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Tottenham Hotspur have moved quickly after missing out on Cody Gakpo and agreed on a deal with Everton for Iliman Ndiaye.

The Toffees star had been on the Lilywhites' radar and viewed as an ideal Gakpo alternative should they fail to sign the Liverpool forward. The Dutchman has opted to join Manchester City, but it's taken just a day for Roberto De Zerbi's transfer chiefs to react.

David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that Tottenham have reached an agreement in principle with Everton for Ndiaye to join the North Londoners and Richarlison heading in the opposite direction. Both players are set to undergo medicals and agree on personal terms before completing their respective moves.

Tottenham Agree Ndiaye Deal

Ornstein notes in his report that the deals for Ndiaye and Richarlison are separate and not part of a swap deal. City had also shown interest in the Senegalese winger, and Everton were open to the possibility of him heading to the Etihad and Jack Grealish returning to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

City turned to Gakpo and got the green light from the player on Saturday, handing Spurs a setback given they were working on a deal for the Liverpool star. With the Cityzens now closing in on an £85 million deal for the Dutch attacker, this has paved the way for Roberto De Zerbi's transfer chiefs to pounce for Ndiaye.

Ndiaye played in Everton's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday but it wasn't the 26-year-old whom fans were concerned was headed for the exit door. Harrison Armstrong had been set to join Nottingham Forest in a £40m deal, but backlash has led to a U-turn.

They are now set to sell Ndiaye to Spurs instead, and De Zerbi is landing a much-desired creative attacker following a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday. His future has been the subject of speculation throughout the summer having turned down multiple contract extension offers last season.

Ndiaye is said to have 'behaved professionally' despite talk of a potential exit during the transfer window. Should he complete a move to North London, he'll become De Zerbi's third attacking signing following the arrivals of Omar Marmoush and Savio from City.

Richarlison Set For Everton Return

While Ndiaye's move to Spurs is the main talking point, there is also plenty to discuss about Richarlison returning to Everton. The Brazilian forward made a name for himself during a four-year spell at Goodison Park.

Richarlison left on good terms back in July 2022 when he joined the Lilywhites in a £60m deal. His time at the capital club has been a topsy-turvy one, failing to become a fan favourite as he was while on Merseyside.

The 29-year-old has spent nine years in England and has been keen to stay in the country where his family is settled. He'll be getting the opportunity to do so while earning more game time under David Moyes at Hill Dickinson.

Fabrizio Romano picked out Everton's Iliman Ndiaye as a Cody Gakpo alternative for Tottenham Hotspur while speaking on GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness.

Gakpo had been one of Spurs' top targets, but the Liverpool forward has opted to join Manchester City. It comes as a setback for Roberto De Zerbi who wanted to add the Dutchman to an attack that is crying out for more firepower.

The Lilywhites have made a nightmare start to the season, losing 3-0 to Brentford in their opener and 2-0 at home to Newcastle United on Saturday. They have yet to score a goal and despite spending heavily in the transfer market, there are still glaring issues in De Zerbi's squad.

Romano: Tottenham Could Use Swap Deal For Ndiaye

Gakpo was viewed as a multi-functional attacker who could play out on the left wing or as a centre-forward. He won't be heading to North London though, as he has chosen to join City in a deal which could be worth up to £85 million.

Romano has already hinted at Spurs' plan should they miss out on the 27-year-old, and he believes they could move for Ndiaye. He also mentioned during an appearance on GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast the possibility of a swap deal:

"Iliman Ndiaye could be a possibility in case the Gakpo deal doesn't happen. He's a player who is appreciated and they could discuss also Richarlison as part of the conversations with Everton so that's an option too."

Ndiaye is one of the Premier League's most highly-regarded attacking talents and has impressed during his spell on Merseyside. He's been another name linked with most of the big six clubs, and while his reported £80m price tag might be offputting, De Zerbi's bosses could look to use Richarlison as a makeweight after missing out on Gakpo.

Everton are weighing up a big-money sale and have received a £40m offer from Nottingham Forest for rising star Harrison Armstrong. The Hill Dickinson faithful made their feelings clear over selling the 19-year-old, chanting for the higher-ups not to sell in a 1-1 draw away to Bournemouth.

