Daily Express

It’s the transfer rumour that Brentford fans would have been dreading from the moment Thomas Frank left to join Tottenham. Inevitably, the Dane is now honing in on Yoane Wissa, one of his key players in establishing the Bees as a Premier League force.

Wissa, who joined from Lorient in 2021, has scored 49 goals in 129 club games. He recorded his most prolific season in England in the 2024/25 campaign with 20 league strikes, with only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland scoring more. According to the BBC, Wissa is said to be keen on a move following an approach from Spurs, with the North London club now weighing up how to structure their bid.

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Brentford reportedly value the DR Congo forward at £50million, but Express Sport looks at four players Spurs could offer in a swap deal to reduce that fee…

Richarlison

If losing Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United would be a hammer blow, then Wissa's departure would leave Brentford desperately short of forward power. Spurs, already strengthened by the permanent signing of Mathys Tel this summer, can easily appease that by offering Richarlison in the other direction.

The 28-year-old has impressed sporadically since joining from Everton, but injuries have hampered the Brazilian international. If Brentford can keep him fit, though, then a firing Richarlison still has much to offer in the Premier League.

Pedro Porro

It wouldn’t be like for like, but speculation is mounting that Pedro Porro will depart Tottenham this summer. At 25, the Spanish international could yet have his peak years ahead of him, and if the right-back does want to leave, then using him to offset the costs of Wissa would make perfect sense.

Bryan Gil

It’s not just the forward ranks where Brentford are being raided this summer. Key midfielder Christian Norgaard is also expected to complete a move to Arsenal, a departure Spurs could capitalise on.

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Despite being capped at senior level by Spain, Bryan Gill has been loaned out three times to La Liga clubs since signing in 2021. He impressed with Girona in Spain last season, deployed both in the centre of the park and wide on the left. At 24, involving him in a deal could prove a shrewd move for both sides.

Manor Solomon

Another winger, he was hailed as a highly rated signing when he came from Shakhtar Donetsk two years ago, but he has made just six club appearances since then and spent the last campaign in the Championship with Leeds.

However, he left Elland Road a hero after scoring their last-gasp title-winning goal at Plymouth on the final day. Wouldn’t be a direct replacement for Wissa, but would help fill the void left if Mebumo gets his United move.

Manchester United's prolonged pursuit of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is facing a new threat courtesy of Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports. The Red Devils are stalling in their bid to sign Mbeumo this summer after Brentford rejected their opening two offers, the latest of which was worth £55million plus £7.5m in add-ons.

Ruben Amorim identified the 25-year-old as his next priority after completing the £62.5m signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves. However, Brentford are holding out for a larger transfer fee, as they believe Mbeumo's valuation exceeds that of Cunha. United are expected to return with a third bid, but it remains to be seen when that will arrive.

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And the Old Trafford giants reportedly face new pressure in the form of Tottenham's interest in Mbeumo's team-mate, Yoane Wissa.

According to Sky Sports, Spurs have maintained their interest in the 28-year-old after emerging as suitors in the January transfer window.

Brentford are said to be aware as the Lilywhites explore the conditions of a potential deal, but they have not yet initiated contact.

It's claimed that the Bees would be unlikely to sell both Mbeumo and Wissa after the dynamic duo produced 51 goal involvements combined in the Premier League last season.

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And, therefore, should Wissa complete a transfer to North London, the report adds that it would become increasingly difficult for United to convince Brentford to part ways with Mbeumo.

Spurs have already threatened United's move for the Cameroon international after hiring new head coach Thomas Frank.

The ex-Brentford boss was keen to take Mbeumo with him, but failed with a hijack after the forward made his desire to land at Old Trafford clear.

Whether he seals his dream switch will depend on United either achieving a compromise on a transfer fee or meeting his club's demands.

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While Brentford want in excess of £63m for Mbeumo, Wissa would cost less, considering he turns 29 in September and has just one year remaining on his contract.

Though that deal should be more straightforward to complete, Brentford would, naturally, be obliged to prioritise the higher-value transfer.

