The Independent

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.

Tottenham are trying to sign two attackers from a shortlist of five names as they seek to bolster their options in the final days of a frantic transfer window.

Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers remains the ideal signing, but the difficulty in doing that deal means the Spurs hierarchy are also looking at West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta, Leipzig's Xavi Simons, Atalanta's Ademola Lookman and Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche.

The window has so far proven hugely frustrating for the club in terms of attack, as moves for Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White and now Savinho and Nico Paz have failed or faltered.

That feeling is accentuated by the fact that Spurs have money to spend, as illustrated by the suggested fees they have reached in some of those negotiations.

This has nevertheless affected the pursuits of other players, as they now continue to try and get one central attacker and another who can play out wide.

Spurs would love Rogers but some figures in the hierarchy are wary of getting into another pursuit that would end up as high-profile and without success.

Villa are so far resistant to even countenancing the idea of a sale, and some sources maintain that Tottenham would not go high enough in terms of an offer to make the club reconsider.

There has been a lingering question from sources in the market over Spurs having to "learn" to do big deals again.

Paqueta also presents difficulties, however, since West Ham's troubled start to the season means it is a bad time to push to sign one of their key players.

Manager Graham Potter is instead far more concerned with bringing recruits in, as his side face up to the reality of a relegation battle.

Simons had been viewed as a certainty for Chelsea, but they have been intent on moving players out first, and are also pursuing Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho.

That may now leave an opening for Spurs, although they have yet to push on that potential deal as proactively as others.

Lookman has meanwhile entered into a dispute with Atalanta due to his desire to leave, and Spurs may present one of those opportunities that suits all parties.

While the fractious nature of this window means moves for Manchester City’s Savinho or Como’s Paz could yet be resurrected, the club are prioritising other alternatives.

Next article

Liveupdated

Transfer news live: Isak to Liverpool update, Arsenal hijack Spurs’ Hincapie bid, Man Utd reignite Baleba move

The latest transfers, gossip and rumours as deadline day begins to pull into view

The transfer window has entered its final week with the biggest story of the summer still unresolved: Alexander Isak still wants to leave Newcastle United for Liverpool, with tensions between the teams high as the Reds stole a dramatic 3-2 win at St James’ Park on Monday night.

Newcastle have had a bid for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen turned down and also want to sign Yoane Wissa, but neither are viewed as a direct replacement for Isak. Meanwhile, there are reports that Isak met with Newcastle’s hierarchy on Monday night to discuss his future as Liverpool decide whether to submit a second improved bid.

Manchester United have been tipped to target Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba after their 1-1 draw with Fulham on Sunday. United have been tasked with fending of more interest from Saudi Arabia for captain Bruno Fernandes, while Kobbie Mainoo will consider leaving if the club receive a suitable offer for the 20-year-old.

Arsenal’s business is not done just yet after signing Eberechi Eze and the Gunners are exploring a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s defender Piero Hincapie. Tottenham are in a late scramble for a new attacker as the deadline looms, with Man City’s Savinho topping their list. However, The Independent understands both clubs are still very far apart when it comes to agreeing a price for the Brazilian.

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

Tottenham hit problem in pursuit of Como winger Nico Paz

Tottenham are struggling to sign Nico Paz before the deadline, according to reports.

Spurs have been linked with the Como winger as they scramble for attacking reinforcements. Real Madrid have a 50 per cent sell-on clause, according to Sky Italia, which means Como have set their asking price of £61m (€70m) guaranteed.

Jamie Braidwood26 August 2025 08:24

Arsenal hijack another Spurs bid?

The rumours surrounding Arsenal’s move for Piero Hincapie are gathering pace and the Gunners are expected to move for the Bayer Leverkusen defender if they can get a couple of players out of the door before the deadline. Jakob Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko would be surplus to requirements as Arsenal target another left-sided defender.

The twist is that Tottenham have already been linked with the Ecuador international Hincapie, who has four years left on his deal with Bayer Leverkusen. There is a £52m (€60m) release clause in his contract, though.

Arsenal, of course, have already hijacked a Tottenham transfer target this window when they swooped in for Eberechi Eze.

Jamie Braidwood26 August 2025 08:01

Bayern Munich to move for Nicolas Jackson?

Bayern Munich have emerged as one of the clubs who could sign Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson before the transfer deadline.

