TBR Football

TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs contacted by Rodrigo Muniz’s camp over a prospective summer move.

Muniz is currently in contract talks with Fulham as they look to extend his time at Craven Cottage beyond 2027 – his current deal runs until 2026 with a year’s option.

However, there is interest in the Fulham star from Premier League rivals, with TBR Football previously confirming that Leeds are keen on Muniz.

TBR Football can also confirm what Muniz’s representatives think about his contract talks with Fulham, and which other teams have been contacted over the player.

Leeds and Newcastle also in Rodrigo Muniz picture alongside Aston Villa and Tottenham

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can confirm that Fulham remain in talks with Rodrigo Muniz over a new contract, but interest in him is getting stronger.

Muniz has already been the subject of interest from Leeds, but we can confirm that intermediaries have had contact with a host of clubs in recent weeks, circulating his name as a possible option.

We can confirm that Newcastle United have been contacted, but they are not alone in being approached.

As we have mentioned, Leeds are in the picture, but Aston Villa and Tottenham have also been informed.

“Fulham have been talking to Muniz about a new deal since April, but nothing has been agreed,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football.

“His people fully believe he is worthy of fresh terms and whilst they are not done, it is no shock that other clubs are being made aware of his potential availability.”

Marco Silva has already explained why Rodrigo Muniz is such a good striker

Muniz has shown he has what it takes to thrive at the highest level and, at 24 years of age, he’s yet to reach his peak.

In April, Fulham handed Liverpool their first away defeat of the season when they ran out 3-2 winners over the soon-to-be Premier League champions.

Muniz played a big role in that result, scoring Fulham’s third goal to put them out of reach of Arne Slot’s side, and Marco Silva explained just why he rates the Brazilian so highly.

“He’s a proper quality striker,” Fulham boss Silva told BBC Sport following the game. “He’s still very young but going so quick and doing so well.

“We have in our hands a very good striker. He knows that and he knows my opinion. He has many things to improve but he’s so strong, a very high quality for a No. 9 striker.

“The capacity to play with his back to the central defenders, then inside the box being a technical player and sharp enough to take these types of moments which he showed again.”

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing some exciting attacking additions in this summer transfer window.

Spurs have already signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, while Tottenham went for Morgan Gibbs-White before a very controversial situation with Nottingham Forest arose.

Rodrygo Goes has emerged as a Tottenham target too, while Rafael Leao is on Spurs’ radar.

Speaking on We Are Tottenham TV, Ben Jacobs has been discussing Spurs’ interest in Leao, and he says Tottenham could well have a secret weapon in this race.

Fabio Paratici could have secret weapon in Rafael Leao race

According to Jacobs, Fabio Paratici would be parachuted in to get involved in talks for Rafael Leao if Spurs try to go down this route.

The journalist says Paratici has a great relationship with AC Milan from his time in Italy, while he’s also led to believe Paratici has a good relationship with Leao’s team.

“They’re going to have to determine, is it Leao? The interest there is genuine, but it’s always been difficult to get Leao away from Milan,” Jacobs said.

“Paratici would be parachuted in to be involved in that deal because he has an excellent relationship and, to my knowledge, the player’s side too. So the glimmer of hope with Leao is that Milan need to bring in some finances, they don’t have any European football, and if they were heading into this season with Champions League football, then the door on a Leao exit would’ve been entirely shut.”

Fabio Paratici’s past dealings with AC Milan

Jacobs says Paratici has a good relationship with AC Milan, and he’s not wrong.

Indeed, at one point Paratici was a candidate for a job at Milan before talks collapsed.

Meanwhile, throughout his career, Paratici has done numerous deals with the Serie A giants.

Andrea Pirlo, Mattia De Sciglio and Leonardo Bonucci were all signed by Paratici from Milan during his time at Juventus, while Alessandro Matri went from Juventus to Milan under Paratici’s stewardship.

The Italian has tons of connections back in his home country, and he could well hold the key to helping Tottenham sign Leao this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race to sign Leicester City forward Bilal El Khannouss.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham admire El Khannouss and have added him to their list of attacking midfield targets.

Spurs are having to look elsewhere after Morgan Gibbs-White signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest, forcing the North Londoners to back away from a deal.

The Moroccan is now on their list of alternatives, and the club’s supporters have plenty to say about him, having seen him in action last season.

Claims Bilal El Khannouss was ‘one of the best players’ at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Spurs fans claim Bilal El Khannouss was ‘one of the best players’ at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season.

The 21-year-old played a key role in helping Leicester City to win 2-1 against Tottenham last season, with a wonderful goal against the Lilywhites.