Richarlison's future at Spurs has been in doubt throughout the summer, although he's believed to be keen on staying in England where he and his family have lived for nine years. A return to the Toffees has been mooted for quite some time given his successful spell at Goodison Park before joining the Lilywhites for £60m.

Tottenham transfer targets

Cody Gakpo - Chosen Man City

Iliman Ndiaye - Potential swap deal considered

Anatoliy Trubin - New goalkeeper option

Igor Matanovic - Still interested in Freiburg striker

Gakpo Snub Might be Blessing in Disguise

For most Tottenham fans, Ndiaye might represent a more exciting signing than Gakpo but the pair have contrasting profiles. While the Everton star is more of a dynamic and creative attacker, the Liverpool ace's game is based more on his movement and clinical finishing abilities.

While Spurs clearly still have issues in front of goal, Ndiaye may be a better fit given Omar Marmoush's arrival from City. The Egyptian will be keen to lead the line and De Zerbi also has Dominic Solanke to turn to.

Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi had been a top target but the French striker suffered an injury during pre-season. It's believed that the North London club have decided to wait until next year to pursue a deal and that might prove beneficial if they sign Ndiaye rather than Gakpo who'd be another centre-forward option.

Tottenham Hotspur's disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign continued on Saturday evening as they fell to defeat against Newcastle United.

After nearly suffering relegation last campaign, Tottenham have spent big this summer in the hopes that they could challenge for European football once more. The likes of Matheus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, Savio and Jan Paul van Hecke have all joined the club for big money.

However, despite their summer splurge, they have opened up the campaign with back-to-back defeats.

They were crushed by Brentford in their opening match of the Premier League season, with the Bees running out comfortable 3-0 winners at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Spurs were then beaten again on Saturday evening as Newcastle ran out 2-0 winners at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Second half goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa mean that Spurs currently occupy 20th place in the Premier League table.

The Three Players That Have Asked to Leave Spurs

It could be a busy end to the transfer window for Spurs. It is believed that the north London club could still sign another attacker, with Cody Gakpo linked with a move to the club.

As well as incomings, there could also be some outgoings. De Zerbi revealed after the defeat to Newcastle that three players have asked to leave the club before the transfer window slams shut.

"Richarlison, he's said too many times he wants to leave," the Spurs head coach said, per talkSPORT. "[Kevin] Danso came to me two days ago, and he said he wants to leave.

"The other player, [Pape Matar] Sarr, is the same but he's suffered a small injury. But, he's almost ready to train."

All three players were not included in Spurs' matchday squad for their defeat to Newcastle. He added: "I love these players, and they are great guys. I have very good relationships.

"But, if they want to leave, they have to bring the economic solution to the club and they can go, and we'll find other players."

Roberto De Zerbi Says Newcastle Result Was 'Unfair'

De Zerbi has claimed that his side deserved better against Newcastle. He told the BBC: "We can improve in the defensive phases but today was an unfair result. Disappointed for the result because, until the first goal we conceded, we played better than Newcastle.

"We are disappointed for the result and [for] our fans. We are working to be a great team. When we become a team, we can change the story of the last two seasons for Tottenham.

He added: "Forget the result. I am not angry, we are working well and were unlucky today with the result.

"There is no panic. I know where we are going and what the plan is. I'm sorry for the fans for the result. We have to improve. We have to work hard on the pitch and find the connection between the players."

Tottenham return to action on Saturday, September 5, when they travel to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool's stance on an exit for Cody Gakpo has been revealed by Fabrizio Romano on GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast, as Manchester City advance in talks for the Tottenham Hotspur target.

Gakpo could be on his way out of Liverpool this summer, with Andoni Iraola interested in further freshening up his attacking line amid the imminent arrival of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Bradley Barcola.

But Barcola's arrival will have no influence over Gakpo, given he is effectively replacing Mo Salah, so Liverpool would have to find another new attacker to replace the Dutchman before he can be allowed to leave. Tottenham have already signed Savinho and Omar Marmoush to strengthen their attack, but despite a club-record transfer window in terms of spending, they could add another attacker, although it will likely depend on the exit of a forward like Richarlison.