Jackson was not part of Chelsea’s squad on Friday night after losing his place in Enzo Maresca’s team to Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

Sky Sports News report that Bayern would prefer a loan, an option Chelsea would only consider if there is an obligation to buy.

Aston Villa have also been linked with a striker.

Jamie Braidwood26 August 2025 07:38

Man Utd consider fresh move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba

Manchester United are considering a fresh move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba after the club’s 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday, according to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney.

The question is then how much he is really worth to United, and how much they’re willing to spend.

In order to complete his system, Ruben Amorim wants a physical, athletic runner who can carry the ball up the pitch, and a deep-lying playmaker. It has already been reported in this newsletter that he eventually wants that duo to be Baleba and Adam Wharton. The Brighton midfielder has come out well on top in the data for all of United’s requirements, but they don’t currently have anything close to either type of player.

Standing back, United now see Baleba as the potential £120m answer in the centre – although that was what £42.1m Manuel Ugarte was supposed to be, “that pin missing”.

Miguel Delaney26 August 2025 07:19

Spurs and Arsenal make approach for Leverkusen defender

Both Arsenal and Tottenham have made an approach for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, who would be available for around €60m, which is the amount of his release clause.

For Spurs, the deal would be an initial loan with an obligation to buy, while Arsenal are believed to be targeting a permanent move from the off.

The Ecuadorian is believed to favour a move to the Emirates, though his arrival there depends on whether the club can offload Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Jamie Braidwood26 August 2025 07:16

Everton secure crucial attacking reinforcements with signing of Tyler Dibling

Everton have made Tyler Dibling the second biggest signing in their history by buying the teenager from Southampton for a fee that could rise to £40m.

The Merseyside club will pay an initial £35m, plus a potential £5m in add-ons, for the 19-year-old, as David Moyes has made his eighth summer signing.

The England Under-21 international believes Moyes will be the ideal manager for him and looked forward to improving alongside flair players such as Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye.

Everton secure attacking reinforcements with signing of Tyler Dibling

The Toffees have signed the impressive teenager in a deal that could rise to £40m

Richard Jolly26 August 2025 07:16

Wolves reject £50m bid for Jorgen Strand Larsen from Newcastle

Wolves have rejected a £50m bid for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen from Newcastle.

The West Midlands club have told the Magpies the Norwegian is not for sale at any price during the current transfer window.

He emerged as a target for Newcastle after an approach to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford was also rebuffed.

Wolves reject £50m bid for Jorgen Strand Larsen from Newcastle

The West Midlands club have told the Magpies the Norwegian is not for sale at any price during the current transfer window.

Jamie Braidwood26 August 2025 07:15

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe wants clarity over Alexander Isak’s future

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has called for clarity over Alexander Isak’s future after seeing his side edged out by suitors Liverpool in a five-goal thriller at St James’ Park.

Amid reports the Newcastle owners had met Isak earlier in the day, head coach Howe insisted after the game he was not party to what was said during those discussions, but admitted a decision over the Sweden international – the subject of a rejected £110million bid from the Reds – was needed sooner rather than later.

“We want clarity, we want to move forward, we want the narrative to change because we’re in the start of the season now.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe wants clarity over Alexander Isak’s future

Teenager Rio Ngumoha was the Reds’ hero on a remarkable night on Tyneside.

Jamie Braidwood26 August 2025 07:15

Next article

Liveupdated

Transfer news live: Isak to Liverpool latest, Arsenal and Spurs battle for defender, Mainoo to leave Man Utd?

The latest transfers, gossip and rumours as deadline day begins to pull into view

Tottenham are sounding out attacking alternatives to Eberechi Eze after rivals Arsenal dramatically swooped to beat Thomas Frank’s side to his signature.

Arsenal confirmed a transfer worth £60m and £7.5m in add-ons – pretty much exactly Eze’s release clause - and the boyhood Gunners fan was unveiled at the Emirates before the Premier League match against Leeds. It leaves Spurs in a late scramble for a new attacker as the deadline looms, with Man City’s Savinho topping their list. However, The Independent understands both clubs are still very far apart when it comes to agreeing a price for the Brazilian.

Alexander Isak’s explosive statement this week accused Newcastle of “broken promises” and “lost trust”, with Liverpool still strongly linked with a move for the Swedish striker. The Reds’ offer of £110m fell short of Newcastle’s valuation and Eddie Howe described Isak’s statement as a “sad moment”, but the Magpies boss insists he won’t be left striker-short by the end of the window.

