TBR Football

TBR Football can exclusively confirm that the likes of Tottenham and Chelsea are set to miss out on a “complete” full-back to a rival club in London.

Tottenham have endured a dreadful season and are set to strengthen their ranks in the summer, while Chelsea will want to kick on after a decent campaign.

The likes of Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie have been linked with a move away from Spurs, while the Blues are said to be keen on full-back reinforcements.

However, both London clubs – along with a host of other Premier League clubs – are now set to miss out on the £14million full-back, with Brentford now set to buy him.

Brentford set to sign Michael Kayode permanently despite Tottenham and Chelsea interest

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Brentford are ready to finalise the permanent signing of Michael Kayode – whose recent form has seen him impress hugely.

The highly-rated Italian full-back arrived in January on a loan deal from Fiorentina with an option to make the move permanent for £14million.

Kayode’s initial time in London was beset with injuries, but he has featured prominently in recent weeks.

Now Brentford are ready to complete the signing of the 20-year-old, who has remained on the radar of a host of clubs.

We understand that Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa are amongst a host of clubs who have been keeping tabs on Kayode’s progress since he arrived in England.

They all had interest in the ‘complete’ Kayode prior to his move to the GTech Community Stadium.

Who are Tottenham and Chelsea set to sign this summer?

TBR Football recently confirmed that Tottenham have opened talks with Mathys Tel’s representatives and are indicating they would like him to stay.

Spurs are ready to make the ‘very good’ £45million attacker – on loan from Bayern Munich – their first summer signing, according to our sources.

In addition, Kevin Danso is to join Tottenham permanently, with the loan deal from Lens including an obligation to buy.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have already completed the signings of Brazilian prodigy Estevao and Sporting CP midfielder Dario Essugo, who will both arrive this summer.

Sporting’s Geovany Quenda is expected to come to West London 12 months later.

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a busy summer on the transfer front in the wake of a very difficult campaign.

Spurs sit a lowly 17th in the Premier League table, which shows there’s a lot of work to be done in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham are likely to strengthen their attacking ranks in the coming months, with wide players set to be a high priority.

Now, a report has emerged claiming Spurs are the frontrunners to sign an “outrageous” forward who has been likened to Eden Hazard.

Tottenham lead the way for Rayan Cherki

Tottenham have now stepped up their efforts to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon, according to GiveMeSport.

Spurs are reported to have made fresh contact this month in order to find out what it would take to sign Cherki ahead of their rival suitors.

As a result, Tottenham are now said to be in pole position to sign the 22-year-old, who has gone from strength to strength at Lyon.

With Cherki’s contract running until the summer of 2026, Lyon risk losing him for nothing next summer if they don’t agree a new deal before then.

However, Spurs are likely to have a lot of competition for Cherki’s services.

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey recently confirmed that Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Manchester United are all eyeing Cherki.

Tottenham could be signing an ‘absolute master’

At just 22 years of age, Cherki has shown that he has what it takes to shine at a high level.

Former Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles plays alongside Cherki at Lyon and he rates the Spurs target very highly indeed.

“He is the best natural talent I’ve ever seen,” Maitland-Niles said earlier this year. “An absolute master, a wizard with the ball.”

“He’s taking chances, assists and dragging us up the pitch by taking people on and nutmegging them – he is a genius.

“He is two-footed, has no fear, keeps going and going, can get past people with such ease, such finesse.

“He is now working for the team off the ball and has gone to another level this season.”

With the summer transfer window set to kick off in June, Tottenham Hotspur are likely laying the groundwork to make new signings already.

Tottenham intend to sign Mathys Tel permanently and make the Frenchman their first summer signing.

Another striker on Spurs’ shortlist is Dusan Vlahovic, who Tottenham could sign for £20 million as Juventus are prepared to let the Serbian leave on a cut-price fee.

Tottenham fans will be excited about the fact that it looks like the Lilywhites have no intention of resting on their laurels before scrambling in the dying embers of the summer transfer window to make brand-new additions.

