Football Insider

James Trafford: Newcastle handed new boost as Tottenham transfer hopes dashed

James Trafford has emerged as a key target for Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks but they have been warned a deal may be impossible, sources have told Football Insider.

The 23-year-old is widely expected to leave Man City at the end of the season after growing unhappy with his role in Pep Guardiola’s side.

Spurs have been keeping a close eye on his situation and he has emerged as one of their top targets as they put plans in place to replace Guglielmo Vicario this summer.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Tottenham will be unable to pull off a deal if they suffer relegation.

This comes after Roberto De Zerbi’s side dropped into the relegation zone, landing a huge blow to Spurs’ transfer plans, while boosting rivals including Newcastle.

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Could James Trafford push to leave Man City?

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown previously told Football Insider that Trafford is pushing to leave Man City and is increasingly likely to move on.

That has placed a number of clubs including Spurs and Newcastle, as well as the likes of Aston Villa and Leeds United, on alert ahead of the summer transfer window.

All four clubs are in need of a new goalkeeper, but Spurs have been told they will be unable to pull off the deal if they fail to turn their season around in the next six games.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It’s going to be highly unlikely they could sign James Trafford if they do suffer relegation.

“Trafford wants to be playing at the highest level possible. Obviously that’s why he returned to Manchester City in the summer.

“Trafford’s been frustrated by his situation at the club, only sort of cup games for him. He knows he needs to be playing if he wants to become a mainstay in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

“If Tottenham stay up, we know they probably will be in the market for a goalkeeper and then there might be an option for a move for Trafford as well.

“But I think obviously if they were to go down, it would be almost impossible that they could get a deal done for Trafford.

“Plus, there’ll be a lot of interest in Trafford from other clubs in the Premier League as well.”

Who is leading the race to sign Trafford?

Despite the level of interest in Trafford’s situation and the growing likelihood that will move on, one club appears to be edging ahead of their rivals in the race.

Football Insider revealed last month that Newcastle are leading the race to sign Trafford and are confident of agreeing a deal for their long-term target.

Eddie Howe’s side have been extremely keen on the England international since last summer, when they missed out on a deal at the last after Man City swooped.

However, their own struggles in the Premier League may have dented their chances as well after a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend.

The Magpies have dropped to 12th in the table and could miss out on European qualification, while Trafford is believed to be keen on playing at the highest level.

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Sunderland’s 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur should trigger Howard Webb to address a growing epidemic of diving in the Premier League.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Brian Brobbey attempted to buy a penalty at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, 12 April.

Having already picked up a booking for an elbow on Pedro Porro, the 24-year-old could have been shown another yellow card, and therefore a red card, when going down in the penalty area near the death.

In the 88th minute, Brobbey threw himself to the floor under pressure from Spurs’ Kevin Danso, a decision which might have added to Sunderland’s win over Tottenham, but all calls were waved away.

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Howard Webb must deal with diving epidemic in Premier League

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee complained about multiple incidents at the Stadium of Light, but it was Brobbey’s penalty claim that really frustrated him.

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“One of the key issues that the PGMOL have got to deal with this summer is to help their referees understand what punishment is taken for acts of simulation,” he said.

“When a player goes to ground inside the penalty area, and the referee waves away the appeals, he should look at stopping the game and yellow-carding the player.

“This is a discussion that Howard Webb must have with the managers and players during pre-season. For the good of the game, they’ve got to get a grip.

“Assistant referees need to be used more. They’ve got a better side view that the referees don’t have. It’ll be interesting to see how this scenario evolves at the World Cup.”

Brian Brobbey was lucky to stay on the pitch vs Tottenham

Brobbey was heavily involved throughout the game, causing chaos for Spurs’ defenders from the very first minute, and even forcing Cristian Romero off with an injury halfway through the second half.

Hackett told Football Insider that Brobbey was correctly not sent off when elbowing Porro, but referee Rob Jones could have very easily upgraded the yellow card to red.

