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Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo had asked to leave the club on loan in the final week of the summer transfer window this year, but his wish was promptly turned down by Ruben Amorim, who wished to count on him for 2025/26.

The 20-year-old has yet to start a Premier League game for the Red Devils in five outings this season, and although he did come off the bench for them in their last three matches in the English top-flight, he has collectively played only 76 minutes.

With the FIFA World Cup approaching in 2026, Mainoo is understood to be keen on playing regularly in order to make the England side for the tournament and has kept the door to departing Old Trafford in January if his playing time does not improve.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are the two ‘realistic’ destinations for Mainoo, with the two Londoners expected to look into signing a midfielder or two early next year to bolster their options in the engine room.

Mainoo transfer could hinge on Amorim

Kobbie Mainoo’s transfer to Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur will heavily hinge on Ruben Amorim’s future at Old Trafford, with the Portuguese manager coming under pressure very early on this season after a slow start in the Premier League.

Amorim will keep his job for the time being after overseeing a win over Chelsea on Saturday but that’s not to say his position is not precarious, with reports suggesting that United are keeping their options open ahead of the busy run of fixtures in the winter.

Should Amorim stay and not count on Mainoo, the writing may be on the wall and both, Chelsea as well as Spurs, could consider acquiring him in January, though United would want to keep their academy graduate owing to Manuel Ugarte’s inconsistencies.

Whether Mainoo might want to leave permanently or on loan remains to be seen, but any club interested in acquiring his services for good would need to pay £79 million – a price tag Man United consider fair given his age, potential and contract duration.

Tottenham would fancy their chances of signing Mainoo ahead of Chelsea considering they can give him regular minutes, whereas the Blues would require him to compete with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo for a spot in their primary starting eleven.

Tottenham Hotspur came from 2-0 down to salvage a 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on matchday five in a game where they were largely outplayed in the midfield.

Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur struggled to make much of an impact, especially in possession, and in spite of Xavi Simons’ signing, Thomas Frank has been keen on a deeper-lying creative midfielder’s addition to his squad.

Caught Offside has reported that Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing Al-Hilal star Ruben Neves in 2026 as he enters the final few months of his contract in Saudi Arabia. The player is also open to returning to Europe.

Neves has also been linked with Man United, but it is believed that Spurs are planning on expediting a transfer for the Portuguese international, who is expected to be available for approximately £17 million.

Neves would be a solid addition for Spurs

Thomas Frank has utilised Xavi Simons on the left wing as opposed to making him the number 10, whereas Mohammed Kudus has also adapted very well to his position on the right flank.

Dejan Kulusevski has yet to play his first minutes under Frank, so once he is fit, it will be interesting to see where he fits in the Tottenham Hotspur team but Ruben Neves will be a solid signing for them, nonetheless.

The 28-year-old has already been successful in England with Wolverhampton Wanderers, with his physicality, intelligent reading of the game, passing and long-range shooting particularly key attributes which Spurs can leverage from.

Rodrigo Bentancur has not played the best football in possession since a reasonable time, so Neves promises to be an upgrade over the Uruguayan international alongside a fill-in for Yves Bissouma too.

Manchester United will also benefit from his profile and will give Spurs a run for their money, but at this point in time, the Londoners will be able to propose a more stable and attractive sporting project to the Al-Hilal star.

Sergio Reguilon left Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season after their Europa League triumph and has been a free agent since, having failed to find newer recruits during the summer transfer window.

Fichajes has reported that the former Real Madrid star could be onto greener pastures soon, however, with Everton and West Ham pondering over his transfer as a free agent in the near future.

La Liga sides, Real Sociedad and Sevilla, are also keen on the 28-year-old’s services and the prospect of his signing looks very attractive given the low-risk involved as well as the prime age of his career in mind.

Everton could snap up Reguilon

Everton might be the likeliest side to sign Sergio Reguilon as a free agent considering their primary left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko has struggled for fitness in the initial few weeks of the 2025/26 season.