During the winter window, Tottenham bid £70 million to sign Marc Guehi on deadline day — a ploy that was unsurprisingly unsuccessful as the proposal came too late for Crystal Palace to consider a sale.

Tottenham target Marc Guehi could be available for £55 million

At the time, it seemed like Spurs were desperate to inject spark into their side and in Marc Guehi, Ange Postecoglou’s side must have felt he would be the perfect statement signing.

Tottenham remain interested in signing Guehi come the summer as well.

Journalist Ben Jacobs told the London is Blue- Chelsea FC Podcast that the Englishman could be available for around £50 to 55 million in the summer: “So if they move in another direction, we know Mark Guehi is a player that they appreciate, and Palace have got a big decision to make because his contract is now starting to tick down. They rejected a 70 million bid from Spurs in January.”

“They turned down 65 million from Newcastle last summer. And now I think the feeling is 50-55 at the top end might be enough to get Palace to sell simply because of his contractual situation.”

Ben Jacobs also revealed that Guehi is likely to leave Crystal Palace in the summer, as Tottenham could sign him for £15 million less than they did when they submitted a bid for the 24-year-old a few months ago: “And my understanding is that Guehi is more likely to leave Crystal Palace rather than run down his contract or end up signing a new deal.”

Where Guehi could rank among Tottenham’s most expensive defenders

Eberechi Eze described his Palace and England teammate as an “incredible player”, as quoted by The Evening Standard and it is easy to see why Spurs would like to add one of the Premier League’s best defenders to their roster.

With Chelsea keen on re-signing Guehi in the summer, however, the Lilywhites will have to brace themselves to go toe-to-toe with several clubs.

However, if Tottenham manage to sign Guehi, he will rank very high amongst Tottenham’s most expensive defensive incomings.

Guehi would be Tottenham’s most expensive defensive addition if he makes the move to N5 for £50 or £55 million.

However, considering how established the Abidjan-born defender is at club and international level, it seems unlikely that he would ever show signs of wilting under the pressure of a high price tag.

Tottenham Hotspur may be in the Europa League final, but their Premier League form this season has been nothing short of atrocious.

This has led to pressure on Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, along with increasing speculation over his future.

TBR Football sources recently revealed that not even winning the Europa League will be enough to save Postecoglou’s job at Tottenham.

Spurs are interested in Fulham’s Marco Silva as a potential replacement, but he’s not the only manager on their radar.

Now, Tottenham are said to be considering an approach for a manager who recently sold former Spurs winger Steven Bergwijn.

Tottenham set sights on Ajax’s Francesco Farioli

The manager in question is Francesco Farioli, who is currently the head coach of Dutch giants Ajax.

Tottenham have placed the 36-year-old Italian at the top of their shortlist, according to TEAMtalk.

Although Farioli is having a difficult end to the season – Ajax have just been overtaken by PSV at the top of the Eredivisie table – that hasn’t put Spurs off.

Farioli – who sold Bergwijn to Al-Ittihad earlier this season – is reported to have a €5million (£4.2million) release clause, which Spurs find affordable.

In addition, the former Nice manager’s modern ideas fit the long-term vision of Tottenham, added the report.

Fabio Paratici has decided who he’d like as Tottenham manager

The report understands that the main supporter of Farioli at Tottenham is Fabio Paratici.

Indeed, it is Paratici who has recommended Farioli to Levy, according to the report – and both could be working together at Spurs.

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Paratici has agreed terms on his return to Tottenham.

We revealed in March that Daniel Levy has told Paratici that he wanted him to return to North London and ‘finish what you started’.

AC Milan had also been locked in talks with Paratici, but despite agreeing terms, they backed away from the deal, leaving the path open for Spurs.

Tottenham have a big summer transfer window ahead of them.

Indeed, Spurs have been terrible this season, and they need to undergo a serious rebuild come the summer.