In the meantime, Tottenham have agreed a £55m deal with West Ham United for attacker Mohammed Kudus.

Sky Sports report that the 24-year-old's arrival is not expected to impact Frank's interest in recruiting Wissa, with Spurs believing there is a deal to be done.

Following a slow start to the summer transfer window, Tottenham now appear ready to splash the cash. Thomas Frank is keen to bolster his newly-inherited ranks with a sprinkling of new signings at both ends of the pitch.

Spurs have been linked with a host of players since their Europa League success, with their pursuit of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo falling short due to the player's preference to join Manchester United.

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The north London outfit have since turned their attention to West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and they have already seen a bid rejected for the versatile forward. Chelsea are also said to be keen on the Ghana international, but Kudus remains most open to the prospect of joining Tottenham.

Spurs will need to fork out at least £60million to secure the signature of the ex-Ajax star, though he is not expected to be the only marquee arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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According to The Athletic, Frank’s side are in the market for another full-back, with a left-back to provide an alternative option to Destiny Udogie among their priorities. Tottenham would also act swiftly to replace any notable departures.

Cristian Romero has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid this summer, and if a move were to come to fruition then they have options that they would turn their attention to – namely Genoa’s Koni De Winter.

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The 23-year-old impressed in the Serie A last season, and his ability to play at right-back is likely to prove an attractive attribute as Spurs gear up to play Champions League football. According to CaughtOffside, the Belgian is valued at £30million by Genoa, and Spurs aren’t alone in their admiration.

Manchester United have been tracking De Winter’s situation closely, as well as Wolves and West Ham. The centre-back also has suitors elsewhere in Europe, with Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Inter Milan also keen.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham make a concrete approach for the defender over the coming weeks or they are satisfied with their current options in central defence if they manage to retain the services of Romero. They have recently announced the signing of Kota Takai from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale to provide another option across their backline.

Bryan Mbeumo is ‘growing increasingly frustrated’ by the lack of progress in negotiations between Brentford and Manchester United, reports the Evening Standard.

The winger is keen to join the Red Devils this summer but an agreement is still not in place despite weeks of talks, and the ‘slow progress’ of negotiations is frustrating both Mbeumo and Brentford.

The Bees are demanding a fee in excess of £63million to part ways with the Cameroon international, and United are now weighing up whether to table a third offer.

Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Jamie Vardy, reports The Athletic.

The 38-year-old is available as a free agent after leaving Leicester City earlier this summer, and the Red Devils have been offered the chance to sign the forward.

Fellow free agents Callum Wilson and Dominic Calvert-Lewis have also been offered to Ruben Amorim’s side. However, United don’t plan to pursue the trio and they are back-up options for the end of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal have reportedly completed the signing of Christian Norgaard from Brentford.

The Athletic report that the midfielder is expected to be announced as a new Gunners star by the end of the week.

Norgaard has already completed his medical with Mikel Arteta’s side, with Arsenal paying £10million guaranteed and up to £2m in add-ons to secure his signature.

Anthony Elanga is set to travel to Newcastle ahead of his medical, reports Sky Sports.

A deal has been agreed for the Sweden international to join the club from Nottingham Forest for a fee of £55million, with the player ‘excited’ by the prospect of playing Champions League football.

Elanga is now set to make is way to Tyneside to finalise his move.

Liverpool could be set to hijack Arsenal’s move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, reports The Independent.

The Reds are said to have ‘long-standing interest’ in the playmaker which they could activate at the expense of their title rivals, especially given Palace are yet to receive any approaches for their midfielder.

Eze has a £60million release clause in his contract at Selhurst Park – plus add-ons – but Arsenal are preparing an offer of their own for a fee in that region but with a more favourable payment structure.

Manchester United are closing in on their third signing of the summer transfer window.

According to CalcioMercato.com, Valencia star Javi Guerra is ‘close’ to joining the Red Devils.

The Spaniard enjoyed a sensational Under-21 European Championship campaign, and his performances appear to have caught the eye of Ruben Amorim.

Guerra reportedly has a £87million release clause in his current contract with Valencia, though it is unclear whether United have activated said clause or negotiated a deal for a lesser fee.

