The Independent

Tottenham had pushed for Randal Kolo Muani in January. Spurs were looking to sign a versatile forward to boost Ange Postecoglou’s attacking options for the second half of the season only for the Frenchman to reject the chance to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs ultimately ended up signing Mathys Tel on loan before making that move permanent earlier in the summer. Compatriot Kolo Muani, meanwhile, secured a switch to Juventus at the turn of the year, and the 26-year-old caught the eye in a dysfunctional Old Lady outfit.

Kolo Muani ended the Serie A season with eight goals to his name. He added two goals at the Club World Cup and while Juventus were keen to retain the France international’s services, a failure to agree a deal with PSG opened the door for a move elsewhere. Having failed to lure Kolo Muani to London in the winter, on summer deadline day Spurs secured their man.

It comes at a good time, too. Dominic Solanke missed the 1-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday owing to an ankle injury. “I’m hopeful he will be back after the international break,” Thomas Frank said of the striker’s absence against his former employers. Solanke sat out a bulk of Tottenham’s pre-season campaign and there are concerns he could be sidelined for longer. It wouldn’t be the first time a Spurs boss has played down a serious injury *cough* Dejan Kulusevski *cough*.

And with Richarlison’s concerns of his own, Spurs could ill-afford to go into Frank’s debut campaign with two injury-stricken strikers on the books, meaning a move for Kolo Muani made sense. The former Eintracht Frankfurt man joins on a straight loan in what is another smart capture.

He’s a ready-made addition to the frontline, adding experience to a relatively young squad, and is able to provide cover not only as the focal point in attack, but down either flank too. Injuries massively impacted Spurs under Postecoglou last season and the club is keen to avoid a repeat, with the arrival of Kolo Muani swelling Frank’s forward options considerably.

What’s key also, is that he brings variety to this Spurs frontline. Kolo Muani is a powerful runner both on and off the ball, but has the requisite physicality to his game that means he is able to shine as the lone frontman. Whether a ball is played in behind the opposition backline or Spurs opt to go direct, Kolo Muani is a thorn in the side for defences and this multi-functionality grants Frank greater tactical flexibility in the final third.

Combined with the permanent signings of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons, Spurs have a revived attack that blends a number of key traits to ensure Kolo Muani is a success at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Fans have quickly been won over by Kudus, who brings that dynamism that was found wanting on the flank. Simons, meanwhile, is a marquee signing, worthy of taking on the number 7 shirt vacated by club legend Son Heung-Min following his departure for LAFC.

The young Dutchman is able to pry apart staunch backlines, and with a keen eye for a defence-splitting pass; a forward line that was heavily disrupted due to injuries last season is suddenly reinvigorated. With Kulusevski also due back before too long, Frank has ample top quality attacking options of which to utilise.

And for a head coach of Frank’s ilk who looks to tinker with his system depending on the calibre of upcoming opposition, Kolo Muani provides versatility to the way with which the Dane can set his side up. Indeed, Kolo Muani’s best season with Eintracht came in the 2022/23 Bundesliga season, where he ended the campaign with 15 goals and 11 assists. In that time, then-Eintracht boss Oliver Glasner favoured a 3-4-2-1 setup with the France international leading the charge, and doing so impressively.

In this system, Kolo Muani flourished with the freedom to drift across the attack with those in support reaping the rewards from the Frenchman’s desire to pull to the flanks, opening up space to be exploited. The likes of Kudus and Simons will be rubbing their hands together at the prospect of operating behind a forward of his calibre.

He offers the best of both Solanke and Richarlison, and this is only a good thing for Spurs as they look to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League and follow up their Europa League triumph with further success. While one should never return to a jilted lover, Kolo Muani is a striker worthy of a second chance.

Tottenham had pushed for Randal Kolo Muani in January. Spurs were looking to sign a versatile forward to boost Ange Postecoglou’s attacking options for the second half of the season only for the Frenchman to reject the chance to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs ultimately ended up signing Mathys Tel on loan before making that move permanent earlier in the summer. Compatriot Kolo Muani, meanwhile, secured a switch to Juventus at the turn of the year, and the 26-year-old caught the eye in a dysfunctional Old Lady outfit.

