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Tottenham finally acting like a big club with Mateus Fernandes deal as Roberto De Zerbi factor irresistible

Outmuscling Manchester United financially is a real sign of the times as Lewis Family stick to their word

Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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When the Lewis Family released a statement at the end of May saying they would invest in Tottenham’s playing squad, they also noted that actions speak louder than words.

At the time, that statement was met with skepticism by Spurs supporters after years of poor recruitment and successive 17th-place finishes.

However, as they close in on their fifth signing of a busy summer transfer window, with Mateus Fernandes set to undergo a medical ahead of a club-record £85million move, there can be no denying that Spurs’ owners have been true to their word.

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Fernandes will join £52m man Jan Paul van Hecke, as well as free signings Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, as part of Roberto De Zerbi’s rebuild, and it seems Spurs are not intent on stopping there.

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali remains of interest to Spurs despite the imminent arrival of Fernandes, and the north London club appear comfortable with breaking their record transfer again to sign the 26-year-old.

Any deal for Tonali will likely take a fee in excess of £90m to complete, but De Zerbi wants Tonali and Fernandes to form the basis of his midfield revamp.

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Spurs’ interest in longstanding target, and Manchester City winger, Savinho suggests they also want to make additions in attack, and their spending is likely to climb beyond £200m this summer.

Titles are not won in the transfer window, as Liverpool can attest to last season, and De Zerbi’s ability to bed in so many new additions will be pivotal to whether Spurs are successful next term.

But the Lewis Family have at least shown vision and ambition as they attempt to learn from the mistakes of last season.

Beating Manchester United to the signature of Fernandes marks a change from last summer, when Spurs missed out on deals for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze.

While credit must also be given to the pace at which Spurs are getting deals over the line in a World Cup summer.

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They have identified problem areas, though many were staring them in the face, and addressed them quickly to ensure players have plenty of time to adapt to what De Zerbi wants.

Roberto De Zerbi has been reunited with Jan Paul van Hecke

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Spurs took until July 10 to seal their first major signing of last summer, when they announced the arrival of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham.

They then failed to bring in another permanent signing until August 29, when they belatedly secured a deal for Xavi Simons after missing out on Gibbs-White and Eze.

Spurs’ business so far this summer has been more aggressive, more considered and more ambitious.

There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the Premier League’s biggest teams right now, with Liverpool, Chelsea and City all appointing new managers, and this presents an opportunity for Spurs.

Despite last season’s debacle, Spurs are not under any major financial constraints and can match players’ wage demands while boasting one of the most revered managers in the division.

De Zerbi is a big pull for Spurs, and the fact that he has so consistently spoken with belief about what the club can achieve makes his vision an easy sell to potential targets.

After securing Premier League survival on the final day last season, De Zerbi deserved the backing of the club. Spurs supporters will hope this is the start rather than the end of their ambitions.

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Tottenham hope to wrap up a club-record-smashing deal for Mateus Fernandes this week after beating Manchester United to the midfielder.

Spurs joined the race to sign the Portuguese star late, but on Tuesday won a bidding war with Man Utd.

Fernandes was prepared to join either club, as his agent, Jorge Mendes, negotiated with the rival bidders, but Spurs’ superior financial might sealed the deal for £85million.

With Fernandes set to return to pre-season with West Ham on Monday, Spurs want the deal concluded before then.

Standard Sport understands that Spurs have been given permission to book a medical for Fernandes.

Personal terms are not expected to be a problem, with Fernandes likely to be made among Spurs’ highest-earners.

Fernandes is set to become Spurs’ fifth summer signing, and the most expensive in their history.

Spurs have already added Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka on free signings, and coughed up £52m for Jan Paul van Hecke.

The club could break their transfer record for the second time in a week as talks remain ongoing with Newcastle over a deal for Sandro Tonali.

Another Man Utd target, Tonali is said to be open to the move to Spurs in a deal which is expected to cost upwards of £90m in transfer fees.

