The Spurs Web

According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham Hotspur are not expected to offload Oliver Skipp this summer despite strengthening their midfield with new recruits.

Spurs welcome Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall

Two young, up-and-coming starlets will link up with the squad in the form of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall but it is revealed that the duo’s arrival is not expected to have any bearing on Skipp’s future.

The report says that after securing Joe Rodon from Tottenham, Leeds United are expected to make a move for the Spurs midfielder, who is also on their shortlist.

However, the Lilywhites are not overly keen on offloading the 23-year-old, with Ange Postecoglou viewing him as a genuine backup option that can be used in rotation with the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr.

Oliver Skipp is unlikely to leave Spurs this summer

The report adds that the fact that Skipp is considered homegrown and club-trained makes him an even more valuable option, with Spurs likely to block any move.

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It is explained that while the Tottenham academy graduate wants regular game time, he is not prepared to drop down to the Championship at this stage of his career.

However, the publication reveals that Skipp is a big admirer of Daniel Farke, having worked with the German coach at Norwich, which is why a summer move to Elland Road cannot be ruled out for the player.

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Apart from the homegrown issue, Postecoglou is going to need a bigger squad with quality backups if he has genuine aspirations of competing on four fronts.

The Australian will thus try his best to convince Skipp that he will get plenty of game time next season.

According to the print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (as relayed by Sport Witness), three other Premier League sides apart from Tottenham Hotspur are now plotting a move for Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori.

Riccardo Calafiori race heats up

Now that Italy have been knocked out of the Euros, one would expect the talks over Calafiori’s future to gather pace and Gazzetta now bring the latest on the transfer saga.

The report says that on the back of the youngsters’ impressive showing in Germany, Bologna’s asking price has now gone up to €40m (£33.8m).

The outlet suggests that the Italian side would be happy to keep hold of the central defender if that asking price is not met.

Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool all interested

Tottenham and Arsenal, who were previously credited with an interest in Calafiori, have now allegedly been joined by Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for the player.

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The publication adds that Juventus are not in a position to meet Bologna’s asking price, which is why the 22-year-old is likely to head to the Premier League if he leaves the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium this summer.

Among the four English clubs mentioned, Tottenham are singled out, with the report explaining that Ange Posetecoglou’s men have been sniffing around the Italy international since January.

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While £35m might be a steep fee to pay for a fourth-choice centre-back, the fact that Calafiori can also operate at left-back may make the deal worth doing for Spurs.

Signing the Italian may also allow the Lilywhites to potentially cash in on Ben Davies.

According to Haber 3, Tottenham are now in a three-horse race with Manchester United and Brighton for Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz.

Yilmaz has emerged as one of the most exciting attackers in the Turkish top flight over the last couple of years, with the exciting wideman scoring seven times and providing 12 assists across all competitions last season (Transfermarkt).

It was reported by HITC back in April that Aston Villa and Tottenham are among the admirers of the Galatasaray star, who was said to be valued at £22m.

Subsequently, Milliyet reported that the Lilywhites and the Villans had been joined in the race for the 24-year-old’s signature by the likes of West Ham United, Juventus, AS Roma and Lille.

Galatasaray want £25.4m to sell Yilmaz

However, Haber 3 have now named Spurs, Brighton and United as the three clubs currently battling it out for the Turkey international.

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The report says that Ange Postecoglou’s men are continuing to keep close tabs on the winger and that Galatasaray are now willing to sell Yilmaz.

However, the Istanbul giants’ asking price has allegedly gone up, with the publication stating that they are now demanding €30m (£25.4m) for their star man.

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There is no concrete evidence to suggest that Tottenham hold a serious interest in Yilmaz or that the Premier League side have made any approach for the 24-year-old.

It appears that Postecoglou’s men are now focused on other targets.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s international teammate Thomas Delaney has urged the Tottenham man to consider joining Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg looks likely to leave Spurs

With Hojbjerg having just a year left on his contract at Spurs, it looks inevitable that the 28-year-old’s four-year stay at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will come to an end this summer.

The midfielder is seemingly a wanted man, with The Times revealing that four clubs have come forward with an interest in the Dane, including AC Milan and Napoli, who are now managed by former Spurs boss Antonio Conte.

Meanwhile, reports from Turkey have continued to suggest that Fenerbahce (Takvim) and Galatasaray (Sabah via SportWitness) both remain keen on securing the player’s services.

More recently, Dortmund are also thought to have emerged as contenders to land the Spurs man, with Sport BILD claiming last week that the Bundesliga club are looking to bolster their options in midfield and see the former Southampton star as an economical option.

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Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Dortmund?

After Denmark’s 2-0 loss at Westfalenstadion against Germany on Sunday, Hojbjerg was asked about the possibility of making the stadium his permanent home this summer and he told Sky Deutschland (as relayed by Sport Witness): “It’s a nice stadium. I’m on holiday now, then after the break.”