Adam Aznou, the back-up option, has a lot of potential, but a player of Reguilon’s calibre and experience will provide David Moyes with a safer and more trustworthy option at the back, especially if he plans on rotating the squad.

Reguilon is unlikely to cost Everton much as far as wages are concerned, while the lack of game time under his belt in the last few months does not give him much bargaining power to ask for a key role in the squad either.

West Ham, though an attractive destination, will look to sort out Graham Potter’s future sooner rather than later after defeat to Crystal Palace yesterday and therefore, any newer transfers might be placed on hold for the time being.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in a battle with Manchester United and Arsenal over a deal to sign Athletic Club star Oihan Sancet, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

Following James Maddison’s serious knee issue, the Lilywhites have decided to reinforce the creative midfield position this summer. Initially, they attempted to buy Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

However, after losing the race to Arsenal, they eventually decided to buy Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. Chelsea were keen on the Dutchman, but Spurs won the race.

Simons has enjoyed a bright start to his life in the English capital, helping his side win the last two games in all competitions. He even registered an assist against West Ham United last weekend.

Now, Fichajes state that although Tottenham have enough firepower in their No.10 position, they are planning to add further depth to this position and have expressed their interest in Sancet following his recent promising performances.

However, purchasing the Spaniard won’t be straightforward for Thomas Frank’s side, as Arsenal, Man Utd, and Aston Villa are also considering making a move.

Battle

The Gunners are looking for a playmaker to complement Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard and have identified Sancet as the priority target. Mikel Arteta’s side are even ready to invest a significant amount of money to secure his service.

On the other hand, Man Utd have been monitoring the midfielder’s performances closely before making a potential swoop next summer. He still has seven years left in his current contract at San Mamés Stadium and has a £69m release clause.

Sancet is a CAM by trait but is also comfortable in the box-to-box role. He is excellent in the air, has the ability to chip in with some important goals, is efficient in creating opportunities for fellow attackers, and also works hard without possession.

He showcased his goal-scoring prowess for Athletic Club last term, scoring 17 goals and notching up three assists across all competitions.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly expressed a ‘strong interest’ in signing Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a stellar time at Jose Alvalade Stadium since joining from Lecce a couple of years ago, winning two Liga Portugal titles and a Taca de Portugal trophy.

Moreover, he has established himself as the Lions’ captain. Having showcased his qualities in the Portuguese top-flight, the midfielder has secured his place in the Denmark national team.

Now, Fichajes state that Tottenham are willing to reinforce the engine room next year and have registered a serious interest in the former Lecce star. Thomas Frank believes his compatriot would be an ideal fit to play in his system.

Spurs are prepared to launch a formal proposal worth around £52m to seal the deal with his existing deal set to run until 2028. Sporting don’t want to part ways with their captain, but it would be difficult for them to keep hold of him should Tottenham eventually make a concrete approach.

Spurs have decided to reinforce the midfield department by signing former Sporting star João Palhinha on a loan deal this summer. He has had a solid start to this season.

Hjulmand to Tottenham

But considering he has already entered his 30s and Yves Bissouma has struggled to find regular game time under Frank, the Lilywhites have seemingly started exploring options to strengthen the midfield.

Hjulmand is a 6-foot-tall player and is comfortable with possession against high-pressing teams. Moreover, he is dynamic and efficient in defensive contributions. He is currently at the prime stage of his career, so this should be the right time for him to take the next step.

Hjulmand possesses the necessary attributes to flourish in the Premier League. So, he could be a shrewd acquisition for Tottenham. Manchester United have been linked with a move for Hjulmand since Ruben Amorim’s arrival as the new manager. However, United haven’t made a move, and Tottenham might be able to seal the deal if they move quickly.

