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Pape Matar Sarr wins the pre-season clash with rivals Arsenal for Tottenham Hotspur.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank tasted victory in his first north London derby meeting against Arsenal as the two Premier League rivals battled it out in Hong Kong.

The former Brentford boss has a moment of Pape Matar Sarr inspiration to thank for the win, the midfielder’s goal the difference in the 1-0 win. Sarr pinched the ball off the feet of Myles Lewis-Skelly shortly before half time and rocketed a shot from distance over the head of David Raya in the Gunners’ goal.

There were certainly plenty of positives to take from the Spurs showing. Here’s how the Tottenham Hotspur players rated.

Tottenham Hotspur player ratings

GK: Guglielmo Vicario, 7

Clean sheet in the bag and not having to do too much work. A little rushed at times with the ball at his feet.

LB: Pedro Porro, 8

A busy evening in Hong Kong. Almost saw a corner kick curl past David Raya and looks to have an important role to play in the Thomas Frank transition.

CB: Cristian Romero, 6

Looked a little off the pace today. Some decisive interventions but those came with errors, one of those being a weak header under a long ball that Declan Rice almost capitalised on. Nothing major to worry about nonetheless.

CB: Micky Van de Ven, 5

Also looking slightly rusty at times. Van de Ven had a headed chance in the second half which was arguably an easier one to convert that Richarlison’s miss in the first 45 minutes. In the Premier League, you can’t waste those.

RB: Djed Spence, 9

Really good today. Looked comfortable with whatever Arsenal threw at him and picked out a couple of nice through balls. Spurs’ best player.

CM: Rodrigo Bentancur, 7

His usual self, picking the ball up in front of the defence. Solid if not spectacular. Joao Palhinha would likely be an upgrade here.

CM: Pape Matar Sarr, 8

Good stuff. Got an important toe in after 11 minutes to make breaking up a promising Arsenal counter look easy. Pinched the ball well again just before his goal, which he fired over David Raya from an extraordinary distance. That’s not easy to do.

CM: Lucas Bergvall, 7

Too bitty a game for Bergvall’s talent to be in full force. The midfielder does carry the ball forwards well and puts a shift in.

LW: Wilson Odobert, 7

Did cause Ben White problems with his pace and started the match brightly. Could carry more of a goal threat.

Mohammed Kudus impresses again at Spurs

ST: Richarlison, 4

Frustrating. It’s always hard to fault the Brazilian’s passion but he’s not the one to lead the line for Thomas Frank. Richarlison somehow headed over from practically standing on the goal line in the first half, although that miss is perhaps not quite as bad as social media will have you believe given that the ball cannoned onto his noggin from the crossbar. Needs to be finding the back of the net in these types of matches.

RW: Mohammed Kudus, 8

Again, a lot to love from the former West Ham man. Spurs’ best threat on the flanks and can turn defence into attack in seconds. Not able to provide a huge goal threat but always a headache for Myles Lewis-Skelly.

SUB: Mathys Tel, 7

Didn’t have too much time to make an impact but one really good moment as he ran at the Spurs defence and then put a plum of a cross onto the head of Van de Ven, which he should have scored.

SUB: Son Heung-min, 5

There were a couple of moments when the South Korea international led a Spurs break but didn’t have the dynamism he has done over the years. Needs to find his fire again.

SUBS: Kevin Danso, Brennan Johnson, Ben Davies, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, Archie Gray - N/A

In other news, Tottenham battle Newcastle United for Marc Guehi alternative who wants move as new contract offer submitted.

Viktor Gyokeres gets a short run out as Arsenal are beaten by rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

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Arsenal fell to a 1-0 defeat in a north London derby clash with Tottenham Hotspur during pre-season, nearly 6,000 miles away from the big smoke. Viktor Gyokeres was handed his first minutes for the Gunners but there was little to be too excited about from the tame meeting.

It was a first half Pape Matar Sarr goal that separated the two sides. The midfielder pinched the ball from the toes of Myles Lewis-Skelly and fired home over the head of David Raya from distance.

There were shouts for a foul and VAR may have overturned that strike but Mikel Arteta’s side did little to really deserve to win the game in Hong Kong. Here’s how the Arsenal players rated.

Arsenal player ratings

GK: David Raya, 5

Known for taking a risk when playing out from the back and paid the price for that, putting Lewis-Skelly in an unenviable position ahead of the Sarr goal, even if there are strong shouts that VAR would have overruled that for a foul. A couple hair-raising moments from corners that threatened to squirm past him too.

LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly, 7

One of the players with the biggest impact on the game today. It looks as if the 18-year-old is going to be given more and more license to come inside and roam through midfield. That was an asset at times against Spurs, but can also leave the Gunners susceptible to the break.

CB: William Saliba, 8

Looked confident. It’s important that Arsenal tie him down to that new contract and end Real Madrid interest. Charged forwards from centre-back at times and showed the vision to find some nice attacking passes.

CB: Jakub Kiwior, 7

Pretty quiet outing at centre-back alongside Saliba. In contrast to the Frenchman, his more ambitious passing sometimes lacked accuracy.

RB: Ben White, 8

A bit of a slow start to the game but grew and grew as the game went on. Once he had settled, felt more comfortable getting past Saka and on the overlap, where he was dangerous. Intervened well when having to back track too.

CM: Martin Odegaard, 7

The player who started the fixture the brightest. Plenty of zip in midfield as he went about his box-to-box work. Did fade slightly as the fixture went on.

CM: Declan Rice, 6

Not quite his usual self. This match was a slow-starter and the type of game that Rice could have gripped by the scruff of the neck. Still busy in the centre of the park.

CM: Christian Norgaard, 7

Looks comfortable in an Arsenal shirt already. That could be a very clever, simple signing from Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta. Provides another aerial threat from set plays too.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli, 7

Got himself into some dangerous positions. Arsenal looked to him to get on the end of long balls with Kai Havertz dropping short. Prodded one over with his toe in the second half but never really looked close to going in.

ST: Kai Havertz, 6

The feel was that Havertz was playing somewhat of a placeholder role waiting for Gyokeres to be introduced. His best work came when dropping back slightly to allow wingers to move inside and when laying off the ball for Martinelli’s chance that was prodded over.

RW: Bukayo Saka, 7

Plenty of hustle and bustle but not quite his usual threat. Spurs players often resulted to simply clattering into the England international with his pace posing a threat. Some nice link-up play with White on that flank.

Viktor Gyokeres handed first Arsenal minutes

SUB: Leandro Trossard, N/A

Hobbled off shortly after coming on with an injury worry.

SUB: Martin Zubimendi, 8

Made an immediate impact. The new signing’s first touch was to control and then fire a dangerous dropping volley towards the Tottenham Hotspur goal. Will surely start more matches than he finds himself on the bench for.

SUB: Viktor Gyokeres, 7

A shame not to see the Sweden international handed more minutes, but there’s plenty of time for that. Immediately charged after corner kicks and went on to exhibit some nice hold up play. Arsenal look better with an out-and-out striker up top.

SUB: Max Dowman, 8

There’s no need to be getting ahead of ourselves with the 15-year-old, but his impact when brought on was clear to see. His first action was to leather a volley towards the goal following an Arsenal corner, which hit a wall of Spurs players. Happy to take his time with the ball and looked like the man to make something happen late on. An exciting talent.

SUB: Cristhian Mosquera, 8

Arsenal fans didn’t get to see too much of the promising 21-year-old but he looked to speed up proceedings when receiving the ball with Arsenal 1-0 down. Got his head to a late corner but unable to get a clear flick-on.

SUB: Reiss Nelson, N/A

SUB: Mikel Merino, N/A

In other news, Arsenal sent asking price for next transfer target as rivals consider midfielder bid.

Burnley have agreed a new contract with a defender who had been linked with Premier League rivals.

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Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace have had any pursuit of Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve this summer made significantly more difficult with news that the player has signed a contract extension at Turf Moor.

The 23-year-old made 46 appearances for the Clarets last season as Scott Parker’s men lost just two league matches and conceded just 16 goals. Esteve has never played in the Premier League and is set to be a key member of the Burnley squad next season.

Having turned heads in the second tier, the defender had been linked with a move to clubs that could offer him European football. Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace were frequently linked with the Burnley Express namechecking those teams as suitors when reporting on the new deal.

Spurs and Crystal Palace linked with Frenchman

Spurs have already made the loan of Kevin Danso permanent but, with question marks over the future of Cristian Romero, remain in the market for a centre-back. Thomas Frank also has teenager Luka Vuskovic as an option with the youngster impressing so far in pre-season.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are still expected to have to fight to hold onto Marc Guehi, whose deal expires next season. Should the England international depart, the Eagles will have a hole that needs filling at the heart of defence.