Kinsky, who is poised to sign a new long-term contract at Spurs, ruled himself out of the Czech Republic’s World Cup squad this summer to undergo a minor medical procedure so he could be ready in time for the new season.

That decision came after the 23-year-old had played his way back into contention at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a number of impressive performances as Roberto De Zerbi’s side survived relegation on the final day against Everton.

"I faced the same situation when I was at Liverpool, back in 2013, when I announced that I wanted to leave for Arsenal,” Suarez told El Larguero.

“The captain, Gerrard, came to me. Arsenal were in the Champions League, and Liverpool weren’t, and I wanted to leave because I wanted to play in that competition. Gerrard convinced me to stay, telling me, 'You can’t go to Arsenal this year; if you have a great season, and we're going to have one, with the manager, the club, and everyone helping you, you’ll be able to go to Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or wherever you want.

“The choice will be yours, but for this year, stay here.' He convinced me. I publicly apologised at the time because my earlier comments hadn't been good; I committed myself fully to Liverpool, and within two or three games, the fans loved me. It turned out to be my best season at the club."

City struck a £116million agreement with Nottingham Forest last night to sign the midfielder, who will move to the Etihad Stadium on a salary of around £300,000 per week, if bonuses are achieved.

The Argentine, who joined the Italian side back in 2024 from Real Madrid, had a cheap buyback clause in his contract at the Serie A club, which Madrid triggered this summer.

Paz, however, wanted to stay at Como, who have now paid Real a fee to keep the midfielder, rather than have him move back to Spain.

The winger was a standout performer despite the Clarets getting relegated from the Premier League last term, and now, the Bees are interested in bringing him to west London.

The Czech was established the preferred No1 in the absence of Guglielmo Vicario for the remainder of the campaign, despite his glaring errors in the Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid under Igor Tudor.

“Whether I’ll be the starter or the backup is something the coach will decide. In my mind, I’ve always been the No1, even when I was on the bench. I’ll take the same approach now, and I believe it’ll work out.”

Both Spurs and Man Utd had made the young Portuguese a priority summer signing as the Hammers welcomed a bidding war.

Both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were also said to hold an interest in one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders

Fernandes was prepared to join either club, as his agent, Jorge Mendes, negotiated with the rival bidders.

And Standard Sport understands that Spurs have triumphed, beating Man Utd to their no1 summer target with bigger financial outlay.

Spurs will pay a guaranteed £85m fix fee for the 21-year-old, easily surpassing the previous club-record £65m purchase of Dominic Solanke in 2024.

Man Utd’s finances could not match Spurs’ might, both in terms of fee and player salary.

Fernandes will now become Spurs’ fifth summer signing, after Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka.

Man Utd will now look at alternative midfield options after suffering a huge blow to their summer plans.

West Ham players return to training next week, and Spurs will now look to wrap up the deal in time for Fernandes to begin pre-season in north London.

Fernandes’ imminent arrival will mark the second summer running that Spurs have signed a star player from their rivals.

Spurs will then look to wrap up a deal for Sandro Tonali as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to completely overhaul his midfield.

Newcastle are demanding close to £100m for their midfielder, which would see Spurs smash their club-record transfer for the second time.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has backed Antonin Kinsky to become “one of the best goalkeepers in Europe” after confirmation of his new contract.

Kinsky has now officially signed a fresh long-term deal at Spurs believed to be five years in length, featuring enhanced terms and the option of a further 12 months.

It is a significant show of faith from Tottenham in the 23-year-old, whose career at the club looked all but over after he was substituted by former head coach Igor Tudor after only 17 minutes of a Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid in March.

Kinsky - previously the deputy to regular No1 Guglielmo Vicario - was surprisingly selected for a rare start in Spain, but two early slips led directly to Atletico goals and he was hooked with Spurs already trailing 3-0 after quarter of an hour.

A horror evening led to inevitable doubts over the Czech’s Tottenham future, though he later enjoyed a stunning resurgence under De Zerbi as he started all seven games following the latter’s appointment to replace Tudor and played a vital role as Spurs avoided relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season.