West Ham star Mohammed Kudus has reportedly rejected any potential transfer approach from Chelsea and has given the green light to join Tottenham instead. Both London clubs had been interested in the Ghanaian forward, along with Bayern Munich, but he is set to join Thomas Frank at his new club.

Kudus became a target for Tottenham after missing out on Bryan Mbeumo, who wants to join Manchester United despite the Red Devils and Brentford failing to agree on a fee. Joining Chelsea could have cleared a path for Noni Madueke to leave Stamford Bridge, with Arsenal interested, but Kudus only wants to join Spurs.

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That’s according to TBR Football, who claim that Kudus has turned down a late approach from Bayern after Jamal Musiala’s injury at the Club World Cup sparked the Bundesliga champions into action.

However, he rejected their interest and only wants to join Spurs, despite a long-standing transfer feud between them and his current club, West Ham. No player has made that move in 14 years.

Spurs have made Kudus their prime target, fending off rival interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, as a deal could reportedly be completed at £60million as West Ham and Spurs remain locked in talks.

Frank’s outfit have made three bids already, with the latest of £50m and £12.5m in add-ons rejected. The Hammers were said to be disappointed with the type of add-ons being offered.

On Monday, the 24-year-old returned to West Ham for the start of pre-season training. He is remaining respectful to his current club and is not planning to force a move, despite his preference clear that he wants to play Champions League football next season with Spurs.

Kudus has a release clause, which is active until Thursday, that means he can join Premier League clubs for £85m, European clubs for £80m and Saudi Arabian teams for £120m.

However, the expectation is that West Ham are ready to sell for below those figures.

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According to the Guardian, West Ham’s willingness to accept such offers is due to the desire to rebuild their squad without falling foul of the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability rules.

Graham Potter’s side currently need to sell in order to buy and have identified the potential sale of Kudus as the best way to reinvest funds into the team.

Big earners such as Edson Alvarez, Nayef Aguerd and Niclas Fullkrug could all move on while any plan to receive a high fee for Lucas Paqueta have been complicated by the FA’s investigation into alleged betting breaches, which the Brazilian midfielder has denied.

All signs point to Kudus leaving, if Spurs can break their unofficial transfer embargo with West Ham and agree upon a fee for the winger.

Tottenham have reportedly internally discussed surprise transfers for former players Kyle Walker-Peters and Dennis Cirkin in an attempt to solve a major issue facing Thomas Frank. Spurs could be hindered by a Champions League squad registration issue if they do not address the profile of their squad this summer.

Champions League clubs can name 25 stars on their List A of first-team players. However, four of them must be ‘club-trained’, defined as having been registered to that specific team for at least three years between their 15th and 21st birthdays. Only one Spurs player, Brandon Austin, comes under that category. Clubs have the maximum number of registered players reduced from 25 accordingly if they cannot name club-trained individuals. As things stand, that would leave Spurs able to name only 23 players in the Champions League.

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According to the Telegraph, the north Londoners are determined to address the issue and have ‘internally’ discussed a move for Walker-Peters, in addition to being linked with Cirkin. Both players would help Spurs meet the criteria as they came through the club’s academy.

Walker-Peters is a free agent after leaving Southampton at the end of last season. At the moment, it is claimed that Spurs will not actively pursue a deal for the 28-year-old.

Sunderland defender Cirkin has also been linked with Spurs after playing a key part in the Black Cats’ surprise promotion to the Premier League. Able to play left-back and centre-back, the 23-year-old never made a senior appearance for Spurs and joined Sunderland in 2021.

Cirkin famously impressed Jose Mourinho with his performance in a UEFA Youth League match in 2019. The then-Spurs boss said at the time: "I couldn't be at the game but I watched on video our youth team playing in the [UEFA Youth League], and we also have Dennis Cirkin. OK, he’s 17, but he’s a kid with a lot of quality, and I look forward to bringing him to train with us, and to help his development."

