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Tottenham Hotspur will look to accelerate a potential transfer for Eberechi Eze this summer, with a meeting scheduled for later this week with Crystal Palace to discuss the move.

Tottenham want to sign Eberechi Eze

After a fine showing in the 2023/24 campaign, Eze is a wanted man, and it remains to be seen whether Crystal Palace will be able to hold onto their star player.

According to Football Insider, both Tottenham and Manchester United are chasing the England international with a view to signing him this summer.

More recently, the same outlet claimed both clubs would be willing to pay Eze’s release clause, which is thought to be around £60m plus add-ons.

Paul O’Keefe has suggested Eze is a top priority signing for Ange Postecoglou this summer while The Sun believe Spurs are in the driving seat when it comes to the fight for his signature.

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Eberechi Eze talks taking place this week

Now, the latest comes from Football Transfers, with the revelation that a meeting between Palace and Spurs representatives could take place as soon as this week.

It is said both parties are “scheduled to meet at the end of this week to discuss the potential signing,” despite Eze himself being out in Germany as part of England’s Euro 2024 squad.

The same outlet had previously claimed at the start of June that a meeting would take place soon, and it appears that the discussion is getting closer and closer.

Spurs Web Opinion

This is a really promising update. The fact that Spurs are even entering into discussions for Eze, when we know full well how much he is going to cost, suggests we are making this signing a high priority for the summer.

Hopefully, Daniel Levy doesn’t try and lowball Palace and waste everyone’s time, as that would be really disappointing, when we know he is the kind of player who can take us to the next level.

Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be looking for a new central defender this summer, and they may be offered the chance to sign the highly-decorated Mats Hummels on a free transfer. But, they will face competition from other Premier League clubs.

Despite having Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Radu Dragusin in his defensive roster, Ange Postecoglou is expected to try and add a fourth centre-back to his backline this summer.

Spurs have been linked with a number of centre-halves ahead of the summer transfer window, and a report from Football.London has suggested the club will look at players who are ready to move to the Premier League to help their development.

However, one concept that has not been suggested previously is that Spurs may look for a more experienced head rather than an up-and-coming defender.

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Could Spurs sign Mats Hummels?

That has changed now, though, with speculation surfacing linking Tottenham to Mats Hummels, who is a free agent after leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer.

A report from HITC claims Tottenham and Newcastle United are among the clubs that have been in conversation with Hummels’ agent regarding a potential move to the Premier League.

Hummels is said to have made it clear he wants to stay in Europe, having knocked back interest from Saudi Arabia and the USA already this summer.

With the 35-year-old open to a swansong in the Premier League, it is thought clubs such as Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle, West Ham United, and Everton have all been contacted by the player’s agent.

There is also interest from Spain and Italy.

Spurs Web Opinion

I had never thought of this before, but it’s not the only centre-back signing I want to see. Hummels brings incredible experience, quality, and a winning mentality.

He could be the perfect addition to our squad for the next year or so, allowing the likes of Ashley Phillips and Alfie Dorrington to develop before taking his place.

Despite speculation linking Cristian Romero with Real Madrid recently, Fabrizio Romano has rubbished these claims and insists the defender is almost certain to stay at Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Real Madrid have been linked with Romero

As the vice-captain for Ange Postecoglou‘s Spurs squad and being one of the very best defenders in the world, it’s safe to say Romero is a key player for the Lilywhites.

Last season, the Argentine put his more reckless nature aside and proved he can be the composed, mature leader Tottenham need at the back. He also scored five goals across the campaign to show a different side to his game.

It was recently revealed by ESPN Argentina (relayed by Mundo Albiceleste) that Real Madrid are keen on signing Romero this summer.

However, rather predictably, Spurs are thought to be distancing themselves from those rumours (Football.London).

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Cristian Romero is going nowhere

And now, Fabrizio Romano has doubled down on this by suggesting there is no way Romero would be sold by Tottenham this summer.

He told Playback: “Cuti Romero to Real Madrid – guys, many clubs appreciate Cuti Romero, but Cuti Romero is Tottenham. Tottenham have no intention at all to let Cuti Romero leave.