Barring another new arrival amid links to the likes of England’s James Trafford, Kinsky now looks set to become Spurs’ regular first-choice goalkeeper, with Vicario widely expected to return to Serie A this summer after attracting interest from Juventus, among other suitors.

Martin Dubravka will join Tottenham this week on a free transfer after the conclusion of his contract at relegated Burnley and is expected to provide cover for Kinsky, with Brandon Austin likely to continue in his role as No3.

“Toni [Kinsky] was outstanding over the final seven games of the season and a key part of what we achieved in that period,” said Spurs head coach De Zerbi.

“I am delighted he has committed his future to the club. He has earned this new contract, not only with his performances but also his professionalism and desire to improve.

“We have huge belief in what Toni can become. He is still young, has enormous potential and I know that Spurs is the perfect place for him to continue to develop into one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.”

After his new contract was confirmed, Kinsky said: “I'm so happy and I can feel the trust from the club. When I joined 18 months ago, my expectations were to fight for my place in the team and to wear this shirt every week.

“It's been a real journey to get here and a nice story already, and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead over the next months and years.

“Everyone around the club feels that we can have a successful season and I want to contribute to that. We want to give the fans what they want and what this Club deserves.”

Manchester United’s first bid for Mateus Fernandes is imminent as the club look to beat Tottenham to the West Ham star’s signature.

Fernandes is at the centre of a transfer battle between Man Utd and Spurs.

West Ham have been long resigned to losing Fernandes, less than a year after he joined from Southampton in a deal worth £38million.

The Hammers are set to pocket more than double that fee, with the asking price set at £80m, and will welcome a bidding war between clubs.

BBC Sport report that Fernandes' future is expected to become much clearer this week, with West Ham’s pre-season beginning on Monday, July 6.

Fernandes was not expected to be among the players returning to West Ham’s training ground Rush Green next week, but as it stand he will be expected to clock in.

But the soft deadline is expected to prompt progress on Fernandes’ exit, with a first formal offer from Man Utd said to be imminent.

Spurs are understood to be ready to trump any Man Utd bid, and BBC Sport report that Fernandes is keeping his options open regarding his next club.

Man Utd are not willing to match West Ham’s £80m valuation but Spurs are.

It has also been reported elsewhere that Spurs have attempted to sweeten the deal by offering young star winger Mikey Moore on loan.

Fernandes’ agent, Jorge Mendes, has held discussions with both Manchester United and Tottenham and no decision on has been made on a bidding-war winner.

United's players are scheduled to return for pre-season training on Thursday, July 9, and Fernandes could be part of the group should any deal progress as the club desires.

Marcus Rashford has no interest in joining Tottenham, or any English club, this summer, as he prepares to return to Manchester United.

Rashford is still expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, despite Barcelona opting against triggering their £26million option to sign the England international permanently.

It leaves Rashford at somewhat of a quandary when he returns from international duty at the World Cup with England.

The Athletic report that Rashford has no desire to play for a Premier League rival, with only a move abroad of interest at it stands.

The report adds that United wish to avoid a third loan, and Rashford is currently not being targeted by suitors of a level would tempt him to leave Old Trafford.

Barca covered Rashford’s eye-watering £375,000-a-week salary during the player’s loan spell, and Man Utd are expected take on that wage from July 1.

The Sun report that United are in no rush to decide Rashford’s future, and have no ruled out the player being reintegrated into the squad.

The same report adds that Spurs are prepared to pay Rashford’s salary, but the player it appears to no currently interested in exploring options elsewhere in England.

He told The Rest is Football podcast: “I have an amazing relationship with Marcus and have had great times with him over the years.

“I know what a wonderful player he can be. It’s up to the club and Marcus to find a mutual agreement.

“Of course, if Marcus does come back, we want him to play and be happy and confident. It needs to be right for himself, it needs to be right for the club.