Tottenham have a few transfer targets in mind heading into this upcoming transfer window.

Angel Gomes is on Spurs’ radar, while Tottenham are also keen on Dusan Vlahovic.

Cristian Romero could leave Tottenham, and Spurs may also look to revamp their defence.

However, doing that defensive surgery will be expensive, and Tottenham’s budget may well be affected by the result of next week’s Europa League final.

Interestingly, one of Spurs’ summer transfer targets may have inadvertently ruined his chances of signing for Tottenham this week.

Marc Guehi may have blown Tottenham transfer chances

Tottenham’s transfer budget this summer will undoubtedly be affected by whether or not they’re playing Champions League football.

Sadly, Tottenham’s chances of playing in next season’s Champions League took a huge blow this week.

Dejan Kulusevski has been Tottenham’s best player this season, and now, he’s set to miss the Europa League final after undergoing knee surgery this week.

Ironically, it was a tackle from none other than Marc Guehi that led to Kulusevski’s injury.

Guehi is a Tottenham target, and Spurs even bid for Guehi in January.

However, now that Kulusevski is injured, Spurs’ Champions League hopes have taken a hit, and next season’s transfer budget may no longer stretch to signing a player like Guehi, especially as he’s been valued at £70m.

How much is winning the Europa League worth?

Getting that Champions League money is huge for any club, and this ultimately could define Tottenham’s transfer window.

According to Ian Ladyman, Manchester United believe a Europa League win would extend their transfer budget by £100m this summer.

“Somebody told me that there’s a ballpark figure of about £100m to spend for Manchester United, without getting into the Champions League. Which is why we’ve seen them dip their toe in the water for Cunha at Wolves and Delap at Ipswich,” Ladyman said.

“I think they feel they can do those deals without European football, that’s what I was told. If they do get the Champions League, you can chuck another £100m into that too, and therefore two players becomes four or five players and that’s half a team.”

That extra £100m for Spurs could fund a move for a player like Guehi, but with Kulusevski now sidelined, Tottenham’s chances of winning in Bilbao next week have drastically reduced.

With his tackle on Kulusevski, Guehi may have accidentally ruined his own chances of getting a move to Tottenham this summer.

Being a serial winner, Manchester United midfielder Casemiro will have his sights set on lifting the Europa League by beating Tottenham Hotspur in the final.

Winning the final would also give the Brazilian a chance to revive his reputation in England, with Casemiro getting a lot of stick since his second season in a United shirt.

Looking ahead to the much-awaited contest, Tottenham have several injury concerns, with Dejan Kulusevski ruled out of the Europa League final.

James Maddison delivered an injury update by informing Spurs fans that he too cannot feature against Ruben Amorim’s side with a knee problem.

Casemiro would have relished such battles in midfield, with even Lucas Bergvall potentially set to miss the game through an injury.

Peter Crouch says Lucas Bergvall is better than Casemiro

Bergvall is working hard to face Manchester United in the final behind the scenes.

Manchester Evening News reported that the Swedish international held two trials at United as a teenager before eventually moving to Djurgardens.

With Bergvall admiring Tottenham’s project after having recently extended his contract until 2031, which he could take to another level by playing a part in the final and helping them win their first trophy since 2008.

The 19-year-old has made waves this season as well, to the extent that Peter Crouch picked him over Casemiro in a combined XI of Tottenham and Manchester United players on TNT Sports.

Comparing Lucas Bergvall and Casemiro stats

The popular pundit’s pick could raise some eyebrows as the former Real Madrid destroyer is a legend of the game.

Having won five Champions League titles amongst various other pieces of silverware, the 33-year-old does not have too much left to prove in the game.

However, here are how Casemiro’s stats compare to Bergvall’s this season.

Peter Crouch might have a point when siding with Bergvall over Casemiro in some regards, as his pass completion (87.6%), progressive carries (2.12) and interceptions (1.62) are superior in comparison to the veteran.

