Football Insider

‘We’re out’ – Tottenham duo jet out as Djed Spence shares message to fans

Djed Spence’s breakout season at Tottenham Hotspur might not count for much as Thomas Frank’s new-look side takes shape.

Tottenham’s injury crises across the 2024–25 campaign massively derailed Ange Postecoglou in the Premier League, as Spurs suffered a record 22 matches and eventually limped to a 17th-place finish.

Spence was one of few players who came through the season in credit, however, as he deputised on both sides of Tottenham’s defence both domestically and during their run to the Europa League final.

The decider of that tournament saw first-choice full-backs Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro start on the flanks, and Spence’s short cameo to see out the win in injury time could be a sign of things to come.

Spurs have strengthened their defence with three new centre-backs signed already this summer, and this may contribute to a decrease in game-time for Spence unless another swathe of injuries occurs.

Spence jets out to Hong Kong as part of Tottenham’s plans

Luka Vuskovic has already made an impact since his arrival at Tottenham with a goal in their first pre-season friendly against Reading, but Spence had to wait until their third match to even get a start.

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Spence played 78 minutes of Spurs’ 0-0 draw with Luton which saw youngster Jamie Donley deputise as a makeshift left-back, in their last friendly before flying out to Hong Kong to face arch-rivals Arsenal.

Dominic Solanke debut campaign in North London was afflicted by injury, but both he and Spence are expected to kick on and improve as Tottenham prepare for their most stern pre-season test yet.

Solanke posted on his Instagram story (27 July) from Tottenham’s flight to Hong Kong with the message of; “See you soon”, and Spence did likewise to add “we out”, alongside a ‘salute’ emoji.

‘Spence safe for now’ as Thomas Frank cuts Tottenham squad

Football Insider Verdict

Tottenham will face both Arsenal and Newcastle in the Far East before returning for their last friendly against Bayern Munich, and Frank has left some surprise names at home in a clear display of his plans.

Alfie Devine, Dane Scarlett and Mikey Moore have all been left behind by Frank with the latter set to complete a loan move to Rangers, but Spence’s presence on the plan suggests he’ll still be in the fold.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s combination looks set to continue in Nottingham Forest’s attack next season.

Nottingham Forest took the entire Premier League by surprise last season and occupied the top four for much of the campaign before a seventh-placed finish, meaning they’ll play European football next term.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s team were elevated from the UEFA Conference League to the Europa League after Crystal Palace’s demotion under multi-club ownership rules, but it’s been a difficult summer for Forest.

Anthony Elanga’s £55million move to Newcastle United leaves Nuno without one of last season’s key attackers, and Forest could have been weakened further after Tottenham’s approach for Gibbs-White.

Hudson-Odoi reacts to Gibbs-White contract developments

Evangelos Marinakis threatened legal action against Tottenham after accusing them of an illegal attempt to sign Gibbs-White, with his £60m release clause triggered and Spurs backed to complete the move.

Gibbs-White had been expected to push for a move to North London against Marinakis’ wishes, but the playmaker has since undergone a complete U-turn and signed a new contract with Forest until 2028.

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Officially labelled as a “statement of intent” by Nottingham Forest, Gibbs-White’s new deal is set to tie him down for the forseeable future and prevents his partnership with Hudson-Odoi being broken up.

Hudson-Odoi has since posted on his Instagram story (27 July) alongside Gibbs-White from Forest’s Portugal training camp, accompanied by three ‘heart’ emojis and a ‘fingers crossed’.

Tottenham turn attention elsewhere after Gibbs-White news

Football Insider Verdict

Forest are yet to find a replacement for Elanga on the right flank but have added support for Chris Wood up front in the form of Brazilian striker Igor Jesus, signed from Botafogo in a £10million deal.

Tottenham have been tipped to move for Manchester City’s Jack Grealish after missing out on Gibbs-White, swapping one Premier League number 10 for another with Grealish out of favour at the Etihad.

Son Heung-min’s decade-long stay in North London could finally come to an end as exit rumours swirl around the Tottenham star.

The 33-year-old was linked with a stunning, big-money move to Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the summer transfer window, though with the Spurs preparing for their tour, a decision has been put on hold.

It is clear to see why, with The Telegraph (24 July) revealing that the club would miss out on as much as 75 per cent of their fee for playing in Seoul, South Korea, without the captain in attendance.