Kolo Muani ended the Serie A season with eight goals to his name. He added two goals at the Club World Cup and while Juventus were keen to retain the France international’s services, a failure to agree a deal with PSG opened the door for a move elsewhere. Having failed to lure Kolo Muani to London in the winter, on summer deadline day Spurs secured their man.

It comes at a good time, too. Dominic Solanke missed the 1-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday owing to an ankle injury. “I’m hopeful he will be back after the international break,” Thomas Frank said of the striker’s absence against his former employers. Solanke sat out a bulk of Tottenham’s pre-season campaign and there are concerns he could be sidelined for longer. It wouldn’t be the first time a Spurs boss has played down a serious injury *cough* Dejan Kulusevski *cough*.

And with Richarlison’s concerns of his own, Spurs could ill-afford to go into Frank’s debut campaign with two injury-stricken strikers on the books, meaning a move for Kolo Muani made sense. The former Eintracht Frankfurt man joins on a straight loan in what is another smart capture.

He’s a ready-made addition to the frontline, adding experience to a relatively young squad, and is able to provide cover not only as the focal point in attack, but down either flank too. Injuries massively impacted Spurs under Postecoglou last season and the club is keen to avoid a repeat, with the arrival of Kolo Muani swelling Frank’s forward options considerably.

What’s key also, is that he brings variety to this Spurs frontline. Kolo Muani is a powerful runner both on and off the ball, but has the requisite physicality to his game that means he is able to shine as the lone frontman. Whether a ball is played in behind the opposition backline or Spurs opt to go direct, Kolo Muani is a thorn in the side for defences and this multi-functionality grants Frank greater tactical flexibility in the final third.

Combined with the permanent signings of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons, Spurs have a revived attack that blends a number of key traits to ensure Kolo Muani is a success at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Fans have quickly been won over by Kudus, who brings that dynamism that was found wanting on the flank. Simons, meanwhile, is a marquee signing, worthy of taking on the number 7 shirt vacated by club legend Son Heung-Min following his departure for LAFC.

The young Dutchman is able to pry apart staunch backlines, and with a keen eye for a defence-splitting pass; a forward line that was heavily disrupted due to injuries last season is suddenly reinvigorated. With Kulusevski also due back before too long, Frank has ample top quality attacking options of which to utilise.

And for a head coach of Frank’s ilk who looks to tinker with his system depending on the calibre of upcoming opposition, Kolo Muani provides versatility to the way with which the Dane can set his side up. Indeed, Kolo Muani’s best season with Eintracht came in the 2022/23 Bundesliga season, where he ended the campaign with 15 goals and 11 assists. In that time, then-Eintracht boss Oliver Glasner favoured a 3-4-2-1 setup with the France international leading the charge, and doing so impressively.

In this system, Kolo Muani flourished with the freedom to drift across the attack with those in support reaping the rewards from the Frenchman’s desire to pull to the flanks, opening up space to be exploited. The likes of Kudus and Simons will be rubbing their hands together at the prospect of operating behind a forward of his calibre.

He offers the best of both Solanke and Richarlison, and this is only a good thing for Spurs as they look to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League and follow up their Europa League triumph with further success. While one should never return to a jilted lover, Kolo Muani is a striker worthy of a second chance.

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Transfer news live: Liverpool hope for Isak breakthrough, Arsenal near Hincapie deal, Jackson refuses Chelsea return

Could there be a late twist in the long-running saga involving the Newcastle striker?

The end of the transfer window is almost here with just a couple of days left for deals to be done - and the Alexander Isak saga still rumbling.

The wantaway Newcastle forward has spent much of the summer angling for a move to Liverpool to no avail, but could there be a late twist? Newcastle have secured one striker signing in Nick Woltemade and remain interested in Yoane Wissa, who has urged Brentford to “keep their word” and allow a move away before Monday’s deadline. A double deal that may yet mean they are able to be persuaded to part with Isak if Liverpool come in with a fresh bid that now seems likely. The Reds have also tabled a £35m bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi as their summer spending spree continues.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have called off Nicolas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munich after an injury to Liam Delap - but the striker is refusing to return to Chelsea and remains in Munich looking to push through a move to Germany.