Elsewhere, Manchester United may be tasked with fending of more interest from Saudi Arabia for captain Bruno Fernandes, with Al-Ittihad targeting the midfielder. They continue to be hampered with goalkeeping struggles, but it is their city rivals that could strengthen in that department, with Manchester City agreeing personal terms with PSG stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

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

Bournemouth in talks to sign Disasi

Bournemouth have entered official talks to sign Axel Disasi, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The clubs are “negotiating on final formula” for the deal, says the Italian, though Bournemouth are confident they can make the deal happen.

Chris Wilson25 August 2025 16:24

Wolves reject Newcastle's offer for striker

Wolves have rejected a bid of around £50m for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, reports David Ornstein.

The Magpies view the 25-year-old as a potential replacement for Callum Wilson, though Wolves currently maintain that the Norwegian is not for sale.

Reports elsewhere in recent days suggested that Wolves could be tempted by a fee closer to £60m.

Chris Wilson25 August 2025 16:10

Chelsea transfer news: Xavi Simons, Alejandro Garnacho, Morgan Rogers and more

Though a successful Club World Cup campaign saw Chelsea return from the USA as world champions, the Blues have still been very busy this summer in the transfer market.

The club began the transfer window with their usual vigour and had already completed the signings of Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap before adding Joao Pedro in time for the Brazilian to score in the Club World Cup final against PSG.

And now Enzo Maresca’s side are preparing for a jaunt into the Champions League next season after finishing fourth in the English top-flight and winning the Conference League.

Some fans will feel the Blues still have work to do, with a bulking of the squad needed in some areas to provide the quality demanded by Europe’s elite club competition. The arrival of Jorrel Hato is another step towards better depth, with Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons also in the pipeline.

There is no shortage of funds at Stamford Bridge, with big-money moves a constant fixture of recent transfer windows, and this summer has been no different.

Here’s everything you need to know about Chelsea’s summer transfer plans.

Chelsea transfer news: Xavi Simons, Alejandro Garnacho, Morgan Rogers and more

Chelsea’s summer business is unlikely to slow down ahead of the new Premier League season

Chris Wilson25 August 2025 15:58

Palace approach Atletico over Gallagher

Crystal Palace have made an approach to Altetico Madrid over a potential sale of Conor Gallagher, according to Fabrizio Romano.

There is “concrete interest for a loan move” according to the Italian, and initial talks have taken place although nothing is agreed at this stage.

Chris Wilson25 August 2025 15:42

Premier League sets summer transfer record 11 days before window shuts

The Premier League’s total expenditure during the summer transfer window has reached a record £2.37bn after Leeds completed the £18m signing of Noah Okafor from AC Milan.

Data from FootballTransfers.com shows that top-flight clubs have already surpassed the previous record of £2.36bn – which was set in 2023 – and have already spent over 12 per cent more than last summer, when the total was ‘just’ £1.97bn.

And with 11 days until the window closes and some potentially huge deals still to be signed, the league is on course to surpass the £2.5bn mark after deadline day on 1 September.

Premier League sets summer transfer record 11 days before window shuts

Total spending on transfers in the top flight has reached a record sum after Leeds completed a deal for Noah Okafor

Chris Wilson25 August 2025 15:25

Kostas Tsimikas off to Italy?

Roma are reportedly keen on signing Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas on loan, according to Di Marzio.

Following the arrival of Milos Kerkez, Tsimikas has fallen to third choice at Anfield and is expected to find pastures new before the transfer deadline.

Chris Wilson25 August 2025 15:10

Real Betis still working on Antony move

Real Betis are still working on deal to sign Antony from Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Talks are ongoing to agree terms and try get a green light on the deal structure.

Antony starred on loan for Betis last season, scoring nine goals and notching five assists.

Chris Wilson25 August 2025 14:55

Mainoo would consider move away from Man Utd

Kobbie Mainoo would consider a move away from Manchester United in the final week of the window if the club receive a suitable offer, according to talkSPORT.

Mainoo is yet to feature for United this season and Ruben Amorim said yesterday that he is directly competing with Bruno Fernandes for a place in the side.

Chris Wilson25 August 2025 14:42

Wolves hoping to complete double deal

Wolves are expected to close out a deal for Girona’s Ladislav Krejci soon, with that one worth around €30m.

