Daily Express

Newcastle are eyeing another statement signing after agreeing a deal to land Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, according to reports. It has been a turbulent summer on Tyneside, with their transfer window dominated by the saga involving Alexander Isak. He remains desperate to join Liverpool, who still have high hopes of bringing him to Anfield ahead of Monday's deadline.

It has also been difficult for Newcastle in terms of incomings, having been rejected by a number of their preferred targets. However, their window sprung into life earlier this week as they struck a deal to land Woltemade. The Magpies are reportedly set to pay a £73million transfer fee with another £4m available in potential add-ons.

Woltemade reportedly said his goodbyes at Stuttgart before flying to England to complete the formalities on Thursday. Just as one marquee deal is set to be completed, another may be on the horizon with Newcastle said to be keen on raiding Barcelona.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

They are interested in bringing Fermin Lopez into their squad but will face stiff competition from Tottenham, according to El Chiringuito.

Newcastle are thought to be preparing a huge offer for the young forward, with club chiefs reportedly willing to pay over £86m. They would also be happy to quadruple his existing salary to sweeten the deal.

Earlier this week, it was reported by Cope that Lopez was earning around £99,000 per week at Barcelona. It means that Newcastle would be willing to pay him an astonishing salary of £396,000 per week.

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, who is a product of the La Masia academy. Earlier this year, he suggested that he was perfectly happy at Barcelona and was not interested in leaving the Catalan giants.

Speaking to the RAC1 radio station, Lopez said: "I don't plan on leaving. I'm very happy at Barca. It was my dream and I want to stay there."

The winger, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, remains tied down at Barcelona until 2029. Last season, he scored six goals and laid on another five assists in 29 league appearances.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is a huge fan of Lopez, saying earlier this month: "Last season was spectacular for [him]. We have a lot of quality in that position [with] Dani Olmo, too. We have to manage it well, the minutes, the players.

"I’m very happy. I wasn’t so happy [with Lopez] in pre-season but he’s improved in the last two weeks. Against Como, he showed how good he is."

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

Tottenham have reportedly shortlisted Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji as a target for the final few days of the summer transfer window. Thomas Frank’s side are keen to acquire the services of a centre-back before Monday’s deadline, with a number of options being explored.

Spurs have endured a rollercoaster of a window, missing out on a host of their primary targets to rivals – including Eberechi Eze, with their deal with Crystal Palace being hijacked by Arsenal at the eleventh hour.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

But Tottenham appear to have taken a leaf out of their suitors’ books, as transfer hijacks are firmly on the agenda at Hotspur Way. Spurs acted quickly to lure Xavi Simons away from Chelsea’s grasp, with the playmaker set to pen a seven-year contract with Tottenham after a £51.8million deal was struck with RB Leipzig.

Now, Tottenham have turned their attention to bolstering their defensive ranks. According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have approached Premier League rivals City over a deal for Akanji, who has attracted plenty of interest in recent weeks.

Galatasaray previously approached City over a deal, with AC Milan entering the frame earlier this week as well. Both sides are willing to pay £15million to secure the signature of the former Borussia Dortmund star, but Akanji has not agreed on personal terms with either club.

Tottenham are therefore looking to pounce, and they have shortlisted the versatile defender as one of three options to explore in the final few days of the summer transfer window.

During his time at Brentford, Frank showcased his tactical flexibility by deploying a back-three in some matches, and the arrival of Akanji would also facilitate that given that the Danish boss currently does not have a plethora of options in the centre-back department.

It remains to be seen whether Spurs ramp up their interest in the City star sooner rather than later, or whether the other two names on the shortlist are viewed as more attainable targets. Tottenham also want to sign another forward, despite the imminent arrival of Simons from Leipzig.

Tottenham Hotspur have successfully hijacked Chelsea's interest in RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons, with just an announcement pending, according to reports. Spurs launched a pursuit this week as Chelsea waited to cash in on Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, and have quickly wrapped up a deal for the 22-year-old.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham and Leipzig have signed all documents after agreeing on a £52million transfer fee on Thursday night. Simons has also passed his medical and signed a five-year contract until 2023, with the option to extend by two further years.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Simons is Spurs' fifth signing of the summer and raises their spending at the start of Thomas Frank's project to £175m.

