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Manchester United are planning to keep Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford and give him the opportunity to work his way into the forefront of head coach Ruben Amorim's plans instead of cashing in after Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur have been showing interest, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

The Red Devils have not been afraid to spend big since the transfer window reopened, leading to Bryan Mbeumo completing a switch worth up to £71million from domestic counterparts Brentford after Matheus Cunha had already become an expensive acquisition thanks to an agreement being reached with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Although academy graduate Marcus Rashford made a high-profile departure last week, joining reigning La Liga champions Barcelona on an initial loan deal which includes a £26million option to buy, Manchester United do not want Mainoo to become another member of the squad to head through the exit door.

Red Devils Seek to Keep Spurs Target Mainoo

England international aiming to prove worth during pre-season

Manchester United are not looking to sell Mainoo after he has been the subject of informal enquiries from Tottenham, according to GMS sources, and he has been aiming to use the early stages of pre-season to show that he deserves to be handed a prominent role by Amorim rather than seeking to embark on a fresh challenge.

The central midfielder has entered the final two years of a contract which allows him to pocket £25,000-per-week and has been unable to agree fresh terms at this stage, resulting in Spurs sniffing an opportunity to pounce, but Old Trafford chiefs have stopped short of looking to sanction his departure.

GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United have not been actively seeking a buyer for Mainoo, who made 37 appearances in all competitions last term, and he is desperate to prove his worth as he bids to ensure he bags a place in England's squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The 20-year-old is highly-rated within the dressing room, while he has also been described as 'special' by Red Devils icon Paul Scholes, and he was included in the starting line-up as his boyhood club got their United States tour underway with a narrow victory over West Ham United last weekend.

Tottenham have been hoping that Manchester United would be tempted to entertain offers for Mainoo, GMS sources have learned, leading to the north Londoners attempting to work out what would be deemed an acceptable proposal as new boss Thomas Frank aims to bolster the options he inherited from predecessor Ange Postecoglou.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Kobbie Mainoo won two ground duels and made one key pass during Manchester United's Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in September

Mainoo Pinpointed as Gibbs-White Alternative

Midfielder's versatility leads to admiration from north London

GMS sources have been told that Tottenham upped the ante in their pursuit of Mainoo after it became clear that they will miss out on signing Nottingham Forest talisman Morgan Gibbs-White, but they are set for further frustration as Manchester United are not seeking to do business even though it is not a given that he will be a regular starter under Amorim.

Although the Red Devils made it clear that it would take a bid in the region of £70million to make them consider selling their academy graduate midway through last season, it is intended that he will still be in his current surroundings by the time the summer transfer window slams shut on September 1.

Tottenham are firm admirers of Mainoo because of his ability to play in an advanced role as well as having the quality to be deployed in defensive midfield, GMS sources understand, while they were confident they had spotted a market opportunity to secure an up-and-coming talent who could be added to their homegrown quota.

But Manchester United are aiming to retain their fan favourite, which comes after GMS sources recently revealed that he held positive discussions over his future with Amorim and influential figures behind the scenes are still determined to convince him to agree an improved contract at Old Trafford.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 28/07/2025

Los Angeles FC are advancing in talks to sign Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min, GIVEMESPORT understands. The South Korea international has one year left on his Tottenham contract, but Spurs are willing to sanction an exit this summer.

Son is currently a part of Tottenham's pre-season tour of Asia and contractually obligated to play in a friendly against Newcastle United on August 3 in South Korea. If Spurs sell Son prior to this game, they stand to lose a large portion of commercial revenue. Sources don't expect anything officially to happen before then.

Once Son returns to London, talks will take place with Thomas Frank over his role and minutes this season. Spurs are content to keep Son and let him leave on a free transfer, but won't stand in his way should the 33-year-old decide he wants a fresh challenge now.

Son joined Spurs in 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen and has gone on to make 454 appearances, scoring 173 goals.

Although last season proved disappointing for Spurs in the Premier League, Son lifted his first ever club trophy as Tottenham beat Manchester United to win the Europa League, and in doing so qualified for the Champions League.

LAFC believe a transfer is possible towards the end of the summer window, and are now close to agreeing terms with Son.