“Cuti Romero is a key player for Tottenham. If we want to talk about interest in Cuti Romero, we could spend three days. But I can guarantee to you that Cuti Romero is absolutely a crucial player for Tottenham and Tottenham have no intention to entertain any discussion.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I have no doubt Romero will be sticking around this year, as Spurs wouldn’t dream of selling arguably their best and most valuable player now.

But, if we don’t start winning trophies, I can definitely see Romero leaving in two or three years time to spend his peak years at a club like Real Madrid.

Ange Postecoglou will expect all four of his central defensive options to compete for their fair share of minutes in the 2024/25 campaign, while the club may only sign one full-back this summer.

Tottenham had a pretty clear first-choice back four last season, with Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie dominating the share of the gametime across the squad.

It’s a formidable backline on its day, but competition for places is key in any team that wants to challenge at the very top.

The acquisition of Radu Dragusin in January added serious depth to Tottenham’s central defensive area, but the Romanian had to be patient when it came to getting minutes in Postecoglou‘s squad.

Meanwhile, Emerson Royal and Ben Davies offered reliable and flexible cover across a range of positions last season, but their futures are unclear.

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Spurs defence could look different this season

The latest on the defensive roster at Spurs comes from Football.London, and it sounds like Postecoglou will want to encourage friendly competition for places among his squad in the coming season.

Apparently, Postecoglou’s “strong central defensive trio” could become a quartet, with the manager keen to bring in one more option in the middle of the defence this summer.

There is a “decision to be made” on Ashley Phillips for the upcoming campaign, with a loan move likely, while fellow youngster Alfie Dorrington is currently recovering from surgery.

Whoever that quartet may be this season, Postecoglou will reportedly expect everyone to “battle it out for minutes across all competitions” but this is not thought to see any new signings coming up against a “blocked path” to the first-team.

With competition for places, it is expected that any new defender would be someone “looking to take a step into the Premier League or to a bigger club,” who would prioritise development over consistent game time.

Meanwhile, with Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies both adept at left-back, Postecoglou may only look to sign one full-back, a replacement for Emerson Royal, who is expected to depart this summer leaving a space at right-back.

Spurs Web Opinion

This all sounds about right, to be honest. Ideally, I would like us to sign a new left-back and a new right-back, but if Davies is going to cover on the left we should cope until next summer.

As for centre-half, I have been wary of the competition for places, which is obviously a good thing in many ways, but we don’t want unhappy players going to waste either.

According to DAZN journalist Orazio Accomando, Tottenham Hotspur have now sought information about Riccardo Calafiori ahead of a potential move for the Bologna defender.

Calafiori has had an extremely impressive first season in Bologna after his switch from Swiss club FC Basel last summer, emerging as one of the best young defenders in the Serie A.

The versatile left-footer, who can operate at left-back as well as centre-back, started in Italy’s Euro 2024 opener against Albania over the weekend, helping the Azzurri emerge with a 2-1 win.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham all summer, with CaughtOffside reporting just a few days ago that Ange Postecoglou‘s side are one of several clubs monitoring the player’s situation.

Accomando has now taken to social media to reveal that the Lilywhites have reached out to Bologna and Calafiori’s entourage to seek information about a potential summer deal.

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He explains that Juventus have been working on a deal for the centre-back for some time and are still ahead of Spurs in the race.

However, the journalist adds that the Bianconeri now need to watch out and be wary of a potential offer from Tottenham for the Bologna stopper.

Spurs Web Opinion

Calafiori would be perfect for Spurs, given that he is left-footed and can also operate at left-back. He would also be less expensive than some of Tottenham’s other mooted centre-back targets such as Jarrad Branthwaite and Jean-Clair Todibo.

Tottenham Hotspur head into the 2024/25 campaign without the sponsorship of both Getir and Cinch, but the club could end up earning even more money from any new deal they strike.

Tottenham are no longer with Getir and Cinch as sponsorship partners

Since 2021, Tottenham have had the Getir logo on all their training wear and the online car sales company, Cinch, has been emblazoned on the shirt sleeves of their playing jerseys.

However, that is all set to change in the new season. Getir, a Turkish shopping brand, are pulling out of the UK amid financial issues and will no longer be associated with Tottenham, though they are thought to owe the club around £5m from their £8m-per-year agreement (Sky News).