The Netherlands international follows Mohammed Kudus, Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai in arriving on a permanent deal.

Meanwhile, Joao Palhinha has signed on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich, returning to the Premier League just one year after leaving Fulham.

Spurs have also triggered clauses to turn Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel's initial loans into permanent moves for a combined £51m.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

Frank has made a hugely encouraging start to life at the Lilywhites after replacing Ange Postecoglou earlier this summer.

Spurs cruised past newly-promoted club Burnley 3-0 at home on the opening weekend before leaving the Etihad Stadium with a 2-0 win against Manchester City.

The north London outfit host Bournemouth on Saturday before the September international break, looking to maintain their 100 per cent record.

After the victory at City, Frank expressed his confidence that Spurs would back him further in the transfer market before Monday's deadline.

"We have a strong squad that I believe a lot in," the former Brentford boss said. "We would like to add a bit, but only if it can strengthen the squad.

"We are looking to add in and hopefully succeed. I know the club is working very hard. I trust them."

Spurs had been frustrated in their search for an attacking midfielder, with Nottingham Forest blocking Morgan Gibbs-White's switch, even though his release clause was activated.

Arsenal also hijacked a deal for Eberechi Eze when it seemed imminent in a bitter sucker punch to their bitter rivals.

However, Frank has finally captured reinforcements in Simons, who should be confirmed as a Spurs player in the coming hours.

Nick Woltemade is set to undergo his medical with Newcastle this morning, reports Sky Sports.

The forward travelled from Germany to England last night after the Magpies struck an agreement worth £69million to sign the forward.

Newcastle remain in the market for another forward too, with the dominos now starting for Alexander Isak.

Tottenham are on the cusp of completing the signing of Xavi Simons, reports The Athletic.

Spurs have hijacked Chelsea’s pursuit of the playmaker, agreeing a deal worth £51.8million with RB Leipzig.

Simons has agreed on personal terms with Spurs and already completed his medical with the club, with the Netherlands international now needing to wrap up his exit talks with Leipzig before the final paperwork can be signed.

Kobbie Mainoo has demanded a loan exit from Manchester United this summer, reports The Athletic.

The midfielder wants to spend the remainder of the campaign elsewhere to ensure that he can continue playing regular first-team football.

Mainoo spoke with the higher powers at United on Thursday to explain that he does not want to leave the club permanently but feels a loan exit would accelerate his development. However, the Red Devils bosses informed their academy graduate that no such plans would be sanctioned.

Instead, Mainoo is expected to remain at Old Trafford and fight for his spot in Ruben Amorim’s starting XI.

Liverpool may have a tough decision to make in the final few days of the summer window, with a transfer domino set to give Arne Slot a big call. The Reds have splashed the cash on new signings over the past few months, prompting some players to fall down the pecking order on Merseyside.

Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz have arrived to inject further quality into Liverpool’s attacking ranks, with Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni providing alternative options across the backline.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

As part of Slot’s reshuffle, several top talents have left the club in recent weeks. Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah and Darwin Nunez have departed, and another big sale is likely to come under consideration before deadline day.

RB Leipzig are keen admirers of Harvey Elliott, who faces an uncertain future at Anfield, and are expected to make a push to sign the playmaker once they have sold Xavi Simons. Elliott struggled for minutes last season under Slot, and the arrival of Wirtz is likely to see his opportunities fizzle out even further.

Although Liverpool are not actively forcing their No. 19 out, they could have a big decision to make imminently. According to Sky Sports Germany, Tottenham are now pushing to hijack Chelsea’s move for Simons, despite talks being ongoing between the Blues and Leipzig for weeks.

Spurs have tabled an offer worth approximately £60million to sign the Netherlands international, which is close to the Bundesliga outfit’s asking price for the playmaker. Chelsea are yet to make a concrete offer, and thus the pendulum appears to be swinging in the favour of Tottenham.