LAFC face competition from Saudi Arabia for Son, with dealmakers pursuing him since 2023 and yet to give up hope of pulling off a transfer either. Saudi sources believe Son will leave Spurs this summer are are prepared to pay $40 million, with add-ons, to secure his signature.

Son is a popular figure in the Spurs dressing room and highly-valued on and off the field, which is why Tottenham will allow him freedom to go now or stay an extra 12 months.

Tottenham Hotspur are 'working on' an alternative for Morgan Gibbs-White, after the England international signed a new contract at Nottingham Forest, according to Fabrizio Romano, writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter.

Spurs made a move to secure the signature of Gibbs-White earlier in the summer transfer window, activating his release clause. Unfortunately for the north London club, Forest made a legal complaint due to the nature of their approach, and subsequently, a move fell through, with Gibbs-White signing a new deal with The Tricky Trees on Saturday.

A move to sign Gibbs-White would now appear to be dead in the water, considering he has signed a new contract, at least for this summer. As a result, we could see Spurs make a move to sign another attacking midfielder before the end of the summer transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano: Tottenham 'Working On' Gibbs-White Alternative

They are no names just yet

Writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano has discussed the prospect of Tottenham signing an alternative to Gibbs-White in the summer window. The respected reporter confirms that Spurs are working on it at the moment, but he hasn't mentioned any possible names who could arrive through the door.

"They're working on it [alternative targets for Gibbs-White. As soon as I know, I will tell you."

Reports have suggested that Tottenham have recently held talks over signing a new attacking midfielder over the last few weeks. James McAtee is said to be an option from Manchester City, while they've also spoken to RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons over a possible move, according to reports.

GIVEMESPORT sources recently confirmed that Kobbie Mainoo has been discussed by the north London club. Manchester United haven't given any indication that he could head through the exit door this summer, but Spurs have reached out to try and discover the potential conditions of a deal.

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Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up a move to bring Aleksandar Mitrovic back to the Premier League, according to CaughtOffside.

Ange Postecoglou, last season, became the man to finally end Tottenham’s trophy drought, which spanned 17 years, by winning the Europa League. Emerging triumphant from the competition ensured Spurs’ place in next season’s Champions League as, in the Premier League, Spurs struggled.

The Lilywhites lost 22 games from 38 played, being spared the blushes of a relegation battle solely due to the poor form of the three sides that faced the drop. This was the leading reason for Postecoglou’s eventual dismissal, with the North London side appointing Thomas Frank, formerly of Brentford, as his replacement.

Spurs have already been active in the transfer market, signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United and being linked to other incomings. The club reportedly met the release clause of Morgan Gibbs-White, but the number 10 has since signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest. Now, it appears that Spurs want to strengthen their number nine options.

Mitrovic to Spurs?

Asking price of striker revealed

CaughtOffside have reported that Aleksandar Mitrovic, who earns £416,000 per week, is of interest to Tottenham, who view Mitrovic as “an alternative to Dominic Solanke.” The former Bournemouth striker enjoyed a solid debut season with Spurs, but Richarlison struggled for form and Heung-Min Son has been linked with a move to America.

In Mitrovic, not only would Spurs be signing a proven goalscorer, but one who is no stranger to English football. After a tumultuous tenure with Newcastle United, Mitrovic joined Fulham in 2018 where, across five years, he established himself as a reliable scorer in the Premier League and Championship.

At 30 years old, Mitrovic is in his prime as a player and would reportedly be available for around £26 million. At such a price, the Serbian international could prove to be a brilliant addition for Spurs.

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Tottenham Hotspur have made contact over the potential signing of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, with his contract situation unresolved, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.

Mainoo burst onto the scene at Manchester United, making his Premier League debut against Everton, producing a performance that undoubtedly excited supporters. During the 2024/2025 campaign, Mainoo struggled to nail down a guaranteed starting spot in Ruben Amorim's side, and he's now being linked with a departure.

Tottenham have heavily focused their recruitment on signing young talent from around the world in recent years, and Mainoo would certainly fit into the profile of player they've been targeting. It's a big year approaching for Mainoo, particularly with an international tournament around the corner, so he might have some important decisions to make.