Daniel Levy has been heavily criticised for Son’s current situation, with many believing that the legendary figure deserves a better send-off, while others are happy to follow the contract which the player signed.

Mikey Moore to reject Tottenham exit

One player who will be keeping a close eye on proceedings will be 17-year-old Mikey Moore, who was compared to Brazilian star Neymar by James Maddison before becoming the club’s youngest-ever Premier League starter in October 2024.

Since earning his debut, the winger has made a total of 21 appearances across all competitions, notching one goal and two assists, while making a key impact at England Under-19s level.

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Due to his lack of action, Football Insider understands that Tottenham are reluctantly open to Moore’s temporary exit this summer, with the youngster desperate to stamp his mark in a starting lineup.

However, if the academy graduate can be patient enough, the possibility of more first-team minutes could emerge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Son Heung-min exit to open doors in North London

Mohammed Kudus has already joined on a £55million deal from West Ham [BBC Sport], and while he is capable of occupying the left-wing role, he appears far more comfortable in the centre of the pitch.

With Manor Solomon possibly leaving Spurs, which would see Mathys Tel as the only consistent option on the left, Moore would be given an incredible chance to make the position his own under Thomas Frank.

Tottenham supporters were highly critical of Son’s performances last season, despite notching 22 goal contributions across all competitions, and those same fans may have to wave farewell to the star.

Also outlined by The Telegraph, Spurs have received an offer from MLS giants LAFC, which many believe to be in the region of £15m, and that is a lot of money to turn down for a 33-year-old attacker.

While nobody in North London will be happy to see the back of the South Korean, Moore’s development would certainly benefit, with few others in the squad capable of bringing such dynamism to the left flank.

Having joined in 2015, and 454 appearances, 173 goals, and 101 assists later, this summer could finally bring an end to Son’s incredible career with the Lilywhites, going down in history as a legendary figure.

‘Magic’ – James Maddison shares message as star has ‘heart set on joining Tottenham’

James Maddison has shared a new message to Tottenham fans on social media as they continue their pre-season preparations under Thomas Frank.

Spurs have enjoyed a busy transfer window so far with their preparations well underway to build on last season’s Europa League success.

Having already completed the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, they are accelerating plans to strengthen elsewhere with a new centre-back on their radar.

Football Insider revealed Tottenham want to sign Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi and are prepared to rival Paris Saint-Germain for a £60million deal.

Meanwhile, Spurs are continuing to push for the signing of Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White after Football Insider revealed Gibbs-White has his heart set on Tottenham.

Tottenham continue pre-season plans after Maddison message

While transfer plans continue to be put in place at Tottenham, the likes of Maddison are aiming for another strong season and to improve on last year’s league form.

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A pre-season tour of Hong Kong and South Korea will see them face North London rivals Arsenal before a clash with Newcastle.

In the meantime, supporters are keeping up with last season’s highlights as they await a new season.

Taking to Instagram in the buildup to the new season, Spurs showed a highlight clip captioned: “Magic from Madders and Micky’s first Spurs goal”.

The post was quickly shared to Maddison’s Instagram story, with his performance highlighted, as fans look forward to the beginning of Frank’s reign.

West Brom and Birmingham City eye Mikey Moore loan deal

While efforts are ongoing to strengthen Frank’s squad with new signings this summer, players including Mikey Moore could be allowed to leave the club.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 25 July that Tottenham have agreed to let Moore leave on loan for the coming season.

The 17-year-old wants a temporary move to aid his development for a year, as he aims to compete for a starting role in the Premier League upon his return.

Football Insider exclusively revealed in June that Birmingham and West Brom want to sign Moore and have registered their interest in a potential loan move.

Destiny Udogie caught the attention of his Tottenham teammates as rumours swirl around the full-back’s future in North London.

The 22-year-old experienced a far less convincing second season with the Lilywhites, with an injury somewhat plaguing the left-back’s development on the pitch during a difficult campaign.

While Djed Spence has gone from strength to strength in the same position, Udogie likely remains first-choice under Thomas Frank heading into the 2025/26 campaign, but supporters will be expecting more.

Mick Brown told Football Insider that Tottenham are planning to rebuff any offers for Udogie, with the Italian international a key part of the new manager’s plans during pre-season.

On the opposite flank, Pedro Porro continues to hold down the right-back role, with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero creating a formidable partnership in the middle when both are free from injury.