Then, many expected the centre-forward to be shown a second caution when pushing Romero into his own goalkeeper, but he was allowed to stay on the pitch until being replaced in the 89th minute.

The 24-year-old won four fouls and committed four fouls during his time on the pitch [FotMob]. Having been so heavily involved, Regis Le Bris might do well to have a quiet word with him this week.

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Brian Brobbey ‘growing a reputation’, but ex-PGMOL chief says Sunderland star correctly not sent off vs Tottenham

Brian Brobbey may have been fortunate not to be sent off following an altercation with Tottenham Hotspur‘s Pedro Porro in Sunderland’s win.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that, while the correct decision was reached, the Black Cats’ striker is growing a reputation.

Having already been involved in a couple of incidents at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, 12 April, Brobbey went into Rob Jones’ notebook after just 33 minutes for an elbow on Spurs’ No.23.

Nordi Mukiele scored the only goal as Sunderland beat Tottenham 1-0, but it could have been very different had the home side’s centre-forward been sent off in the first half.

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Brian Brobbey ‘close to a red’ after elbow on Pedro Porro

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the incident, the former referee said: “This is close to a red. Let’s not make any bones about it. It’s a reckless use of the arm.

“But what Brobbey was trying to do was release himself from his opponent. He handed him off. Had he brought his elbow and arm to his side, then bent the elbow and gone back with force, that’s clearly red.

“On this occasion, I support the yellow card. It’s reckless, more than a violent act or serious foul play. I’m not happy with what I’ve seen because he shouldn’t do it.

“He’s growing a bit of a reputation, but I’m happy they got this one right. Had he raised his arm further, it could have been a different situation.”

Should Sunderland’s striker have already been booked?

Brobbey and Cristian Romero were going at each other throughout the entire game, or at least the latter was forced off with an injury in the 70th minute.

Before the 24-year-old went into the referee’s notebook, he put a huge challenge in on Spurs’ captain, one that should have seen him cautioned before clashing with Porro.

Mick Brown told Football Insider that Sunderland will demand a “huge fee” for Brobbey, and while he is clearly a talented player, he has a dangerous streak when it comes to potentially being sent off.

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Cristian Romero: Tottenham exit edges closer after his dad’s release clause reveal

Cristian Romero is edging closer to a move away from Tottenham Hotspur thanks to a release clause in his contract, sources have told Football Insider.

The 27-year-old has had a mixed season which has contributed heavily to the club’s struggles, but could jump ship regardless of whether they are relegated.

This comes after his dad recently revealed the centre-back has a release clause in his contract at Spurs which could allow him to leave for between £37.8million and £53million.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, that shocking reveal has sparked interest in his situation from a number of clubs across Europe.

Ahead of what is set to be a busy transfer window for Tottenham, further doubts about Romero’s future have led to a growing expectation that he will move on.

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What did Cristian Romero’s dad say about his future?

Football Insider previously revealed that Tottenham hope to keep Romero despite ongoing suggestions that he could push to leave the club.

However, those ambitions may have been halted by the reveal that his contract contains a release clause, as any offer matching that value will take the decision out of their hands.

Speculation had previously led to suggestions that the centre-back may have a release clause, but after it was seemingly confirmed, Spurs will be bracing for offers.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Yeah, look, a move will be on the cards for sure if Tottenham do end up suffering relegation.

“Obviously, speculation’s rife again after his father came out and revealed that there is a release clause in Romero’s contract.

“Apparently, he could leave this summer for around £37million to £53million. We didn’t get an exact number on that.

“This Romero one will probably roll on into the summer and there’s an indication that the player is ready to move on, which I’m sure he wants to be playing at the highest level.

“I’m sure there’ll be clubs ready to sign the Argentina International.”

Could Roberto De Zerbi allow Romero to leave?

Spurs are in a very precarious position with the threat of relegation looming and are at risk of losing a number of star players when the window opens.

However, Football Insider revealed on 10 April that Tottenham hope De Zerbi will convince his players to remain as part of a new long-term project in North London.