Cinch is ending its deal with Spurs, too, taking up an option to exit the agreement two years earlier than planned. That deal was thought to be worth around £10m a year for the Premier League club (Sport Business).

Tottenham’s new home shirt for 2024/25 was released earlier this month and it was announced that the retail shirt for sale will not feature a sponsor on the sleeve.

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Tottenham may earn more from new sponsorship partners

However, losing that £18m investment may not be the end of the world for Spurs. In fact, the Lilywhites could be set to receive even more money from new sponsorship deals thanks to the shifting economic market.

That’s according to a report from Football.London, which touches on the fact that BetMGM are set to take over as the new training wear sponsor for Spurs, in a deal expected to be worth around £10m-per-year, making the gambling company “more prominent” in the UK.

Meanwhile, “preliminary negotiations” are believed to have taken place with the South African Tourism Board regarding a shirt sleeve sponsorship deal that could have been worth £14m-per-year.

That particular deal didn’t make it through “rounds of approval within the country,” however, the numbers mentioned in that instance do suggest Tottenham “will look to take advantage of the increased value in shirt sleeve sponsorship.”

It is thought a new deal will be in place for the start of the new Premier League campaign.

Earlier today, Tottenham’s Premier League fixtures for 2024/25 were announced and will see the North Londoners travel to newcomers Leicester City in the opening match week.

Spurs Web Opinion

Sounds like Spurs could be looking at an extra £6m a year from sponsorship deals, then, which is not bad at all. It all goes towards helping us increase that cushion when it comes to headroom in Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s agent has confirmed the midfielder has received plenty of proposals from clubs around Europe, with a transfer away from Tottenham expected to be on the cards this summer.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is in the last year of his Spurs contract

Hojbjerg, who has just one year left on his deal at Spurs, is expected to head out of the exit door this summer as Ange Postecoglou looks to rebuild the Spurs squad ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

According to The Daily Star (via Football.London), the Tottenham boss has given the Dane the greenlight to find a new club, with the North London side thought to be listening to proposals for the 28-year-old.

The Denmark international, who is currently at the Euros, is said to be on the radars of Atletico Madrid, Fenerbahce, Napoli and Juventus.

Hojbjerg’s agent Luca Puccinelli has now suggested that his client wants to join a big club where he can compete for silverware next season.

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When asked about a transfer away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the midfielder, he said (via Fabrizio Romano): “A player like him will surely be part of a club with great ambition or project because he is not just a strong player but with a character made to fight for important things every year.

“Pierre feels comfortable in the pressure to win and I am working in this sense. He is telling me that every year he dreams of trophies at the end of the season and doesn’t like to play for nothing. This is his mindset, this is the mission.”

Hojbjerg is expected to leave Tottenham this summer

Puccinelli also confirmed that plenty of clubs around the continent have already got in touch over a deal for Hojbjerg but insisted that the player will only study the proposals after the Euros.

He added: “I am working on the many requests that we have already received, yes; but we will analyse all the possibilities after the Euros, during the holidays when we will spend some time together and then look forward to the next chapter. The national team is giving him back his lost serenity now. I’m 100% sure that whoever signs Hojbjerg will do a bargain.”

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Given the difficult group Denmark find themselves in, it is quite possible that they would exit the Euros in the group stages, which means that Hojbjerg’s move away from Tottenham is likely to be finalised within a matter of weeks.

Danny Murphy was left thoroughly impressed by Radu Dragusin’s performance in Romania’s Euros opener on Monday, insisting that the centre-back has all the attributes to thrive in the Premier League.

Radu Dragusin makes impressive start to Euro 2024 with Romania

Tottenham fans have not seen much of Dragusin since his move from Genoa in January, with the 22-year-old having to bide his time as Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are ahead of him in the pecking order at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season.

However, when the defender did come into the side towards the end of the season, he showed plenty of promise, demonstrating that he is more than capable of thriving at the Premier League level.

Spurs fans would be even more encouraged by what they saw from Dragusin in Romania’s 3-0 win over Ukraine, with the Tottenham man hardly putting a foot wrong at the Allianz Arena.

