The Independent

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed an £85m fee with Manchester City to sign winger Savinho.

The deal will take Spurs’ spending this summer past £300m and make the Brazilian City’s club record sale.

The fee consists of a basic sum of £75m plus £10m in add-ons, of which £5m is guaranteed, ensuring City will receive at least £80m.

Spurs, who have been in talks about Omar Marmoush, could make it a double deal of arrivals from City.

Savinho will become one of the three most expensive players in their history, with all recruited by Roberto De Zerbi this summer after Mateus Fernandes’ £85m move from West Ham and Sandro Tonali’s £100m transfer from Newcastle.

They have also paid Brighton £52m for defender Jan Paul van Hecke and brought in free transfers Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, with the possibility a deal for Marmoush, who cost City £59m in January 2025, could push their expenditure up towards £400m.

Savinho has made City a huge profit after arriving from their sister club Troyes for £30.8m in 2024. While he never represented the French club, he helped Girona – another member of the City Football Group – qualify for the Champions League during a year on loan in Spain.

He scored seven goals in 84 games for City, but only found the net twice in the Premier League and lost his place to January signing Antoine Semenyo.

City are interested in Palmeiras winger Allan as they look for a replacement while Savinho’s sale will take their income from transfers this summer to around £235m, with Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, Nathan Ake and James Trafford already going.

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal target Yildiz, Liverpool in Minteh bid, Spurs agree £75m Savinho deal

After missing out on Vinicius Jr, Arsenal want another wide forward with Juventus star Kenan Yildiz an option, while Baleba looks to be heading to Manchester United and Spurs pursue Savinho and Omar Marmoush

Arsenal are exploring a move for Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz as Mikel Arteta seeks to complete his transfer plans for an assault on both the Champions League and Premier League for the new season. The Gunners are agreed to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, but the left side of attack has long been identified as a priority position and the 21-year-old Turkey international is high up on their list of targets.

Liverpool have had a £50m offer for Yankuba Minteh rebuffed by Brighton, as they step up their search for a successor to Mohamed Salah, and have agreed a deal with Inter Milan to sell Curtis Jones. Liverpool are also interested in Bradley Barcola, but there has been a substantial difference in their valuation of the France international and Paris Saint-Germain’s, with the Champions League winners looking for £145m.

Manchester United are ready to splash more than £60m on Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, ending a pursuit that begun last summer and bringing in further reinforcements to their midfield, while Tottenham have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City winger Savinho for an initial £75m. Spurs also want to sign Omar Marmoush, while City have identified Brazilian winger Allan as a possible replacement.

Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below:

Manchester United step up pursuit of a left back?

Manchester United were linked with two new left-backs yesterday. Fabrizio Romano reported that United were looking at Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, even though the Spain international is said to be “happy” at the club. Caught Offside, meanwhile, reported that Jorge Salinas, the teeanger from Racing Santander, was also on United’s shortlist. England international Lewis Hall had been discussed earlier in the window but he is set to remain at Newcastle.

Jamie Braidwood21 August 2026 08:38

Atletico Madrid to sign Nicolas Jackson?

The Senegal forward has no future at Chelsea and will be allowed to leave on loan. Marca report that Atletico Madrid are sensing an opportunity, given the injury to Alexander Sørloth and with Julian Alvarez’s position uncertain. A loan move would suit the LaLiga club, and perhaps Jackson too. The 25-year-old previously played for Villarreal.

Chelsea will also listen to offers for Liam Delap. The striker has had the No 9 shirt taken from him before the start of the season. Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest are thought to be among a number of clubs considering a move for Delap.

Jamie Braidwood21 August 2026 08:18

Could Gabriel Martinelli head to Juventus as part of Kenan Yildiz deal?

The Arsenal hierarchy do want to ensure more outgoings, while Juventus would be hard line on a player who is one of their burgeoning talents. They would want upwards of £60m for Kenan Yildiz, and also have to consider fan backlash. One solution that has been raised is Gabriel Martinelli potentially going the other way, but that would still require considerable negotiation.

Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer21 August 2026 07:58

How Liverpool's search for a winger led them to Yankuba Minteh

Earlier this summer Liverpool submitted a package of £86m for Yan Diomande, but he instead left RB Leipzig for Real Madrid. They are also interested in Bradley Barcola, but there has been a substantial difference in their valuation of the France international and Paris Saint-Germain’s, with the Champions League winners looking for £145m.

Liverpool have also looked at PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye. Their approach for Yankuba Minteh came as they explore if some targets are available and attainable.

Richard Jolly, Senior Football Correspondent Braidwood21 August 2026 07:41

Liverpool see bid for Yankuba Minteh rejected by Brighton

Liverpool have had an offer for Yankuba Minteh rebuffed by Brighton as they step up their search for a successor to Mohamed Salah. The Merseyside club bid £50m for the winger, which Albion received and rejected.

Minteh, who is out for around eight weeks, would not be available immediately anyway but Liverpool turned their attentions to the Gambia winger as they explore multiple options to strengthen on the flanks.

Liverpool have signed one winger already this summer, in Victor Munoz from Osasuna, but their main aim in the remainder of the window is to bring in another wide forward. They also took Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo on loan but the majority of their transfer budget is reserved for a winger.

Minteh cost Brighton £30m when he joined from Newcastle two years ago and is reportedly willing to move to Liverpool. He has scored nine goals in 66 games for Albion.

Richard Jolly, Senior Football Correspondent21 August 2026 07:33

Explained: Arsenal's Kenan Yildiz as they explore move for forward

Arsenal are looking into whether a deal for Juventus' Kenan Yildiz is possible in this window, as Mikel Arteta seeks to complete his transfer plans for an assault on both the Champions League and Premier League for the new season.

Arteta has long identified the left side attack as a priority position to upgrade, with Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr having been the ideal target.

The club would probably have moved for Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi had it not been for his injury, and that does represent an option for January.

Yildiz has nevertheless been high up on their list of targets, with Arteta especially keen on the Turkish international. The fact he is 21 years old would also represent a shift back to signing talents who can evolve. As with Kroupi, however, thought has been given to waiting until future windows.

The future of Julian Alvarez also weighs over this. The Argentine has been Arsenal's main target after Vinicius, but interest cooled when it became apparent he wanted to stay in Spain and go to Barcelona.

Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer21 August 2026 07:28

Tottenham agree £75m Savinho deal

Tottenham have agreed to sign Savinho from Manchester City for £75m, according to Sami Mokbel at BBC Sport, as Spurs finally close in on the forward who they have wanted for over a year.

An initial £75m fee has been agreed, with a further £10m in add-ons, while Tottenham are also interested in signing Omar Marmoush from Manchester City as Roberto De Zerbi bids to strengthen his attack.

Manchester City are interested in Brazilian winger Allan as they look for a replacement for Savinho.

The Palmeiras player has a €100m release clause in his contract, though City could look to secure him for a lower fee.

Jamie Braidwood21 August 2026 07:19

Mikel Arteta made Arsenal champions – here’s how he can define a new Premier League era

With stability and squad depth the Gunners can capitalise on an unpredictable top-flight season and win back-to-back titles for the first time since 1935 says Miguel Delaney.

Mikel Arteta made Arsenal into champions now he can define a new Premier League era

With stability and squad depth the Gunners can capitalise on an unpredictable top-flight season and win back-to-back titles for the first time since 1935 says Miguel Delaney

Mike Jones21 August 2026 07:10

The transfer reality holding Man United back from the next step under Michael Carrick

United have missed out on two of their top targets and look short of the firepower to outbid their rivals ahead of a first full campaign under Carrick and the ultimate aim to challenge for the title once more, writes Richard Jolly.

The transfer reality holding Man Utd back under Michael Carrick

United have missed out on two of their top targets and look short of the firepower to outbid their rivals ahead of a first full campaign under Carrick and the ultimate aim to challenge for the title once more, writes Richard Jolly

Mike Jones21 August 2026 06:14

Ranking every Premier League team before the most unpredictable season in years

Arsenal’s strength and depth makes them our favourites to defend their title but who will challenge them?

Ranking every Premier League team before the most unpredictable season in years

Arsenal’s strength and depth makes them our favourites to defend their title but who will challenge them?