The midfielder picked up the ball halfway inside Tottenham Hotspur’s half and drove at the defence, before curling his effort beyond Antonin Kinsky.

El Khannouss is valued at just £20m at Leicester, which could make him a real bargain signing after the Foxes were relegated.

Spurs would also face competition for him with Crystal Palace targeting El Khannouss, and there has also been interest from Arsenal, Newcastle and Sunderland.

Tottenham supporters have now taken to X to share their thoughts on the player and hit back at claims he would not be good enough for Thomas Frank’s team.

One fan said: “I was at that game also, and even my son picked him out, saying he’s a good player.

“Some people are tunnel-visioned in Spurs, that’s fine, that’s what they enjoy. But some of us watch other teams, so yes, some of us would have heard of El Khannous before.”

Meanwhile, another supporter added: “I was very impressed with how he played in a poor Leicester team.”

There was further praise for El Khannouss: “He’s not a flashy name like Gibbs-White or Eze, but he may still improve our team.

“I’m not going to claim that I know everything about him, but I’m also not going to throw my toys out of the pram if we sign someone like him.”

The North London club are now facing a big couple of weeks in the transfer window with a sense that other clubs are continuing to pull away.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Man United have all made considerable progress this summer with new additions to their squad.

Spurs have so far added Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai, which is not enough for a club that just finished 17th.

Bilal El Khannouss could be the perfect Morgan Gibbs-White alternative

El Khannouss could be the perfect Gibbs-White alternative, as beyond the face value of goals and assists, the two have similar underlying data.

Both players are traditionally number tens, but are also well-rounded as midfielders and can feature in deeper-lying roles.

El Khannouss actually tops Gibbs-White in terms of percentage of duels won and progressive carries, which could be an ideal fit for Frank’s side.

Tottenham Hotspur are still waiting for a big-name signing in this window.

Yes, Spurs have already brought in Mohammed Kudus for significant money, and the Ghana international is a terrific player.

However, Kudus is not a superstar signing by any means, and we’re sure Tottenham supporters would love at least one such arrival before the window shuts.

Manchester City star Jack Grealish could be one of them.

Tottenham are Jack Grealish’s ‘most likely destination’ if they want to sign him

Grealish, on his day, is one of the best players in the country.

The Englishman has produced a number of exceptional moments in the Premier League over the years, and he has achieved immense success at Manchester City.

However, Grealish’s time at the Etihad Stadium has all but come to an end, and he is expected to leave City for another club in the coming weeks.

TBR Football revealed that West Ham United have joined Tottenham, Newcastle and Aston Villa in the race to sign Grealish this summer.

Now, GiveMeSport have labelled Tottenham as the player’s ‘most likely destination’ if he heads to London after he has given ‘indications’ that he is open to a move to the capital.

Spurs are said to have made ‘early enquiries’ over a potential deal for Grealish, and the report claims that ‘they have a serious chance of securing his services if they cement their interest with a formal offer’ soon.

Grealish is also said to be open-minded about joining Everton, but if Tottenham show concrete interest and offer the chance to play in the Champions League again, they could land the Manchester City man.

What Jack Grealish said when Tottenham failed to sign him in 2018

Grealish was one of the most exciting young players back in 2018.

The versatile attacker was at Aston Villa at the time, and Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs identified him as a target. However, Daniel Levy failed to table a meaningful offer for Grealish, and new investment at Villa meant that they didn’t have to sell him anymore.

Tottenham fans have since seen Grealish become a star, secure a £100 million transfer to Manchester City (BBC) and win everything there.

Before that happened, the England international was very disappointed that his move to Spurs collapsed.

He told The Telegraph in September 2018: “Of course, there’s going to be disappointment there. You’ve just got to look at what Spurs have done this season. They’ve beaten Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford, they’re playing Barcelona in the Champions League next week.

“I felt that if I’d gone there, I could have maybe been in the England squad by the end of the year. I would never have gone there just to make up the numbers.

“I would have been a squad player, obviously, because you have to look at how good their players are. But I genuinely thought that after a month or two of training, I could have really made an impact.

“At the start of the season, my head was swivelled, it was all over the place. Even after the transfer window closed, until the end of August, I wasn’t right.”

Tottenham Hotspur have plenty of work to do with a month to go in the transfer window.

Indeed, while Spurs have signed Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso this summer, those sorts of deals may not be enough to propel a team that finished 17th last season to glory.

Luckily, Tottenham have their eyes on a few other exciting targets.