While a verbal agreement is in place for that deal, the club have also submitted a bid of around €20m for Getafe striker Christantus Uche, with “talks ongoing with player’s camp” according to Fabrizio Romano.

Could that latter move open the door for Jorgen Strand Larsen to leave this summer?

Chris Wilson25 August 2025 14:28

Thomas Frank sends strong message to potential Tottenham signings after Eberechi Eze transfer snub

Thomas Frank has said he only wants to sign players who are desperate to play for Tottenham, after Eberechi Eze snubbed the club for Arsenal.

Eze was set to move to Spurs before Arsenal stepped up their interest following an injury to forward Kai Havertz. The Gunners matched Tottenham’s bid for the Crystal Palace midfielder and Eze, who was released by Arsenal aged 13, chose the Emirates Stadium as his new home.

The blow leaves Frank with few attacking options. Richarlison scored two goals against Burnley last weekend and is set to continue in attack at Manchester City on Saturday, while new signing Mohammed Kudus made an impressive league debut. Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson are also options on the wings, and Dominic Solanke is fit, but injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, and the departure of Heung min-Son, leave Spurs short of resources.

Thomas Frank sends message to potential Spurs signings after Eberechi Eze snub

Tottenham need new recruits before the transfer window closes on 1 September

Chris Wilson25 August 2025 14:14

Next article

Liveupdated

Tottenham are sounding out attacking alternatives to Eberechi Eze after rivals Arsenal dramatically swooped to beat Thomas Frank’s side to his signature.

Arsenal confirmed a transfer worth £60m and £7.5m in add-ons – pretty much exactly Eze’s release clause - and the boyhood Gunners fan was unveiled at the Emirates before the Premier League match against Leeds. It leaves Spurs in a late scramble for a new attacker as the deadline looms, with Man City’s Savinho topping their list. However, The Independent understands both clubs are still very far apart when it comes to agreeing a price for the Brazilian.

Alexander Isak’s explosive statement this week accused Newcastle of “broken promises” and “lost trust”, with Liverpool still strongly linked with a move for the Swedish striker. The Reds’ offer of £110m fell short of Newcastle’s valuation and Eddie Howe described Isak’s statement as a “sad moment”, but the Magpies boss insists he won’t be left striker-short by the end of the window.

Elsewhere, Manchester United may be tasked with fending of more interest from Saudi Arabia for captain Bruno Fernandes, with Al-Ittihad targeting the midfielder. They continue to be hampered with goalkeeping struggles, but it is their city rivals that could strengthen in that department, with Manchester City agreeing personal terms with PSG stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

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

Ten Premier League transfers that could still happen before deadline day

Transfer deadline day is just around the corner, with clubs across Europe having until 1 September to wrap up the final deals of a busy summer window.

The Premier League once again heads the spending across the continent, with multiple English clubs having spent over £100m this summer, from Sunderland’s £140m spree to Liverpool’s deal for Florian Wirtz, which alone could reach £116m.

Several big deals are still close too, with Arsenal on the verge of signing Eberechi Eze for £67.5m, while Chelsea are completing a deal for Julio Enciso and Nottingham Forest are close to wrapping up a move for Douglas Luiz.

And with just 11 days left until the window slams shut, there is plenty going on behind the scenes as clubs look to make their final additions ahead of the 2025/26 season starting in earnest.

Here are 10 Premier League deals that could still be done before the deadline.

Ten Premier League transfers that could still happen before deadline day

Many Premier League clubs are in a race against time to wrap up their final additions ahead of transfer deadline day on 1 September

Chris Wilson25 August 2025 09:25

Before the transfer window closes, Man Utd must strengthen in one area - and it isn’t where you think

Following a 1-0 loss to Arsenal and a dispiriting draw with Fulham, it’s clear that there is a glaring hole in this Man United side - and it isn’t in their new-look, £200m front line.

Chris Wilson argues the club must strengthen in one key area, with Ruben Amorim’s future at stake if they don’t:

Man Utd must strengthen in one key area - and it’s not where you think

While the club have made inroads into recruiting a new goalkeeper, the draw to Fulham showed the desperate need for a signing in the middle of the pitch

Flo Clifford25 August 2025 09:10

Fulham need three new signings, Marco Silva says

Fulham boss Marco Silva has criticised the club for failing to make crucial signings during this window, pointing out three key positions that they need to strengthen in on BBC Match of the Day.