A potentially pivotal summer at Arsenal may not be finished just yet - Piero Hincapie may bolster Mikel Arteta’s defensive resources before the window closes. Manchester United are likely to hold on to Kobbie Mainoo with the midfielder told to fight for his place.

Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below:

Dominic Solanke injury will not change Tottenham’s transfer plans – Thomas Frank

Tottenham have another injury concern in Dominic Solanke, but Thomas Frank has ruled out a late move for a centre forward in the transfer window.

Solanke missed Saturday’s 1-0 loss at home to Bournemouth with an ankle injury, which had also disrupted his pre-season.

It is the latest fitness blow for Frank, with James Maddison sidelined for the majority of the season while Dejan Kulusevski faces a battle to play again in 2025, but Spurs hope Solanke can return for their trip to West Ham on September 13.

Dominic Solanke injury will not change Tottenham’s transfer plans – Thomas Frank

Spurs are hopeful Solanke will return after the international break.

Jamie Braidwood31 August 2025 10:29

Yoane Wissa urges Brentford to ‘keep their word’ and allow transfer move

Yoane Wissa has urged Brentford to ‘keep their word’ and allow him to leave before Monday’s transfer deadline.

The 28-year-old posted on Instagram claiming the club has “significantly changed its position” having previously “put in writing” that he could depart should a fair offer be made.

Newcastle had an offer of £35m plus add-ons rejected earlier in August for the forward who scored 19 Premier League goals last season.

Yoane Wissa urges Brentford to ‘keep their word’ and allow transfer move

The striker claimed in an Instagram post that the club agreed earlier in the summer that he could leave if a fair offer was made

Jamie Braidwood31 August 2025 10:21

Tottenham to go in for Manuel Akanji?

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to beat Milan and Crystal Palace to the signing of Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, according to Gazetta Dello Sport.

Akanji will be allowed to depart City and had been seen by Palace as a possible replacement for captain Marc Guehi should he move to Liverpool.

Jamie Braidwood31 August 2025 09:59

Furious Nicolas Jackson refuses Chelsea return after Bayern Munich move called off

Chelsea have cancelled Nicolas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munich after Liam Delap was ruled out for “six to eight weeks” following their controversial 2-0 win over Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

Delap limped off with a hamstring problem 13 minutes into the west London derby, and after head coach Enzo Maresca initially refused to rule out the club reentering the transfer market with just over 48 hours of the window remaining, the decision has been taken to inform Bayern that Jackson will be staying.

However, PA understands that the 24-year-old, who has already landed in Germany, is furious with the club’s U-turn.

Furious Nicolas Jackson refuses Chelsea return after Bayern Munich move called off

Liam Delap could be out for up to six weeks

Robert O'Conner31 August 2025 09:47

Manchester United 'in talks' with Aston Villa over Emi Martinez

Manchester United are in talks with Aston Villa over signing their World Cup winning goalkeeper, according to Fabrizio Romano.

United are still pushing for a deal for Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens, but Martinez is reportedly seen as an emergency option.

Andre Onana was once again left out of United’s starting line-up by Ruben Amorim yesterday.

Jamie Braidwood31 August 2025 09:29

Jackson still in Munich and wants Bayern move

However, Sky Sports News reports that Nicolas Jackson remains in Munich and is furious with Chelsea after they decided to cancel his loan move to Bayern.

Jackson reportedly wants to push through a move - but Chelsea have seemingly decided that they will not allow him to go out on loan after the injury to Liam Delap.

Jamie Braidwood31 August 2025 09:09

Chelsea pull out of Jackson loan move

Chelsea are pulling out of Nicolas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munich as a result of Liam Delap’s hamstring injury sustained in their 2-0 win over Fulham.

The move was only made certain on Saturday morning - a record loan deal of £13m - but the decision has been made to cancel it with Delap feared to be out for several weeks.

Jamie Braidwood31 August 2025 09:02

Arsenal agree personal terms with Hincapie

Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen remain in talks over Piero Hincapie.

Fabrizio Romano claims the Gunners’ preference is a loan with obligation to buy at the end of the season.