As for City, they have, of course, lost Savinho and Marmoush, albeit the latter is only at Spurs on loan, so Enzo Maresca needs more attacking options this summer. Gakpo has been identified as a possible target.

Writing about the situation on X, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano posted: "Cody Gakpo’s future will be decided after today’s game with key meetings set to take place. Manchester City still heavily involved in talks to sign the Dutch winger, Tottenham there since July. But Liverpool will only sell Cody if they can get a top replacement."

Those comments come after Romano had said the following on GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast:

"So in case of exit for Cody Gakpo in these final days of the window, Liverpool are still considering the possibility to add one more winger. So Gakpo only leaves if one more winger joins. That's always been the situation."

Liverpool are preparing to spend as much as £120million including £17million of add-ons for Barcola, and it's likely they would spend upwards of £70million to properly replace Gakpo, but they are likely to make that kind of money on the Dutchman in any case.

Gakpo's Premier League stats 2025/26

Appearances: 36

Goals: 7

Assists: 5

Pass success: 78.5%

Key passes: 1.5 per game

Shots: 2.4 per game

Man City hold the advantage

Spurs likely need to make room for Gakpo at this point, having spent well over £300million. There is talk that Richarlison could leave the club, but the deadline is now only a couple of days away, and pulling that off could be a tricky feat.

Now, Gakpo appears to have chosen a move to the Etihad anyway, preferring to join the eight-time Premier League champions rather than moving to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

City have money to spend after offloading Savinho for a big fee and cutting Marmoush's wages for this season. City have spent big this summer, but they will be able to spend £70million or so on Gakpo, and it looks as though their interest is indeed serious.

Sunderland have made a late move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Danso who has found game time hard to come by under Roberto De Zerbi.

Spurs are well stocked in defence following the arrival of Marcos Senesi as a free agent after leaving Bournemouth and Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion for £52 million. De Zerbi handed Micky van de Ven the captain's armband after the Dutchman signed a contract extension.

Cristian Romero departed earlier this summer, joining Atletico Madrid in a £34m deal, but that hasn't changed the situation for Danso. The Austrian has fallen down De Zerbi's pecking order and sat out a 3-0 defeat to Brentford in the Lilywhites' season opener.

Spurs Reject Sunderland's Kevin Danso Offer

Danso came off the bench in Tottenham's much-needed 5-1 thrashing of EFL Championship outfit Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup midweek. He scored his first goal for the club before clashing heads with an opposition defender and requiring stitches.

Having only appeared for 25 minutes in that match, it's clear he'll be handed limited first-team opportunities this season. Sunderland have set their sights on the 27-year-old, who joined the North Londoners from French side Lens for £20.9m last summer after spending the second half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan.

According to Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport, Spurs have rejected the Black Cats' offer to sign Danso on a season-long loan. It's unclear whether Regis Le Bris' Wearside outfit will continue pursuing the Austrian ahead of next Tuesday's deadline day.

Danso will be eager to play regularly at this stage of his career, and a move to the Stadium of Light would grant him the chance to play in Europe. Le Bris' men are set for their debut Europa League campaign and have drawn Serie A giants AC Milan in the league phase.

De Zerbi Sends Telling Message to Danso

De Zerbi may well have had Danso in mind after sending a message to players who want out during his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's encounter with Newcastle United. He told reporters:

"If you want to leave and you have not found an offer, it's your problem, not mine. I give respect, I kiss you, I hug you and you have to stay calm inside of the dressing room - not speak too much - because the rules have been clear from the beginning and the end. It's not my problem."

Danso has not indicated he wants out and called scoring his first goal for Spurs 'something special'. He has four years left on his contract and put in some impressive displays during last season's run-in.

Tottenham transfer targets

Cody Gakpo - Handed boost for Liverpool star

Iliman Ndiaye - Swap deal involving Richarlison under consideration

Anatoliy Trubin - Benfica goalkeeper emerges as late target

Igor Matanovic - Three-horse race for Freiburg striker

It remains to be seen whether the Lilywhites' stance is that they prefer a sale rather than a loan. With just three days before the transfer window closes, Sunderland must decide whether to return with another offer for the player or look elsewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to respond to their dire opening-day defeat to Brentford when they host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

The Lilywhites were battered by the Bees at the Gtech Community Stadium in the first game of Roberto De Zerbi's first full season as the North London club's manager. Goals from Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Janelt and Michael Kayode condemned Spurs to a miserable start with their new-look squad.