Simons and his entourage are currently in England to negotiate any potential deal with his suitors, and Spurs may now look to strike while the iron is hot to get a move over the line and ensure that another of their pursuits is not hijacked once again.

If completed, Leipzig will be armed with £60m to head back into the market – as well as the funds they have already raised from Benjamin Sesko’s sale to Manchester United. Ole Werner’s side are then likely to be looking to strike a deal of their own with Liverpool for Elliott – though it remains to be seen whether Slot and his team are open to his departure this late in the window.

Tottenham are hopeful they can outmanoeuvre Chelsea in the race to sign RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons. The Bundesliga side has confirmed that they have allowed the Dutch attacker to travel to London for direct talks. Simons had been holding out for a move to Stamford Bridge after verbally agreeing personal terms with the Blues earlier this summer.

However, Chelsea have been focusing their efforts on making room with Enzo Maresca's squad which has provided Spurs with a window of opportunity. Having missed out on both Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze - Tottenham have been working on agreeing terms with the 22 year old before consolidating their push in negotiations with Leipzig, who are demanding a £60million package.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Spurs would be willing to reach that figure and are now racing to get a move over the line before Chelsea formalise their interest following the sale of Christopher Nkunku to AC Milan.

The Italian giants are paying an initial £30.25m plus a further £6m in bonuses for the Frenchman which is expected to accelerate the Blues' plans to bring in further attacking reinforcements.

Chelsea have also held talks for Barcelona's Fermin Lopez and remain close to agreeing a fee with Manchester United for Alejandro Garnacho after the Argentine winger snubbed multiple approaches from the Premier League, Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabia to push through his impending switch to west London.

As of last night, the world champions were still undecided on whether they would bid for Simons amid talks with Bayern Munich for wantaway striker Nicolas Jackson.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have also held initial background discussions with the representatives of West Ham attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who is also on Aston Villa's radar.

Thomas Frank's side are yet to rule out making two marquee additions to their frontline before Monday's transfer deadline.

The crisis-hit Hammers would command a £60m package for the Brazilian and are unlikely to warm to the idea of selling a second star player to a direct rival in Tottenham after already cashing in on Mohammed Kudus last month.

Spurs courted Manchester City attacker Savinho but a move was blocked by the Etihad Stadium hierarchy even though the Europa League champions were prepared to put big money on the table.

A swoop for France U21 international starlet Maghnes Akliouche also looks difficult at this stage as his current employers Monaco are already in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over the possible sale of fellow forward Eliesse Ben Seghir.

Tottenham Hotspur have submitted a bid for Xavi Simons as they push to beat Chelsea to the signing of the RB Leipzig attacker, according to reports. Thomas Frank is desperate to bolster his forward options before Monday's summer transfer deadline after a frustrating window of near misses.

Spurs had previously targeted Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze. However, Forest blocked Gibbs-White's exit before he signed a new contract at the City Ground, and Arsenal successfully hijacked their rivals' Eze interest in the 11th hour.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

The Lilywhites have now pivoted to Simons, who has seemed destined to land in the Premier League all summer amid Chelsea's ongoing admiration.

However, with the Blues having to wait until they offload Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku before pressing ahead, Spurs have taken advantage.

According to Sky Germany, Tottenham have now submitted an official offer for Simons during direct negotiations with Leipzig on Thursday.

The 22-year-old is already in London in anticipation of his Premier League arrival, whichever club it is with.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express MUFC newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.

It's claimed that an agreement between Spurs and Leipzig is considered a matter of time, with the north London club ready to meet Simons' £60million asking price.

Frank will hope it is third time lucky in regards to his attacking midfielder hunt after a positive start to his reign at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But there will naturally be caution when it comes to the prospect of Chelsea resurrecting their pursuit in the coming days.