He also says that personal terms between the player and Arsenal have been agreed and all that remains is to finalise the structure of a deal.

Jamie Braidwood31 August 2025 09:02

Liverpool make £35m bid for Marc Guehi

Liverpool have made a £35m bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

The Premier League champions entered into talks for the England centre-back weeks ago and have now had a formal offer in their attempts to bring him to Anfield.

Guehi is in the last year of his contract with the FA Cup winners and Palace risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.

However, Palace manager Oliver Glasner said this week that Guehi “has to” stay and that it is “almost impossible” to find a replacement of the same calibre.

Liverpool submit £35m bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi

The Premier League champions have tabled an offer for the in-demand defender

Richard Jolly31 August 2025 09:01

Liverpool expected to make £130m offer for Alexander Isak

The Telegraph reports that Liverpool are in line to make a British record offer for wantaway Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who is running out of time to secure the move to Anfield he so desires.

The offer is believed to be for £130m, with add-ons and bonuses taking it into British transfer record territory.

Jamie Braidwood31 August 2025 09:00

Thomas Frank acknowledged Tottenham fans had every right to boo after he was brought back down to earth with a 1-0 loss at home to Bournemouth.

New boss Frank had enjoyed an excellent start to life in the Spurs hotseat and followed up last Saturday’s excellent win at Manchester City with the big-money purchase of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig on Friday.

The Danish coach had won seven of his previous 10 meetings with Bournemouth, including two last season, but watched Tottenham produce a tepid display in his fourth match in charge.

Andoni Iraola’s side should have won by a greater margin, with David Brooks a constant threat and unfortunate not to score as the Cherries made a mockery of a difficult summer of outgoings with an impressive three points in London.

Spurs did not have a shot of note until the 69th minute when Lucas Bergvall had a left-footed strike saved by Djordje Petrovic and that proved their only effort on target.

After being booed at both half-time and following the one-goal loss, Frank said: “I prefer them not to boo, but I understand.

“It was not a good performance and they have high expectations, which is absolutely fair.

“I don’t think we hit the level we should. I think the players gave everything and then that’s the foundation and put the heart out there, but football wise we didn’t hit our top level today.”

Tottenham lacked creativity, which Simons should provide once up to speed, but with Champions League football due to begin next month, Frank’s squad still seems light on depth.

Asked if it showed there was work to do, Frank countered: “Yeah, but it’s not about only making the squad the level. It’s also for us to not manage, but play different games.

“There’s one game against City, one kind of football, different kind of football against Burnley. Bournemouth completely different third kind of football and all kinds of footballs you need to be able to perform against, and we struggled with it.”

Simons, with 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 appearances for Leipzig, will make a difference.

Frank admitted: “I think he can bring on a day where… sometimes you need a player that can do something a little bit out of nothing, go past the player, produce a cross, a shot, a pass, with that extra quality that you need on the day and that’s what I think he can bring.”

Bournemouth boss Iraola beamed at full-time after another win – despite selling more than £200million this summer.

“Yes, very pleased. Very pleased with the performance, especially at the beginning of the season you have to trust the performances and I’ve liked almost everything today from the team,” Iraola said.

“Obviously scoring early makes your game easier because it gives you confidence and a boost of energy, but I think we haven’t even conceded any chances against a team that is very good, plays very well, so especially happy for this.

“Yes we have new players, new signings. It is good, it is the second clean sheet in a row with the same back four and the same keeper.”

Wales winger Brooks produced a sensational performance, which was all the more impressive after midweek speculation linking him with a move to Crystal Palace.

But Iraola said: “We are going to keep David Brooks, definitely.”