Spurs currently have 24 non-club-trained players, although that figure includes Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil, Alejo Veliz, Yang-min Hyeok, Luka Vuskovic and goalkeeper Josh Keeley, who all spent last season on loan. Teenage defender Kota Takai has also arrived from Japan for £5m.

Spurs are yet to sign any new senior players since Frank’s appointment last month. Loan deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso have been made permanent. However, there is said to be interest in West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.

Reported target Bryan Mbeumo has reportedly insisted that his priority is to join Manchester United, although discussions over a move have seemingly stalled. Brentford are demanding in excess of £60m.

Tottenham are reportedly lining up Genoa defender Koni de Winter to replace Cristian Romero, with the Argentina international said to be pushing for a move to Atletico Madrid. But the Lilywhites could hit an obstacle in their pursuit of De Winter as Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are also chasing his signature.

Tottenham, who are set to feature in next season’s Champions League, are on the hunt for fresh talent after appointing Thomas Frank as manager last month. At the start of July, it was reported that Romero would be telling Spurs chairman Daniel Levy that he intends to leave the club. That came after the centre-back aimed a thinly-veiled dig at his employers after Ange Postecoglou had been sacked.

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According to Tuttomercatoweb, the performances of De Winter haven’t gone unnoticed in England, and Tottenham will be especially interested in securing his services if Romero departs.

But there could be a flurry of clubs in for the 23-year-old, with Bournemouth and Palace also keen to bring him to the Premier League.

Inter Milan have been interested in the Belgium international for some time and have re-established contacts with the player, while Bologna have also moved on the star.

Genoa are said to value the player at £21.5m after signing him for less than £7m a year ago when they made his loan move from Juventus permanent.

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De Winter, who is strong and good in the air, predominantly plays at centre-back but can also slot in at right-back or as a defensive midfielder.

He is currently managed at Genoa by former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira and is considered to be one of the best up-and-coming defenders in Europe.

And he may be tempted by a move to England, despite the fact he is contracted to Genoa until the summer of 2028.

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A move for De Winter could hinge on Romero, who has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid. The 27-year-old has played 124 games for Tottenham since joining the club from Atalanta three years ago.

Atletico have reportedly put forward an offer of £47m plus £8.6m in add-ons for the tough-tackling defender which falls far below Tottenham’s valuation of £70m.

And the player may do all he can to force a move to Spain after appearing to take aim at his employers in an emotional message to Postecoglou.

“You’re a fantastic coach, but above all, a great person who deserves the best,” Romero wrote on social media. “From day one you paved the way despite the many obstacles that always existed and always will exist. Beyond everything, we won a trophy and went down in the history of this beautiful club, which is the only thing that matters. I wish you the best because you deserve the best.”

Manchester United are reportedly making a move for former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin after the 28-year-old departed the Toffees at the end of last month. The Red Devils are eyeing up fresh faces this summer following an underwhelming season last time out.

United have seen two bids for Bryan Mbeumo rejected this summer, while Arsenal appear to be well ahead in the battle to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners are in desperate need of firepower, with Mikel Arteta reportedly setting a deadline to get a transfer for the Sweden international over the line. Chelsea have once again been busy in the transfer market as they prepare for their Club World Cup semi-final, with eight-time Premier League champions Manchester City also rebuilding following one of their worst seasons under Pep Guardiola. Liverpool and Tottenham are also in the mix for new signings ahead of the start of the season.

If you think Enzo Maresca has selection dilemmas on his hands ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras this weekend, then just wait until August. The club might be out in the US, but that hasn’t stopped their frenzied transfer activity with Joao Pedro signing in a £60million deal from Brighton this week.

He’s the fifth addition to the Blues this summer, with Liam Delap another major arrival having signed in time to play in the tournament. Maresca and co aren’t done there, amid reports the club are preparing to hijack Tottenham’s ambitions to sign West Ham star Mohammed Kudus for a £60m fee. The Ghanaian would add even more quality ahead of a campaign where Chelsea will return to the Champions League, but fitting him into the starting XI won’t be straightforward.

