Yorkshire Post

Tottenham Hotspur defender and ex-Liverpool star Andy Robertson has lifted the lid on his 2014 move to Hull City

Tottenham Hotspur defender Andy Robertson has detailed how a 20-minute phone call with Steve Bruce led to his move to Hull City in 2014.

The left-back was recruited by the Tigers having impressive in his native Scotland with Dundee United.

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He developed into a key figure for the East Yorkshire outfit, eventually securing a lucrative deal at Liverpool three years later.

A decade of service to the Reds followed - as did a raft of trophies - before his move to Tottenham in the summer.

Andy Robertson on Hull City move

In an interview on The Overlap, the 32-year-old has opened up on the series of events that led to his arrival at Hull.

He said: “In January I nearly left [Dundee United], Everton put a bid in for me. Roberto Martinez came to watch me, they wanted to loan me back and be back-up to Leighton Baines.

“They didn't bid enough, £750,000 and Dundee United wanted £1.5m. It was a good decision because Dundee United ended up getting £2.85m in the summer.

“I knew the Hull scout Stan Ternent. He watched me against Hibs away, he sat next to my agent and closed his book after five minutes and my agent said 'I don't think Hull's going to be an option' but Stan said he'd seen enough in five minutes.

“I was still unsure. The Premier League is made to be this (big thing) so I was thinking 'am I ready for this?' But I had 20 minutes on the phone with Steve Bruce, then in half an hour we were in the car and we signed the next day. He convinced me, I had such a good feeling.

“I had West Brom who had sniffed about and Hull, and that was it at that point. Everton never came back in at that point.”

Robertson only spent three years at Hull but is still remembered fondly by the MKM Stadium faithful.

He was linked with a shock return earlier this year as the clock ticked on his Liverpool stay, but Spurs secured his signature.

A player eyed by Leeds United has completed a season-long loan move to Tottenham Hotspur

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Tottenham Hotspur have completed the loan signing of Mykhailo Mudryk from Chelsea despite interest from Leeds United.

The 25-year-old has been eyed by the Whites and the Ukraine international was seemingly keen on a move to Elland Road at one point.

However, Spurs raced to the front of the queue to land the winger and have now secured his signature. The season-long loan move has reunited him with his former Shakhtar Donetsk boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Leeds United target on Tottenham Hotspur move

After putting pen to paper, the wideman said: “It's a great feeling. I can't wait to start training and playing for the club, and I'm so excited to be reunited with Roberto De Zerbi.

“I'm a player who brings speed and creativity, and I want to help in both the offensive and defensive areas. I want to make the fans excited.

“I can see it's a strong squad here with good players, and I'm looking forward to sharing a pitch and special moments with them.”

De Zerbi added: “Having worked with Misha earlier in his career, I know exactly what he can bring to our team. He has the quality to change a game with his speed and ability in one-vs-one situations, and is an exciting, attacking talent.

“I will demand a lot from Misha and it is our job to help him find the best version of himself. If we do that then he can become a very important player for us. I am very happy he chose to come here, and I cannot wait to work with him again.”

Tottenham Hotspur director on Mudryk arrival

Mudryk could come against Leeds in November, when Spurs are due to visit Elland Road for the first meeting of the clubs this season.

Tottenham’s sporting director Johan Lange said: “We are delighted to welcome Mykhailo to the club.

“We believe he has the attributes to make a real contribution to our team and we are excited to see his development in our environment.

“Mykhailo's ambition and determination to take on this challenge has impressed me. He has a strong desire to succeed and improve, and that fits well with the culture we are building.

“We will fully support Mykhailo as he settles in, works with Roberto and our coaching staff and his new teammates, and we look forward to this next chapter of his career.”

Leeds have since turned their attention to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jean-Mattéo Bahoya and want to get him on board before the window closes.

The latest on Leeds United target Mykhailo Mudryk and Whites winger Wilfried Gnonto

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to sign Leeds United target Mykhailo Mudryk on loan from Chelsea.

The 25-year-old emerged on the Leeds radar when it became clear a temporary switch away from Chelsea was on the cards.

He appeared keen to join the Whites, although the West Yorkshire club encountered difficulties when it came to persuading Chelsea to sanction a deal.

Mykhailo Mudryk details emerge

Mudryk now appears Spurs-bound, with a reunion with his former Shakhtar Donetsk boss Roberto De Zerbi having reportedly been arranged.

