Football Insider

Monaco will accept a bid of around £47.5million for Maghnes Akliouche as Tottenham Hotspur accelerate a deal, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have said about Spurs’ interest in the promising Ligue 1 playmaker.

Football Insider revealed on 22 August that Tottenham had identified Akliouche as an alternative to Savinho, after they saw two bids of £43m and a reported £60m rejected for the Manchester City winger.

Akliouche has emerged as one of France’s most exciting young talents since making his Monaco debut in 2021 and has been a regular for the last two seasons, with 13 goals and 14 assists in his Ligue 1 career.

Man City have placed a £70m price tag on Savinho’s head after Spurs’ two previous bids, and sources have told Football Insider that Akliouche could available for the much cheaper valuation of £47.5m.

Football Insider sources have said that Monaco are willing to sell the 23-year-old for a fee in the region of that £47.5m price tag, giving Tottenham a more realistic alternative in their pursuit of Savinho.

Maghnes Akliouche to end Tottenham’s transfer struggles

Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson has told Football Insider that Tottenham will maintain their interest in Savinho late into the transfer window, despite Man City’s firm stance on his £70m price tag.

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Speaking on the new Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke stated that Akliouche is the leading alternative Spurs have looked amid their efforts to sign Savinho, with the Frenchman being a more versatile option.

“The one that seems to be catching their eye is the Monaco star, Maghnes Akliouche”, he told Football Insider.

“He’s a very talented young player, and could be available for around £47.5million.

“He’s a top young player, 23 years old, probably one of the most exciting young talents in Ligue 1 right now – he can play as a winger, or as a number 10 as well.

“If Tottenham aren’t able to resurrect their deal for Savinho, Akliouche would be a decent alternative, and it does seem that Monaco would sell at the right price.”

Tottenham in race against time to end transfer nightmare

With two bids for Savinho already rejected and Eberechi Eze‘s transfer hijacked by arch-rivals Arsenal, Tottenham have also been told they’ll have to pay £100m to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.

Spurs’ search for a wide attacker has intensified after James Maddison‘s ACL injury in their pre-season friendly against Newcastle, but their efforts to sign Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White have hit dead ends.

Djed Spence has mocked a Manchester City star following Tottenham’s impressive victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Spurs beat City 2-0 on Saturday (23 August) to continue their unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

Brennan Johnson opened the scoring for Thomas Frank’s side, before a James Trafford error allowed Joao Palhinha to fire home and double their lead in first-half stoppage time.

Tottenham were able to hold onto their two-goal advantage throughout the second period and leave Manchester with all three points, in what was their third victory over City in the last four games between the pair.

Djed Spence fires dig at Oscar Bobb

Spence played the full 90 minutes at left-back as the North London side continued their superb start to the Premier League campaign.

The 25-year-old has featured as a right-back for the majority of his career, but has started the season on the opposite flank due to an injury to Destiny Udogie.

Spence was up against Man City star Oscar Bobb, and got the better of the winger before he was replaced by Phil Foden after 75 minutes.

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Taking to Instagram, the former Nottingham Forest man shared a number of photos from the match, aiming a subtle dig at Bobb with the caption: “Bring me your favourite winger.”

Tottenham find Eberechi Eze alternative

Meanwhile, Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche has been identified as a “cheaper alternative” to Savinho and Eberechi Eze for Tottenham Hotspur, sources have told Football Insider.

Tottenham looked set to land Eze from Crystal Palace, but North London rivals Arsenal dramatically hijacked the deal.

Man City are also demanding £70million for Savinho after Tottenham saw two bids rejected for the Brazilian, and Spurs may now have turned their attention elsewhere.

Football Insider sources have said that Monaco‘s Akliouche would come with a far cheaper price tag and may be a more realistic target for Frank’s side.

Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of offloading Richarlison to free up a move for Yoane Wissa have been dealt a significant blow, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have said about Tottenham’s attempts to sign the Brentford striker.

Wissa went on strike at Brentford and refused to train in a bid to force a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium this summer, with both Spurs and Newcastle linked with moves for the 28-year-old.

