League winners and shared his excitement about joining the club, stating: “First of all, I’m looking forward to feeling that level and seeing where I am in relation to the players who just won the Europa League so that I know what I need to work on the most.

“After that, I’ll see in agreement with the club which is the smartest next step. The club has proven to be careful and wise in making decisions so far. Belgium has proven to be an ideal league at this stage of my career, and I think it is otherwise a great development league because it gives a lot of opportunities to young players."

Belgian side Westerlo have also made no secret of the fact they're keen to forge a partnership with Tottenham to sign more players on loan from Spurs in the future, though their chances of landing Vuskovic for another year look very slim. Alfie Devine also gained valuable senior experience with the Jupiler Pro League outfit, netting six goals in 30 top-flight appearances.

In the past six weeks, even before the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, Spurs held a series of meetings with the representatives or their loanees to review their progress.

New boss Frank has a proven track record for utilising and developing talent both at Brentford and Brondby, having also previously coached Denmark at various youth levels.

Thomas Frank was named as Tottenham Hotspur's new head coach earlier this week and the first signing of the Dane's tenure is close to being agreed after fresh transfer talks

Mathys Tel is poised to become the first signing of the Thomas Frank era at Tottenham, with the Frenchman in advanced talks to make his loan move from Bayern Munich permanent.

Tel, 20, joined Spurs on loan in the January transfer window in a deal with an option for €50million (£42.5m). The versatile forward scored three times in 20 appearances, though the manager who signed him, Ange Postecoglou, is no longer at the helm.

Tottenham's decision to replace the Australian with Frank has had no bearing on a permanent move, though, with the club and Bayern now close to an agreement.

As outlined by Sky Sport Germany, Tottenham are set to pay around €35m (£30m) to keep Tel after negotiating fresh terms with the German giants, with Frank keen on retaining the forward's services.

And it's claimed that the France Under-21 star is also happy to make the switch permanent after getting a taste of life in the Premier League over the last six months.

Max Eberl, the Bayern sporting director, confirmed that talks over a deal were ongoing with Tottenham earlier this week amid talk that an agreement was close.

"Mathys was at Tottenham for six months. He wanted to play in the U21 European championship with France, and we allowed him to," he said, per Abendzeitung München. "We’re talking to Tottenham, that’s no secret. We’ll see how that pans out."

Frank is expected to be backed in the transfer market after signing a three-year contract to become the club's new head coach with more additions likely.

Mirror Football revealed that the Dane would love to take Bryan Mbeumo with him to Tottenham despite interest in the Cameroon international from Manchester United.

Spurs have since launched a £70m bid - consisting of £65m with a further £5m in add-ons - in a bid to gazump United, though it's understood that Old Trafford remains Mbeumo's preferred destination.

Spurs have also been linked with Yoane Wissa after prising Frank away from Brentford. The DR Congo and Mbeumo racked up 38 Premier League goals between them for the Bees last season and would instantly boost Tottenham's firepower.

Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo is also of interest to Spurs; the Ghana international has other top-flight suitors including Manchester United and is said to be valued by the Cherries at around £70m.

Tottenham announced the sacking of Ange Postecoglou last week, despite the Australian guiding the club to the Europa League trophy, with Brentford boss Thomas Frank quickly unveiled as his successor

Ange Postecoglou has been offered an immediate return to management after being sacked by Tottenham, with reports claiming Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli have "made contact" with the Australian.

Postecoglou was axed by Spurs chief Daniel Levy last week despite guiding the club to the Europa League trophy, their first piece of silverware for 17 years.

However, the former Celtic boss was under huge pressure after also overseeing Tottenham's worst ever Premier League finish of 17th, with the team losing 22 games. That was the most by any Premier League side without being relegated.

As a result, it seemed likely the Spurs hierarchy would swing the axe before an official announcement came at the start of this month. Thomas Frank was duly appointed as his replacement this week.

Attentions will now turn to where Postecoglou will end up next after bringing an attractive playing style to Spurs and ultimately the trophy they craved - coming through on his promise that he "always wins in his second season".

According to the Athletic, Saudi outfit Al-Ahli have reached out to Postecoglou as they line up their next manager, given that current boss Matthias Jaissle has turned down a number of contract extensions.

The club are now preparing for his successor and have placed Postecoglou on their shortlist alongside ex-Barcelona boss Xavi in the event that Jaissle departs.

But the report says talks are "moving quickly" with Postecoglou, who has just returned from a holiday in Greece following the end of a turbulent campaign.