Meanwhile, Mathias Jaissle's tenure as Newcastle boss got off to a much more positive start, although it ultimately ended in disappointment. The Magpies were denied all three points at home to Liverpool, conceding a 99th-minute Dominik Szoboszlai penalty.

GIVEMESPORT has taken a look at the team news for both sides and how they could line up on Saturday.

Tottenham Team News

De Zerbi's squad is slowly returning to full fitness, with the likes of Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie all available after early-season injury issues. That said, the Italian still has a number of long-term absentees he'll have to cope without.

Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert are still on their respective roads to recovery following ACL setbacks, while Dejan Kulusevski remains absent with his own lengthy knee injury. Meanwhile, James Maddison suffered an unfortunate shoulder injury this week, and Pape Sarr is currently being assessed ahead of the weekend's fixture as he recovers from a thigh problem.

Mohammed Kudus is said to be making good progress in his rehabilitation from a thigh issue which has kept him out of action for several months. Omar Marmoush could make his debut after joining from Man City on a loan with an obligation to buy.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi dropped an update on his squad ahead of the game.

“Yes, we are all in the right condition to play.

“Maybe Kudus can come on the bench, we have to see. Van de Ven is right to play. We have to look, we have to understand at the beginning part of the game, like Savio, like Pedro. Marmoush is available to play, maybe also at the beginning of the game.”

Predicted Tottenham XI

De Zerbi named something of a makeshift eleven against Brentford last weekend, with the attack in particular certainly not reflective of what Tottenham might be able to put out for the majority of the season. He should have some more inspiring options available to him for the visit of the Tynesiders.

Savinho completed his move from Manchester City earlier this week, and is in line for his Premier League debut for the Lilywhites off the right. He'll come in for Mikey Moore, while Mateus Fernandes could be handed his first league start alongside Sandro Tonali in the double pivot.

Richarlison is likely to lead the line again, with Mathys Tel clinging on to his starting spot off the left. This game may come too early for Micky van de Ven to start, meaning Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi should keep their places on the left-hand side of Spurs' defence.

Predicted Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Senesi, Robertson; Tonali, Fernandes; Savio, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison.

Predicted Tottenham Substitutes: Dubravka (GK), Gray (DEF), Van de Ven (DEF), Udogie (DEF), Bergvall (MID), Bentancur (MID), Solanke (FWD), Kudus (FWD), Marmoush (FWD).

Newcastle Team News

Jaissle has two fresh injury issues to contend with from the opening week of the season. Will Osula sustained an ankle setback this week and has been ruled out of action until mid-September. Meanwhile, Bazoumana Toure came off at half-time of Wednesday's League Cup clash with West Brom. The Ivorian faces a late fitness test to determine his availability.

Tino Livramento continues to fight his way back from a calf issue, and while he's been ruled out for the trip to Tottenham, he's said to be close to a return. Joelinton is still weeks away from fully recovering from his thigh strain, while Dan Burn is out until after the first international break with an ankle problem.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Jaissle dropped an update on his side ahead of the game.

"He [Gonzalez] trained with us and he looked sharp. He's an option. He is a smart player, he has huge potential, and already he brings huge quality to the squad.

"[Osula] is working hard in the rehab like all the others: Joelinton and Dan Burn as well. There is a great spirit when I see them in the morning, so hopefully they're all back as soon as possible. He is now getting the best treatment, with a fantastic medical department, but it is too early to give a clear prognosis and timeframe when he is back... He's working hard in the rehab like all the others.

"First of all, we're happy that he [Livramento] is back in training. Now, also fully integrated, he still follows some of his individual program. Sooner than later he is fully back in training, and then we can also talk [about] the squad when he is able to be in the matchday squad, getting the first minutes. But again, step-by-step, and take our time.