Destiny Udogie enjoys time away from Tottenham

Taking to Instagram (24 July), Udogie shared a series of images from Spurs’ pre-season, including his time away from football, simply captioned with weighing scales, also writing: “#blessed”.

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Teammates Dominic Solanke, Wilson Odobert, Pape Sarr, Mathys Tel, Guglielmo Vicario, Porro, and James Maddison all liked the player’s post on social media.

Thomas Frank ready for success in North London

Football Insider verdict

Frank’s arrival in North London was greeted with mixed reactions, with his main experience at the top level coming during his seven years at the Gtech Community Stadium with Brentford.

The 51-year-old was an important member of the community, as well as getting results on the pitch, but those in North London will be far more concerned about their team climbing the Premier League table.

While Ange Postecoglou was able to win the Europa League title last season, he was cruelly let go by Daniel Levy due to his form elsewhere, as Spurs finished 17th in the league.

The Lilywhites have already splashed £55million on Mohammed Kudus [BBC Sport], while the club’s attempt to sign Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White has been put on ice following an “illegal” move.

Supporters are expecting several exits for those such as Yves Bissouma, Manor Solomon, and Richarlison, but there has been very little movement in the summer transfer window just yet.

If the Lilywhites are to improve under the new manager, Levy must give him everything required to mould the squad to his liking, with fans furious with the team’s performances across all competitions last term.

Tottenham are in talks over multiple commercial deals after making new hires to boost their revenues, sources have told Football Insider.

The development of Spurs’ 62,850-capacity stadium has strengthened the club’s global appeal to sponsors in recent years.

The north London giants’ latest accounts for 2023-24 revealed their turnover fell from £549.6million in 2022-23 to £528.2million, but that was driven by a significant drop in Uefa prize money.

However, Tottenham’s commercial revenue surged from £227.7million to £255.2million across the same period as they continue to cash in on opportunities at their stadium.

The Telegraph reported on 15 July chairman Daniel Levy has hired Altius8 agency, which was founded by former Manchester United executives, to help transform Spurs’ revenues.

The newspaper said the team is led by Victoria Timpson, who left Old Trafford as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures last summer.

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Sources say Tottenham are now in talks to agree multiple new sponsorship deals as they aim to capitalise on commercial opportunities following their latest hire.

Tottenham in talks over £20m naming rights deal

Tottenham are looking to agree a new sponsorship deal to replace their previous partnership with INEOS.

The petrochemicals company, which is spearheaded by Ratcliffe, first partnered with Spurs in 2020 after agreeing to become their official hand sanitiser and 4×4 vehicle partners.

The deal was later expanded in 2022, with the INEOS brand displayed in the dugout of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, court records show Spurs filed a commercial claim against INEOS last month after the British company exited the sponsorship deal three years into a five-year agreement.

Meanwhile, Tottenham remain in talks over a lucrative stadium naming rights deal after failing to reach an agreement since the state-of-the-art facility opened in 2019.

It is believed Levy has been holding out for a deal in excess of £20million.

Bournemouth to accept £60m bid as Tottenham accelerate move

In terms of on-field matters, new boss Thomas Frank is looking to help Spurs compete towards the top end of the Premier League table next season.

Football Insider revealed on 22 July Tottenham want to sign Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi and are prepared to compete with PSG for the centre-back’s signature.

It is believed a bid in excess of £60million will be difficult for the Cherries to turn down and could see the Ukraine international complete a move to north London.

Spurs have already secured permanent deals for Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai this summer.

Tottenham have reluctantly agreed to let Mikey Moore go out on loan in the upcoming season, sources have told Football Insider.

The 17-year-old wants a temporary move to aid his development for a year, as he aims to compete for a starting role in the Premier League upon his return.

Spurs had initially not wanted Moore to go out on loan and viewed him as a part of Thomas Franks squad.

But sources have told Football Insider there has now been a change of heart at Spurs and they are now prepared to grant the forward sensation his wish.

The winger has attracted strong interest from a number of top Championship clubs, with Birmingham City and West Brom both keen to bring him in.

Football Insider exclusively revealed in June that Birmingham and West Brom want to sign Moore and have registered their interest in a potential loan move.

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Leading Dutch teams have also expressed an interest in bringing him to the Eredivisie where they have a proven track record of developing young Premier League talent.

Tottenham open to Mikey Moore exit after Ryan Mason reveal

Moore enjoyed a breakthrough season under Ange Postecoglou last time out, as he made 19 appearances in all competitions including three Premier League starts.