After a pair of draws to open their league campaign, he said, “We lost two wingers and a striker and the plan we said in May has not happened.

“We have eight or nine days to correct things. We have to sign at least three players before the end of the market.”

Flo Clifford25 August 2025 08:52

Chelsea need sales to sanction moves before deadline day

Chelsea will press ahead with moves to sign Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons this week if Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Tyrique George all leave, according to Sky Sports.

Multiple clubs are trying to buy Jackson and Nkunku, and take George on loan.

Seventeen players have left Chelsea this summer, bringing in around £270m - but more need to go for Chelsea to carry on securing their top targets.

Will Castle25 August 2025 07:00

Eberechi Eze will create ‘magic moments’ and take Arsenal to next level – Arteta

New Arsenal signing Eberechi Eze will create “magic moments” and take the club to a different level, manager Mikel Arteta claimed.

Arteta said of his latest recruit: “He (Eze) has the capacity to create these magic moments. He can do it from different positions, different situations. He’s got that flair and he’s got that charisma about him that is very contagious.

“It shows how much we want to take this club to a different level. His talent is unquestionable. He’s experienced in this league. The personality is unbelievable.

“He can play different positions. We know he can play as an attacking midfielder, right or left. He doesn’t care. And you can tell that what happened on that pitch (before the game) meant the world to him so I am delighted to have him.”

Eberechi Eze will create ‘magic moments’ and take Arsenal to next level – Arteta

Eze was presented to the Emirates crowd in the minutes before Arsenal’s 5-0 demolition job of Leeds.

Will Castle25 August 2025 06:00

Philip Billing close to return to Denmark

FC Midtjylland are in advanced talks to sign midfielder Philip Billing from Bournemouth, according to Sky Sports.

The package being discussed is a permanent move worth around £5m in total.

The 29-year-old joined Bournemouth in the summer of 2019 for around £14m from Huddersfield.

Will Castle25 August 2025 04:00

The deep-seated issue that explains West Ham’s worrying decline

“You can write what you want, at any time,” Graham Potter said, when asked if this is already a relegation battle. He admitted he “knows his responsibilities” when asked about his future.

From that, you could of course write at least some of the good from this 5-1 – like Joao Pedro’s supreme impact and how Chelsea might have now started a proper challenge.

Except, it’s impossible not to get away from the bad. And this was very bad from West Ham United, to the point that Potter looks in immediate danger. Might he even be gone before Nuno Espirito Santo? Could the Nottingham Forest manager replace him, given issues there?

The deep-seated issue that explains West Ham’s worrying decline

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea: Five different Blues players score as the visitors run riot to pile yet more pressure on Graham Potter

Miguel Delaney25 August 2025 02:00

Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo expected to remain in charge for match at Palace

Nuno EspirNuno Espirito Santo looks set to be in charge of Nottingham Forest for Sunday’s Premier League clash at Crystal Palace.

Nuno poured fuel on speculation his job was under threat on Friday saying “where there’s smoke, there’s fire”.

The Portuguese, who signed a new contract in June after guiding Forest to European football for the first time since 1995, admitted that his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated, due in part to the arrival of global head of football Edu Gaspar.ito Santo looks set to be in charge of Nottingham Forest for Sunday’s Premier League clash at Crystal Palace.

Nuno poured fuel on speculation his job was under threat on Friday saying “where there’s smoke, there’s fire”.

The Portuguese, who signed a new contract in June after guiding Forest to European football for the first time since 1995, admitted that his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated, due in part to the arrival of global head of football Edu Gaspar.

Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo expected to remain in charge for match at Palace

Nuno suggested his job was at risk on Friday after a breakdown in his relationship with Evangelos Marinakis

Will Castle25 August 2025 00:00

DONE DEAL! Renato Sanches leaves PSG for Panathinaikos on loan

Renato Sanches has left PSG for Greek side Panathinaikos on loan.

Once the breakout star of Euro 2016, Sanches has endured a stop-start career, with high-profile moves to the Parisian giants and Bayern Munich proving ill-fated.

The Portuguese midfielder looked to have revived his career at Lille, where he spent three years and helped deliver a Ligue 1 title.

But after finding game time hard to come by at the Parc des Princes, he now makes his third loan move since moving to the French capital in 2022.