After overseeing an impressive 2-0 victory against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, Frank insisted he was confident that Spurs would provide him with further reinforcements.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

"We have a strong squad that I believe a lot in," the former Brentford boss said. "We would like to add a bit, but only if it can strengthen the squad.

"We are looking to add in and hopefully succeed. I know the club is working very hard. I trust them."

Spurs have signed Mohammed Kudus, Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai on permanent deals, while recruiting Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich.

Simons could be the next player through the door if they can strike an agreement with Leipzig before Monday's deadline.

Tottenham are back in the Champions League, and their opponents for the upcoming season have been revealed. Manager Thomas Frank is keen to compete on multiple fronts this season, with the fixture calendar now including Champions League and domestic cup games, highlighting the challenge ahead.

Spurs will face Borussia Dortmund, Villarreal, Slavia Praha and Copenhagen at home, while away fixtures include PSG, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bodo/Glimt and Monaco. These eight matches will stretch into January, with the exact order and dates to be announced shortly. The Lilywhites faced PSG in the UEFA Super Cup earlier this month and travelled to Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt last season in the Europa League quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively. The draw appears more favourable than expected, with familiar opponents and less travel.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Last season, under former boss Ange Postecoglou, Spurs' squad was pushed to its limits with 60 matches across the campaign. They triumphed in the Europa League and reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, but a disappointing 17th-place finish in the Premier League and an early FA Cup exit were the result of an injury crisis, subpar performances and Postecoglou's decision to prioritise European competition.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, in dismissing the Australian, made it clear that he expects the club to compete on multiple fronts. Frank now faces a similar fixture congestion, with matches every three to four days most weeks, and the Dane will be hoping for better luck with injuries as well as the club assisting him in the final days of the transfer window to build a stronger squad capable of handling the expanded Champions League format.

This will be a new challenge for Frank as he has never had to balance European football in the middle of a season, his only experience being 10 Europa League qualifying games around a decade ago at Brondby.

Looking at the upcoming fixture schedule, with the addition of Champions League fixtures as well as domestic cup competitions, it's a daunting prospect.

What was already a formidable trio of games against Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal in November now becomes even more challenging when you add a potential Carabao Cup fourth round match days before the game against Chelsea, then Champions League matchday four after it, before the home game against United, and then the journey to the Emirates Stadium after the international break is quickly followed by the next European matchday.

Tottenham Hotspur's fixture list is set to become even more challenging with a series of tough matches from January into February next year against Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle and Arsenal. This is further complicated by the addition of Champions League matchday eight just days before the game against City and a potential Carabao Cup semi-final second leg days after.

Moreover, there could be an FA Cup fourth round match and a potential Champions League knockout phase play-offs first leg tie sandwiched between the games against Newcastle and Arsenal. The second leg of the play-offs could follow just days after the home North London Derby.

Ideally, Spurs will aim to finish in the top eight in the expanded Champions League to avoid the play-offs, but that is easier said than done in Europe's elite club competition.

Tottenham's fixture schedule in full with all Champions League league phase dates

After some chatting with Kaka and Ibrahimovic on stage, we're about to get underway for Pot 1...

The non-English clubs in this pot will all play two Premier League teams - either from Pot 1, Arsenal (Pot 2), Tottenham (Pot 3) or Newcastle United (Pot 4)

Has anyone got the Monty Python "get on with it" meme to hand?

No, I'm joking this time (well...)

But there is some bad news folks. The draw will begin at 5.31pm.

Each pot will then take at least 10 minutes to sort so it won't be until around 6.08pm that we know the complete draw.

Stay with us.

We've just had a Zlatan Ibrahimovic comedy skit.

No, I'm not joking. Yes, it was longer than it needed to be.

Ibrahimovic and Ceferin take to the stage to explain the whole point of that video - so what was it?

That the Swede has received the President's Award.

We've got Aleksander Ceferin on stage to present Chelsea their award to Jason Gannon, the president and chief operating officer of the London giants.

Stay tuned folks. It's unlikely this draw will be happening for another 20 minutes or so just yet.

Talking of Chelsea...