It’s all over here at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as Bournemouth beat Spurs by one-goal-to-nil. The away side started off perfectly from their side, as Evanilson’s deflected effort beat Vicario in net and gave them the lead after five minutes. Evanilson had a chance to double the lead just two minutes later, when he found space on the edge of the area but dragged his shot wide of the post. Bournemouth should have made it two after 51 minutes – Vicario saving from close range from Evanilson, followed by Brooks hitting the crossbar. Tottenham’s best chance was perhaps in the last minute of the game. Udogie got on the end of a free-kick, however his header glanced wide. Tottenham struggled all match; they didn’t even record a shot in the first half. They ended with an xG of 0.17 – Bournemouth with 1.45xG. Bournemouth also recorded 19 shots, whereas Tottenham with only five. The only negative for Iraola would have to be Smith coming off early in the game, in what looked to be a hamstring issue. Frank will have many questions as to how his side played today, especially after a strong start to the campaign. Tottenham must look ahead now to their next fixture, a trip to London rivals West Ham. The Cherries are at home to fellow seaside club Brighton. That is all from me. Thank you all for tuning in and have a good rest of your day!

Tottenham Hotspur are back in the Champions League after winning the Europa League last season and face an immediate rematch with Paris Saint-Germain after their recent Super Cup defeat to the holders.

Spurs endured a terrible campaign in the league but triumphed over Manchester United in the final to claim their place in Europe’s premier tournament.

The trophy wasn’t enough to save Ange Postecoglou’s job and so Thomas Frank is the manager who gets to lead the team into this season’s Champions League, as Spurs take part in the new format for the first time since the competition was revamped.

Tottenham have begun well in the Premier League under their new head coach and will hope to carry that form into their European adventure.

Borussia Dortmund (H)

Paris Saint-Germain (A)

Villarreal (H)

Frankfurt (A)

Slavia Prague (H)

Bodo/Glimt (A)

Copenhagen (H)

Monaco (A)

When are Champions League fixtures released?

Scheduling the 36-team Champions League format, played across eight gameweeks from September to January, is a huge logistical challenge and therefore club’s fixtures and kick-off times have yet to be announced.

But Uefa has assured fans that the fixture list and kick-off times will be released no later than Saturday 30 August.

How does the league phase work?

The league phase has 36 teams with every team handed eight games. The 36 teams are split into four pots of eight teams based on their Uefa coefficient, with the opponents generated by automated software.

The opponents then come from each pot, with two teams selected from each, one home and one away.

Teams cannot play another team from the same country and are not permitted to face more than two teams from one country.

Those finishing inside the top eight go straight into the last 16, then the next 16 teams advance to the play-off stage, with eight of those 16 teams progressing to the last 16.

RB Leipzig have given Xavi Simons permission to miss training and travel to London to finalise his future after Tottenham joined the race for his signature.

Chelsea have led the pursuit of Simons all summer and Stamford Bridge had been the favoured destination of the Netherlands international, but with no transfer agreed, it has opened the door for Spurs to act.

Tottenham are in desperate need of reinforcements in attacking positions and have turned their attention to Simons, who has been allowed to leave Leipzig’s training base and fly to England for meetings with Premier League clubs to resolve his future before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has been on the hunt for a new number 10 since he was appointed in June, with a failed pursuit of Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this summer followed by Arsenal being able to hijack a move for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze last week.

Tottenham were rocked in between by a serious knee injury for James Maddison, which will sideline the England international for the majority of this season.

Frank has repeatedly expressed confidence that Spurs would boost their squad and after talks with Manchester City over Savinho cooled this week, the club’s focus swiftly shifted to Simons.

A product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, versatile attacker Simons moved to Paris St Germain in 2019 as a teenager before he made headlines during a productive loan spell at PSV in the 2022-23 campaign.

Simons would spend the next two seasons at Leipzig, scoring 22 goals in 78 appearances before his move was made permanent earlier this year.

However, with Leipzig willing to let the 22-year-old leave for a sizeable fee, Tottenham have entered the race for his signature and will hope to pull off a much-needed attacking addition before the summer transfer window shuts.

Tottenham are back in the Champions League after winning the Europa League last season.

Spurs endured a terrible campaign in the league but triumphed over Manchester United in the final to claim their place in Europe’s premier tournament.

The trophy wasn’t enough to save Ange Postecoglou’s job and so Thomas Frank is the manager who gets to lead the team into this season’s Champions League, as Spurs take part in the new format for the first time since the competition was revamped.

Tottenham have begun well in the Premier League under their new head coach and will hope to carry that form into their European adventure.