However, it now appears impossible that Esteve will be that man. The Frenchman has put pen to paper on a new five-year deal with the club despite having already signed an extension in September 2024.

The defender said: “I’m very happy to sign another deal, to me this Club is so special. When I came here, straight away I thought it was special, my family felt it too. It’s the best decision to stay at Burnley, for my progression and to play in the Premier League. This Club - with the Gaffer, with my teammates - is the best place to be. I’m proud to sign a new deal.”

Maxime Esteve signs new Burnley contract

Football Insider had reported that Burnley were willing to listen to offers around the £50 million mark for Esteve, who cost the club £12.5 million. Speaking about the defender last season, Burnley boss Scott Parker said: “I’ve been really impressed with Maxi.

“First and foremost he’s a great kid and an unbelievable professional. Just his general aura about him and his humility about the boy and his professionalism, just everything about him is a top, top boy and of course you see his quality as well.

“Again he probably fits into that bracket of having a lot of work needing to be done, there’s loads of improving and fine-turning, but he’s someone that is humble and willing to improve. For sure we’ve got an exceptional player in Maxi and we’re going to work tirelessly with him to keep nudging him along. But he’s been brilliant for us since I’ve been here.”

In other news, Club 'optimistic' about signing 'exciting' Tottenham player after Thomas Frank vow.

Thomas Frank is getting used to his new role at Tottenham ahead of the new season

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Thomas Frank knew he had a job to do when he arrived as new Tottenham Hotspur boss earlier this summer following the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs had just endured their worst-ever Premier League finish but followed that up with ending a 17-year trophy drought with victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final. The club, therefore, entered an unprecedented summer.

The arrival of Frank meant the Dane was able to assess the existing squad with a fresh pair of eyes to see which players would be compatible with remaining under his stewardship.

Additions have been made, notably Mohammed Kudus in addition to Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso joining permanently, but not as much business has been done yet as would have been liked. Spurs were dealt a major blow when their supposedly agreed transfer for Morgan Gibbs-White fell through at the eleventh hour. Now, Gibbs-White has signed a new deal with Nottingham Forest and Spurs have been forced to consider other options.

Thomas Frank may consider creative in-house solution to Gibbs-White problem

Gibbs-White was set to arrive at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a £60million fee to play in the No.10. Reports by TBR Football suggest that Frank may be considering using teenage midfielder Lucas Bergvall in the role instead. TBR source Football.London in stating that the Swedish international was spotted playing there in training.

Bergvall was utilised as a central midfielder in a strong debut campaign for Spurs but it is not beyond the question that he could be moulded by Frank, who has a reputation of improving young players. He was seen operating in a more advanced role in an 11 v 11 match in training in Hong Kong, where the Lilywhites will soon face their north London rivals Arsenal on Thursday.

Dejan Kulusevski is still some way from recovering from knee surgery he underwent in May, while James Maddison has only just returned from an injury lay-off and may not yet be fully fit. Therefore, it will be interesting to see if Bergvall is given the chance to start in the 10 in the derby.

Who else could Spurs sign in place of Gibbs-White later in the window?

While in-house options will certainly be considered, it is still likely that Spurs target another signing in creative midfield before the summer transfer window is up. The belief is that they may have a four-man shortlist after losing out on Gibbs-White, also as per TBR Football.

One man they may decide to target is Liverpool ace Harvey Elliott, who may be available for around £50m this summer after shining at the U21 Euros. The 22-year-old looks primed and ready to take the next step in his career and would relish the chance to fight for a starting role at Spurs.

In addition, Aston Villa academy graduate Jacob Ramsey has been linked after seeing his development stall with the West Midlands outfit. A change of scenery could be what the 24-year-old needs to become the player many believe he can be.

Other players Spurs may make a move for include Alejandro Garnacho and James McAtee. Both young stars are surplus to requirements at their respective Manchester clubs and may be available for a bargain price this summer. It will make interesting viewing to see who starts in the No.10 role for Spurs come the start of the new Premier League season in just over two weeks’ time.

Spurs take on Arsenal in pre-season action on Thursday afternoon at the Kai Tak Stadium.

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Tottenham Hotspur continue their pre-season preparations with a perhaps not-so-friendly meeting with north London rivals Arsenal in Hong Kong on Thursday afternoon.