Mike Jones21 August 2026 05:20

Former Tottenham winger Terry Dyson, a 1961 double-winner, has died aged 91.

The Premier League club confirmed his death on Thursday as they paid tribute to their former player, who scored 55 goals across 209 games over a 10-year spell at Spurs.

Dyson played an integral role under Bill Nicholson as the 1960-61 side became the first 20th-century English club to complete a First Division and FA Cup double. Two years later, he produced another stellar performance by scoring twice during a 5-1 triumph over Atletico Madrid to capture the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

A statement from Tottenham read: "The club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Terry Dyson at the age of 91.

"Terry was a key part of our double-winning side in 1961, scoring in the FA Cup Final. He also scored twice in the 1963 European Cup Winners’ Cup Final. He made 209 appearances in all competitions, scoring 55 goals.

"Our deepest condolences are with Terry’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time."

After leaving Spurs, the Yorkshireman went on to play for Fulham, Colchester and Guildford.

He remains the only Spurs player to have scored a hat-trick against fierce rivals Arsenal, achieving the feat at the start of the 1961-62 campaign.

Reflecting on the achievement in 2020, Dyson told the Press Association: "One of them hit my hand. It bounced up, hit my hand and I lashed it in and the Arsenal players went mad.

"They ran after the referee but he never saw it. I didn’t do it deliberately but it hit my hand and I just lashed it in.

"To get a hat-trick was brilliant and nobody has done it since. There was a header, a left foot and a right foot. It was perfect!"

Dyson celebrated the hat-trick with "a few drinks" while receiving reserved praise from manager Nicholson.

"His praise wasn’t brilliant, he didn’t throw it out willy-nilly, but he said well done and I was like ‘oh thanks Bill!’ We went out that night and had a few drinks, so it was good," Dyson said six years ago.

"It is amazing, you don’t think of it at the time but it has gone down in history."

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Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal allowing goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to join Juventus on a season-long loan move, the Press Association understands.

Vicario had been left in uncertainty all summer after asking Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi for permission to return to his homeland following three years in north London.

Juventus emerged as Vicario’s preferred destination, though the Serie A side initially pursued Emiliano Martinez before turning to Parma youngster Zion Suzuki.

Following fast-moving developments across the weekend, the Italian club initiated negotiations with Tottenham on Sunday and completed a season-long loan agreement containing an option to purchase the Italy international, it is understood.

De Zerbi approved Vicario's departure after young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky stepped forward to help steer the club clear of relegation with a series of impressive displays during the final seven matches of last season.

A potential switch to Inter Milan originally seemed likely for Vicario, before the reigning Italian champions decided to pursue a different direction regarding their goalkeeping position.

That decision left Vicario as a target for Juventus, though manager Luciano Spalletti had placed Argentina’s World Cup winner Martinez high on his wish list before discussions with Aston Villa stalled weeks ago over a valuation gap regarding the final fee for the 33-year-old.

Juventus next turned their focus to Parma's Suzuki and, even after Paris Saint-Germain stole a march on the Italian club, a season-long loan for the Japan international to join the Old Lady appeared to offer a viable solution for all parties.

A dramatic weekend of transfer activity has since unfolded, with Suzuki’s move to PSG falling through and Villa now set to sign the Parma stopper, briefly reopening the door for Martinez to make a switch to Juventus.

With fitness concerns surrounding Martinez due to a finger injury, Juventus accelerated their pursuit of Italy's number two Vicario and are poised to secure the services of the 29-year-old in time for him to feature in Sunday’s league opener at Frosinone.

Vicario, who has accumulated 117 appearances for Tottenham, arrived from Empoli in 2023 and helped the team to Europa League success last year, but endured a difficult 2025-26 campaign.