Delaney, who spent three years at Dortmund, was then asked about the speculation linking the Spurs star with a move to his former club and he said: “I would recommend it to both sides. He is a fantastic player and I’m very happy to have him as a teammate. He is a top-level central midfielder.”

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Hojbjerg’s answer about first needing to go on a holiday perhaps indicates that the midfielder is not likely to make a decision on his future for the next week or two.

At this point, it seems like the Serie A is the 28-year-old’s most likely destination this summer.

According to Viola News, the race for Fiorentina right-back Michael Kayode is now heating up between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.

Tottenham are being linked with Michael Kayode

Tottenham’s interest in Kayode first came to light on 24 June when Corriere Fiorentino (via Sport Witness) revealed that Spurs had been impressed by the 19-year-old’s displays last season and had expressed an interest in signing him.

The report explained that the Lilywhites’ approach had put Fiorentina in a dilemma because, while they want to hang on to the teenager who they viewed as a generation talent, the club also need to raise cash to balance their books.

Not too long after, journalist Alfredo Pedulla revealed that Aston Villa had also entered the picture, presenting an offer of €15m (£12.7m) plus bonuses for Kayode, which was turned down by the Viola.

Race heating up between Spurs and Aston Villa

Viola News have now also named Spurs and Villa as the two leading contenders for Kayode’s signature and they claim that both sides have seen proposals turned down.

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It is asserted neither side were willing to pay more than €20m (£17m) for the Italy Under-21 international.

The publication adds that it would take an offer of around €25m (£21.1m) including bonuses to tempt Raffaele Palladino’s men into selling the youngster.

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Following the capture of Archie Gray, I believe that Tottenham will now end their interest in other right-backs, with the 18-year-old Leeds academy graduate likely to be used as Porro’s main understudy next season.

But if Postecoglou sees him as a regular midfielder, then you never know, Spurs may still need another right-back for this coming season.

According to Sky Sports transfer centre (at 01/07, 22:54), Tottenham Hotspur are one of three Premier League clubs eyeing a move for Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters.

Kyle Walker-Peters left Spurs in 2020

Tottenham have secured the services of Archie Gray from Leeds United and many expect the youngster to serve as Pedro Porro’s understudy at right-back.

However, according to a report in The Athletic, Spurs primarily view the youngster as a midfielder, with the 18-year-old also wanting to play in the middle of the park.

If that is the case, it will be interesting to see if Ange Postecoglou’s men pursue another right-back this summer and one player who is thought to be on their radar is Walker-Peters.

Several reports over recent weeks have indicated that Spurs are interested in re-signing the 27-year-old, particularly given that he is homegrown and considered club-trained (GiveMeSport).

A few days ago, Fabrizio Romano, West Ham had begun discussions with Southampton over a deal for the England international, who was said to be willing to make a move to the London Stadium.

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Three-horse race for Kyle Walker-Peters?

Sky Sports have now backed up that information, stating that the Hammers are currently locked in talks with the Saints over Walker-Peters.

The report claims that the South Coast club have now approached Bournemouth over a deal for Max Aarons, who they see as a potential replacement for the former Tottenham man.

However, the update adds that Spurs and Brighton are also keeping an eye on the Southampton right-back’s situation at the moment.

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Even if Postecoglou and Tottenham see Gray as primarily a midfielder and expect him to evolve into a box-to-box player, the youngster will likely be used as Porro’s main understudy next season.

I cannot see Spurs entering the market for another right-back this summer.

Bologna technical director Giovanni Sartori has now handed Tottenham a boost by revealing that Riccardo Calafiori is not likely to be heading to Juventus this summer.

Juventus are unlikely to sign Riccardo Calafiori

If you have followed Spurs Web’s coverage, you would know that several Italian publications have been adamant over the last month or so that Tottenham are keen on bringing Calafiori to N17, having been impressed by his displays for Bologna last season.

In fact, Tutto Juve even suggested two weeks ago that Spurs have stepped up their pursuit of the centre-back to beat Juventus to his signature.

The report stated that the Lilywhites are ‘rushing towards’ the Italy international and had expressed a willingness to meet Bologna’s asking price of €40m-€45m (£33.7m-£38m) for the versatile defender.

However, the outlet backed up what we had heard from other sources by stating that the former Basel man is still leaning towards a move to the Bianconeri, who are at the front of the queue for his signature.

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Arsenal and Spurs both like Calafiori

It has subsequently emerged over the last few days that Arsenal have also joined Spurs and Juve in the race for the 22-year-old (La Gazzetta dello Sport).

Sartori has now confirmed that the centre-back will not be heading to the Allianz Stadium and is likely to move abroad this summer if he leaves the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium.

The Genoa director said about Calafiori’s future (via Fabrizio Romano): “I think he will not end up joining Juventus. Probably he can go abroad, in case we decide to sell him. We’d like to keep Calafiori so let’s see what happens.”