Football Insider revealed last month that Thomas Frank wanted to reunite with Wissa at Tottenham after his own move to North London, and this raised speculation that Richarlison could depart as a result.

However, sources have told Football Insider that the prospect of Richarlison being sold to Crystal Palace to free up a move for Wissa is “very unlikely”, particularly after the Brazilian’s strong start to the season.

Richarlison had been mooted as a potential makeweight in Spurs’ bid to sign Eberechi Eze, but Football Insider sources have said the 28-year-old wouldn’t want to swap Tottenham for Palace this summer.

Eze has since been confirmed as an Arsenal player after they hijacked Tottenham’s move for the England playmaker, and this leaves Newcastle as clear front-runners in the race to sign Wissa from Brentford.

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Tottenham toil in Wissa race after Richarlison, Eze blows

Football Insider revealed on 22 August that bids of £50million could be enough to prize Wissa out of Brentford, but it’s unclear if Tottenham would commit such an amount to signing a 28-year-old striker.

Speaking on the new Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke stated that Richarlison, having scored two goals in Spurs’ opening-day victory over Burnley, is in no mood to swap North London for Palace anytime soon.

“Wissa’s made it pretty clear that he wants to make a move away from Brentford”, he told Football Insider.

“The Tottenham link is interesting, with suggestions that Richarlison could’ve been offered to Crystal Palace as part of their Eze deal, to free up room in the squad for Tottenham to make a move for Wissa.

“That would be very unlikely – Richarlison’s had a good start to the season with Tottenham, I don’t imagine he would be overly keen on a move to Crystal Palace.

“I’d still make Newcastle favourites for Wissa, and they will come back with a new offer, hoping they can reach a compromise with Brentford to finally get a deal done.”

Tottenham face transfer turmoil after successive setbacks

Eze heading to Arsenal rather than Tottenham is the biggest blow yet for Frank and Daniel Levy, with a leading transfer target plucked from under their noses by their arch-rivals after 10 days of negotiations.

Furthermore, after trying and failing with a move for Morgan Gibbs-White at Nottingham Forest, Premier League clubs are well aware that Spurs have a lump sum of £60million burning a hole in their pockets.

Thomas Frank is “counting on” Tottenham to tie Rodrigo Bentancur down to a new contract this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have told him about Bentancur’s long-term future in North London.

Tottenham supporters were given a double boost on 18 August when the club announced that both Djed Spence and Cristian Romero had signed new contracts, with Spurs’ new captain tied down until 2029.

Bentancur emerged as a possible target for Manchester United amid their pursuit of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, but sources have told Football Insider that the Uruguayan remains a key part of Spurs’ plans.

Football Insider sources have said Bentancur is integral to Frank‘s ambitions at Tottenham, and as the 28-year-old enters the last 12 months of his contract, Spurs are keen to secure his future and will launch talks with Bentancur “in the near future”.

Tottenham to complete contract hat-trick in Bentancur talks

Tottenham face the prospect of both Bentancur and Yves Bissouma leaving for free next summer with the duo into the final year of their respective contracts, but Frank has made his plans clear for the latter.

Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke stated that Spurs are taking a proactive approach when it comes to Bentancur, with plans to begin new contract talks off the back of Romero and Spence’s deals.

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“There will be plans in place for contract talks with Bentancur”, he told Football Insider.

“Tottenham and Thomas Frank view the Uruguayan as a key part of their plans going forward – they’ve no intention to let the midfielder leave anytime soon.

“He’s entered the last 12 months of his contract at Spurs, obviously raising a bit of speculation about his long-term future.

“He’s somebody Tottenham are counting on going forward, and there will be talks held at some point in the near future to try and trash out his future.

“They’ve obviously tied down Cristian Romero and Djed Spence to new contracts, so Bentancur could be the next one in line.”

Tottenham to launch brand new raid after Eberechi Eze setback

Frank has tried and failed to add numerous midfield reinforcements at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, and Spurs’ need for a new number 10 has been made clear after James Maddison‘s injury.

Tottenham have already seen Nottingham Forest launch legal action to prevent them signing Morgan Gibbs-White, and North London rivals Arsenal now look set to beat them to Eberechi Eze‘s signature.

Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche has been identified as a “cheaper alternative” to Savinho and Eberechi Eze for Tottenham Hotspur, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have told him about Spurs’ continued pursuit of a new playmaker.

Tottenham are yet to fill the attacking midfield gap left by James Maddison and turned their attention to Eze after his ACL injury, only for arch-rivals Arsenal to hijack their move for the Crystal Palace number 10.

Manchester City are also demanding £70million for Savinho after Tottenham saw two bids rejected for the Brazilian, and sources have told Football Insider that Spurs have turned their attention elsewhere.

Spurs’ most recent bid for Savinho totalled £60m and they had also agreed a similar fee with Palace, but Football Insider sources have said that Monaco‘s Akliouche would come with a far cheaper price tag.

Akliouche ‘catching Tottenham’s eye’ amid Savinho impasse

Football Insider revealed back in October 2024 that Newcastle’s director of football Paul Mitchell had set his sights on Akliouche, but his departure has left the coast clear for Tottenham to seal his signing.

Speaking on the new Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke revealed that Akliouche has been identified as an alternative to Savinho in particular by Spurs, with Man City unlikely to renege on their current stance.

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“[Tottenham] have shown interest in Savinho at Manchester City, but City have rebuffed their interest so far, saying they don’t want to lose Savinho”, he told Football Insider.

“They’re trying to price the Brazilian out of a move, so Tottenham are looking at potential alternatives to him.

“The one that seems to be catching their eye at the minute is Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, a 23-year-old who is a very talented young player, and would be a cheaper alternative to Savinho as well.”

Tottenham under pressure to end transfer nightmare

Arsenal’s last-ditch hijack of Tottenham’s deal to sign Eze – a deal which had been in the works for 10 straight days – is the latest of several setbacks which have mired the Lilywhites in this summer’s window.

Thomas Frank will be hoping that Akliouche is the player to finally end Spurs’ search for a playmaking option out wide, after their trio of unsuccessful attempts to sign Savinho, Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White.

James Maddison is launching a new venture away from Tottenham Hotspur as his long road back from injury begins this season.

Tottenham‘s hopes for the new campaign suffered a huge blow in their penultimate match of pre-season against Newcastle, as Maddison was struck down with an ACL injury which will rule him out until 2026.

Thomas Frank and Spurs look set to be without their vice-captain Maddison until February at the earliest, leaving Tottenham with both short and long-term decisions to make in this summer’s transfer window.

Spurs have acted fast to find a replacement for Maddison in the form of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who now looks set to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a fee of £55million plus add-ons.

Maddison to let Tottenham fans ‘behind the scenes’ of his life

Football Insider revealed that Tottenham would look to hijack Harvey Elliott’s transfer to RB Leipzig in the wake of Maddison’s potentially season-ending injury, but Spurs have since changed course to Eze.

Tottenham look set to beat arch-rivals Arsenal to the Palace playmaker’s signature, and Eze is likely become Maddison’s ready-made replacement in Frank’s side as the 28-year-old begins his recovery.

Maddison’s road back to fitness will be on display for all to see at Spurs, after the England midfielder posted on Instagram on 19 August to announce that he’s launched his own personal YouTube channel.

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Maddison’s post said: “Behind the scenes and exclusive footage of my life, on and away from the pitch [on] YouTube. Coming very, very soon…… get subscribing.”

Dominic Solanke was one of several current and former team-mates to respond in the comment section, calling Maddison; “[the] perfect man for it!”

Eberechi Eze to make up for missing Maddison at Tottenham

Football Insider Verdict

Although Maddison was rarely the first name on the team-sheet under Ange Postecoglou, he managed 12 goals and 11 assists across 45 appearances in all competitions for the Lilywhites last season.

Maddison’s absence therefore leaves a significant hole in Frank’s team for the season ahead, and the Spurs boss will be under pressure to get the best out of Eze if and when he arrives in North London.

‘It won’t bring me down’ – Brennan Johnson reacts to Tottenham teammate’s message after abuse

Mathys Tel has sent a defiant message on social media after he was the subject of racist abuse in Tottenham’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Thomas Frank‘s side suffered a 4-3 defeat on penalties to European champions PSG after surrendering a two-goal lead in the final five minutes of normal time to draw 2-2, but that result was overshadowed.