However, there is a feeling that he will need to play more regular first-team football to maximise his development as the club retain their high hopes for his future.

Ryan Mason worked closely with Moore during his time as Spurs’ assistant manager and is keen on a reunion at West Brom to give him Championship experience this summer.

Meanwhile, Birmingham have lofty ambitions of reaching the playoffs after their promotion from League One and see Moore as an option to bolster their squad.

The race for the teenager’s signature is now expected to accelerate as Tottenham have agreed to let him leave on a short-term deal.

Thomas Frank plots move to sign Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi

While the decision has been made to let Moore leave on loan, Frank is determined to strengthen his squad elsewhere ahead of the new season.

Football Insider revealed on 22 July that Tottenham want to sign Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi and are prepared to compete with Paris Saint-Germain.

Sources say that a bid in excess of £60million will be very hard for the Cherries to turn down, and could see the Ukrainian complete a move to North London.

Former Spurs scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in December that Bournemouth are braced for offers for Zabarnyi and won’t block his departure should a “huge” offer arrive.

‘Tottenham dealt Gibbs-White blow as Forest owner makes Man City call’

Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of landing Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White have been dealt a major blow following the latest update.

Gibbs-White excelled last season, registering seven goals and 10 assists in 34 Premier League appearances to help the Tricky Trees qualify for the Uefa Conference League.

That form has helped the 25-year-old break into the England national team set-up, picking up four caps since September 2024.

However, it has also brought links with a move away from the City Ground, with Manchester City initially interested before Tottenham pushed into the lead.

Nottingham Forest owner looking to crush Spurs’ Gibbs-White deal

Spurs looked on the verge of completing a deal for Gibbs-White before negotiations started to break down.

The Lilywhites moved to activate the player’s £60million release clause on 10 July, while he has not gone with the Forest squad on their pre-season tour of Portugal amid uncertainty over his future.

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But Forest lodged a legal complaint over the swoop, leaving it in danger of falling apart completely.

Now, Tottenham have been dealt a hammer blow in their pursuit by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

According to talkSPORT (22 July), Gibbs-White told Marinakis toward the end of last season that he would only leave Forest for a ‘certain level of club’.

It’s thought Marinakis does not regard Tottenham as part of that category — despite their Europa League win last season — which explains his anger over the potential transfer.

While there is still belief that Spurs can resurrect the deal, it’s understood Marinakis is hoping for Man City to come in with a rival bid for his star player.

Man City sale the ideal solution for Nottingham Forest and Gibbs-White

Football Insider verdict

Given Tottenham are the Europa League holders and will play in the Champions League next season, it is perhaps harsh of Marinakis to debase them in this way. Even if they did finish 17th in the Premier League last season.

However, there may be another method to the Forest owner’s madness.

After all, Man City youngster James McAtee has emerged as a big target for the Midlands club in recent weeks.

McAtee is a product of City’s youth system and impressed in limited opportunities last season, registering seven goals in 27 appearances across all competitions — despite only seeing 342 minutes of Premier League action.

At 22 years old, it’s time for McAtee to find a club where he can become a regular starter, perhaps fully showing his talent to earn a place of his own in the England squad.

Forest allowing Gibbs-White to move to City would give them a much better standing with Pep Guardiola and the sky blue hierarchy in their bid to sign McAtee.

Gibbs-White, McAtee, Man City and Nottingham Forest would all be happy, leaving Spurs as the only real losers.

Tottenham and Newcastle United will be on high alert as Yoane Wissa’s future at Brentford takes another new twist this summer.

The Bees have already bid farewell to superstar Bryan Mbeumo, who has joined Man United on a £71million deal [Sky Sports], joining Mark Flekken and Christian Norgaard out of the exit doors.

Supporters are extremely worried ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, having already lost Thomas Frank to Tottenham, seeing him replaced by Keith Andrews, with the squad getting smaller and smaller by the week.

With Mbeumo now sold, Football Insider understood that Brentford would price interested clubs out of signing Wissa this summer, with Nottingham Forest also keeping tabs on the player’s situation.

While Andrews will not be open to selling the 28-year-old, who notched 20 goals and four assists last term, the club have clearly not accounted for the player’s view on the situation as rumours continue to swirl.

Yoane Wissa unsure over Brentford future

Taking to X (22 July), BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel wrote: “Yoane Wissa leaves Brentford’s training camp in Portugal amid uncertainty over future. Wissa said to be unsettled by speculation.