Posting on X, transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano outlined the details of the deal that has been teed up.

He said: “Mykhailo Mudryk to Tottenham, here we go! Everything agreed also on personal terms. Mudryk joins THFC on paid loan and also understand there will be a buy option clause not mandatory in the agreement. The Ukrainian will re-join De Zerbi.”

Wilfried Gnonto’s situation

Leeds now face a decision regarding Wilfried Gnonto, who has been pictured in Italy sporting the colours of Fiorentina.

The 22-year-old was allowed to travel with a view to completing a loan move, although Leeds are not looking to sign off on an exit for Gnonto without a replacement being lined up.

With Mudryk heading elsewhere, it appears Leeds may have to call Gnonto back and get his focus back on their Premier League campaign.

It is far from an ideal situation but Leeds cannot risk depriving Daniel Farke of depth in the final third. While late suprises in the window are commonplace, Leeds face a race against time to line up an alternative attacking target.

They do, however, look set to complete some deadline day business. French defender Melvin Bard is closing in on a loan move from Nice to provide cover for Gabriel Gudmundsson in the left-back department.

Reports have indicated Leeds will have an option to buy 25-year-old Bard, who has represented France at various youth levels.

Jamie O’Hara has weighed in on Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to sell Will Lankshear to Middlesbrough

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Jamie O’Hara has conceded he was surprised to see Tottenham Hotspur sell Will Lankshear to Middlesbrough.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a dream start to life at Middlesbrough, scoring three goals across his opening two games.

Many were surprised to see the North Yorkshire club land him on a permanent deal following his impressive season on loan at Oxford United.

Jamie O’Hara delivers Will Lankshear verdict

Among those caught somewhat off-guard was pundit and former Spurs midfielder O’Hara, who told talkSPORT: “Will Lankshear, he’s gone and done the business straight away. Spurs - I thought we might have tried to keep him for another season and get him out on loan. But he’s gone.

“He was highly thought of and I’m surprised we didn’t actually keep him. You can always sign him back if he starts ripping it up.”

Renowned for his predatory instincts in front of goal and intelligence that defies his tender years, Lankshear has been widely tipped for a future at the elite level.

‘Fantastic finisher’

According to former Middlesbrough defender Danny Mills, Kim Hellberg needs to ensure there is constant service into their new frontman.

He told The Yorkshire Post: “He's a fantastic finisher and almost an old-fashioned centre-forward. His best work comes inside the penalty area and the 18-yard box. He is a very good finisher with a real eye for goal.

“He scored 11 goals in a struggling side last season. The biggest issue will be supply, so they need to get him into the right positions inside the penalty area.

“He's young and still has plenty of room for improvement, as all young players do, but if given the right opportunities, he can finish. That is what Middlesbrough will need to focus on.

“It’s certainly a hefty fee that Middlesbrough have paid. I know the club well, and they are a fantastic side that came very close last season.

“I suspect a lack of goals toward the end of the campaign is what ultimately stifled their promotion push, so they’ll be looking to address that. But they need to make sure they provide him with service inside the area because that is where his real strength lies.”

Ashley Phillips has spoken following his move from Tottenham Hotspur to Middlesbrough

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Ashley Phillips believes his new club Middlesbrough deserve to be in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old finally completed a move to the Riverside from Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend after weeks of speculation.

He has linked up with a club widely tipped to mount an assault on the Championship title after last season’s play-off final heartbreak.

Ashley Phillips’ Premier League ambition

A cultured centre-back, Phillips has been lauded as a coup for the North Yorkshire club and made it clear what his ambition is after penning a five-year deal.

He told Middlesbrough’s website: “I’m very excited to be here and can’t wait to be on the pitch. This is an amazing club and it deserves to be in the Premier League.

“I hope to be a good addition to what’s already a fantastic squad, and hopefully we can achieve great things together this season.”

Ashley Phillips’ EFL experience

Phillips has not arrived at the Riverside as an EFL novice having featured in the Championship for Blackburn Rovers, Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City.

He said: “I got some great experience at a young age with Blackburn, and then experienced what it’s like to be a Premier League player at Tottenham.

“I think I’ve developed myself into a good player during my loans, but there’s more to come from me and I hope I can show that here at Middlesbrough.”

Phillips has reunited with his former Tottenham teammate Will Lankshear, who was lured to the Riverside earlier in the summer.