They are moving on from Gibbs-White

According to GIVEMESPORT sources, Tottenham are moving on from Morgan Gibbs-White, who recently signed a new deal with Nottingham Forest despite interest from Spurs. The north London club love the versatility of Manchester United midfielder Mainoo, and they've made some informal enquiries about a potential move to see how difficult a deal will be.

Tottenham have been keeping an eye on Mainoo's contract situation for some time now, and because it is unresolved, they have initiated contact over a possible move. Mainoo, described as an 'elite talent' by Jacek Kulig, has been working hard in pre-season to try and push himself into Amorim's plans, and he looks sharp. The Manchester club have not been seeking a buyer for him this summer, despite him not having an obvious place in the United side.

Mainoo Could Play in Multiple Roles for Tottenham

Spurs hoped Man Utd will cash in

GIVEMESPORT sources have confirmed that Tottenham hope Manchester United will be tempted to cash in on Mainoo at the right number, so they have been trying to work out what sort of fee it would take to prise him away. Spurs love the market opportunity that currently exists around him as a young English player that is currently on a low contract and has clear ambitions to be a Premier League regular.

It's a big year for Mainoo ahead, as he has to prove himself to Thomas Tuchel with the World Cup just around the corner, so this is a huge moment in his career. Mainoo could play as an advanced midfielder or in a more defensive role, so his versatility is valued by Tottenham.

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Tottenham Hotspur will head back to the drawing board in their attempt to sign an attacking midfielder after target Morgan Gibbs-White signed a new deal at Nottingham Forest - and reports have claimed that they will look to sign James McAtee or Xavi Simons, after opening talks to increase the strength of their creative force for new boss Thomas Frank.

The report by TBR Football states that Tottenham have been left 'surprised' by Gibbs-White's decision to stay at Forest and sign a new contract - but that has opened the doors for them to sign two alternative stars in McAtee and Simons.

Report: Tottenham 'Open Talks' to Sign McAtee and Simons

Tottenham have been let down in their Morgan Gibbs-White bid

Gibbs-White initially told Forest that he wanted to join Tottenham, but the Reds' owner Evangelos Marinakis has spent the past fortnight tempting Gibbs-White to stay at the City Ground, which he has done. Tottenham are now ready to move on quickly, and director Johan Lange has held talks with other options McAtee and Simons, with Spurs keen to bolster their attacking midfield ranks.

They have held talks with other unnamed players as well, but the duo are options to fit into Thomas Frank's plans after missing out on the England under-21 star.

McAtee has made 18 Premier League appearances for City in his short career, as well as a further 16 in other competitions - though his 75 outings for Sheffield United have garnered 14 goals and a promotion with the Blades, before finding himself on the cusp of Pep Guardiola's starting XI last season.

However, the arrivals of Omar Marmoush, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki over the past six months have likely pushed him down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium and Tottenham could offer him first-team minutes.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: James McAtee has 12 goals in 32 games for England's youth teams.

Simons, meanwhile, has been heavily linked with Chelsea, but an array of attacking talent could see him miss out on consistent first-team minutes at Stamford Bridge next season, with various competitions to compete in. The RB Leipzig 'superstar' has been on fire since his move to the Bundesliga outfit, and he is highly thought of for both club and country, having already made 28 caps for the Netherlands national team.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 27-07-25.

Tottenham Hotspur could look to hand Dominic Solanke huge competition for a striking spot in the coming weeks of the transfer window, according to reports - with the Lilywhites being touted to make a move for Gabriel Jesus from local rivals Arsenal.

Thomas Frank's men have signed the likes of Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel after their loan spells were turned permanent, whilst Mohammed Kudus has been signed from West Ham United as their marquee signing of the campaign. Alongside various youth players, who will bolster their squad in the coming years in a bid to continue their Champions League qualification frequency after doing so by winning the Europa League last season, Frank may have another trick up his sleeve in the form of former Manchester City star Jesus.