Nevertheless, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually make a formal approach to lure him away from the Jose Alvalade Stadium next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a triple swoop on Monaco to sign Maghnes Akliouche, Vanderson and Lamine Camara, according to TBR Football.

Spurs were one of the most ambitious sides in the recently concluded summer transfer window. The club, under the now-departed Daniel Levy, carried out more than just a revamp — they made tactically fitting signings that align perfectly with Thomas Frank’s playing style.

Their summer activities are paying off, with the club winning three of their first four games and sitting third in the Premier League table. However, the rebuilding process isn’t finished yet, as they continue to monitor viable prospects to strengthen the squad further.

Their latest sojourn towards finding viable prospects took them to France, as TBR Football claims that Spurs’ scouts were in attendance at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps in Auxerre to watch Monaco’s trio of Akliouche, Vanderson and Camara during their 2-1 win over Auxerre on Saturday.

For Akliouche, who is valued at £38m by Transfermarkt, the report reveals that the France international winger was on Tottenham’s radar last summer and held internal talks before opting to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. The 23-year-old is now back on the club’s transfer list.

Triple raid

The report adds that Spurs are also keen on bolstering their right-back ranks and are now back in contention to sign Vanderson after considering a swoop to sign him in the summer.

At the same time, Pape Matar Sarr’s Senegalese teammate Camara is another target the club are keeping tabs on as a potential option in midfield.

Vanderson and Camara are key players for Adi Hütter and showcased their immense potential in front of Tottenham’s officials in the 2-1 win over Auxerre.

The Brazilian right back still has three years at the club, while the Senegal international’s contract at Stade Louis II will run out in 2029, so it won’t be easy pricing them away from the club, as Monaco will likely demand fees above their £17m and £19m Transfermarkt valuations, respectively.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly accelerated their efforts to sign Sevilla forward Ruben Vargas, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The Lilywhites have decided to reinforce the frontline by signing Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, and Randal Kolo Muani this summer. The latter has joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day, with no option to buy included in the deal.

Kolo Muani isn’t ready to play yet as he wasn’t training with the PSG team during the pre-season. However, Simons started against West Ham United this weekend, helping his side win the game 3-0 by registering an assist.

Still, Fichajes state that Tottenham are planning to buy a new forward next year and have registered their interest in Vargas, having been impressed by his recent displays in La Liga.

Spurs have already stepped up efforts to seal the deal after following his development closely. Sevilla ideally don’t want to let him leave, but would be open to cashing-in should they receive a big proposal.

The player would be open to moving to the Premier League if Spurs make a formal approach. However, Aston Villa are in this race as well; therefore, finalising the move won’t be straightforward for Thomas Frank’s side.

Vargas to Tottenham

The 27-year-old moved to Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan from German side FC Augsburg in January, so he still has a contract until 2029 with the Spanish side.

Upon moving to La Liga last winter, Vargas made four goal contributions last term. This season, he has started promisingly, registering three assists in as many league appearances.

The Switzerland international is a versatile player as he is comfortable on the left flank and in the creative midfield position. He is a talented player and might be a useful acquisition for Tottenham, adding depth to their attack if they purchase him.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services in January or next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in the Champions League after over two years, and host Villarreal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tomorrow at 20:00 local time on matchday one of the competition’s league phase.

After picking up a 3-0 win over West Ham United at the weekend, Thomas Frank will look for a similar result on his own maiden game in the European Cup.

Here is a look at how the Lilywhites might feature against the Yellow Submarine.

Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario is expected to start in between the sticks ahead of Antonin Kinsky.

Defenders – Villarreal are very dangerous on the break, so Frank is unlikely to ring in any changes at the back. Therefore, Pedro Porro and Djed Spence could start at right back and left back, respectively, whereas Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are likely to be the Dane’s preferred pairing in the heart of the back four.