"He [Toure] was feeling a bit of pain in one of the first actions, but that should be fine for the weekend. Of course, we didn't want to take any risk, but he should be fine."

Predicted Newcastle XI

Jaissle deployed Yoane Wissa as a number ten against Liverpool, but the DR Congo international is likely to move to his more natural striker role with Osula out, with Nicolas Woltemade expected to be used from the bench. This will create room for one of Joe Willock or Jacob Ramsey to come into the side, with the former likely to get the nod after scoring off the bench against the Merseysiders last week.

This game might just come too early for Nico Gonzalez, who signed from Manchester City this week, meaning Sean Steur and Lewis Miley may continue their youthful partnership at the base of Newcastle's midfield. The rest of the team will stay the same from the Liverpool clash, with new signings Amar Dedic and Lukas Hornicek continuing to integrate.

Toby Bryant is a senior sports journalist who has been working with GiveMeSport since July 2026.

Formerly of LondonWorld, Toby previously worked on patch in the capital covering some of the country's biggest clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and West Ham.

Toby previously worked as a Sports Lifestyle Writer across the Iconic Media titles, having come through local news in Brighton and Newcastle.

Previous work has included The Daily Mail, The Daily Mirror, FantasyFootballScout, FourFourTwo Magazine, Metro and The Irish Times.

Toby is a graduate from Newcastle University and achieved his NCTJ qualification with the News Associates, before obtaining his senior NQJ while working with Iconic Media.

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Nottingham Forest are expected to launch a late hijack for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr before the end of the transfer window, as Oliver Glasner looks to add the final pieces to his squad at the City Ground. Xaver Schlager has already arrived at Forest from RB Leipzig on a free transfer to shore up midfield and came off the bench against Leeds last weekend, but another face is needed to make up for the loss of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City. Nottingham Forest could take their shopping to Premier League rivals Tottenham, who now have a surplus of midfield options following the marquee arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. Spurs are looking to offset a big summer of spending, which could open the door for Forest to hijack a deal for Sarr.

Nottingham Forest plot hijack for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder

Sky Sports reports that Sarr has his heart set on a move to Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco, with the French side pushing to complete a deal in the coming days. However, it's now stated that Forest have the financial clout to make Spurs favour a sale to a top-flight rival. It's claimed that the midfielder's 'absolute priority' is AS Monaco, with the club big admirers of the 23-year-old. An AS Monaco move would depend on an exit for Folarin Balogun, who has been linked with Spurs and Barcelona, to free up the necessary funds. Forest already have the money needed to meet Spurs' asking price of around £20 million to sanction the sale of Sarr. A loan move is also possible, and a temporary exit could see other teams enter the transfer race.

Which Club Is Actually The BIGGEST?

What is clear is that Tottenham want to have Sarr off the wage books for the 2026/27 campaign. Sky Sports claim that the player's relationship with the club and Roberto De Zerbi is broken and that Sarr is putting huge pressure on Spurs to finalise his exit. The midfielder had reached personal terms with Turkish side Galatasaray, but a bid of £15 million was a long way off the London side's valuation and that exit route was shut down.

Transfer Verdict: Pape Matar Sarr must be open to Nottingham Forest move

The Sky Sports report suggests that Sarr has Tottenham in the palm of his hand when it comes to his transfer exit. The club are desperate to move him on and the midfielder appears to be willing to move only to Monaco. That move would be a shame for the 23-year-old. Like many of his teammates, Sarr struggled at Spurs last season, but he still has his best years ahead of him and shouldn't call it a day in the Premier League.

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Quiz

Score

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

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Fee

Player

All 10 found — excellent!

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In September last season, Sarr looked to have been transformed by former manager Thomas Frank and was putting in barnstorming box-to-box performances. That run of form didn't last long, but it points to a player who can really dominate against Premier League opposition. The feeling is that Sarr needs to fall back in love with playing for a club again. When speaking about the player in 2024, Ange Postecoglou said: “Pape has a super energy about him. Every day he trains with a smile on his face but he works damn hard.

"I think he's a really exciting footballer. He's one of these midfielders you need these days, he's very dynamic, he covers the ground really well, defensively and offensively.