Report: Tottenham 'Keeping Tabs' on Jesus Move

The Brazilian could make the switch across north London

A report by CaughtOffside states that although Jesus has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer, it hasn't quite paid off for him. With that in mind, Spurs are now thought to be 'keeping tabs' on the £265,000-a-week star to bolster their attack, given the huge competition for places at Arsenal at present.

New signing Viktor Gyokeres will undoubtedly be their first-choice striker after moving from Sporting after a year-long transfer saga, whilst German star Kai Havertz will act as his backup, having been in okay form for the Gunners prior to his injury in February.

That leaves Jesus as third-choice, and with the player now being 'in-demand', the report claims that sides across Europe have already initiated contact over his talents.

It's thought that suitors are waiting until he's fully fit to make a decision on whether to sign him or not, making a move in January more realistic - but a short switch over north London has not been ruled out this summer, with Champions League football being on offer to the Brazilian.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Gabriel Jesus has 19 goals in 64 games for Brazil.

Solanke scored nine goals for Tottenham last season in the Premier League in 27 games, although he was their European hero with five goals in 13 outings as Spurs won their first major trophy in 17 years, with goals in both semi-final legs, and the winner in the quarter-final. But Jesus boasts more European experience, and that could be key for the club this season.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 27-07-25.

Once in a while, a true, inspiring footballing cult figure along. Those that can effortlessly endear a collection of supporters, though often going under the radar amid those in the upper echelons of stardom. In fact, there’s the argument that every team needs one.

And you’d be lying if you said Adel Taarabt didn’t spring to mind. Adored by those who filled White Hart Lane on a week-by-week basis, his combination of flair and poise was captivating.

A divisive figure, he was, but when Taarabt stepped on the field, there was a guarantee of excitement. He first moved to England in 2007, moving from RC Lens to Tottenham Hotspur, but things didn’t start terrifically for the talented trickster.

Albeit captivating, the now-36-year-old failed to assert himself as a regular under a trio of managers – Harry Redknapp, Juande Ramos and Martin Jol – in north London. He became something of a journeyman, having played in all corners of the globe, but would things have been much different if he opted for Arsenal instead?

Spurs Cult Hero Taarabt Regrets Not Moving to Rivals Arsenal

‘I think it was a more French club – for me, it would have been easy with Arsene Wenger’

Although incomprehensible for those of a Tottenham persuasion, a move to Arsenal – who were in the infancy of their Emirates era at that point – was on the cards, according to the former Benfica and AC Milan ace, who is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s most skilful players of all time.

He revealed all when speaking to former Tottenham teammate Jamie O’Hara. The two lined up alongside one another on five different occasions, and they recently caught up after Taarabt dialled in on O’Hara’s talkSPORT show.

O’Hara asked whether the fleet-footed Moroccan looks back on his time spent in England glowingly. “Yes, of course!” Taarabt said. “I am a big fan of football; I had a great time. Sometimes I reflect on my career and if I had made some decisions differently, I believe my career would be completely different.”

Taarabt perhaps shocked O’Hara by then insisting that moving to Arsenal may have been more beneficial to him at that point in time. He said, “My first choice that I think was not good – not signing for Tottenham, because Tottenham is a good club. But, at the time, I had the chance to go to Arsenal.”

“I think it was a more French club – for me, it would have been easy with Arsene Wenger, they had a lot of French players. And they were playing well.”

Not only did Arsenal employ more French-speaking players – but the issue was also to do with the fact that big-name players (Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov were named by Taarabt) were at the forefront of Tottenham's future which meant minutes were limited.

“At Tottenham, I arrived in the dressing room with Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, big characters, difficult to get a chance. I followed Damien Comoli, he was at Arsenal, I should’ve gone to Arsenal, but suddenly he was at Tottenham, and he brought me there.”

Taarabt has publicly spoken about the biggest regret of his unorthodox career before. Speaking to The National in 2024, he said that his preference was moving to the red side of north London. "I signed for Tottenham, but I wanted to sign for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, the legendary Frenchman,” he said.

“But (Spurs director of football) Damian Comolli wanted me to go to Tottenham. He told me he was creating something. Gareth Bale arrived at the same time as me, Kyle Walker soon after – it was a good club, but not one that gave young players many chances."