Tel and Tottenham‘s opening goalscorer Micky van de Ven both missed their spot-kicks in the shoot-out, and the Frenchman was sent several messages of racial abuse on social media in the aftermath of this.

Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett praised Tottenham’s swift response to the abuse received by Tel with their X post on 14 August, and urged Spurs to make police aware of the perpetrators as soon as possible.

Tel thanks Tottenham fans for response to racist abuse

Tottenham’s social media response to the “abhorrent” abuse directed in Tel’s direction was signed off with the message of “We stand with you, Mathys”, and the 20-year-old has address the issue himself.

Spurs signed Tel permanently this summer after paying £30million for the ex-Bayern Munich forward, and he also came off the bench in their 3-0 win over Burnley on the Premier League’s opening weekend.

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Almost week on from his missed penalty and the disgusting abuse he received, Tel posted on Instagram on 19 August with a message to Tottenham fans, thanking them for their support and well-wishes.

“Everyone, after the last a few days have passed, I wanted to thank you for all your messages of support! I was also disappointed about Wednesday night but racism has no place in our society.

“Every day is a learning curve, and every day is a lesson. I know where I come from, where I started and none of this will bring me down. With work and humility, respect reigns. Thank you all”.

Brennan Johnson sent a heartfelt response to his Tottenham team-mate, saying: “Love ya brother”.

Tottenham and Tel to bounce back from disgusting abuse

Football Insider Verdict

Tel and Kevin Danso are full-time Tottenham players this season after their respective loans from Bayern and Lens were made permanent, while Luka Vuskovic has also arrived 18 months after his initial signing.

Mohammed Kudus may have had an impressive debut against Burnley on Saturday as Spurs surged to a 3-0 win, but it could be Tel who takes up the mantle left behind by Son Heung-min in North London.

Crystal Palace are preparing for the expected departure of star Eberechi Eze with the club sorting out his replacement before the transfer window shuts.

Football Insider exclusively revealed that Spurs are closing in on a deal for Eze, beating interest from their North London rivals Arsenal.

Eze looked to be waving goodbye to Palace fans following the Eagles’ 0-0 draw at Chelsea in their first Premier League match of the season.

Spurs need a replacement for James Maddison after he suffered a long-term injury in pre-season, but Crystal Palace will only sanction a move for Eze once a replacement has been sourced.

Wolves star eyed as Eze replacement

Oliver Glasner has only signed two players so far in the window, and Palace’s transfer plans took a hit when the Court of Arbitration for Sport [CAS] ruled that the could would be demoted from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League due to multi-club ownership rules.

Palace are therefore leaving their transfer business late to sign a replacement for Eze and The Sun, [18 August], revealed that they’re interested in Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan.

Hwang had an injury disrupted campaign last time out, but had previously impressed under Gary O’Neil at Molineux.

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Palace are exploring a season long loan for the 29-year-old and are also monitoring Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss and Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis.

Hwang alone can’t replace Eze

Football Insider Verdict

Palace have the difficulty in replacing Eze, if as expected, he does depart before the end of the window.

Replacing the goals, creativity and flair Eze brings to the Palace side may take more than one signing.

On a loan, Hwang may be a smart signing as he managed 12 Premier League goals for Wolves in the 2023/24 campaign before injuries hampered his chances in the team last season.

The South Korean is versatile across the front line and will be keen to prove a point after missing plenty of match action.

Hwang though cannot replace Eze, and they’re a different type of player, so bringing in an El Khannouss or Tzolis would be good business by Palace.

With Marc Guehi also heavily linked with a move away, Glasner is set to have a hectic end to the window and with their first Europa Conference League tie looming, Palace need to add further depth to their squad.

Tottenham players were quick to react after an announcement regarding Djed Spence was confirmed on social media.

Spence enjoyed a resurgence at Spurs last season under Ange Postecoglou, making 35 appearances across both full-back positions and proving himself as a reliable option on either flank.