Romero is the most high-profile player expected to be looking at a way out of Spurs this summer, but there is hope that the new manager may be able to convince him.

The new manager has signed a five-year deal in North London, and while relegation would heavily impact those plans, they are planning for the long-term.

Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall have also been linked with moves away, with Premier League rivals circling like vultures, but exits may not be certain.

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Tottenham have hit behind-the-scenes troubles amid Daniel Levy situation: ‘It’s very messy’

Tottenham’s former executive chairman Daniel Levy will continue to push for the highest price possible before selling his share in the club.

That is the view of former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, who from experience knows that Levy is a “very good” negotiator.

Despite having left Spurs last September, the 64-year-old still has an indirect investment in the club through ENIC, which he is looking to sell.

Levy believes he owns more than 29.88 per cent in ENIC, leading to reports that he could sue former business partner and Spurs owner Joe Lewis.

The share in Spurs is valued by Levy at up to £1billion, though the buyer would have no influence on matters at the club.

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Tottenham in ‘very messy’ Daniel Levy situation

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Levy is right to make selling his share in Spurs a “hard negotiation.”

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks Levy will get the maximum amount that his share is worth.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “If I was Daniel, I’d probably be doing the same and making it a hard negotiation.

“I know what he’s like. He’s very good at the negotiating table. And all that is a situation where he’s making things or making claims that will make sure he gets the maximum for when eventually he is removed from the picture, which I think will happen.

“But let’s be clear, it’s all allegations, it’s all spin and PR right now. We don’t know the real facts, but it certainly seems a very messy situation.

“Putting that on top of the Spurs’ situation in the table, you can imagine that the new stadium is a very troubled place behind the scenes.”

Tottenham could encounter transfer blow

Wyness also told Football Insider that Spurs’ latest financial accounts show that the club have an issue with cash flow, which could affect their summer transfer business.

Spurs have been told to improve their player trading model, and make greater profit from sales, in order to boost their finances.

The north London club want to back Roberto De Zerbi in the summer transfer market, with a rebuild of the squad expected following a disastrous campaign on the pitch.

A new goalkeeper is expected to be one area where De Zerbi upgrades his options this summer, with Bart Verbruggen and James Trafford both on the club’s radar.

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Maghnes Akliouche: Man United join race to sign Monaco star: ‘They sell players for the right price’

Maghnes Akliouche is attracting the attention of Manchester United as he continues to shine for Monaco this season.

Versatile attacker Akliouche is on the radar of several top clubs amid some fine form for Monaco in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

He has registered seven goals and assists each in 37 appearances across all competitions so far to help Sebastien Pocognoli’s side into fifth place as it stands.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Man United are one of the clubs interested in his services ahead of the summer window.

United’s transfer plans are becoming clearer as the end of the campaign looms, especially with Michael Carrick seeming as likely as ever to be handed the Old Trafford reins permanently.

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Man United planning busy window with Maghnes Akliouche on their radar

Football Insider recently revealed that Monaco blocked Tottenham from signing Akliouche in the winter transfer window.

They are known to remain interested in his signature, but United will certainly fancy their chances of beating Spurs to the deal, given their respective performances in the Premier League this season.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I’m sure there’ll be a number of clubs looking at Akliouche this summer. He’s a top player who has really performed at a high level in Ligue 1.

“Obviously, we’ve had interest before from Premier League clubs, the likes of Tottenham have been strongly mooted as big admirers of the French international as well.

“We know that Manchester United are going to be busy in the summer transfer window, especially if they have Champions League football, which will boost their financial coffers.

“(We) also know that Monaco will sell players for the right price, as they have done in the past. Akliouche is a top player, he’ll go to the World Cup with France.”

Joshua Zirkzee set for Man United exit as attacking signings eyed

Akliouche would not be a direct replacement for Zirkzee, but United’s interest in his services shows how they are planning to make attacking additions this summer.

According to Football Insider’s sources, Zirkzee looks set to leave Old Trafford this summer after failing to prove his worth under Carrick.