Taarabt’s Unique Career Post-Tottenham

Now 36, he’s playing in the UAE Pro League

Footballers like Taarabt – who, for good reason, is one of the most frustrating players in Premier League history – are a dying breed. They don’t follow patterns of rules and that’s evidenced by his career path following a short stint with Spurs.

He joined Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 2010 after back-to-back loan stints. Loftus Road was often flat – but Taarabt ensured to keep spirits high with glimpses of brilliance, chipping in with an impressive return of 34 goals and 41 assists.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: It took Taarabt, thanks to his route to the first team via the B-team and a loan to Genoa, four years to make his senior debut for Benfica.

His subsequent 16-game loan spell at Fulham may be less memorable, but he still caught the eye of AC Milan, who signed the Fez-born star on loan in January 2014. Spells at Benfica, Genoa, Al-Nasr followed and now, at the age of 36, he’s still playing.

For Sharjah FC in the UAE Pro League, that is. A player able to enchant and frustrate in equal measure, he scored nine goals and six assists in 41 outings last term. Many witnessed what the real Adel Taarabt was about; but it’s a career shrouded in regret.

The important question is: when he eventually hangs up his boots, will the streets ever forget him? Definitely not.

Tottenham Hotspur have decided to let their young sensation Mikey Moore depart on loan this season, according to Football Insider.

The 2024/25 season was a polarising one for Spurs. Ange Postecoglou became the man to finally end Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought by guiding them to Europa League success, but in the Premier League, the club finished just one place above the bottom three, losing 22 games from a possible 38.

As such, the Lilywhites decided to part ways with Postecoglou, choosing to replace him with Thomas Frank who, in a seven-year tenure at Brentford, took the Bees from the Championship to the Premier League and established the club in the top flight.

Spurs have wasted little time in strengthening their side for Frank, signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United and pursuing Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest with Champions League football to prepare for. Tottenham are exploring further deals alongside the aforementioned pair.

Now, though, it would seem the club have decided to let one of their younger talents leave on a temporary basis.

Moore to Leave

Numerous clubs have shown interest

Football Insider have reported that, despite Frank’s wish to keep Moore, the teenager has requested a loan move in order to receive more first-team minutes. Debuting in 2024 as Spurs’ youngest-ever player, Moore had further chances with the first team last season, becoming the club’s youngest goalscorer in Europe and breaking a record set by legend Jimmy Greaves in the process.

As per Football Insider, a number of Championship clubs, namely Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion, are interested in signing Moore, who would certainly be a starter for the majority of clubs within the English second tier. Still under 18 years old at the time of writing, Moore, dubbed a "generational" talent, could spend time away from Spurs and still feasibly become a long-serving first-team player in North London.

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Tottenham Hotspur have made contact with Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha over a summer transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Spurs have had a relatively quiet start to the transfer window compared to their fellow 'Big Six' clubs. With Mohammed Kudus through the door, and the young Japanese defender, Kota Takai, signing on the dotted line, that completes the north London side's transfer business so far.

Alongside the loan deals for Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel becoming permanent, the Lilywhites are now awaiting their next incoming. That player that looked to be Morgan Gibbs-White, but a move that has since stalled due to legal issues, it appears Spurs will now turn their attention to Palhinha, having contacted the Portuguese player's camp.

No formal proposal, but further action expected in the coming weeks

Hoping to bolster in the middle of the park, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Frank's side have 'genuine interest' in Palhinha, who has been described as 'world-class', and have made an initial approach to his camp to discuss a move.

Having arrived in Germany just last season, the midfielder managed just 25 games, with a move away from the Bundesliga champions, where he earns £200,000-a-week, appearing most likely.

Having achieved great personal success with Fulham, playing for the Cottagers for two seasons, and establishing himself as a viable Premier League midfielder, it seems a move back to the league is on the cards.

In what would be considered a more than sturdy signing, he will help add depth to the Spurs' midfield, and potentially replace players like Yves Bissouma, who appear more out than in. In addition to the links to Italian defender Giovanni Leoni, it seems Tottenham are getting ready to dabble in the market again.

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