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While this really opens up the race for Calafiori’s future and potentially encourages Premier League clubs to make an offer, I still do not think Tottenham are favourites to win the race for the 22-year-old.

I cannot see Spurs parting ways with £40m or so for a fourth-choice centre-back.

Fabrizio Romano says Aston Villa continue to hold an interest in Giovani Lo Celso, although the Tottenham man was never their number-one midfield target.

Lo Celso will leave Tottenham this summer

It is quite clear that Lo Celso is on his way out of Tottenham this summer, with the Argentine now into the final year of his deal at N17.

Reports from Spain continue to talk up the possibility of the 28-year-old returning to Real Betis, with the La Liga side said to be determined to re-sign the player this summer.

This information has been carried by several outlets, including ABC Sevilla (via Sport Witness), who claimed that Manuel Pellegrini’s men will fight until the end to get their man.

Meanwhile, some sources claimed last week that Tottenham had made an offer of around £20m plus Lo Celso for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, which was turned down by the Midlands club (Matt Maher).

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Aston Villa are interested in Lo Celso

However, Romano has now claimed that Unai Emery’s men remain attentive to the Tottenham man’s situation, even though they were first prioritising a move for Ross Barkley.

When asked about Lo Celso, the journalist told GiveMeSport: “There is interest also from other clubs around Europe, including Villa, because Unai Emery knows the player so well.

“But at the moment, the focus of Villa in that position is on Ross Barkley, who is expected to join the club from Luton Town, and then we will see if they will decide to enter into conversations for Lo Celso. At the moment, [there’s] still nothing advanced.”

Since these comments, Ross Barkley has indeed joined Villa from Luton Town, so it remains to be seen whether the Midlands club look to make a move for Lo Celso next.

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Even though Lo Celso knows Emery well, I doubt the Spurs star would want to risk moving to Villa Park and warming the bench.

I suspect he would prefer a return to Real Betis and would push Tottenham to reach an agreement with the La Liga outfit.

Fabrizio Romano says that Giovani Lo Celso is extremely likely to leave Tottenham Hotspur before the start of the new season.

Giovani Lo Celso looks likely to leave Spurs

Lo Celso was used sparingly by Ange Postecoglou last season but the Argentine did impress when opportunities came his way, particularly in the spell leading up to January, where the Lilywhites were without many of their key players, including James Maddison.

However, it has been widely reported that the 28-year-old, who is now into the final year of his contract, is expected to seal an exit from Hotspur Way this summer.

In fact, TEAMtalk revealed last week that Tottenham had already reached out to various agents to try and help them facilitate the Argentina international’s sale.

Real Betis are thought to be keen on re-signing the player who they sold to Spurs five years ago, with ABC Sevilla (via Sport Witness) claiming last week that the La Liga club are prepared to ‘fight until the end’ to land the midfielder.

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Romano has now told GiveMeSport about the silky left-footer’s future: “For Lo Celso, it’s a different story. I see Lo Celso leaving Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

“I think there is a 90 per cent chance he leaves and there is interest from Real Betis.”

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It is clear that a new contract is not in the offing for Lo Celso, which is why a summer exit seems guaranteed for the midfielder.

It appears as if Spurs are exploring the possibility of using the 28-year-old as a part of potential part-exchange deals but the player might have his heart set on a return to Beits.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Tottenham Hotspur continue to have their eye on Fluminense star Andre Trindade as they look to add a number six to their squad.

Spurs have been linked with Andre from Fluminense

It is an open secret by now that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is on his way out of Spurs, with the midfielder now into the final year of his deal.

Many replacements have been mooted for the Dane over the last few months but one player we have not seen linked with a move to Spurs this summer is Andre.

The 22-year-old was named as a potential target for the Lilywhites ahead of the January transfer window, with reports suggesting last year that Ange Postecoglou’s men were keen on the midfielder, who was allegedly valued at £30m (Globo Esporte).

Several outlets even subsequently suggested that Tottenham had sent scouts to Brazil to keep an eye on the Fluminense star’s progress (Lance).

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Spurs are still keeping an eye on Andre

Jacobs has now explained that Spurs continue to hold an interest in Andre but he explained that Fulham now have a verbal agreement over the youngster’s transfer if Joao Palhinha leaves Craven Cottage.

Speaking about Tottenham’s pursuit of a defensive midfielder, the journalist told The Last World On Spurs podcast: “I would also add Fluminense’s Andre into the mix as well. Fulham basically have a verbal agreement but if Joao Palhinha doesn’t leave, they won’t proceed. They nearly signed him in January, but Palhinha stayed.

“Now, flash forward to the summer, Fulham in the box seat still, but until Palhinha is done, the door’s open to other suitors as well. I know that Tottenham have been looking at that player, including at the Club World Cup, for several months.”

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It sounds like Fulham are in the driving seat to land Andre and Tottenham are very much in the background, just observing developments.

I would be surprised if the Brazilian is Spurs’ top target to replace Hojbjerg as one would think that Ange would want a player with a bit more experience.