He has scored twice in 20 appearances so far this season, and was close to leaving last summer before Rasmus Hojlund departed instead.

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Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham’s new manager tasked with blocking star player exits

Roberto De Zerbi will be tasked with convincing his most important players to stay at Tottenham Hotspur beyond the end of the season, sources have told Football Insider.

Spurs are in a very precarious position with the threat of relegation looming and are at risk of losing a number of star players when the window opens.

The likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall have all been linked with moves away, with Premier League rivals circling like vultures.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Tottenham hope De Zerbi can convince them to stay as part of a long-term project.

The new manager has signed a five-year deal in North London, and while relegation would heavily impact those plans, Tottenham hope for a strong transfer window.

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Tottenham put plans in place to back Roberto De Zerbi

Former Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 4 April that Tottenham will back De Zerbi financially this summer as they hope to improve their squad.

However, much of their ambition this summer will be based on whether they can keep hold of some star names and avoid weakening their options too much.

The new boss will be tasked with convincing them of his plans for the future both immediately and long-term, with Spurs now all-in on his project.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “With Tottenham at the moment, you just don’t know what they’re going to be able to do.

“Obviously, bringing in Roberto De Zerbi, they’ll see if he can help persuade maybe some players who have been considering their futures to stay at the club.

“A lot of them will have their eyes on moves away to play at the highest level in the Champions League and I’m sure there will be clubs circling.

“Tottenham hope the manager can sell the long-term vision and convince them to be part of his plans, but a lot will depend on whether they’re still in the Premier League.”

Which players could leave Tottenham this summer?

Should Spurs suffer relegation, they will likely find it impossible to keep their best players, and it may prove difficult even if they stay up.

Football Insider previously revealed that Tottenham fear losing Romero and Van de Ven this summer as their two star centre-backs could be lured away.

In any event that both defenders would move on, Tottenham would be forced to enter the transfer market in search of adequate replacements.

The same goes for a number of their key players, with plans to back De Zerbi and replace any outgoing players despite their reluctance to sell.

A major reshuffle of players could be on the cards as a result, with Romero and Van de Ven not the only star names being heavily linked with departures.

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Tottenham allegations put brakes on Daniel Levy sale: ‘There’s mud slinging from both sides’

Tottenham could face issues finding a buyer to takeover Daniel Levy’s share in the club, according to Keith Wyness.

The former Everton chief executive, talking to Football Insider, has called the ongoing situation at Spurs a “mess.”

Levy left his role as executive chairman of the north London club last September and is looking to sell his 29.88 per cent share in ENIC, which owns 86.91 per cent of Spurs.

It has now been reported that Levy could sue his former business partner Joe Lewis on the matter, believing he owns more than a 29.88 per cent share in ENIC.

Levy’s stake in Spurs could be worth up to £1billion, however it comes with no voting rights, no place on the board or influence on matters at the club.

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‘Mud being thrown from both sides’ in Daniel Levy case

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes the Lewis Family can resolve the situation regarding Levy’s share at Spurs.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks any buyer would have to be able to work well with the Spurs ownership.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Let’s be clear, all these are allegations and there’s a lot of mud being thrown.

“I’ve got to be very careful that everybody understands we are talking about allegedly, that famous word. There’s mud slinging from both sides. I’ve been reading that Levy’s side has been stating that there may well be a claim in terms of shareholding and other things going forward.

“The other side are saying there may have been financial impropriety, allegedly, when Levy was in charge. So it’s a mess.

“Now, is this putting off a potential new buyer? I think that any new buyer would have to be a friendly group with the Lewis family to get this done. And then there’s no doubt they have the power and the strength to sort out this sort of mess and make it happen.”

Expert raises ‘concerns’ about Tottenham’s finances

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider that he has “concerns” about Spurs’ latest financial figures.

Spurs’ costs for other expenses rose from £159m to £202m last season, and Borson has question marks over why that figure has increased so much.