Former Wales and Swansea City defender Ashley Williams was thoroughly impressed by the centre-back and admitted that he liked seeing the player celebrate his defensive interventions.

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On a flying block, Dragusin made before roaring at the Romanian fans behind the goal, he said on BBC Sport‘s live broadcast (18/6/24): “He’s a little bit out of position but the desire to get back in front of the striker, and he celebrated this and he should celebrate it. I’m happy for him.

“He had a great day today and as a former centre-half myself we don’t get the chance to score that many goals but that’s our bread and butter and if you do that it gives the better players in the team a chance to win it.”

A central trio of Dragusin, van de Ven and Romero would be formidable

Murphy remarked that Dragusin showcased all the qualities needed to thrive in English football at Munich on Monday.

Speaking about the Spurs man’s performance, he said: “I actually thought that his performance deserves plaudits because he was outstanding and the Tottenham fans watching that will be really pleased because they haven’t seen much of him. His capability is there though and he’s going to be a decent player, he’s perfect for the Premier League.”

When host Mark Chapman suggested that Ange Postecoglou could use a back three of Dragusin alongside Romero and Van de Ven, Murphy admitted: “You wouldn’t want to play against those three. I think he epitomised everything good about Romania today.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While Dragusin’s physical and defensive attributes were not in doubt, the 22-year-old showed on Monday that he also has the temperament and composure needed to perform at the highest level in a high-pressure environment, which bodes well for the future.

According to TBR Football, Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move for Nikola Milenkovic after the centre-back shone on the biggest stage on Sunday, delivering a masterclass against England.

Tottenham are interested in Nikola Milenkovic

Milenkovic has been one of the bedrocks of Fiorentina’s defence for many years and the centre-back showed his qualities in Serbia’s Euros opener against the Three Lions, with Harry Kane struggling to even get a kick in the game.

The Serbian defender was aggressive with Kane from the first minute until the last, not allowing the former Spurs striker to turn on the ball or win anything in the air.

TBR Football have claimed that the 26-year-old’s display at the Veltins Arena has attracted the attention of several Premier League sides who were already admirers of the defender, including Tottenham.

It is alleged that Ange Postecoglou is seeking reinforcements at the back this summer and the Lilywhites could push ahead with the move for the Fiorentina man.

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Spurs have competition in race for Milenkovic

The report reveals that West Ham had also previously made an approach for Milenkovic and could try again for him this summer while Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Fulham are also monitoring his situation.

Tottenham currently have the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven and Radu Dragusin to choose from in the centre of defence.

Spurs Web Opinion

A defender of Milenkovic’s profile would be an ideal signing for Spurs as it would hit two birds with one stone, with the Serbian acting as cover for Pedro Porro at right-back while also giving Ange an additional option in central defence.

The only issue is that Milenkovic is right-footed and I get the sense that Spurs want left-footed cover for Van de Ven, or at least someone who has a lot of experience on that side.

Takvim report that Fenerbahce have now launched an opening offer for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg but the bid falls short of Tottenham’s asking price.

Hojbjerg has been linked with Fenerbahce

Since Jose Mourinho took over as the head coach of Fenerbahce, a number of outlets have suggested that the Turkish club have made Hojbjerg their top target.

This includes a recent update by Sabah, which claims that the former Tottenham boss wants the Dane to be his first signing and that contacts have already been made regarding a deal for the player.

Fenerbache bid £6.7m for Hojbjerg

If Takvim’s latest update is to be believed, Fenerbahce have tabled their first offer for Hojbjerg, with the bid thought to be worth around €8m (£6.7m).

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It is revealed that this bid is expected to be sent back by Ange Postecoglou’s men as it falls well short of their €15m (£12.6m) asking price.

The publication suggests that the Istanbul club could respond by sending Spurs a second offer of €10m (£8.4m) plus bonuses to get this deal over the line.

It is alleged that Jose Mourinho’s men are also willing to offer the 28-year-old a contract of €4.5m (£3.8m) a season to come to Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

Spurs Web Opinion

I think Tottenham will be looking for a fee in the £15m-£20m range for Hojbjerg.

Even if Fenerbahce are willing to pay that, I am not too sure the experienced midfielder would be too keen on moving to Turkey at this stage of his career.