Richarlison to lead the line

Midfielders – Joao Palhinha has settled in positively at Tottenham Hotspur and could be in the starting eleven once more as the team’s number six, while even Pape Mata Sarr, who is in great form, could be in the team. Lucas Bergvall could have another chance from the word go too after scoring a goal and providing an assist at the weekend.

Forwards – Xavi Simons assisted his first goal for Tottenham Hotspur on his first start for the club against West Ham, and might get more minutes under his belt on the left wing. Mohammed Kudus is also likely to be given the nod over Brennan Johnson on the right flank. £60 million man Richarlison could return to the team, replacing Mathys Tel, to lead the line having not been fully fit in the weekend fixture.

Here is a look at Spurs’ potential line-up on paper.

Aston Villa have yet to win a Premier League game this season with two draws and two defeats in their first four outings, with the latest being a 0-0 stalemate against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last afternoon.

The Clarets have not been able to replicate last season’s form on the pitch and Unai Emery’s continuity as their head coach could come under scrutiny if the results don’t improve sooner rather than later.

While the immediate future is something for the board to take care of, Villa may be in more troubled waters as Caught Offside has reported that they may be ‘forced’ into selling Morgan Rogers with PSR woes likely to lead to play sales to balance accounts.

Rogers would by far be the player that would alleviate burden off Villa with a transfer fee ranging between £80 million and £100 million with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur already showing an interest in luring him away.

Rogers sale possible next year

Morgan Rogers remains firmly within Aston Villa’s plans and they are not entertaining his sale unless circumstances compel them to do so, but the English international’s sale next year remains a strong possibility nonetheless.

Even though Tottenham Hotspur may not be as interested after signing Xavi Simons, Chelsea will look to go all-in on Rogers next summer as Enzo Maresca looks to sign a new number 10, a position he was unable to bolster in this summer’s transfer window.

Rogers himself might be keen on the transfer having spent a decent chunk of time at Villa Park, especially if they are unable to compete for any silverware this season and also fail to secure a berth in any European competition next season.

It will be interesting to see whether Aston Villa are able to pick up some crucial points and also do well on the continental stage this season, as progress on the pitch will go a long way in determining Morgan Rogers’ future at the club.

West Ham United welcome London neighbours Tottenham Hotspur on matchweek four of the Premier League on Saturday for a 5.30 pm kick-off at London Stadium and will be looking to claim their first home win of the 2025/26 campaign following an emphatic 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest before the international break.

One of the players whose contention for this clash remains contentious is Niclas Füllkrug, who is looking to open his account for the season after an improvement in his performances.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker returned early from international duty after picking up a calf injury, with the forward only able to take part in light training sessions.

The 32-year-old endured hamstring and Achilles setbacks throughout last season after completing his £27m switch from Dortmund, and while this fresh problem raised concerns, Graham Potter insists it is not a significant setback, though he remains a doubt for the clash with Tottenham.

Speaking during his pre-Tottenham press conference, the former Chelsea boss said, ‘He’s had a slight issue with his calf from international duty,’ Potter explained. ‘So he came back early. He’s trained lightly today, but we’ll see how he reacts.’

Injury update

Despite a productive pre-season, Füllkrug is still waiting to register his first goal of the campaign. His absence could present an opportunity for Callum Wilson, who found the net as a substitute in West Ham’s 3-0 victory over Forest.

The Hammers will now be hoping to replicate their strong away performance on home turf when they host Spurs at the London Stadium on Saturday evening.

Their emphatic 3-0 triumph away at Forest eased some of the mounting pressure on Potter, who will now be hoping his side can carry that momentum into the London derby.

However, heavy defeats against Sunderland and Chelsea in the opening weeks have left Potter under scrutiny, with Saturday’s clash still carrying significant weight for the former Brighton manager.

On a positive note, Soungoutou Magassa and Igor Julio are in line to make their debuts for the club, and the new arrivals will be eager to impress quickly in front of the home crowd, while Luis Guilherme remains sidelined until October after fracturing his collarbone in training.