However, the Copa America winner trumps the youngster in terms of the tackles (4.42) he makes as well as in terms of the progressive passes (5.28) he attempts per game as he remains a quality player.

Considering Casemiro is an out-and-out number six while Bergvall is a more attack-minded midfielder, they are fundamentally different as players.

Tottenham Hotspur take on Manchester United in the final of the Europa League.

The two clubs have had shocking seasons in the Premier League. Spurs are currently 17th after 36 games, while the Red Devils are just a point and a place above them.

The Europa League final in Bilbao will determine how this season will be viewed for both Manchester United and Tottenham, and that makes it a fascinating game to watch.

Bruno Fernandes will be the key man for Ruben Amorim’s side, but what does he think about Spurs? He has had his say.

Bruno Fernandes delivers verdict on Tottenham ahead of Europa League final

Fernandes and Manchester United should know Tottenham really well by this point.

The two sides have faced each other three times already this season – twice in the Premier League and once in the cup.

Spurs beat United in all three games, which is why many, including Jamie O’Hara, think Tottenham will win the Europa League final.

Fernandes, however, wants his team to get one over the North Londoners, and he has revealed his honest thoughts on Ange Postecoglou’s side.

The Manchester United captain told beIN Sports about Spurs: “A very aggressive team on the front foot. They press very well, they defend with a high line where they’re very well organised in that.

“They have players on the ball, quality-wise, very good, but we will study, we already know many of their threats.

“But more than that, we need to focus on what we need to do to not give any chances away for them and create a lot of chances for ourselves to score goals and win that game.”

Bruno Fernandes could’ve been a Tottenham player

Fernandes is one of the best players in the Premier League today, and he is arguably the biggest reason why Manchester United aren’t in a relegation battle.

The Portugal international has saved United on several occasions this season, but if Daniel Levy did what he had to do in 2019, Fernandes could’ve been at Spurs now.

Tottenham tried to sign the midfielder when he was still at Sporting CP, but Levy’s bids did not meet the Portuguese club’s demands.

Fernandes later even claimed that he was ‘excited’ about joining Tottenham, but his move to North London did not materialise that summer.

One can only wonder where Spurs would be right now if Levy was able to land Fernandes in 2019.

Son Heung-min has played with some incredible players at Tottenham Hotspur, but the forward has just named the best teammate he has had during his ten years at the club.

The South Korean international is bidding to become the first captain since Ledley King in 2008 to lift a trophy for the North London club in the Europa League final.

Tottenham Hotspur take on Manchester United next week with the chance to end their 17-year wait for silverware and a place in the Champions League.

Ahead of the massive showdown, the Spurs captain has been reflecting on his long career in North London.

Son Heung-min names Harry Kane as best Tottenham teammate

Son Heung-min has named Harry Kane as his best Tottenham Hotspur teammate despite playing alongside Gareth Bale.

The Tottenham duo enjoyed a brilliant relationship together on the pitch as they broke Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard’s record for most goal combinations.

Son and Kane combined a total of 47 times in the league, which places them 11 ahead of the Chelsea duo and 18 ahead of David Silva and Sergio Aguero.

@tntsportsfootball From best game he’s played to the best player he’s played with, Son Heung-Min answers the greatest moments from his Tottenham career so far 👀 #sonheungmin #heungminson #tottenham #pl #premierleague ♬ original sound – TNT Sports Football

Son recently congratulated Kane on winning his first trophy as Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga and now, the South Korean forward will be aiming to win his first title with Spurs in the Europa League.

Gareth Bale would have been the other close call with Kane, given his stature in world football and what he has achieved during his career.

The 31-year-old only spent one season playing alongside the Welsh legend, although he did watch him manage 16 goals and three assists in 34 matches.

Son Heung-min names his favourite ever Tottenham match

Son selected Tottenham’s 4-3 defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League favourite ever match in a Lilywhite shirt.

Despite losing on the night, Mauricio Pochettino’s team did enough to reach the semi-finals as they won the tie on away goals.