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal ‘lead race’ to sign £50m target, Tottenham reach Gakpo ‘agreement’, Fernandez latest

Jack Hinshelwood is the latest name to be linked with the Premier League champions as they continue talks with Jarell Quansah

Arsenal could turn their attention to Brighton’s £51m-rated midfielder Jack Hinshelwood as they continue talks with Bayer Leverkusen over signing England international Jarell Quansah. The Premier League champions have been keen to sign a defender following the injury to William Saliba and the 23-year-old Quansah, formerly of Liverpool, would be able to cover both centre-back and right back positions.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are set to make a third bid of around £60m for Rodri, but are still set to fall £10m short of Manchester City’s valuation of the Ballon d’Or winner. The deal could yet influence the speed of any move for Enzo Fernandez, with his former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca pushing for the midfielder's signature. Chelsea’s deadline of 5pm on Friday passed without City submitting their £120m bid, and the club expect Fernandez – who was booed by Chelsea fans on his return to Stamford Bridge on Saturday – to now stay for the upcoming season.

Tottenham have agreed personal terms with Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, according to reports in the Netherlands, while Spurs are also close to signing Manchester City winger Savinho and have joined Manchester United and Arsenal in expressing interest in Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen. Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli has rejected the chance to join the Turkish club as part of a deal.

In other news, Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has completed his transfer to Atletico Madrid, while Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of Ferran Torres, the scorer of the winning goal in the World Cup final, from Barcelona.

Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below

Newcastle close in on first signing under Matthias Jaissle

Newcastle are close to agreeing a deal with Benfica to sign right back Amar Dedic.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international is due to arrive before next week’s Premier League opener and will become their first signing under new manager Matthias Jaissle.

Dedic, 23, previously worked with Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg.

The fee for the right back, who replaces Kieran Trippier and will provide competition to Tino Livramento, is around £30m.

Dedic could be immediately thrust into action in Sunday’s opener against Liverpool as Livramento is still sidelined by the calf injury that forced him to miss the World Cup.

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 09:31

Tottenham news: Spurs set for busy end to the market?

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a busy end to the transfer window, according to Miguel Delaney in his Inside Football newsletter. With Savinho set to be secured for a fee of £65m plus add-ons from Manchester City, they are still chasing Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, and there may even be a right-winger as Roberto De Zerbi has been toying with playing Mohammed Kudus more centrally.

Spurs have been linked with Victor Osimhen, too, who has been offered to several Premier League clubs. Gakpo, a major target all summer, has reached an agreement with Tottenham over personal terms, according to reports in the Netherlands. Liverpool maintained that they would not consider letting Gakpo leave without a suitable replacement.

And Atletico Madrid have signed Tottenham captain Cristian Romero in a £34.2m deal. A great player on his day, a liability as a centre-back and captain on others, Spurs will be happy to get this deal done. Romero signs a five-year deal at Atletico.

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 08:31

Liverpool news: Will PSG budge from £145m Bradley Barcola price?

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola is set to rumble on until late in the transfer window.

While signing a new winger is a priority for Andoni Iraola’s side, Paris Saint-Germain are refusing to budge from their huge £145m asking price.

PSG, though, have been active in this summer’s transfer market. They have signed Ferran Torres from Barcelona, pursued Yan Diomande before he signed for Real Madrid, while the agent of Mika Godts, the Ajax winger, has claimed that PSG have agreed to pay £47m for the 21-year-old.

Where does it leave Barcola, who is behind Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the pecking order at PSG? Liverpool are prepared to play the long game, but Arsenal could also reignite their interest.

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 07:31

Man City news: Latest on Rodri, Fernandez and Bouaddi

Barcelona are set to make a third bid of around £60m for Rodri but are still set to fall £10m short of Manchester City’s valuation of the Ballon d’Or winner.

Those negotiations are running parallel to talks on Enzo Fernandez, where Chelsea themselves are insisting on £120m.

City are considering Fernandez and Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi as midfield reinforcements while they are set to sell Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for £51m.

Fernandez is set to stay at Chelsea after the club’s 5pm Friday deadline passed without any acceptable bids being received.

Unless Chelsea can be persuaded into a U-turn and be brought to the negotiating table, Fernandez will still be at Stamford Bridge when the transfer window closes on 1 September.

And Ruben Dias is in pole position to become Manchester City’s next captain – because Erling Haaland scores so many goals.

Inside Man City’s midfield rebuild and £300m question that will shape their future

The exits of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders leave Enzo Maresca free to create his own midfield: but as the season starts in earnest in Sunday’s Community Shield it is still unclear who those solutions will be

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 06:30

Arsenal news: Jarrel Quansah talks, Ethan Nwaneri future?

Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Jarell Quansah and have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a move for the England international.

Mikel Arteta wants to add a defender to his squad following the injury to William Saliba and there is a gap between Arsenal and Aston Villa when it comes to the valuation of Ezri Konsa.

Quansah, who joined Leverkusen from Liverpool last summer, can play at both centre-back and right-back, so fits what Arteta wants from a member of his defence.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has admitted that Ethan Nwaneri may have to leave Arsenal to find the regular football he needs to fulfil his potential.

Arsenal are also in contention to sign Brighton midfielder Jack Hinshelwood, according to The Sun. Hinshelwood can play across the midfield as well as at full-back.

While a deal for Myles Lewis-Skelly to Chelsea or Manchester United is considered highly unlikely.

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 05:34

Chelsea news: Liam Delap attracts interest from Como

Italian side Como have expressed their interest in signing Chelsea striker Liam Delap, according to the Mail.

Chelsea are set to demand £50m for the 23-year-old striker, who is also of interest to several Premier League teams.

Como will be playing in the Champions League next season under Cesc Fabregas and have also agreed a deal to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.

Meanwhile, Napoli have agreed a deal Benoit Badiashile on an initial loan.

TalkSport reported that Coventry are keen on signing 20-year-old defender Josh Acheampong, while the Independent understands Hull City have interest in Tosin Adarabioyo, but he wants to stay.

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 04:31

As Gianni Infantino clings to power, football as you know it could be about to change

Moves to reduce the power of the Fifa presidency could in turn lead to the growing influence of Europe’s biggest clubs and how they decide to shape the game, writes Miguel Delaney in his latest Inside Football newsletter

As Gianni Infantino clings to power, football as you know it could be about to change

Moves to reduce the power of the Fifa presidency could in turn lead to the growing influence of Europe’s biggest clubs and how they decide to shape the game, writes Miguel Delaney in his latest Inside Football newsletter

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 03:33

Jeff Bezos is buying into Liverpool – this is why

As the consortium that has reached a “definitive agreement” to buy a 30 per cent stake in Liverpool continues to generate noise, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is described by industry figures as a mere “silent partner”.

It’s perhaps apt given the lack of actual explanation or intention behind this, despite all the commotion.

The entry of one of the world’s wealthiest men into football has naturally stoked a lot of emotion, not least from the supporter group Spirit of Shankly. They have written to Liverpool asking for clarity, having warned how previous changes in the running of the club have led to “decisions and behaviours that many would not want to see at Liverpool”.

For all the inevitable focus on the hard figures of the numbers, and the influence of Bezos’s own wealth, there’s a sense this is all about something much bigger. “It just looks like a power/political play over an investment decision,” one well-placed source says.

Holding part of an “asset” in a sphere of such increasing social and political importance gives you entry into another world, as the recent World Cup made clear. It has become a solid platform for the highest politics. That is one of many reasons why beleaguered Fifa president Gianni Infantino won’t resign.

Football itself is morphing, which is why there is such an unstable time at the top. That attracts the interest of figures like Bezos, who are likely to change it more. The world is increasingly centring on football, as its single global sport, so the world’s biggest conglomerates are getting involved. Such concentrations of interest and wealth are inevitable.

Jeff Bezos is buying into Liverpool – this is why

The world’s third-richest man is part of a consortium that has bought a 30 per cent stake in Liverpool. While the Amazon founder may be a ‘silent partner’ in the deal, it is clear that the uncertainty at the top of global football presents an opportunity to the billionaire class, writes Miguel Delaney

Miguel Delaney16 August 2026 01:33

Tijjani Reijnders’s Manchester City exit is a parable of modern football

Tijjani Reijnders’s fleeting time at Manchester City is almost over. The Dutch international is on the verge of joining Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah in a transfer worth around £55m. Will he lift the “Pride of the Eastern Province” to Saudi Pro League glory? Who knows? Also: who cares?

Amid the summer transfer churn, perhaps it is not a particularly eye-catching or noteworthy deal. City will make a small profit on a player they bought for £45m last summer. City fans won’t shed many tears. Reijnders is far from the first Premier League player to accept Saudi Arabian riches, and he won’t be the last.