Even though not officially a competitive match, it marks Thomas Frank’s first north London derby in charge of Spurs having arrived at the club from Brentford to replace Ange Postecoglou this summer. The main focus is on getting vital minutes under the belt of first team stars but, given the historic rivalry, it’s a friendly meeting that will come with an extra bite.

Spurs are unbeaten in pre-season outings so far this summer. Frank’s side beat League One outfit Reading 2-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and followed up with a 2-2 draw against Wycombe Wanderers and a 0-0 run-out against Luton Town.

Thomas Frank praises Arsenal ahead of friendly

The meeting with Arsenal presents the first pre-season fixture against a Premier League side. The Gunners have been busy in the summer transfer window so far with several marquee signings arriving at the Emirates Stadium.

Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga were all snapped up early doors. Sporting CP bagsman Viktor Gyokeres is the latest head-turning acquisition and could see his first minutes in an Arsenal shirt against Spurs.

Speaking about Arsenal ahead of the friendly, Frank heaped praise on his rivals in quotes that Spurs supporters may not love. Franksaid: "It's a great challenge besides being our biggest rivals and the first north London derby outside the UK. They are also right now one of the best teams, I must say unfortunately, in the world, we also need to be honest.

"In that way it's going to be a big test, but it's more than a test as against Arsenal it's not only a friendly. Of course it's a game we will do everything we can to win."

Tottenham Hotspur transfer update

Tottenham Hotspur continue to work on transfer deals but have lacked the productivity of Arsenal. Mohammed Kudus is the only new marquee signing so far, arriving from West Ham for £55 million, with loan moves for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso made permanent.

Speaking about transfers, Frank said: "We of course are out there in the market and we're aware where we maybe want to strengthen the squad in general. I'm happy with the squad and we've already done a top signing in Mohammed Kudus that is coming in and showing us his quality already. We've got a squad where there is a lot of talent in and quality but of course we're looking."

In other news, Tottenham 'preparing offer' for midfielder amid interest in Man Utd star.

The Spurs centre-back is just a teenager but has already shown a commanding presence over pre-season fixtures.

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Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Luka Vuskovic has caught the attention of fans and colleagues alike so far in pre-season as his career in north London gets off to a promising start.

The 18-year-old signed for Spurs in September 2023 when just 16 years old, with a £12 million fee agreed. However, the rising star continued his development with Hajduk Split before arriving at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Given his young age, Vuskovic had been linked with an immediate loan exit to gain more experience but recent performances in pre-season friendlies have suggested that he could impact the first team sooner than expected.

Micky Van de Ven praises Luka Vuskovic

Standing at 6’ 4”, the centre-back has been an imposing presence and looked assured at the back, as well as dangerous up front. In his first Tottenham Hotspur outing, in the friendly against Reading, he picked up an assist and a goal during the 2-0 win.

Speaking ahead of the fixture against Arsenal on Thursday, Micky Van de Ven was asked about his fellow defender’s progress and heaped praise on the teenager. The Tottenham Hotspur star said: “Luka is only 18 years old but what you can see from how he behaves on the pitch and off the pitch you can see he is a really talented football player.

“He has a lot of qualities and I think he has shown in the last two friendlies that he has a lot of big and strong points where even our centre-backs can learn from. He's done unbelievable at this point and hopefully he can do way more for us and hopefully you can see way more from him.”

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back situation

It remains to be seen what role Vuskovic plays over the course of the 2025/26 season. Speaking about the player following that win over Reading, Spurs manager Thomas Frank said: “Luka deserves the praise as well. A great header. Showed his physicality and his composure on the ball. He’s not getting stressed when opponents get close. And what a strike.”

Vuskovic himself has said that everything is ‘perfect’ going into his first full season at Spurs and that he is ‘really happy’ at the club. The Daily Mail claims that several Bundesliga clubs are interested in taking the player on loan, should another campaign away from the Premier League be deemed the best option.

It remains to be seen whether Cristian Romero remains at the club amid interest from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid. Tottenham Hotspur have signed Kevin Danso on a permanent deal and continue to be linked with a move for Crystal Palace man Marc Guehi.

In other news, Tottenham 'preparing offer' for midfielder amid interest in Man Utd star.

Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha has found himself at the centre of a transfer saga this summer.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank remains in the market for a new defensive midfielder and his hunt for a recruit in that position appears to have drummed up a transfer saga.

The new Spurs manager isn’t short of options in his current squad with Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray all capable in that position. However, there remains a feeling that the north London outfit lacks a certain bite that can only be solved with a new arrival.