The expenses could have an impact on how much Spurs make from events they host at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has hosted concerts, NFL and Boxing events since opening in 2019, which has helped the club record increased revenue and commercial numbers in the past few years.

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Tottenham face ‘big’ cash flow issues as £100m wiped out

Tottenham could struggle to generate the funds required in order to have a successful summer transfer window.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, who states that Spurs have an issue with cash flow.

It comes after the release of the club’s 2024-25 financial accounts, which reported their worst ever pre-tax loss of £121million despite revenue increasing.

The club’s pre-tax loss grew significantly from the £26m recorded in their 2023-24 accounts, whilst operating costs also increased.

Spurs’ finances would be hit further if they suffered relegation from the Premier League this season, with the club just a point above the drop zone with seven matches left to play.

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‘Big’ Issue emerges in Tottenham’s accounts

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Spurs’ player trading model has been “very poor” recently.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks Spurs’ increasing revenue is not keeping pace with costs at the club.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “The biggest issue for Spurs right now is cash flow.

“Daniel Levy was very good when he financed the new stadium. That was done at a very good time in terms of interest rates. But, nevertheless, it’s (the pre-tax loss) still a big number.

“There was about £1.5billion that was put in, in terms of the stadium costs, and it’s still a big number to be satisfied, even at low interest costs every year. They’ve been very poor in terms of player trading profits over the last season or so.

“The revenue increase has been okay, but it hasn’t been enough to keep pace with everything. All in all, it’s cash. They put in a hundred million, and that’s gone.

“Now it is getting that cash available to be able to do something big if they stay up in the transfer window.”

Roberto De Zerbi contract details revealed

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Spurs have included clauses in Roberto De Zerbi’s contract.

De Zerbi signed a five-year deal at the club, and Spurs would not have to pay out all five years on the Italian’s contract if they were to sack him.

There is no release clause in the contract, but Borson would be surprised if there was not a reduction clause in De Zerbi’s deal if the club are relegated from the Premier League.

De Zerbi will begin his tenure as Spurs boss away to Sunderland, with the 46-year-old having had over a week to work with his squad before his first game in charge.

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Tottenham Hotspur’s other expenses have increased to an “extraordinary” level after releasing their latest accounts.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider there are “concerns” around Spurs’ financial performance.

Tottenham posted their accounts for 2024-25 last week, showing their revenue improved from £528million in 2023-24 to £565m last season.

However, the north London giants’ other expenses surged from £159m to £202m across the same period.

It raises questions around Tottenham’s financial situation following their on-field struggles over the past couple of seasons, with the club sitting 17th in the Premier League table.

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How Tottenham’s costs are soaring after financial reveal

Tottenham’s wage bill increased from £222m in 2023-24 to £256m after winning the Europa League last season.

Meanwhile, Spurs’ pre-tax losses rose dramatically from £26m to £95m across the same period.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed what the latest accounts mean for Tottenham moving forward.

“The concerning thing is the size of the cost base outside of football now,” said Borson.

“There’s a £202m charge for other expenses, which is extraordinary. It’s very hard to understand. It’s gone up massively versus last year. It’s up from £159m to £202m.

“They’ve got a huge number of non-football events, and they do spend a lot of money generally on developing the stadium and all that sort of stuff. But it shouldn’t all be in operating expenses.”

How Tottenham’s accounts showed ‘very strange’ number

Borson revealed the rise in other expenses will be having an impact on how much Tottenham are making on events.

“It’s very strange that it’s so big,” said Borson.

“It does mean that a lot of the revenue that’s coming in at the top for all of these non-football events is just going straight out in cost and, therefore, is not actually generating huge amounts of profit.

“In which case you’re kind of like, ‘Well, what’s the point?’, so there are some concerns about the financial performance of the club.”

In terms of other key financial metrics, a boost in commercial income from £255m in 2023-24 to £277m was one of the driving factors behind the rise in turnover last season.

Meanwhile, matchday revenue improved from £106m to £126m, while broadcast dropped from £167m to £162m.

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