Al-Ahli find themselves in a similarly complicated situation as Postecoglou was in at Spurs, given that Jaissle has just won the AFC Champions League and is popular with fans. Moving to the Middle East club would see him manage stars like Edouard Mendy, Franck Kessie, Riyad Mahrez Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney.

Postecoglou will feel hard done by to have lost his job at Spurs given he ended the club's lengthy trophy drought, but the club insisted they could not be ruled by emotion as they explained the reasons for his dismissal.

A club statement announcing his sacking said: "We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club. Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.

"However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph."

Manchester United and Tottenham are both battling hard to sign Bryan Mbeumo, who has attracted interest from clubs across the country after scoring 20 Premier League goals in 2024/25

Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford's dazzling Cameroonian forward, has become one of the most talked-about names of the summer as the transfer window gathers momentum. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a breakout Premier League campaign - showcasing a potent mix of creativity, clinical finishing and tireless energy that's cemented his status as one of the division's standout performers outside the traditional 'big six.'

Since arriving from Troyes in 2019, Mbeumo has been a quietly consistent presence for the Bees. But in 2024/25, he's shifted gears - racking up an impressive 20 goals and nine assists across 42 appearances. With numbers like those, it was only a matter of time before top clubs came calling. Now, they are.

With Manchester United and Tottenham locked in a fierce tug-of-war for his signature, speculation over his future is reaching fever pitch. Mbeumo offers both clubs a unique mix of flair and versatility, but where will he end up?

With a bidding war on the cards and his former Brentford boss Thomas Frank now at Spurs, the plot thickens. Here, Mirror Football runs through all the latest details of this increasingly dramatic transfer saga.

Tottenham's hijack

The Red Devils thought they had Mbeumo in the bag. Reports suggested the Cameroon international was keen on a move to Old Trafford, and with Matheus Cunha already secured, United felt they had the luxury of time to finalise the rest of their summer business - or so they thought.

Their opening bid of £50m (£40m plus £10m in add-ons) was promptly rejected by Brentford. A few days later, United returned with an improved offer of £55m (£45m plus £10m in add-ons), but the Bees remained firm, valuing their star man closer to £70m.

While United hesitated, Tottenham seized their chance. They swooped in with a superior offer - reportedly £65m plus £5m in add-ons - and instantly changed the complexion of the race. Their ace in the hole? Newly appointed manager Frank, who helped nurture Mbeumo into a Premier League gem in West London.

That existing relationship could prove decisive, and now, what once looked like a straightforward deal for United is teetering. Tottenham have emerged as serious rivals for his signature - and suddenly, it's they who look to have the momentum in the situation.

Mbeumo's U-turn

Just days ago, Mbeumo seemed destined for United. It's understood he'd 'given priority' to the Manchester club, reportedly over other English suitors such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle. The Red Devils' project, despite no European football next season, appealed to Mbeumo, who was sold not only on Ruben Amorim's vision after talks in May, but also by the prospect of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Despite their rejected bids, United were expected to strike an agreement with Brentford sooner or later. But Frank's arrival at Tottenham has flipped the script. Reports indicate that while Mbeumo's first choice remains United, he's increasingly leaning toward a move to Spurs, swayed by the chance to reunite with the manager who knows him best.

Tottenham's willingness to meet Brentford's valuation, coupled with Frank's promise of a starring role in their Champions League campaign, has Mbeumo rethinking his future. While United aren't out of the race yet, Spurs' aggressive push has put them in a commanding position, leaving fans on both sides chewing their nails.

Mbeumo breaks silence

Amid the transfer whirlwind, Mbeumo has stayed tight-lipped - until now. The Brentford star recently took to Instagram to address the elephant in the room: Frank's departure to Tottenham.

After the move was confirmed, he uploaded a post with multiple photos of him and Frank together, captioning it with two prayer emojis. The post, while dripping with gratitude, sent fans into a frenzy, with many reading it as a subtle nod to his hopes of a potential Spurs switch.

However, Mbeumo's social media activity doesn't explicitly commit to any club, keeping the saga deliciously open-ended.

What's next?

If Mbeumo's online signals are enigmatic, his impact on the pitch is anything but. It's no surprise, then, that both United and Tottenham are pushing hard - ready to splash significant cash to secure Mbeumo's signature.

Where things begin to diverge, however, is on the wage front. United are reportedly prepared to offer a package worth around £160,000 per week. Tottenham, on the other hand, are offering closer to £130,000 per week - still substantial, but a figure that would push the upper limits of their current wage structure.