"He gets into the box, he's scored a couple of goals for us this year. His technical ability is strong and he's a good ball carrier as well, and he's still young. He's another one who I feel there is so much more growth in, in all aspects. I just really like his general demeanour. He feels like he's been blessed to have this opportunity and he's going to do everything to make the most out of it." Nottingham Forest could provide the perfect chance for Sarr to become that dynamic midfielder again. The departure of Anderson leaves a hole to be filled, and players such as Eberechi Eze, Adam Wharton and Will Hughes have all flourished under Glasner in the past. It's a new era at the City Ground and there's a Sarr-sized hole at Forest.

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Tottenham Making Late-Window Move to Sign 6 ft 6 Giant 'One to Watch'

Roberto De Zerbi has previously coached him.

Tottenham Hotspur look poised to make a late move for one of Roberto De Zerbi's former goalkeepers following Antonin Kinsky's disappointing display in a 3-0 loss to Brentford.

Kinsky had been viewed as De Zerbi's new number one heading into the new season after bouncing back from a horror showing against Atletico Madrid in March. The Czech shot-stopper put in several impressive performances in the latter stages of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.

There are now question marks over Kinsky continuing between the sticks after a nervy outing at the Gtech Community Stadium last weekend. Spurs sent Guglielmo Vicario out on loan to Juventus, and De Zerbi doesn't appear to view new signing Martin Dubravka as a viable option as a first-choice goalkeeper.

Tottenham Could Swoop For Trubin

Tottenham are leaving it late but could reportedly turn to Benfica's Anatoliy Trubin in the closing stages of this summer's transfer window. Club insider Paul O'Keefe reports that the Lilywhites have had a 'glancing eye' at the Ukrainian who knows De Zerbi well.

De Zerbi coached Trubin in the early stages of his career at Shakhtar Donetsk, and a reunion might be on the cards. O'Keefe feels it's 'one to watch' while downplaying suggestions they could move for Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, who is instead headed to Chelsea.

Trubin has impressed since joining Benfica from Shakhtar back in the summer of 2023 and famously scored a late winner in a 4-2 win over Real Madrid last season. At 25, he is entering his prime, and his connection with De Zerbi could be hugely beneficial for the North London outfit if they were to sign him.

The Ukrainian explained the Spurs manager's influence on him when speaking to Sky Sports earlier this year:

"He opened my eyes to another way of playing football for me, even as a goalkeeper."

Trubin made 18 appearances under De Zerbi, keeping six clean sheets, and the pair won the Ukrainian league twice. One of his strengths is his composure on the ball, and, at six-foot-six-inches, his towering presence would make him one of the top five tallest goalkeepers in the Premier League.

De Zerbi Needs A New Number One

As admirable as it is to see Kinsky put that dreadful Atletico Madrid night behind him, he still has yet to prove he's a worthy number one for the North Londoners. He has made some outstanding saves, none more so than against Leeds United back in May, which helped De Zerbi's men avoid the drop.

Kinsky is still young and needs to develop further, and in goalkeeping years, doesn't have anywhere near enough experience to be a number one for a club chasing European qualification. He is a strong option to have available as an understudy to a shot-stopper with more years playing at the elite level.

Trubin could be the answer for De Zerbi, and he certainly fits the bill with his size and confidence. During his time at Shakhtar under the current Spurs boss, he won the Ukrainian league's Goalkeeper of the Year award twice.

Tottenham Hotspur remain in the race for one of the Bundesliga's most highly-rated forwards, Igor Matanovic, despite the arrival of Omar Marmoush from Manchester City.

Marmoush joined Spurs on an initial loan with a £60 million obligation to buy, and Roberto De Zerbi has finally landed a much-needed striker. A dismal 3-0 defeat to Brentford in their season opener made it clear problems remain despite a record-breaking summer of transfer business.

The Lilywhites have also bolstered their options out wide as Savinho joined the club for £85 million days before Marmoush and even got on the scoresheet in a 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic on Wednesday. Even with two new attackers arriving in North London, it seems De Zerbi wants more firepower.

Tottenham Remain in Matanovic Race

Tottenham have been linked with Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic throughout the summer, and they are still noted as a potential destination for the Croatian. In the latest edition of the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, it claimed that Fiorentina had joined the race for the young frontman, but a move to the Serie A club is seen as 'difficult but not impossible'.