Son netted a brace at the Etihad that evening as the North London club reached the last four of the competition for just the second time in their history.

Dominic Solanke was signed to replace Harry Kane at Tottenham Hotspur in the summer but up until now, the former AFC Bournemouth striker has not lived up to the billing.

Solanke has just scored eight goals in the Premier League this season but in fairness to him, Ange Postecoglou’s side have underwhelmed as a unit, as they sit in 17th place in the Premier League table.

Tottenham do not have an able understudy for the Englishman and despite Spurs’ faith in Mathys Tel, he is yet to blow up any trees since making his way to the Lilywhites on a loan deal in the winter transfer window.

Heung-min Son has struggled this campaign as well and Ange Postecoglou has rarely turned to him to put in a shift as a makeshift centre-forward, a position where he thrived last season.

Tottenham interested in signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic

Dusan Vlahovic is a player who has attracted Tottenham’s attention.

MARCA reported in 2021 that former Spurs boss Antonio Conte was keen on bringing Vlahovic in to replace Harry Kane.

GiveMeSport have now revealed that Tottenham could make a move for the Juventus centre-forward as well, who could be available for just £20 million.

Juventus are ready to sell Vlahovic and Tottenham are aware of his situation, as they could ramp up their interest soon.

Tottenham’s interest in Vlahovic is longstanding but several other clubs are bound to be in the race to sign him.

Manchester United believe that could sign Liam Delap and if that is the case, Chelsea, Newcastle United and West Ham United look likely to join Spurs in their pursuit of the 25-year-old.

How Spurs could sign Dusan Vlahovic on a discount

Vlahovic has not had his best season for Juventus, scoring just 14 goals in all competitions this season.

However, there is no disputing that the former Fiorentina frontman is a quality goalscorer.

While Juventus would like to sell the Belgrad-born goalscorer for £35 million, they are aware that they will have to accept offloading him for a cut-price fee if a suitor comes calling.

As a result, Tottenham could intensify their efforts to sign Vlahovic.

The same applies to the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle and West Ham, as the pursuit to sign the in-demand striker could turn into a transfer saga.

If there’s one thing that’s defined Tottenham’s season this year, it’s injuries.

Indeed, Tottenham have had so many injuries this term that it’s been hard to keep track at times.

However, over the past couple of months, Spurs’ injury list has cleared up as a number of key players have returned to action.

However, at the worst possible moment, these issues have flared up again.

James Maddison is out for the season, Lucas Bergvall is carrying a problem, and now, Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery on his knee ahead of the Europa League final vs Manchester United.

Kulusevski has been Tottenham’s best player this year, and now, he’s set to miss the biggest game of the season.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Jermaine Jenas has been discussing Kulusevski’s injury, and he’s shared his reaction to this news.

Jermaine Jenas reacts to Dejan Kulusevski injury news

Jenas shared his reaction to this update, labelling this situation as a ‘nightmare’.

Indeed, the pundit says things couldn’t be any worse for Tottenham at the moment.

“Spurs have had a nightmare all year with injuries. It’s been reported today that Dejan Kulusevski has undergone knee surgery, they’re already missing Maddison, Bergvall is missing too. It couldn’t get any worse really.”

Tottenham full injury list ahead of Europa League final

Tottenham have a crucial game against Manchester United on the horizon, and they head into this match with a depleted squad.

Sadly, Spurs don’t have a full-strength team heading into this game, a game that Manchester United were fancied to win in any case.

Of course, we’ve seen depleted squads pull off incredible results in big games before. Back in 2012 Chelsea won the Champions League with John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic suspended and Ryan Bertrand starting down the left wing.

Miracles can happen in these big matches, but Tottenham are facing a massive uphill battle with this injury list ahead of the Europa League final as their midfield will be seriously lacking any drive or any creativity.

Spurs may well struggle to win in Bilbao without the likes of Kulusevski and Maddison, but, as ever in football, stranger things have happened.