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“Newcastle, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are all interested, with a key meeting with Director of Football Phil Giles to follow. Newcastle’s interest is accelerating.”

It is understood that, while the club have attempted to open contract negotiations, the forward would prefer a move away this summer, and the upcoming meeting will be pivotal for his decision.

Keith Andrews’ squad hanging by a thread

Football Insider verdict

Andrews, who was hired as the first team’s set-piece coach, has massive shoes to fill next season, not just because of Frank’s results as manager, but also his impact on the surrounding area.

Fans were devastated by the 51-year-old’s move to North London, and with several key players now following him out the exit doors, the Bees are in an incredibly difficult position already.

The likes of Jordan Henderson, Antoni Milambo, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Michael Kayode have all been added to the squad, but losing two of the best goalscorers would be devastating.

Mbeumo and Wissa recorded a total of 40 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last season, with Kevin Schade and Mikkel Damsgaard coming the closest in terms of goal contributions.

Football Insider understands that Brentford are expected to approach Omari Hutchinson again, with money spare from multiple big-money exits, but he alone will not save the team from the relegation battle.

Losing Wissa to Tottenham, Newcastle, or even Forest would be a massive blow for the Bees, with very little movement in the summer transfer market at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The race to sign wantaway Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho is hotting up.

Garnacho has registered 26 goals and 22 assists in 144 appearances across all competitions since making his United breakthrough in 2022.

The 21-year-old — who has eight senior caps to his name for Argentina — managed 11 goals and 10 assists in 58 appearances across all competitions last season to help United reach the Europa League final.

However, standards slipped across the board in the Premier League, with the Red Devils finishing 15th. That, coupled with losing to Spurs in the Europa League final, means there will be no European football at Old Trafford in 2025/26.

As a result, United must now clear serious sums off their salary budget, meaning a deal is possible for Garnacho — who is actively pursuing a transfer away from United anyway.

Tottenham join race for Alejandro Garnacho

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson recently told Football Insider United can still expect to receive ‘good money’ for Garnacho.

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“I don’t understand [Garnacho], every time I see him play, he’s been a goal threat, he’s been an attacking threat”, Robinson said.

“58 appearances, 11 goals and 10 assists – they’re not bad stats. He’s 21, a top player, and they’ll get good money for him. Somebody will pay good money for him.

“I don’t understand the thinking, I really don’t, but [Amorim] is not keen on having big characters in the dressing room, seemingly.”

However, former Everton and Aston Villa chief Keith Wyness believes the Red Devils can only expect something closer to £40million.

Chelsea and Aston Villa are understood to be seriously considering a bid for Garnacho. But now, The Telegraph have reported (22 July) that Tottenham have also entered the race for the winger.

Should Spurs come in with a serious bid and spring Garnacho’s other two suitors into life, it could be the best outcome for United, pushing that fee back up closer the £70m region they originally wanted for the player.

Antony to join Garnacho and Co. in Man United firesale

Garnacho isn’t the only player being cleared out by Man United this summer.

Marcus Rashford is joining Barcelona on loan, while Jadon Sancho could soon make a £17.3m move to Juventus.

Even then, United are also planning to ship Antony out permanently.

The Brazilian forward cost United a massive £82m from Ajax in 2022, but has utterly failed to repay that fee.

However, Antony looked rejuvenated on loan at Real Betis in the second half of last season, notching nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.

Former United boss Erik ten Hag — now at Bayer Leverkusen — recently admitted Antony is ‘like a son’ to him, hinting he could take the 25-year-old with him to Germany.

And ex-United chief scout Mick Brown — who spent over a decade at Old Trafford during their most successful period — has stated that Antony’s days with the Red Devils are numbered.

“There’s no way Antony will stay at Man United,” he told Football Insider.

“He’s in a similar situation to Rashford, Sancho and Garnacho because they want to sell him permanently but there isn’t exactly an abundance of interest.

“His agent has been told to go and find him a destination, so we’ll see what that brings up.

“The one I find interesting is Bayer Leverkusen, because we know Ten Hag likes him.

“If he was willing to spend £80million to bring him to Man United, he obviously sees something in him and maybe he’ll want to bring him to Germany.

“It’s a difficult one, because what sort of money are they going to get for him?

“It won’t be anywhere near as much as they paid, but they’re obviously willing to take that hit.

“I think they’ll want it done before the season starts, so let’s see what happens.”