Will Castle24 August 2025 23:00

Celtic target also left out of Royal Antwerp squad today alongside Senne Lammens

Man United target Senne Lammens wasn’t the only one left out of Royal Antwerp’s squad today.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha, wanted by Celtic, was also left out.

The Hoops remain in talks with the Belgian club over a £5m deal for the winger, according to Sky Sports.

Will Castle24 August 2025 22:00

“It sends a message to other teams,” declared Djed Spence. “We can beat any team.” If the message last season was that Tottenham Hotspur could lose to any team, perhaps it has been flipped. Although, some might say, any Tottenham team can beat Manchester City. Their domestic dominance may be over but in, recent years, City have lost to Spurs sides under the auspices of Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo, Antonio Conte, Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank and even Cristian Stellini.

Typical Tottenham, then, even if the phrase could have other connotations. Saturday’s terrific display against former champions had the feel of a mission statement; not just that Spurs could win, but how they could. They were separated by 14 places last season but 17th beat third. Spence has his sights set on a top-four finish. “Of course, there's no reason [why not], if we perform like that week in, week out,” he added.

The performance made it seem a realistic aim. To do so, however, would fly in the face of recent history. Two decades ago, David Moyes’ Everton finished 17th one season, fourth the next. No one has done so since. There has been a more spectacular rise in the meantime, Leicester going from 14th to first, but there has been a certain familiarity about the top of many a Premier League table.

Perhaps Tottenham added a volatility to the division, their slump last season, and Manchester United’s simultaneous descent to 15th, proving far worse than seemed feasible. Should each return to more usual abodes, it might be a reaction to startling underachievement. There could be a sense of normal service being resumed.

Maybe the transfer window is an indication of the established order reasserting their authority. Newcastle missed out on players signed by Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. Tottenham were gazumped by Arsenal for Eberechi Eze. United and Spurs both signed a player – Bryan Mbeumo and Mohammed Kudus – from a club who finished above them. Spurs hired a manager from a club who finished above them.

If Frank disturbed the natural pecking order with Brentford and is charged with restoring it now, it would still be some feat. Even if last season was an artificial low, teams rarely improve their points tally by about 30 in a year. Losers don't just become winners.

A couple of years ago, in the heady days of a start under Postecoglou that featured eight victories and two draws in 10 games, their fans chorused: “We’ve got our Tottenham back”. There were contrasting choruses in the closing minutes at the Etihad Stadium: one calling for chairman Daniel Levy to go, another that Spurs were top of the league.

Which, five hours later, they were not. The verdict on Frank’s Tottenham may only come at the end of his reign. Postecoglou’s Spurs were consistently good at the start, consistently bad in the Premier League at the end and consistently inconsistent in the middle.

The early evidence is that they have been imbued with a new ethos. A flexibility has replaced a self-defeating dogma. “He's a manager who will switch up,” said Spence. “I guess it depends what team you play, you change the tactics. And you saw [at City], you saw against Paris Saint-Germain he was capable of doing that.”

There is an attention to detail. “There’s been a lot of meetings, but I like that; meetings every day,” said Richarlison. “I’m improving the tactical part.”

There are players benefiting from regime change, the Brazilian striker among them. “Since I got here, every time the transfer window opens, my name is circled as one who could leave, going back to Brazil or wherever,” added Richarlison. “But I’ve always been focussed on Tottenham and I’ve never had a conversation about leaving.”

There are a couple of signings who have had an immediate impact. Kudus got two assists against Burnley on his first Premier League start. Joao Palhinha scored at City, but his real value lies in his ability to recover possession. “He's a machine, he flies into tackles,” said Spence. There was a common-sense element to Palhinha’s arrival on loan from Bayern Munich: Frank addressed a shortcoming in his squad. There is also an aspirational element. Even while frustrated in attempts to recruit Morgan Gibbs-White and Eze, he has brought in the kind of proven performers he could not entice to Brentford.

There was a glimpse of Frank’s charismatic man-management. As Spence spoke in the bowels of the Etihad Stadium, his manager walked past, tapped him and said: “He played well, guys”. Spence may be in a structure where that excellence can be rewarded. “With the defence, if you keep clean sheets it wins games,” he said; it is orthodox thinking, but there were times when Postecoglou’s Spurs seemed to eschew it. But Frank, Brennan Johnson said, “respects defending”.