In recent days, it’s looked increasingly likely that former Fulham man Joao Palhinha could be the answer to that. The 30-year-old moved to Bayern Munich for nearly £50 million last summer but has not dazzled in Germany.

Tottenham Hotspur prepare £45 million Bayern bid

As a result, it’s expected that the Bundesliga giants will allow Palhinha to leave this summer with a return to the Premier League likely. At first, a £25 million fee had been touted but the latest report from journalist Sebastian Vidal claims that Tottenham Hotspur are now willing to pay £45 million for the player.

That’s a staggering fee for a midfielder who has already passed the age of 30 years old, but it could work for Spurs. At his best, Palhinha was one of the top defensive midfielders in the Premier League while at Fulham, and capable of stopping any attack. Spurs need that.

Speaking about the player, former Fulham captain Tom Cairney said: "If you lose the ball, he smells blood. He’s probably one of the best I've ever seen off the ball, in terms of getting back, recovering and trying to win back the ball.

"He doesn't just put pressure on them, he goes back to win the ball and does the tackle. It's amazing to watch sometimes. I think the fans have taken to him. I think he's been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League."

Spurs transfer risks double embarrassment

If Palhinha was to hit that level every week, then £45 million is a steal. However, if he doesn’t, that’s an embarrassing amount of money to waste on a 30-year-old.

The worry for Spurs is that the midfielder is aware he’s had a tough season. Speaking at the Club World Cup, he was all too aware that he has not been at his best, which casts questions over that lofty fee. He said: “Obviously, it hasn’t been an easy year for me, but I’m also very motivated to – as soon as the season starts – prove my worth once again, at a very special club like Bayern, a huge club.

“I have a contract with Bayern for another three years, so I’ll report back on the 29 [July], which is when we start pre-season. Enjoying these vacation days with family and friends is the most important thing right now.”

Not only could Frank be embarrassed by that signing becoming a flop, but Tottenham Hotspur could also be shown up by being beaten to the transfer in the first place. Fulham reporter Jack Kelly has claimed that the Cottagers are also weighing up a move for the midfielder.

That transfer would likely be a loan and to see Palhinha choose Fulham over a big money move to Spurs would be embarrassing for Frank. Taking to social media platform X, Kelly wrote: “Fulham still retain an interest in re-signing Joao Palhinha. A loan looks likelier at this stage. One to watch.”

In other news, Tottenham 'preparing offer' for midfielder amid interest in Man Utd star.

Rangers are set to take the rising Spurs talent on a season long loan deal.

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mikey Moore had been tipped to make a loan exit from the club in recent weeks and appears to have landed on his preferred destination.

The 17-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season under Ange Postecoglou last season, making 21 first team appearances despite his young age. Moore scored his first goal for the club in a Europa League win over Elfsborg in January and had been part of Thomas Frank’s pre-season preparations this summer.

Despite his progress, Moore is not thought to be a priority in Frank’s plans for next season and still seen as a future first team star rather than a regular player as it stands. With that reasoning, the club is willing to sanction a loan move.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder set for loan exit

Football League World had named Championship sides West Brom and Birmingham City as two prime candidates, while LondonWorld reasoned that Millwall could be an ideal destination for a season long loan. However, in a blow to all those second tier sides, it appears as if Moore is off to Scotland.

The Telegraph correspondent Matt Law wrote on social media platform X: “Rangers have emerged as favourites to sign Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham. There's been a lot of interest, particularly from the Championship, but Rangers seen as most likely destination.”

Moore had featured in pre-season matches against Reading earlier this month and against Luton Town last weekend. LondonWorld rated the youngster an 8/10 for his 45 minutes against the Royals, writing: “Had a really nice moment early on when he cut in from the left and sprayed a pass into Brennan Johnson on the other flank, bringing about the first Spurs corner. Drifted out of the game after that but found some impetus again shortly before the break, almost curling one into the top corner from the edge of the box. It would be a shame to see him leave Spurs this summer, but a loan away could make sense given his potential.”

Mikey Moore tipped for big things

James Maddison heaped praise on Moore in October when speaking to TNT Sports following a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar, a match in which the teenager played 87 minutes. Maddison said: "I thought we had Neymar on the left wing! He is fearless, [he has] that young, fearless mentality. He's a brilliant lad, he has bags of ability. I will hopefully help him with wise words but he has all the ability and well done to him."