Who could Tottenham face in the Champions League draw?

Tottenham are in pot three. They will be drawn against two teams from each point but can’t play another English team in the league phase, and are not permitted to face more than two teams from one country. So, their possible opponents are as follows:

Pot 1: PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona

Pot 2: Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Atalanta, Villarreal, Juventus, Eintracht Frankfurt, Club Brugge.

Pot 3: PSV, Ajax, Napoli, Sporting, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Bodo/Glimt, Marseille.

Pot 4: Copenhagen, Monaco, Galatasaray, Union Saint-Gilloise, Qarabag, Athletic Club, Pafos, Kairat.

Champions League 2025/26 league phase pots

Pot 1: PSG, Real Madrid, Man City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona

Pot 2: Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Atalanta, Villarreal, Juventus, Eintracht Frankfurt, Club Brugge

Pot 3: Tottenham, PSV, Ajax, Napoli, Sporting, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Bodo/Glimt, Marseille

Pot 4: Copenhagen, Monaco, Galatasaray, Union Saint-Gilloise, Qarabag, Athletic Club, Newcastle, Pafos, Kairat.

When is the Champions League draw?

The draw will be held in Monaco on Thursday, 28 August and begins at 6pm BST.

How to watch the Champions League draw

Uefa and TNT Sports will both offer a free live stream on their websites and YouTube channels.

How does the league phase draw work?

The league phase has 36 teams with every team handed eight games. The 36 teams are split into four pots of eight teams based on their Uefa coefficient, with the opponents generated by automated software.

The opponents then come from each pot, with two teams selected from each, one home and one away.

Teams cannot play another team from the same country and are not permitted to face more than two teams from one country.

Those finishing inside the top eight go straight into the last 16, then the next 16 teams advance to the play-off stage, with eight of those 16 teams progressing to the last 16.

Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a blow in their attempts to strengthen their squad as Manchester City have decided that Savinho is staying at the Etihad Stadium.

Spurs made an approach for the Brazilian winger but the two clubs were some way apart in their valuations of him, with City thinking the 21-year-old is worth considerably more than £50m.

But they never wanted to sell Savinho and have now ruled out a move this transfer window.

It makes Savinho another attacking target to elude Spurs after Morgan Gibbs-White stayed at Nottingham Forest and Eberechi Eze instead joined Arsenal.

City have a host of other options to play on the flanks or just behind Erling Haaland, with six of them - Omar Marmoush, Oscar Bobb, Rayan Cherki, Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden - all featuring in Saturday's defeat to Spurs.

Manchester United could open the door to Kobbie Mainoo’s exit before Monday’s transfer deadline but strongly prefer a temporary move to a club abroad.

Mainoo has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim, with Bruno Fernandes dropping into a deeper role and the manager still preferring just two in central midfield and a back three, despite another dispiriting draw at Fulham last Sunday.

The England international, who would entertain a move away, has not featured for United yet this season, but a move away to regain momentum in his career during a World Cup season could develop in the coming days.

Tottenham Hotspur had explored the landscape of the market to sign a midfielder as the deadline fast approaches, but the Independent has learned that the club discovered United’s preference over the 20-year-old’s future.

Mainoo has two years remaining on his contract, with the Red Devils able to extend that deal by a further 12 months, and United are against a permanent exit.

Should Mainoo depart, United would prefer to send the player to a club abroad to avoid directly strengthening a Premier League rival.

United are not actively looking to sell Mainoo, though, and also face an uncertain few days over Alejandro Garnacho’s future.

The Argentine is eager to join Chelsea, but no agreement has been reached between the clubs, with the 21-year-old’s current deal running to 2028.

Spurs have also encountered issues in their pursuit of a wide player and had made Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers their primary target.

But Spurs are now exploring options in what has unfolded into a transfer scramble with Lucas Paqueta, Xavi Simons, Ademola Lookman and Maghnes Akliouche all now considered to strengthen Thomas Frank’s side.

Spurs were left disappointed when Eberechi Eze opted to join Arsenal this summer, despite initial interest and talks to join the Lilywhites.

While a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White collapsed and negotiations with Man City to sign Savinho have proven difficult.