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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.

Liverpool’s search for a new centre-back has reportedly seen them identify Castello Lukeba as a potential alternative to Marc Guehi. Premier League rivals Tottenham are also said to be interested in a move that could prompt a major battle for the RB Leipzig star.

Reports claim that Liverpool will not pay Crystal Palace’s £45million asking price for Guehi, who has only one year remaining on his contract. That provides a potential hitch to a potential deal, with Palace keen to maximise the England defender’s value after turning down several bids from Newcastle and Tottenham over the past year. Liverpool could seek other options and are reportedly keen on Lukeba, with whom they were linked during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure.

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According to Foot Mercato, Leipzig are aware of interest in the 22-year-old from Liverpool, Spurs and Bayern Munich. While Lukeba has a £78m release clause in his contract, the German club would reportedly be open to accepting slightly less.

However, any fee for the France international is expected to be significantly close to that figure. There is reportedly a feeling in Lukeba’s camp that it is time to move on from Leipzig, who endured a tough Bundesliga campaign and failed to qualify for any European competition for next season.

Leipzig are said to be under no pressure to sell as the player has four years remaining on his contract, which may make a £78m deal more appealing to Liverpool than the £45m figure for Guehi. Lukeba was signed from Lyon in 2023 and has gone on to make 72 appearances for the club.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are likely to sign a new centre-back this summer. Jarell Quansah’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen leaves Arne Slot with only three senior players in the position. One of those is Ibrahima Konate, whose future looks unclear amid a reported impasse during contract negotiations.

Konate only has a year remaining on his contract. Real Madrid are widely reported to be interested in a deal for the Frenchman, who Liverpool signed from Leipzig in 2021.

Guehi is said to be a target but will cost Liverpool north of £40m at this stage. He may even decide to see out the final year of his contract at Palace before deciding his next move after next year’s World Cup, where he is expected to be a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

Liverpool have already spent £186m this summer on Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. The departure of Quansah and other potential outgoing deals will give the Reds much more spending power.

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West Ham United have offered Manchester United and Chelsea the opportunity to sign Mohammed Kudus this summer, according to reports. However, Tottenham Hotspur appear to be leading the race for the 24-year-old's signature as Thomas Frank bids to upgrade his attack.

West Ham are ready to cash in on Kudus, with the club strapped for cash and requiring player sales to fund a desperately needed rebuild under Graham Potter. The Ghana international is Potter's most valuable player after captain Jarrod Bowen, who is considered priceless, and could be on the move ahead of next season.

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West Ham's urgent need for money is expected to make Kudus available for less than his 10-day release clause, which runs until July 10.

The clause is worth £85million for Premier League clubs, £80m for European sides and £120m for Saudi Pro League outfits.

But, according to GIVEMESPORT, Spurs are targeting Kudus as a priority and believe West Ham would accept a reduced bid worth £60m.

It's claimed that Chelsea and United have also been offered the Hammers forward, but neither club currently appear primed to act and make an approach.

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Spurs are keen to bolster Frank's attacking firepower ahead of his first season in charge after replacing Ange Postecoglou as head coach.

The Lilywhites have been linked with Premier League pair Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo, among other forwards.

However, Mbeumo's heart is set on a move to United if they can strike a deal with Brentford, while Semenyo has just signed a new Bournemouth contract.

Kudus struggled last season, along with the vast majority of his West Ham teammates, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 32 Premier League games.

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He showed signs of true quality in his first season in England after a £38m switch from Ajax, though, amassing 28 goal involvements in 48 games in all competitions.

Kudus would become the first permanent transfer between the two London rivals since Scott Parker joined Tottenham in 2011.

United's focus is currently on pushing through a deal for Mbeumo, having already sealed the £62.5m signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are set to complete the additions of Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro after recruiting Liam Delap earlier in the summer.

Chelsea may already have the upper hand over Tottenham in the race to sign West Ham star Mohammed Kudus. Both sides have been heavily linked with the versatile forward in recent weeks, and the Ghana international is said to be open to heading elsewhere this summer.

The Blues have already bolstered their attacking ranks markedly in the transfer window so far, with Liam Delap joining the club and deals for Brighton’s Joao Pedro and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens nearing completion.

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Further attacking reinforcements are in the pipeline as well, with Kudus emerging as an option being explored at Stamford Bridge. However, Enzo Maresca’s side may have to act quickly to prevent the West Ham star from heading to rivals Tottenham – who are also keen.

An offer in the region of £60million is expected to test the resolve of the Hammers for the 24-year-old, but Chelsea may have the ideal opportunity to bring that asking price down and beat Spurs to securing his signature.

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According to talkSPORT, West Ham are looking to offload Kudus to fund their own spending spree, and they are interested in bringing in at least one of Chelsea’s ‘for sale’ midfielders once their No. 14 has departed.

Graham Potter’s side are interested in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka, which could present Chelsea with the ideal opportunity to kill two birds with one stone and strike a player-plus-cash deal.

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Dewsbury-Hall or Chukwuemeka are likely to be viewed as ideal makeweights for the Blues to bring down Kudus’ asking price – and given how both players are surplus to requirements, Maresca’s side may explore the opportunity to avoid paying a fee entirely and sending the duo to the Hammers.

Tottenham have already seen a bid knocked back for the ex-Ajax star already this week and a fresh approach could be made, which would then give Chelsea plenty to think about – especially if offers for either Chukwuemeka and Dewsbury-Hall aren’t particularly forthcoming.

Kudus is capable of playing on either wing, in midfield as a No. 10 or as a makeshift striker when required, and his immense versatility could be the final piece of the puzzle for Chelsea as they look to build an attack capable of competing on all fronts next season.

Manchester United and Tottenham have seen their transfer plans rocked, with AFC Bournemouth announcing that Antoine Semenyo has extended his contract with the club. The winger was being eyed by both Premier League sides this summer, but he has snubbed the interest in favour of remaining on the south coast.

United and Tottenham are both in the market for attacking reinforcements, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Semenyo among those eyed. However, the latter will no longer be on the move over the coming months.

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Bournemouth have announced that Semenyo has put pen to paper on a new five-year contract with the Cherries in a major sign of intent from Andoni Iraola’s side. Bournemouth have already sold Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid) and Milos Kerkez (Liverpool) this summer, whilst Illia Zabarnyi remains locked in talks with Paris Saint-Germain.

Thus, retaining the services of one of their other top players will ensure that a major rebuild is not truly in the offing at the Vitality Stadium.

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Speaking after putting pen to paper with Bournemouth, Semenyo said: “I’ve grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I’m really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season.

“From the fans to the staff and my teammates, I can’t speak highly enough of the people around the club. It’s a great place to be and I’m excited to get back to Bournemouth and continue the hard work with the new season just around the corner.”

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Spurs and United had previously began to explore alternative options earlier this summer due to his valuation. According to The Athletic, Bournemouth were demanding £70million to part ways with Semenyo this summer, which ultimately ‘deterred’ interest from his suitors.

The Ghana international’s price tag is likely to have now risen further now that he is tied down to a bumper deal, and another season battling it out for Iraola’s side therefore appears to be firmly on the cards as the club look to make another push for European football.

Tottenham have also cooled their interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze recently, with the England international in talks to join rivals Arsenal. In contrast, United remain locked in negotiations to sign Mbeumo after seeing a handful of bids for the winger rejected already.