The 25-year-old has carried that form into the new campaign, as Spence stood out Tottenham’s clash with PSG where, despite Spurs eventually losing on penalties, his performance drew plenty of praise.

That trust has continued under new head coach Thomas Frank, who handed Spence a start at left-back in the Premier League opener as Tottenham comfortably beat Burnley 3-0 on 16 August.

Meanwhile, the club’s summer has been marked by several incomings, with Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus arriving at Tottenham to bolster the squad. But alongside those additions, the club confirmed fresh news regarding Spence himself, drawing plenty of reaction from his teammates.

Djed Spence agrees new Tottenham contract

Tottenham confirmed on 18 August that Spence has committed his future to the club by signing a new long-term deal.

The announcement drew plenty of reaction online, with teammates including Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma and Radu Dragusin all liking the post on Instagram.

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The 25-year-old had previously spent loan spells with Stade Rennais, Leeds United and Genoa, but struggled to make a lasting impression and Spence’s long-term future at Spurs looked in doubt.

However, an injury crisis last season opened the door for the full-back, and he seized his opportunity. Spence gradually forced his way into the side, winning over the supporters with a string of consistent displays. His form was recognised in April when he was nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award.

The new contract marks a remarkable turnaround for the defender, who is now firmly trusted by Frank. He has started both of Spurs’ fixtures this season at left-back and looks set to play a key role moving forward.

Tottenham pushing to sign Eberechi Eze

While securing Spence’s future is a major boost, Spurs are still pressing ahead with further transfer business.

Football Insider report that Tottenham are closing in on Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, with fresh talks bringing an agreement ever closer.

The North London side are now leading the chase for the England international, despite Arsenal having previously monitored his situation.

Palace had initially demanded that Eze’s £68million release clause be met in full, but with that clause having now expired, Spurs are confident of striking a deal below that figure as negotiations continue.

Richarlison has been backed to have a successful season at Spurs after hitting two goals in their opening day victory over Burnley.

The 28-year-old showed his quality in-front of goal with two fine finishes, including an acrobatic effort, as Spurs comfortably saw of visitors Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Richarlison has been linked with a move away from Spurs, though the Brazilian has been taking his chance in the team amid an injury to Dominic Solanke.

Summer arrival Mohammed Kudus from West Ham assisted two of Richarlison’s goals against the Clarets and the pair have been tipped to develop a relationship in-front of goal.

Richarlison claim made after Burnley double

Speaking on talkSPORT [17 August], former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara believes that Richarlison and Kudus could develop into the next Harry Kane and Heung-min Son partnership.

O’Hara went on to make a bold claim amid Viktor Gyokeres’ stuttering start to life at Arsenal, although he stressed the need for consistency in Richarlison’s game.

“He’s got to do it consistently, O’Hara said.

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“He has been poor in a Spurs shirt and he’s not delivered but last couple of games, against PSG I thought he’d done well in a tough game.

“Today [against Burnley] I thought he was absolutely fantastic and he’s going to keep Solanke out of the team for now, but he’s got to do it week in week out.

“I think Richarlison scores more goals than Gyokeres this season.

“I think Richarlison is going to do business this year, what I’ve seen is he looks hungry, he looks fit, he looks like he has got a point to prove.”

Richarlison scored just four Premier League goals last season, and Thomas Frank will be expecting more from the striker this season.

Gyokeres has point to prove amid Richarlison declaration

Football Insider Verdict

Richarlison showed his capabilities in-front of goal against Burnley, though the Brazilian still needs to prove his worth at Spurs.

The opening day encounter was always going to be a perfect opportunity for Richarlison, and players like Kudus, to make a good impression in-front of the Spurs support.

There next match at Manchester City though will be where Spurs will want Richarlison to step up and show that he can perform in the biggest games.

Richarlison did impress against PSG in the Super Cup, although the Parisians were not on fine form due to just returning to pre-season training.

It is therefore quite the claim that the Brazilian can score more goals than Gyokeres, even if the Swedish striker needs time to adapt after joining from Sporting Lisbon.

Gyokeres had a ruthless goal scoring record in Portugal and Arsenal have made an abundance of chances for their striker’s in recent seasons.