As negotiations intensify, the forward's next destination remains one of the summer's most captivating subplots. Whether it's under the bright lights of Old Trafford or alongside familiar faces in North London, one thing is clear: wherever Mbeumo lands, he has every chance of becoming a major success.

A player in his prime, with momentum at his back and suitors at his feet, ready to light up an elite stage. The only question left is: who gets to call him theirs?

Another Wolves exit on the cards

After bidding farewell to Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, you'd have thought Wolves' bruising summer was over. But not quite, according to reports in Portugal.

According to Correio de Manha, Benfica are targeting manager Vitor Pereira as a potential replacement for Bruno Lage. Rui Costa is apparently very interested in going in a different direction and sees Pereira as an ideal option.

It is suggested that Pereira would be interested in a move to a club challenging for Champions League places.

Liverpool receive Alisson offer

On the topic of Galatasaray, Liverpool might have to fight off interest from the Turkish giants when it comes to one of their stars.

As per Sky in Germany, Galatasaray submitted a 'concrete enquiry' for Alisson Becker. It is suggested that he turned down a move in order to stay at Anfield.

Galatasaray have not been afraid to splash the cash this summer having signed Leroy Sane on a mega contract.

Martinez waiting for Man Utd move

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez is reportedly waiting for a move to Manchester United despite being in talks with another club.

As per TyC Sports, Galatasaray have launched talks with Villa to find out the conditions of a deal. They reportedly want to sign him as a replacement for Fernando Muslera.

Further reports suggest that Old Trafford is Martinez's preferred destination should he leave Villa.

Gyokeres turns down Man Utd

A stunning development in Viktor Gyokeres' future now, with the Sporting Lisbon forward seemingly picking his next club.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, the Swedish forward has turned down a switch to Old Trafford. His agents have reportedly informed United chiefs.

And as it stands, Arsenal are now in the driving seat when it comes to a deal.

Williams 'desperate' for Barcelona move

Nico Williams has been targeted by Bayern Munich and Arsenal this summer - but it appears that he has his heart set on a move to Barcelona.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish wideman is 'desperate' to become a Barcelona player. And his representatives have relayed this information to the Catalan giants.

Further reports have suggested that Hansi Flick has already spoken personally with Williams.

Real back out of Zubimendi deal

Real Madrid have decided to move on from Martin Zubimendi, in a major boost to Arsenal's hopes of signing the midfielder. The Gunners have been attempting to complete their move for the Spaniard all summer but it was derailed by late interest from Madrid.

But according to AS, Madrid have now decided to ditch their attempts to hijack the deal. Los Blancos believe that Zubimendi is 'escaping their orbit' and have already begun the process of considering alternative options.

Liverpool's huge summer spend racks up

Liverpool have agreed a whopping £116m deal for German ace Florian Wirtz which could shatter the British transfer record. Wirtz, 22, will complete a move to Anfield next week after the Reds finalised a deal with Bayer Leverkusen - and their summer spending isn't complete, with Kop bosses prepared to smash the £220m barrier.

The club's spending this summer is set to go north of £220m as they look to land Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, who are holding out for £45m.

Jeremie Frimpong has already been signed from Leverkusen for £29.5m. Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is arriving from Valencia for around £30m after spending last season on loan with the La Liga club.

Gyokeres saga turns messy

The situation surrounding Viktor Gyokeres is really starting to spiral as he pushes to leave Sporting Lisbon. Gyokeres scored 54 goals in 52 games in all competitions for Sporting this season, but is now keen to move on and test himself in the Premier League.

The Sweden international snubbed a move to Saudi Arabia and Al Hilal this week, which would’ve earned him in the region of £500k-per-week. Both Man United - where former mentor Ruben Amorim - and Arsenal are pursuing a new No.9 this summer, and Gyokeres is keen to join either.

As he does so, the fallout in Portugal is getting increasingly bitter. It has been claimed that Gyokeres is willing to go on strike to force a move away from Sporting after suggestions they’ve been increasing their asking price in talks with potential buyers, having, it’s claimed by the Gyokeres camp, to sell him for a set fee.

Tottenham table £70m Mbeumo bid amid Man Utd interest

Spurs have launched a £70million bid to hijack Man United’s move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo. The north Londoners’ offer is worth £65million plus £5million in add-ons, £10million more than United’s.

As revealed by Mirror Football last week, new Spurs boss Thomas Frank wants to take 25-year-old Mbeumo with him to north London. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy wants to deliver the Cameroon international as a statement signing for Ange Postecoglu’s successor.

But United remain the preferred destination for Mbeumo, who scored 20 Premier League goals for Brentford over the past season.