But there is something jarring and a little bleak about the road from AC Milan’s marauding midfielder to Al Qadsiah’s flagship signing in little over a year.

Tijjani Reijnders’s Manchester City exit is a parable of modern football

The Dutch midfielder is set to be sold by Manchester City only one season into a five-year contract when he joins Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah

Lawrence Ostlere, Chief Sports Writer15 August 2026 23:31

Myles Lewis-Skelly likely to stay at Arsenal

A deal for Myles Lewis-Skelly to Chelsea is considered highly unlikely.

Chelsea are generally happy with their squad, and will only now move in the event of "reactions" to the market.

There is still some puzzlement within Arsenal as to how reports of the 19-year-old being offered around has got out. Lewis-Skelly's camp have not been in touch.

There is long-standing interest from Manchester United but the Old Trafford hierarchy do not have the finances right now to even test Arsenal's willingness to keep their teenage star.

Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer15 August 2026 22:31

Cristian Romero has confirmed his departure from Tottenham, acknowledging that he was not always perfect while maintaining the club will forever hold a place in his heart.

The defender leaves north London after a five-year spell to complete a 40 million euros (£34.1m) move to Atletico Madrid, with a 15 per cent sell-on clause included as part of the overall package.

Although the Argentina international divided opinion across 156 games due to several suspensions, he was named man of the match in the 2025 Europa League final against Manchester United, bringing Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought to an end.

“Today, I say goodbye to a place that, for five seasons, was much more than a club,” Romero said on Instagram.

He added: “It was my home, my challenge and the place where my family and I built such an important part of our lives.

“I leave with a heart full of memories and enormous pride for everything we lived and achieved together.

“When I arrived, I had a clear dream: to leave my name in this club’s history. I knew the only way was through hard work, sacrifice and achieving something that had seemed so difficult for so long: lifting a trophy again. And we did it.

“The journey wasn’t perfect, but I don’t want that to define my goodbye. I choose to remember the happy moments, the lessons, the people who stood by me and, above all, the love I received during these five years.”

He added: “Thank you to everyone at the club who shared this journey with me.

“I know I wasn’t perfect, but one thing gives me peace: I always gave everything. I defended this shirt with pride and with all my heart.

“Thank you for everything. I’m leaving the club, but a part of my heart will always remain here. Once I was one of you. Today, I leave as one of you forever.

“With all my love and respect. Thank you for everything. And goodbye Spurs.”

Romero fired frequent thinly-veiled digs at the board over a perceived lack of ambition during an injury-hit 2024-25 campaign for Spurs.

A string of outstanding displays helped inspire the club to European success in Bilbao the following season.

He was critical of Spurs’ hierarchy several times before a knee injury in April curtailed last season for him, with the club in the Premier League relegation zone.

A final nail in the coffin for many supporters was Romero’s actions in the final week of the campaign after he was allowed to fly to Argentina to continue his rehabilitation.

It sparked a backlash from fans and even though Romero got a flight back to watch the win over Everton which secured survival, new boss Roberto De Zerbi gave the 28-year-old the green light to move on.

He is now finally set to work under compatriot Diego Simeone at Atletico after years of links to the LaLiga club.

Daniel Levy is set to see his stake in Tottenham fall slightly after missing a deadline to take part in a club share issue, the Press Association understands.

A £100m cash injection was provided to the football club this summer by the Lewis family, which runs Spurs’ majority owner Enic and has assumed a larger role in decision-making since Levy stepped down as executive chairman last September.

That investment raised the Lewis family’s holding in Tottenham to around 88 per cent, and Levy was offered the opportunity to buy his proportionate share to prevent dilution, but failed to meet the cutoff.

According to sources close to the Lewis family, minority shareholder Levy was granted 60 days to invest at the matching price to maintain his ENIC stake at approximately 29 per cent.

Levy is said to have agreed to the funding commitment before ultimately missing Monday’s deadline to contribute his proportionate share.

"Daniel committed to funding and failed to do so, despite the extended deadline," a source close to the Lewis family told PA.

"The family is focused on the football, investing in the team, backing the management and creating a stable environment for the club."

The development follows unverified reports earlier in the summer that Levy had sold his 24.99 per cent share in Enic to American tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick.