Luka Vuskovic’s Tottenham future will be resolved once Croatia’s World Cup exploits end, which could come this week.

Croatia are set to take on Portugal in the round of 32 overnight on Thursday, into Friday morning, after finishing second in Group L following a 2-1 win over Ghana.

Zlatko Dalic’s side will go into the game against Portugal as underdogs, and Standard Sport understands that Vuskovic’s full focus is on helping Croatia reach the next round.

Vuskovic, who has yet to make a competitive appearance for Spurs, is determined to leave the club this summer to explore first-team opportunities elsewhere.

As Standard Sport reported, the 19-year-old is prepared to submit a transfer request to seal a move away and has attracted interest from Brighton as well as a host of top European teams.

Brighton have already had at least two bids rejected for the teenager, who enjoyed a superb season on loan at Bundesliga side Hamburg last year and was subsequently called up to Croatia’s World Cup squad.

He started their opening game of the group stage, a 4-2 defeat to England, but has been named on the bench in their last two games against Panama and Ghana.

Vuskovic is tipped as one of the brightest young defenders in Europe, but after talks with Roberto De Zerbi, it became clear the Spurs boss could not offer him consistent first-team minutes.

Spurs have already signed centre-backs Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke this summer, with De Zerbi keen to add experience and leadership to his backline.

Asked about his future at the start of the World Cup, Vuskovic said he wanted to play for a club that wanted him.

"For now, I’m focused only on the World Cup,” Vuskovic said.

“My goal next season is to play for a club that wants me and where I will play. We’ll see what happens in the coming days and weeks."

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal in Scott talks, Rogers twist; Man Utd medical; Chelsea done deal; Liverpool latest

All the latest news, rumours and gossip during the summer window

Transfer targets: Alex Scott, Sandro Tonali and Morgan Rogers

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Alex Young, Senior Sport Editor @ alexwsyoung

Transfer news LIVE!

The summer window has taken another twist as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham work hard on securing new signings. The Gunners are working on bringing two of the Premier League's best midfielders to the Emirates, with Morgan Rogers their transfer priority and Bruno Guimaraes potentially available for cheaper than expected. Aston Villa are demanding £130million for Rogers, after Manchester City paid £116m for Elliot Anderson. The Gunners have explored a move for Alex Scott as an alternative.

Spurs also want a Newcastle midfielder and are closing in on the signing of Sandro Tonali, having reportedly agreed to make him their highest-paid player ever. Midfielder are en vogue as Chelsea work on convincing Sunderland to part ways with Granit Xhaka after seeing a first bid worth £8m rejected. They are also in talks to sign Maxence Lacroix and are wrapping up a deal for Marco Palestra as Xabi Alonso's first signing.

Manchester United remain in talks to sign Mateus Fernandes, but face competition from Spurs, and have booked medical for wonderkid Cristian Orozco. Maxi Araujo is said to be of interest, while Liverpool will look to sign Bradley Barcola are missing out on Yan Diomande to Paris Saint-Germain. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!

Latest transfer news and rumours

Ugarte loss 'disappointing' for Man Utd

The loss of Manuel Ugarte to a knee ligament injury is hugely disappointing for the midfielder and his club, Manchester United, The Athletic report.

It will not only consign him to an extended period on the sidelines but also ends any chance of him leaving Old Trafford, which was very possible as part of United’s summer transfer market activity.

If Ugarte had gone, it would have created space — from a squad and financial perspective — to help United do the work they planned in that area of the pitch.

But the better news for United is that the business they want to execute was never contingent on him departing and, after a period of cost-cutting, the Old Trafford side are in sufficiently robust condition to cope regardless.

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Spurs issue Bergvall stance amid transfer request

Tottenham want to keep wantaway midfielder Lucas Bergvall, the Telegraph report.

The Swede handed in a transfer request at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, wanting more game time, but the feeling at Spurs is that he is a key part of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans, with the Italian wanting to keep him.

