The Spurs Web

Tottenham Hotspur were dragged back into the headlines for the wrong reasons last week.

Rodrigo Bentancur’s comments on Son were foolish

Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was left to make a grovelling apology to team-mate Heung-min Son on social media after making a “bad” comment about South Korean people.

The 26-year-old hit the headlines last week when he appeared on TV show Por La Camiseta in his native Uruguay.

Bentancur was asked by host Rafa Cotelo for a Spurs player’s shirt, to which he replied: “Sonny’s?”

However, he then followed that up by saying: “It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

His comments attracted widespread criticism on social media after a clip of the interview started circulating and later took to his own Instagram to issue an apology to his club captain after the fierce backlash.

He wrote: “Sony brother! I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke! You know [that] I love you and I would never disrespect you or hurt you or anyone else! I love you brother!”

Son has drawn a line under the incident

Heung-min Son up until this morning has been silent about the incident, at least in public but has now released a statement on his Instagram story.

The Tottenham forward revealed he has spoken to Bentancur about the situation and stressed that no malice was intended by the Uruguayan.

Son wrote: I’ve spoken with Lolo. He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised.

“Lolo would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers and nothing has changed at all.

“We’re past this, we’re united, and we will be back together in pre season to fight for the club as one.”

According to The Athletic, Manchester United are now exploring a deal to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has been mooted as a target for Tottenham.

Tottenham were linked with Joshua Zirkzee

Zirkzee has been a big hit in Serie A since swapping Bayern Munich for Bologna last summer, with the striker finding the back of the net 12 times and providing seven assists across all competitions last season (Transfermarkt).

It was previously reported by the print edition of Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) that both Spurs and AC Milan had been circling over the forward after being impressed by his displays at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium last term.

Spurs currently have Richarlison, Heung-min Son, Dane Scarlett, Will Lankshear and Troy Parrott in their striker pool at Hotspur Way.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Man Utd could enter race for Zirkzee

The Athletic have now stated that Man Utd too are now on Zirkzee’s trail and have now begun exploring a move to bring him to Old Trafford.

It is revealed that while the Red Devils have not reached out to Bologna yet they have spoken to the striker’s entourage regarding a transfer.

The publication adds that United’s interest in the Dutchman is ‘advanced’ and points out that the player has a €40m (£34m) release clause in his contract, thus making negotiations quite straightforward.

Spurs Web Opinion

The reports linking Zirzkee with a move to Tottenham have completely died down over the last couple of months, which suggests that the Bologna star is not one of the names at the top of the Lilywhites’ wishlist.

But you never know in the summer transfer window, especially with Fabio Paratici known to keep an eye on a fair few targets all at once.

According to The Guardian, West Ham United have reached out to Ryan Sessegnon over a move to the London Stadium after Tottenham released the left-back earlier this month.

Tottenham released Ryan Sessegnon earlier this month

Tottenham made the decision not to take up the option to extend Sessegnon’s contract by a year, allowing the 24-year-old to leave the club as a free agent.

The former Fulham man is now looking for a new opportunity after his injury nightmares over the last couple of years and The Guardian have now backed up what we have heard from other sources over recent weeks by stating that both Fulham and West Ham have shown interest.

The report says that the Hammers are now ‘mulling over’ whether to offer the former Tottenham man a new deal.

MORE SPURS STORIES

West Ham United are interested in Ryan Sessegnon

Julen Lopetegui is thought to be keen to bring in competition for Emerson Palmieri at left-back and has allegedly identified Sessegnon as a potential fit.

In fact, it is claimed that West Ham have made contact with the left-back’s representatives regarding a move.

The report adds that the East London club’s only concern regarding the player is over his injury problems.

Spurs Web Opinion

I am sure that Sessegnon will not be in a rush to make a decision on his future and will carefully consider which club he wants to join.

The 24-year-old’s priority would be to move to the right sort of environment and somewhere where he can get regular game time.

He was billed as one of the brightest young talents in the English game prior to his move from Fulham and endured a horrible time with injury after injury at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over the years.

Having had surgery on both of his hamstrings, he is currently undergoing strength and conditioning training which will hopefully put the problems behind him for once and for all.

Tottenham Hotspur will sell Joe Rodon this summer, and the club are ready to accept an offer of £10m for the Welsh defender amid interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

Joe Rodon is set to leave Tottenham this summer

Rodon has spent the last two years away from Spurs, first on loan at French side Rennes, and then at Leeds United in the 2023/24 campaign.

It is at the latter that the defender has truly flourished and shown what he is capable of, after a few difficult years at Tottenham.

Leeds have been very clear about their desire to keep Rodon permanently, but the fact they missed out on promotion back to the Premier League could harm their chances (Football Insider).

The newly-promoted clubs — Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton — are all keen on Rodon, who will be a ‘man in demand’ this summer (Football.London).