The Italians are now working on a deal to sign Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee, which indicates they have pivoted. Matanovic is also on the Red Devils' radar and Michael Carrick will want a replacement before the window closes.

Marmoush's arrival at Spurs might give United the advantage as there are now three centre-forwards in De Zerbi's squad. Richarlison and Dominic Solanke's futures have been the subject of speculation, but there's been no concrete interest in the duo.

Matanovic has been one to watch in the Bundesliga, likened to Croatian legend Mario Mandzukic and scoring 11 top-flight goals last season. At six feet five inches, he is a modern target man who is a real handful for defenders, and his physicality could suit the Premier League.

Tottenham transfer targets

Igor Matanovic - Interest remains in Freiburg star

Cody Gakpo - Handed boost for Liverpool forward

Jean-Philippe Mateta - Another forward option

Rafael Leao - Hijack opportunity presented

Spurs Must Sell Richarlison or Solanke

If Spurs are to move for Matanovic, they will surely have to sell either Richarlison or Solanke. There is no chance the higher-ups will sanction a pursuit of the Croat if they are unable to offload one of De Zerbi's number nines.

Richarlison started in the defeat to Brentford last Saturday, while Solanke came off the bench. Neither did themselves any favours with their performances at the Gtech Community Stadium, and the club might ponder bringing in a more reliable frontman for one of the pair.

Moving Richarlison, 29, on has been a struggle, and the Brazilian is in the final year of his contract. He's thought to be keen on remaining in England, where he's spent the last nine years of his career.

Recurring injury problems have held Solanke, 28, back from shining in North London and he's failed to live up to expectations. With such little time left in the transfer window, the chances of selling either of them are fading.

Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo after the Reds agreed a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola, according to David Ornstein.

Despite enduring a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, scoring just seven league goals across 35 appearances, Gakpo has attracted interest from Spurs and Manchester City this summer. The former have been heavily linked with a move for the Dutchman throughout the window, but haven't been able to reach an agreement with Liverpool over a deal.

The Merseysiders have now sourced a potential replacement in Barcola, agreeing a deal that could rise to £120 million with PSG for the Frenchman.

This move could free Gakpo up for a departure, with Spurs and City expected to accelerate their interest in the final days of the window.

Tottenham Given Renewed Hope in Cody Gakpo Pursuit

Spurs signed Savinho from City earlier this week and are expected to complete the acquisition of Omar Marmoush shortly. Many believed these two additions would signal the end of the North London club's frivolous spending for this summer, but there may still be room for one more.

With Savinho likely to be deployed off the right and Marmoush likely to be predominantly used centrally, there is still a void on the left-hand side of Spurs' attack. Gakpo has long been mooted as their primary target for this position, and the deal could certainly still materialise.

According to Ornstein (via the Athletic), the potential arrival of Barcola in the north-west could have 'knock-on effects' for Gakpo, who is still the subject of interest from Tottenham.

That said, City are also understood to be courting the 27-year-old and are likely to rival the Lilywhites for his signature.

There is still said to be significant work to be done on the Barcola deal, meaning the Gakpo saga may ultimately stretch to as late as deadline day. However, a breakthrough in negotiations for the PSG star certainly provides Spurs with reasons for optimism.

Tottenham Should Be Afraid of Man City Interest in Gakpo

While this can be viewed as a boost for Spurs in their pursuit of Gakpo, they should be incredibly wary of City's interest.

The Citizens have decimated their forward options this summer, with Savinho and Marmoush leaving, while Jack Grealish is still expected to follow the aforementioned duo out the door.

If Marmoush and Grealish do indeed leave the Etihad, Enzo Maresca will be left with the following forward options:

Erling Haaland

Antoine Semenyo

Jeremy Doku

Phil Foden

Claudio Echeverri

Jeremy Monga

A deal for Palmeiras winger Allan is said to be advancing, but even with the Brazilian, this isn't adequate depth for a team with title aspirations.

Thus, if City push for Gakpo, they're more than likely to be capable of gazumping Spurs to his signature.