Lankshear made his league debut for Boro at the weekend, firing Kim Hellberg’s side to a 2-1 victory over Lincoln City with a brace.

Middlesbrough will return to action on Saturday (August 22), visiting Phillips’ former employers Blackburn.

Middlesbrough appear to have made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of a Tottenham Hotspur defender

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Middlesbrough have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Ashley Phillips from Tottenham Hotspur for an initial fee of £7m.

The 21-year-old has been strongly linked with Boro, who are putting together an exciting squad ahead of their return to Championship action.

A product of the Blackburn Rovers youth system, Phillips was lured to North London back in the summer of 2023. He has since found opportunties limited in North London and been loaned out on three occasions - once to Plymouth Argyle and twice to Stoke City.

Middlesbrough ‘agree’ deal for Tottenham Hotspur defender

According to the Northern Echo, Middlesbrough have seen off competition from elsewhere to strike a deal for the centre-back.

Middlesbrough are said to be paying an initial fee of £7m, with a number of potential add-ons included in the agreement. Sky Sports have claimed the total fee could rise to £20m.

Spurs are also thought to have inserted a sell-on clause into the defender’s deal, entitling the Premier League club to a slice of any future fee Middlesbrough receive for Phillips.

The report has claimed personal terms are not expected to be a problem and that a long-term deal has been teed up for the England youth international.

Middlesbrough’s summer of ambition

Phillips now looks set to be reunited with his former Tottenham teammate Will Lankshear, who penned a permanent deal at the Riverside last month.

He appears likely to arrive in North Yorkshire along with Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who is believed to be closing in on a permanent switch.

The pair would take Middlesbrough’s senior summer signing count to eight following the captures of Max Arfsten, Sebastian Berhalter, Myles Peart-Harris, Jeremy Sarmiento, Kyle Joseph and Lankshear.

Many will fancy Kim Hellberg’s side for a promotion tilt and their Championship campaign is due to kick off against Lincoln City on August 15.

IT is somewhat rare for an established Championship club to hog the summer transfer headlines at second-tier level ahead of rivals armed with sizeable parachute payments fresh from Premier League relegation.

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In the first half of August, that is the situation Middlesbrough, last season's beaten play-off finalists, currently find themselves in, with their extensive and head-turning - summer signing spree showing no signs of abating.

The next significant inward arrival, barring any late hitches, will be Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek—in what would constitute another major coup for the Teessiders, who are also pushing to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips.

Czech-born Vitek was finalising his move to the club as The Yorkshire Post went to press, following on from Boro's major deals to sign USA international duo Max Arfsten and Sebastian Berhalter and Spurs striker Will Lankshear, with the latter joining for an initial £10 million.

Boro are expected to pay an up-front fee of £7million for Vitek, with a potential further £7m in add-ons included in the deal.

The 22-year-old, who excelled in a season-long loan at Bristol City in 25-26, has been Boro's top goalkeeping target, with the club keen to bring in another option alongside Sol Brynn; the newcomer is earmarked as the club's new number one.

A buy-back clause has been inserted into in Vitek deal by United, alongside a 35 per cent sell-on clause.

Boro had previously been linked with several other keepers this summer including former loanee Mark Travers - now at Everton - and Dutch custodian Kayne van Oevelen, who has since joined Ipswich Town.

Rule changes mean that from next season, the SCR allowance for Championship clubs is set at 85 per cent of income, with a flexible equity top-up allowance - from owner funding - of £33m over a three-year period, up to a maximum of £15m a season.

Earlier this summer, Boro sold Hayden Hackney in a big-money move and secured a windfall following Morgan Rogers' switch to Chelsea.

Alongside the incomings, Boro are also busy making room in their squad with some ongoings.

Delano Burgzorg, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Bristol City, is poised to join Preston North End in a £2m move.

Meanwhile, forward Kaly Sene, who has endured a difficult time on Teesside following his £1.5 million arrival from Lausanne last summer, has been lined up for a return to Switzerland, with Young Boys agreeing a £1m deal.

Hull City have been credited with interest in a member of Leeds United’s 2024/25 Championship title-winning squad

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Hull City are reportedly interested in signing former Leeds United winger Manor Solomon from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 27-year-old is no stranger to Yorkshire having spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Leeds from Spurs. He played a key role in the club’s Championship title triumph, weighing in with 10 goals and 12 assists.