MORE SPURS STORIES

Joe Rodon price tag revealed

Whoever wants Rodon, it seems we now know the price tag placed on the player by Spurs for the summer transfer market, with a fee of £10m expected to be enough to secure the signing.

That’s according to sources at Football Insider, that states Rodon is not part of Ange Postecoglou‘s plans for the coming season and will be allowed to move on a permanent basis.

Rodon is thought to be “keen” to make a switch and “kick-start” his career again after a “frustrating” spell with Spurs.

It is believed a bid of “around £10m” would be enough for Tottenham, despite Rodon having two years left on his contract.

Spurs Web Opinion

£10m feels like a fair fee. I think, realistically, Rodon is probably worth more like £15m as he’s hitting his peak years, is a homegrown player, and is coming off the back of a really good season.

But, clubs now we want to sell, and ensuring a deal is sorted quickly would definitely benefit Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur certainly do not have a shortage of quality among their central defensive options ahead of the new season.

Radu Dragusin made a solid start at Euro 2024 with Romania

Joint Vice-captain Cristian Romero forged an impressive partnership with summer signing Micky van de Ven at the heart of the Tottenham defence and were further bolstered in the position in January.

Tottenham managed to land the services of Genoa’s Radu Dragusin having managed to fend off some late interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich who were keen to make him a team-mate of Harry Kane.

This summer has already seen Tottenham linked with further reinforcing their options in central defence with a number of names mentioned.

Among those said to be on the radar of a possible move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi (Daily Mail) and Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna (Tutto Juve).

MORE SPURS STORIES

Dragusin’s agent Florin Manea waxed lyrical about his player after he put in an impressive performance in Romania’s 3-0 victory over Ukraine in their Euro 2024 opener.

The agent has claimed that the 22-year-old can become one of the best in the world in his position, while also believing that two Juventus greats would be proud of him, having been at the club while Chiellini and Bonucci were at the height of their powers.

Dragusin tipped to become one of the greatest defenders

Manea told TV Play: “Drăgușin? What can I say, it doesn’t surprise me anymore because I know how he works. If he continues like this, he could become one of the best central defenders in the world.

“Today my partner told me that there were Napoli observers in the stadium to watch [Ukraine striker Artem] Dovbyk. Perhaps, they saw the game that Dragusin played [laughs]. I think that Chiellini and Bonucci are proud of Drăgușin, they were very important for his growth when he was at Juventus.”

SpursWeb Opinion

Tottenham will be playing a significantly higher amount of games next season following their Europa League qualification and need quality depth within the ranks of the Tottenham first team squad if they are to compete on multiple fronts.

Dragusin will certainly get a lot more game time next season than he experienced in his first six months at the club, especially if he continues to perform as he did earlier this week.

That being said, it also makes sense for Tottenham to look for another central defender who can also cover the right-back role if required should anything happen to Pedro Porro.

The injury to Destiny Udogie highlighted just how exposed the club are in certain positions of the pitch, granted, Ben Davies was also out injured, however, the Welshman is not a natural fit for the inverted full-back role.

With Emerson Royal also expected to head out of the door this summer, Spurs are likely to want to bring in a younger player who will not be expecting to play every match and they would not go far wrong with Middlesbrough’s Rav van den Berg.

Radu Dragusin’s agent reveals that Spurs are looking to sign a versatile defender this summer, rather than an out-and-out centre-back (TVPlay via TMW).

Tottenham’s centre-back options at Hotspur Way

Tottenham currently have Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven as Ange Postecoglou’s clear first-choice duo in the heart of defence.

The Lilywhites signed Dragusin from Genoa in the January transfer window to add competition and cover to the back line, with the Romanian starting Tottenham’s final two matches of the season.

Dragusin is currently representing Romania at the European Championships and put in a stellar display during his country’s 3-0 opening match win over Ukraine this week.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Radu Dragusin’s agent reveals Spurs transfer plans

The general rule is that you need two players for every position, with Spurs lacking cover at left-centre-back beyond the versatile Ben Davies.

However, it appears versatility will be the name of the game for Tottenham this summer, with Dragusin’s agent revealing that Tottenham want a well-rounded defender rather than an out-and-out centre-back.

He also added that Dragusin is not afraid of competition in North London, predicting big things for his client next season as Spurs return to European competition.

Florin Manea, Dragusin’s agent, said: “From what I know, Spurs are not looking for a pure central defender, they are more looking for a versatile defender.

“In any case, Dragusin is ready for anything, he is not afraid of the competition. I’m not worried because such a strong defender cannot be stopped. His growth cannot be slowed down.

“Tottenham have always placed their trust in him and in Serie A he faced very strong attackers.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

I still suspect that Tottenham will look for a player with experience at left-centre-back. Preferably someone who is left-footed and comfortable on that side.

However, I do love hearing this kind of chat from Dragusin’s agent. It sounds like Radu is confident about breaking into the Spurs XI heading into the new season.