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Express Sports looks at the XI Chelsea could field come the visit of Crystal Palace on August 17…

Possible Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1):

Keeper: Maignan

Chelsea have already had a bid for the AC Milan keeper turned down last month, but don’t expect them to give up that easily. While Maresca has publicly backed current No.1 Robert Sanchez, deep down, he’ll know he can ill afford another error-strewn campaign from the Spaniard.

The French international will surely land at Stamford Bridge ahead of the new season. And when he does, Sanchez had best wait for the Carabao Cup to come around.

Defence: James, Colwill, Fofana, Cucurella

While Maresca's first-choice keeper is dependent on a transfer, his starting back four will be reliant on key men staying fit. After injury-plagued campaigns, Reece James and Wesley Fofana being available between August and May will essentially feel like two new signings.

Levi Colwill’s breakthrough year will have established him as an automatic choice at the heart of the defence with Fofana. Marc Cucurella, for all his questionable exuberance, is also a shoo-in at left back.

Midfielders: Caicedo, Lavia

For much of last season, Moises Caicedo justified his huge transfer fee as the club’s outstanding performer. Romeo Lavia showed flashes of justifying his, but he couldn’t just stay fit long enough to prove consistency.

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If the 21-year-old is fit and firing, a partnership with Caicedo will provide Chelsea’s attacking players the perfect platform. It would also free up Enzo Fernandez to play his favoured advanced role.

Forwards: Palmer, Fernandez, Kudus

Indeed, the prospect of Fernandez linking with Cole Palmer is enticing, and this is also where Mohammed Kudus comes in. Equally adept in a central role or wide on the right, Kudus could be the missing factor in a trio that will consume defences both domestically and abroad.

It’s also an area where Maresca boasts ample depth. Joao Pedro, Noni Madueke, and Pedro Neto are all likely to push hard and for those , there will be little room for loss of form.

Striker: Liam Delap

If Delap was able to score goals in a struggling Ipswich side last season, imagine what he’ll do with this level of creativity around him. Should Nicolas Jackson stay, his superior pace will see him regularly utilised in an impact role, but it’s the Englishman who is favourite to regularly lead the line.

Possible Chelsea XI: Maignan, James, Colwill, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Palmer, Fernandez, Kudus; Delap.

Tottenham star Cristian Romero is reportedly set to tell chairman Daniel Levy that he intends to leave the club this summer. La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have been strongly linked with the combative defender.

Reports in Spain claim that Romero is ‘pushing’ to leave Spurs this summer. Atletico head coach Diego Simeone is said to be actively pursuing a deal for his fellow Argentine. Romero is currently on holiday but will reportedly return for a discussion with Levy over his future.

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According to El Desmarque, the 27-year-old plans to tell the club’s chairman that he wants to leave for Atletico. Spurs reportedly value the former Atalanta centre-back at around £70million.

Atletico are claimed to have made an offer worth an initial £47m. That package includes £8.6m in add-ons. Their reported offers are nowhere near Spurs’ current valuation of the player.

Romero’s 2024-25 season was disrupted by a hamstring injury that kept him out for the middle part of the campaign. He returned to play a key role in the latter stages of Spurs’ Europa League campaign and shone in the 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the final.

Only two years remain on Romero’s contract, providing a potential issue for Spurs. Players have more power over their futures once their deals enter the final 48 months, with their valuations decreasing the closer they get to becoming a free agent.

The report adds that Spurs, who are infamously tricky negotiators, might need to sell some players to balance the books this summer. New boss Thomas Frank is yet to land his first signing, and may miss out on reported target Bryan Mbeumo to Man Utd.

Loan deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso were made permanent prior to Frank’s arrival from Brentford. Spurs have been widely linked with attacking players.

All of their Big Six rivals have already improved their squads. Brentford forward Mbeumo would be United’s second signing of the summer window, should the Cameroon international complete a £63m switch from west London.

Matheus Cunha has also arrived at Old Trafford from Wolves for a similar fee. United do not play in a European competition next season after losing the Europa League final against Spurs and finishing a lowly 15th in the Premier League. Spurs finished 17th and sacked Ange Postecoglou last month.