Postecoglou was keen not to put too much pressure on the rising star but was confident that the player’s feet are firmly on the ground. After that AZ Alkmaar game, the Aussie said: "I think we all understand with young players, you have to be careful but after the game, I don't get the sense that that's going to affect Mikey at all. There's no denying he was great last night. I thought he was great the whole game. It's exciting for us."

In other news, Tottenham confirm pre-season tour squad as 6 out injured and 3 given permission to seek transfers.

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing what could prove to be one of the deals of the transfer window - if they can pull it off

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Tottenham Hotspur are looking for serious improvement in the Premier League next season after appointing Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglous’s successor.

Postcoglou guided Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years and back into the Champions League with victory in the Europa League final against Manchester United but their rotten Premier League form and 17th-placed finish saw Daniel Levy swing the axe.

As the North London club compare to compete on all four fronts, Frank knows he will need to bolster his squad significantly to mount a challenge in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus have so far signed for Spurs while Morgan Gibbs-White is also the subject of interest from North London. However, that deal is being held up due to Nottingham Forest being unhappy with Gibbs-White’s £60m release clause coming to light.

Now another midfield gem from within the Premier League is linked with a switch to Spurs.

Tottenham ‘make enquiry’ for Man Utd ace Kobbie Mainoo

Spurs have looked to add a Manchester United player to their squad and have made an enquiry to the Old Trafford club about Kobbie Mainoo, per a report from TBR Football. The North London club “appreciate” the United academy graduate and are keeping up-to-date with his contract situation.

Mainoo has committed to 2027 at Old Trafford but has been in talks over a new deal but no agreement as yet been reached. The parties are in a stalemate with Mainoo’s representatives demanding the player earn £180-a-week to reflect his status within the squad.

The midfielder is keen to remain at Old Trafford but Spurs are closely monitoring the situation and the longer the contract stalemate goes on, the stronger the possibility he leaves United. Mainoo struggled with injury last season and will want to ensure plenty of game-time as he eyes a spot in England’s World Cup squad for next summer’s tournament in Canada, United States and Mexico.

Gary Neville issues big Kobbie Mainoo praise

Speaking about Mainoo during his breakthrough 2023-24 campaign, Gary Neville said of Mainoo: "He’s a fantastic player. To come into Manchester United’s team at any time is really difficult and he’s come in at one of the most difficult times in the club’s recent history and he’s just stood out as someone whose temperament and composure is off the scale."

He added: "It looks like he’s got the world at his feet for the next 10 years.

"He’s got 15 years left, Kobbie Mainoo, and he’s got to keep his feet on the ground, but it looks like he’s got all the attributes that you would need to be a top player."

READ NEXT - Tottenham favourite has now been 'approached' over transfer after Thomas Frank omission

Spurs are in the market for a new midfielder this summer and may have found their man.

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Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a loan move for Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer as Thomas Frank looks to add more bite into his midfield.

The former Brentford manager deployed Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Lucas Bergvall in the two defensive midfield roles during the pre-season friendly against Reading on Saturday afternoon. Spurs kept a clean sheet but there were misplaced passes and a lack of synergy in those important roles.

Palhinha has been touted as the ideal replacement given his availability at Bayern Munich and his Premier League experience. The 30-year-old spent two years with Fulham, making 68 top flight appearances and turning heads with his dominant performances.

Tottenham Hotspur eye loan move for former Fulham man

It’s not the first time that Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Palhinha with a £25 million fee touted. However, The Mirror claims that Spurs will instead look to bring the player in on loan.

Palhinha only joined Bayern Munich last summer but has struggled to settle in Germany, with just nine starts last season. Speaking at the Club World Cup, he said: “Obviously, it hasn’t been an easy year for me, but I’m also very motivated to – as soon as the season starts – prove my worth once again, at a very special club like Bayern, a huge club.

“I have a contract with Bayern for another three years, so I’ll report back on the 29 [July], which is when we start pre-season. Enjoying these vacation days with family and friends is the most important thing right now.”

Palhinha ‘smells blood’ in centre midfield

Standing at 6’ 3”, Palhinha earned a reputation for always being in the right place at the right time to stop attackers and was one of the league’s most feared players. Speaking about the player, former Fulham captain Tom Cairney said: "If you lose the ball, he smells blood. He’s probably one of the best I've ever seen off the ball, in terms of getting back, recovering and trying to win back the ball.

"He doesn't just put pressure on them, he goes back to win the ball and does the tackle. It's amazing to watch sometimes. I think the fans have taken to him. I think he's been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League."

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