Football Insider have claimed that Tottenham Hotspur will not pursue Ivan Toney this summer unless Brentford drop their asking price for the striker.

Tottenham are interested in Ivan Toney this summer

The report says that even though Toney only has a year left on his contract at Brentford, the West London club want a fee between £50m-£60m for their marksman.

The race for the 28-year-old’s signature is now said to be a three-horse contest between Spurs, Manchester United and West Ham.

It is revealed that while Chelsea and Arsenal had previously shown an interest in Toney, both London clubs have now cooled their interest and are studying other alternatives.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham will not pay full price for Ivan Toney

It is alleged that although Tottenham are ‘particularly big admirers’ of the England international, they have no intention of meeting the Bees’ demands and would only make a move for the striker if their asking price comes down.

This report comes on the back of a claim by Football Transfers on Monday, which suggested that Spurs’ £40m offer for Toney had been turned down, after the Lilywhites agreed personal terms with the striker.

This claim was later rubbished by Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

Spurs Web Opinion

It sounds like Tottenham do not want to pay more than £40m-£45m for Toney.

Brentford are a notoriously difficult club to negotiate with and I would not be surprised if Spurs walked away from this deal and focussed their efforts on other alternatives.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur have now hijacked Aston Villa’s deal to sign Weston McKennie, with the club said to have agreed a deal with the Old Lady for the American.

Tottenham have moved ahead of Aston Villa for Weston McKennie

The report claims that McKennie, who has a year left to run on his contract, is free to leave Turin this summer.

Villa were thought to be close to reaching an agreement with Juve for the midfielder’s transfer as a part of a complex swap deal, which would have seen Douglas Luiz head in the other direction.

However, talks between the parties have now allegedly stalled, thus opening the door for Tottenham to swoop in.

MORE SPURS STORIES

£15million deal agreed with Juventus

Football Insider claim that according to their sources, Spurs have not just started talks with the Bianconeri but have now successfully hijacked the deal.

The Lilywhites have allegedly agreed a £15m deal to sign the USA international this summer, having dealt a major blow to Villa who pipped Tottenham to a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League table last season.

McKennie is currently in the process of preparing for this summer’s Copa America tournament in the United States, which begins on Friday where the USA face Bolivia, Panama and Uruguay in their group stage

Spurs Web Opinion

McKennie struggled to make much of an impact during his loan spell at Leeds during the 2022-23 season but the 25-year-old was quite consistent for Juventus last campaign.

According to Estadio Deportivo, Real Betis view this summer as the ideal opportunity to re-sign Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham, having failed with a move for the midfielder a year ago.

Real Betis want to re-sign Giovani Lo Celso

The report says that Betis have regularly shown interest in Lo Celso since he made the switch to Tottenham back in 2019.

It is explained that the Argentina international initially wanted to return to the Spanish club last summer but he was eventually convinced to stay by Ange Postecoglou, who promised him minutes.

However, with the Australian not able to keep that promise, the midfielder is expected to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Lo Celso is expected to leave Spurs this summer

The report states that Lo Celso already has a ‘pact’ with Betis to return this summer, with the La Liga club having reached out to the player’s entourage.

It is explained that Manuel Pellegrini’s men believe ‘this is the chosen moment’ to re-sign the 28-year-old, who has just a year left on his contract with Spurs.

However, the publication adds that Lo Celso would have to be patient as Betis want to offload William Carvalho and Nabil Fekir first to make space in their wage bill for the Tottenham man.

Spurs Web Opinion

One would expect this deal to be fairly straightforward, given that there seems to be a willingness from all three parties to get this done.

The negotiations will likely speed up after the end of Copa America.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has denied that Tottenham Hotspur have had an offer turned down by Brentford for Ivan Toney.

Tottenham reportedly agreed terms with Toney

Toney has just a year left on his contract and the striker has made no secret of his desire to make the step up to a bigger club this summer (talkSPORT).

There have been plenty of rumours linking the striker with a move to Tottenham, with the latest report from Football Transfers on Monday claiming that the North London club had sent an offer of £40m for the player.

The report claimed that the England international is open to joining Spurs and had even agreed personal terms with the Lilywhites.

The Bees allegedly sent back Tottenham’s offer, reportedly telling the North London side that their star man would cost £65m.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The publication went on to explain that there is a belief at Hotspur Way that a bid of around £55m would secure the deal for Toney.

Michael Bridge denies Tottenham Ivan Toney reports

However, this claim has been rubbished by Bridge, who took to social media to make it clear that there is not even a little bit of truth to the story.

He tweeted: ‘Not remotely true.’

Spurs Web Opinion

While the report of a bid from Tottenham for Toney might be untrue, it does seem like the North London club are seriously considering a move for the England international this summer, with a whole host of different sources suggesting that there is concrete interest.