Solomon had two further loan stints away from Tottenham last term, spending time in Spain and Italy with Villareal and Fiorentina respectively.

He is now expected to depart Tottenham on a permanent basis and West Ham United have been strongly linked with the Israel international.

Hull City linked with Tottenham Hotspur winger

However, The i Paper have claimed Hull are also on the trail of the tricky wideman.

Spurs are said to value Solomon around the £20m mark, although it has been suggested there could be opening bids in the £10-20m region.

Talk of interest from West Ham has been persistent, but Hull would have the advantage of being able to offer Premier League football in a transfer tussle.

Solomon has not been unable to ride the wave of momentum he built at Leeds, but there is still plenty of time for the winger to get his career back on track.

He is unlikely to see much action at Spurs, but he would most likely be one of Hull’s primary attacking outlets if he opted to join the Tigers.

Familiar pattern

Solomon had a daunting task on his hands when he arrived on loan at Leeds. He was signed to plug the gap created by Crysencio Summerville’s move to West Ham, which had been completed after Leeds’ play-off final defeat to Southampton.

If he opts to join West Ham, he would be replacing Summerville for a second time following the Dutchman’s switch to Al-Hilal.

An update on Middlesbrough’s interest in Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur men has been issued

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Manchester United’s Radek Vitek and Tottenham Hotspur’s Ashley Phillips are reportedly Middlesbrough’s leading targets as they look to strengthen between the sticks and at centre-back.

Both have been linked with the ambitious North Yorkshire club, who would arguably be pulling off major coups if they push deals over the line.

Vitek is a highly-rated goalkeeper who excelled on loan at Bristol City last season, but the 22-year-old is looking to leave Old Trafford for regular football.

Radek Vitek and Ashley Phillips latest

According to Teesside Live, Vitek and Phillips remain the leading targets in Middlesbrough’s quest to strengthen in net and at centre-back.

Progress is thought to have been made on the negotiations front, although the report has claimed there is still work to be done.

Middlesbrough are said to have alternative targets but could not be blamed for going all out to secure the aforementioned pair.

Radek Vitek looking for move

As reported by the BBC after Manchester United’s friendly loss to Wrexham on July 18, Vitek said: “I feel great and ready to go again somewhere to hopefully be number one. I hope there will be some interest. I think you will know when the things are more concrete."

When asked if he would prefer to depart temporarily or permanently, Vitek responded: “I'm ready for both to be fair. It depends on what the club wants and also depends on the options and, yeah, we'll see.

“There's been a few interests on the table, but we're hoping to get the best one and hopefully it will happen soon. I want to play every week and that's the goal for next season. Hopefully I find out soon where that's going to be.”

Vitek has represented Czech Republic at youth level, while Phillips has established himself as a key figure for England Under-21s.

Tottenham Hotspur are seemingly close to sending a Middlesbrough-linked prospect overseas

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Middlesbrough-linked winger Mikey Moore is reportedly edging closer to a loan move overseas.

The 18-year-old winger has already made 21 senior appearances for Tottenham Hotspur, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s brightest young prospects.

He spent last season on loan at Rangers, registering seven goals and four assists across 47 appearances for the Scottish heavyweights.

Mikey Moore latest

Over the weekend, Teesside Live credited Middlesbrough with interest in a loan deal for the England youth international.

However, it now appears FC Cologne are at the front of the queue to sign the explosive wideman on a temporary basis.

According to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, talks over a loan move to the Bundesliga club have progressed to an advanced stage.

Posting on X, he said: “FC Köln send official bid to sign Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham. Negotiations at advanced stages with THFC as deal could be completed next week with Moore open to the move. Several clubs keen but Köln now clear favorites.”

Moore would arguably be a huge coup for Rangers and a move to the Riverside would reunite him with his former Tottenham teammate Will Lankshear. However, the reality for Championship clubs is that top-flight football is hard to compete with.

Middlesbrough’s summer transfer business

It has been a busy summer in North Yorkshire, with Middlesbrough putting in plenty of work on the recruitment front after losing star man Hayden Hackney to Everton.

Kim Hellberg’s squad has been strengthened by the additions of Sebastian Berhalter, Myles Peart-Harris, Jeremy Sarmiento, Kyle Joseph and Lankshear.

Their Championship campaign is due to kick off on August 15, when newly-promoted Lincoln City will make the journey to the Riverside.