Earick, chief executive of sports investment company Eight Sports Capital, claimed Levy had sold his stake in Spurs’ parent firm, but an ENIC spokesperson said: "We can confirm that neither Enic nor Tottenham Hotspur Football Club are aware of any sale by Daniel Levy’a family trust of its minority stake in Enic."

PA has approached Levy’s representatives for comment.

Meanwhile, PA understands the Lewis family forms part of a consortium which has submitted an offer in an ongoing auction to buy a London-based basketball team in the soon-to-be created NBA Europe franchise.

It has been a busy summer for Tottenham and the Lewis family, with £237m spent on revamping Roberto De Zerbi’s squad, while key defenders Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven have signed new long-term contracts.

Further reinforcements in attack are targeted during the final three weeks of the transfer window and outgoings will continue, with young forward Yang Min-Hyeok joining Belgian outfit Westerloo on a season-long loan.

Roberto De Zerbi believes rebuilding the spirit and mentality of Tottenham Hotspur will be crucial to achieving a revival following two seasons near the foot of the Premier League table.

The 47-year-old, who took over in March and guided the club to safety on the final day of last season, insists that a busy summer recruitment window alone will not deliver long-term success.

Tottenham have already recruited Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Cole Ramsey and Martin Dubravka, but De Zerbi has explained that there is more to come and that his players must build a camaraderie to achieve big things.

"In the transfer market, we're not finished yet. We're looking forward to start another season with different ambitions and results," De Zerbi said on the Men in Blazers YouTube channel.

"We have to find the condition to build a strong team, than the last seasons to compete again for the top of the table.

"I usually think about the soul, passion, spirit and mentality of the team and then the improvement we can do in the future, because I can't stay with the focus just on the present."

The Italian coach said he wants supporters to identify his side not only by their style of play but through their commitment and character.

"I would like when we go to play in the Premier League... the people recognise one's soul, passion, value of the player," he said.

"The qualities of the players are not enough. If you don't put something more, something of yourself, something you feel inside of you, it's very tough to now compete with the top teams in the world, in the Premier League."

Tottenham were further boosted by the news on Monday that defender Micky van de Ven has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The future of his centre-back partner Cristian Romero is less certain, with the Argentine rumoured to be leaving the club this summer. In recent days, he has been linked with a shock move to north London rivals Arsenal.

Spurs begin their new Premier League campaign against Brentford on 22 August.

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has expressed enthusiasm over the club’s current trajectory following his decision to sign a new contract.

Reportedly securing a five-year extension, he was delighted to pledge his long-term future to the side, where head coach Roberto De Zerbi views him as a pivotal figure to build his team around.

“It’s a special moment to sign a new deal and a proud moment for me and my family,” Van de Ven said.

“I’ve always loved Spurs, from the first day I stepped in here. I love the club, I love the fans and I’ve developed really well here.

“It’s clear the direction the club wants to go in and I want to be a part of it. I’m excited about what’s to come.”

The Netherlands international has played almost 100 matches for Spurs since originally joining from Wolfsburg in 2023 on a six-year contract and at the age of 25 arguably has plenty of progress still to make.

“Micky is one of the best centre-backs in Europe and an important player for us,” De Zerbi said.

“He has the qualities, mentality and ambition that we want at Tottenham Hotspur, and I am very happy that he has decided to continue his journey with the club.

“We are building something strong here, and players like Micky are an important part of that future.

“His decision to sign a new contract shows his belief in what we are creating together.”

Meanwhile, Spurs teammate James Maddison has dismissed reports that he has suffered a recurrence of a previous injury, saying he is “feeling good” after training with Tottenham.

Last week it was suggested Maddison, who is yet to feature in Spurs’ pre-season matches, was struggling with an old injury that had left him unable to take part in the team’s warm-up games.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi said in July it was “not the right moment to take risks” and that Maddison, who missed almost all of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, would not feature on the club’s pre-season tour.

In an Instagram story, the England international said he is working with his team-mates and there had been no injury flare-up.

“Feeling good after another good session with the team,” he said. “Working hard to be healthy and have a great year.

“Definitely haven’t had any recurrence of any injury I’ve had before.”