Perhaps the paradox of Frank’s Tottenham is that he seems to be making a team out of keeping with the club’s identity – more solid, more streetwise – to take them back to where they used to be. If Spurs go from 17th to fourth, they could show the new unpredictability of the Premier League. And yet they could be restoring predictability.

“It sends a message to other teams,” declared Djed Spence. “We can beat any team.” If the message last season was that Tottenham Hotspur could lose to any team, perhaps it has been flipped. Although, some might say, any Tottenham team can beat Manchester City. Their domestic dominance may be over but in, recent years, City have lost to Spurs sides under the auspices of Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo, Antonio Conte, Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank and even Cristian Stellini.

Typical Tottenham, then, even if the phrase could have other connotations. Saturday’s terrific display against former champions had the feel of a mission statement; not just that Spurs could win, but how they could. They were separated by 14 places last season but 17th beat third. Spence has his sights set on a top-four finish. “Of course, there's no reason [why not], if we perform like that week in, week out,” he added.

The performance made it seem a realistic aim. To do so, however, would fly in the face of recent history. Two decades ago, David Moyes’ Everton finished 17th one season, fourth the next. No one has done so since. There has been a more spectacular rise in the meantime, Leicester going from 14th to first, but there has been a certain familiarity about the top of many a Premier League table.

Perhaps Tottenham added a volatility to the division, their slump last season, and Manchester United’s simultaneous descent to 15th, proving far worse than seemed feasible. Should each return to more usual abodes, it might be a reaction to startling underachievement. There could be a sense of normal service being resumed.

Maybe the transfer window is an indication of the established order reasserting their authority. Newcastle missed out on players signed by Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. Tottenham were gazumped by Arsenal for Eberechi Eze. United and Spurs both signed a player – Bryan Mbeumo and Mohammed Kudus – from a club who finished above them. Spurs hired a manager from a club who finished above them.

If Frank disturbed the natural pecking order with Brentford and is charged with restoring it now, it would still be some feat. Even if last season was an artificial low, teams rarely improve their points tally by about 30 in a year. Losers don't just become winners.

A couple of years ago, in the heady days of a start under Postecoglou that featured eight victories and two draws in 10 games, their fans chorused: “We’ve got our Tottenham back”. There were contrasting choruses in the closing minutes at the Etihad Stadium: one calling for chairman Daniel Levy to go, another that Spurs were top of the league.

Which, five hours later, they were not. The verdict on Frank’s Tottenham may only come at the end of his reign. Postecoglou’s Spurs were consistently good at the start, consistently bad in the Premier League at the end and consistently inconsistent in the middle.

The early evidence is that they have been imbued with a new ethos. A flexibility has replaced a self-defeating dogma. “He's a manager who will switch up,” said Spence. “I guess it depends what team you play, you change the tactics. And you saw [at City], you saw against Paris Saint-Germain he was capable of doing that.”

There is an attention to detail. “There’s been a lot of meetings, but I like that; meetings every day,” said Richarlison. “I’m improving the tactical part.”

There are players benefiting from regime change, the Brazilian striker among them. “Since I got here, every time the transfer window opens, my name is circled as one who could leave, going back to Brazil or wherever,” added Richarlison. “But I’ve always been focussed on Tottenham and I’ve never had a conversation about leaving.”

There are a couple of signings who have had an immediate impact. Kudus got two assists against Burnley on his first Premier League start. Joao Palhinha scored at City, but his real value lies in his ability to recover possession. “He's a machine, he flies into tackles,” said Spence. There was a common-sense element to Palhinha’s arrival on loan from Bayern Munich: Frank addressed a shortcoming in his squad. There is also an aspirational element. Even while frustrated in attempts to recruit Morgan Gibbs-White and Eze, he has brought in the kind of proven performers he could not entice to Brentford.

There was a glimpse of Frank’s charismatic man-management. As Spence spoke in the bowels of the Etihad Stadium, his manager walked past, tapped him and said: “He played well, guys”. Spence may be in a structure where that excellence can be rewarded. “With the defence, if you keep clean sheets it wins games,” he said; it is orthodox thinking, but there were times when Postecoglou’s Spurs seemed to eschew it. But Frank, Brennan Johnson said, “respects defending”.

Perhaps the paradox of Frank’s Tottenham is that he seems to be making a team out of keeping with the club’s identity – more solid, more streetwise – to take them back to where they used to be. If Spurs go from 17th to fourth, they could show the new unpredictability of the Premier League. And yet they could be restoring predictability.