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Amorim wants Mount reunion

Ruben Amorim wants to be reunited with Mason Mount at AC Milan.

According to the Daily Mail, the Manchester United midfielder is a target for the Italian side this summer.

Manchester United have insisted that the 27-year-old is not for sale, but it has been suggested that Mount could be attracted to a move abroad.

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Everton double raid on Chelsea

Tyrique George is not the only youngster leaving Chelsea for Everton.

According to Fabrizio Romano, academy product Arthur Barratt will follow George to the Hill Dickenson Stadium with a fee agreed for a permanent transfer.

Barratt is said to have had interest from several Premier League clubs.

Everton set to sign Chelsea man permanently

Everton are on the verge of signing Chelsea winger Tyrique George on a permanent deal, after his successful loan spell.

The 20-year-old joined the Toffees for the second half of last season and has impressed manager David Moyes despite making just 11 appearances, including one start.

BBC Sport report that Everton have renegotiated the original £25million purchase option into a lower upfront fee with performance-related add-ons.

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Rashford responds to Tottenham interest

Marcus Rashford has no interest in joining Tottenham, or any English club, this summer.

That's according to The Athletic, who report that Rashford is on course to rejoin the first-team group in pre-season training next month.

There is little suggestion that Rashford has a future at Man Utd, but his exits options are narrow given his lack of desire to move to a Premier League rival

United wish to avoid a third loan and Barcelona will not sign him permanently. The report adds that Rashford currently not being targeted by suitors of a level would tempt him to leave.

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Vuskovic makes Tottenham transfer decision

Luka Vuskovic’s Tottenham future will be resolved once Croatia’s World Cup exploits end, which could come this week, writes Sam Tabuteau.

Croatia are set to take on Portugal in the round of 32 overnight on Thursday, into Friday morning, after finishing second in Group L following a 2-1 win over Ghana.

Zlatko Dalic’s side will go into the game against Portugal as underdogs, and Standard Sport understands that Vuskovic’s full focus is on helping Croatia reach the next round.

Vuskovic, who has yet to make a competitive appearance for Spurs, is determined to leave the club this summer to explore first-team opportunities elsewhere.

As Standard Sport reported, the 19-year-old is prepared to submit a transfer request to seal a move away and has attracted interest from Brighton as well as a host of top European teams.

Read more here!

PA

Chelsea in talks over Pep Chavarria deal

Chelsea are in talks to sign Pep Chavarria.

The Rayo Vallecano left-back has emerged as a surprise transfer target for the Blues in recent days as they look to compensate for the loss of Marc Cucurella, who will join Real Madrid for £51.8m after the World Cup.

According to Fabrizio Romano this morning, Chelsea are in active talks with Vallecano over a deal for Chavarria.

He says the Spaniard - who lined up against Crystal Palace in the Conference League final last month - has also had initial contact with Chelsea and is keen to join their new era under compatriot Xabi Alonso.

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Lille set TWO asking prices for Bouaddi - here's why

Lille are demanding at least £70million for highly-rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer, but there is a twist.

The club will still want the played loan back to them for the season at that price.

If interested suitors want Bouaddi without the loan agreement, it will cost them closet to £85m.

The 19-year-old has enhanced his reputation with a string of impressive performances for Morocco at the World Cup, attracting interest from several Premier League clubs.

Arsenal are said to be leading the race for his signature, although Liverpool and Manchester City are also monitoring the teenager closely.

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Gyokeres reacts to Arsenal exit rumours

Victor Gyokeres insists he is very happy at Arsenal amid links with a possible swap deal involving Julian Alvarez.

Speaking before Sweden’s World Cup last-32 clash with France, Gyokeres played down speculation over his future.

“Of course it’s flattering to see that clubs are interested but I feel extremely comfortable at Arsenal,” he said.

“After the season we have had, I only have positive feelings.”

Asked how he handles transfer rumours during the tournament, Gyokeres said: “Nothing. I’m here, have a fairly important match, and that is the main focus.”

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