As you can see below, most of Enzo Maresca's players want to face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu or Barcelona at the Nou Camp in this season's league phase.

PSG have also been named by Robert Sanchez and Joao Pedro, though, following a solid start to their Premier League campaign.

Chelsea will be honoured with a new reward at this evening's draw - one which has been created just for them.

The Blues have won the Conference League and Club World Cup in 2025.

And that means they completed the set of winning every major UEFA competition having previously won the Champions League, Europa League and the Cup Winners' Cup.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin will hand them a new award to commemorate the feat.

Who's being backed to win the Champions League this year?

Well given how they blew away Liverpool, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Inter Milan last season, again it's PSG.

BoyleSports have Liverpool as second favourites in their Champions League odds, though, despite being knocked out in the round of 16 last season.

Arsenal are priced just outside of Real Madrid but remain another of the clubs well possible of glory in Budapest next May.

Champions League 2025/26 winner odds

PSG - 5/1

Liverpool - 6/1

Barcelona - 7/1

Real Madrid - 7/1

Arsenal - 8/1

Manchester City - 9/1

Bayern Munich - 10/1

Chelsea - 12/1

Napoli - 25/1

Newcastle United - 25/1

Atletico Madrid - 25/1

Inter Milan - 25/1

Tottenham Hotspur - 40/1

Juventus - 40/1

Bayer Leverkusen - 50/1

In case you forgot, this is the second year in which the draw takes a league phase format instead of group stages.

That means all 36 teams into one single league table.

Instead of playing three teams twice, home and away, to determine the two teams to advance into the knockouts, every club now plays eight different opponents - four home and four away.

The top eight in the table automatically advance to the round of 16, their eight opponents will come from the teams who finish 9th to 24th.

Those teams will take each other on in a playoff round to determine who advances to the last 16.

The teams 25th to 36th are all automatically eliminated.

UEFA made a big announcement earlier today regarding the Champions League.

And that's that the start time of the final will now change to 6pm CET (5pm UK) from this season onwards.

Previously, finals had begun at 9pm CET (8pm UK).

UEFA explained: "The decision is designed to enhance the overall matchday experience for fans, teams and host cities by optimising matchday logistics and operations, while delivering several tangible benefits.

"Our goal is to make match day a truly enjoyable experience for everyone who wants to be part of the excitement, while creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for families and children to attend the biggest and most important club football match of the season."

Xavi Simons has arrived in London ahead of a potential switch to the Premier League, according to German reports - with Tottenham Hotspur now looking to scupper Chelsea's pursuit.

The 22-year-old winger was granted permission to skip RB Leipzig's Thursday morning training session as he flew into the capital for discussions. Spurs, who were recently rejected by Eberechi Eze in favour of a move to north London rivals Arsenal in the race for Eberechi Eze, appear positioned to secure their primary alternative despite Chelsea's previous strong interest.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Leipzig have confirmed that Simons has been "released from training indefinitely for future discussions" though the German outfit are yet to receive a formal bid, whilst Simons' agents must still iron out contractual specifics for the wide player.

The Bundesliga side will also be demanding approximately £65 million for the Netherlands international, who has two years left on his existing agreement. Following Benjamin Sesko's £74 million transfer to Manchester United, Simons could represent Leipzig's second significant departure this summer.

Tottenham remain eager to bolster their attacking creativity due to James Maddison's season-long injury setback, whilst Dejan Kulusevski also remains on the treatment table.

Should Simons opt for north London over west London, Chelsea are reportedly prepared to turn their attention to Barcelona's Fermin Lopez - though their main focus before Monday afternoon's deadline continues to be shifting numerous surplus players. As many as nine players who don't fit into Enzo Maresca's plans could be on the move, including England stars Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, with the latter attracting interest from his former boss Frank Lampard at Coventry.

Chelsea have already raked in nearly £290m from player sales this summer. Notable departures include Noni Madueke's £48 million move to Arsenal, Joao Felix's £26million transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's £25million switch to Everton, while Christopher Nkunku is set to join AC Milan any day now.