Rodrygo has been linked to Spurs in recent times, and according to Ben Jacobs, speaking on We Are Tottenham TV, Fabio Paratici has actually been involved in these negotiations.

Fabio Paratici has led Rodrygo to Tottenham talks

According to Jacobs, Fabio Paratici is the man who has initiated the talks between Rodrygo and Tottenham.

Paratici isn’t officially employed by Spurs at the moment after serving a ban from football, but the Italian is still involved at Spurs on a consultancy basis, and he’s involved in these Rodrygo talks.

“When Rodrygo makes up his mind he’ll understand who actually wants him and who doesn’t,” Jacobs said.

“The only conversation that has taken place between the Rodrygo camp and somebody connected to Tottenham is via Fabio Paratici. Not Daniel Levy, nobody who is at the moment a full-time staff member. I don’t see this one developing, the player may prove to be open to the Premier League, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

Tottenham’s business with Real Madrid

Jacobs says that he doesn’t see Rodrygo signing for Tottenham, but this is a deal that isn’t all that unrealistic.

Yes, Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League last season and Rodrygo wants to play at the highest level, but, Tottenham may have an ace in the hole here.

Indeed, Daniel Levy has always maintained a strong relationship with Real Madrid over the years, as the two teams have done plenty of business in the past.

Madrid and Spurs do like to trade players, and if Rodrygo is looking for a new home, potentially in the Premier League this summer, this is an avenue that could well open up for the Brazilian.

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer strategy this summer has been rather strange from the outside looking in.

Spurs have signed Mohammed Kudus – a player who can play on the right wing and in the number 10 role, two areas where Tottenham are well-stacked.

After signing Kudus, Spurs tried to sign Morgan Gibbs-White, another player who thrives in the number 10 role.

Tottenham already have multiple players who are brilliant in that attacking midfield role, so this strategy has looked rather bizarre.

However, these pursuits now make a lot more sense as according to Ben Jacobs, speaking on We Are Tottenham TV, James Maddison could leave the club.

James Maddison could leave Tottenham

According to Jacobs, there is an outside possibility that James Maddison could leave Tottenham this summer.

The journalist says that Spurs aren’t forcing Maddison out the door, but they are open to offers if the right sort of bid comes in.

“There could be a slight surprise possibility that James Maddison is a player they would listen to offers for, without necessarily forcing him out of the door,” Jacobs said.

“What happened last season was that Maddison was in and out, he lacked fitness at times and consistency even when he was fit. I don’t think it’s unthinkable that they would listen to offers at the right price, but it’s not a case of trying to force him out or transfer list him, it’s not their plan that he will leave, but there could be consideration to offers at the right price.”

James Maddison’s stats last season

Tottenham could sell James Maddison this summer, and that seems like a very strange move.

Indeed, while Tottenham were terrible last year, Maddison earned plenty of praise, and the stats show that he was one of Spurs’ better players.

The £40m man was Tottenham’s second-highest scorer and second-highest assister in the Premier League last season, and when you’re at a low ebb, you really can’t afford to lose a player of that quality.

Even when you compare Maddison to Morgan Gibbs-White or Mohammed Kudus, he stands out statistically.

There’s certainly an argument to make that letting Maddison go would be a big mistake this summer.

Thomas Frank might have to get creative after Tottenham Hotspur missed out on the signing of Morgan Gibbs-White.

Gibbs-White signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest, which ended Spurs’ pursuit of the 25-year-old following over two weeks of waiting.

Tottenham Hotspur were left shocked by the midfielder’s decision to sign a new deal at the City Ground, and they have now backed away from the deal.

The Danish manager will be gutted not to have landed the 25-year-old, and he will need to start looking for other options, which could involve an internal solution.

Lucas Bergvall features in number ten role during Tottenham training

Lucas Bergvall was spotted featuring in the number ten role during Tottenham’s open training session in Hong Kong, according to Football.London.

The Lilywhites are gearing up for the first North London derby to be played outside of the UK when they face Arsenal on Thursday.

Thomas Frank will likely be without a proper number ten with James Maddison only just back and Dejan Kulusevski still some way from recovering.

Bergvall signed a new contract with Tottenham back in April, which was great news for the North London club following his impressive breakout campaign.

Harry Redknapp called Bergvall ‘excellent’ towards the end of last season, and the young Swede could once again play a key role next season for Spurs.

Under Ange Postecoglou, the teenager featured in the number eight position, but with players currently missing further up the pitch, Bergvall could be used in a more advanced role.

Bergvall, who’s valued at £50m, has shown more than enough quality to feature in that role; however, Spurs will want to see at least another player signed.

Tottenham have a shortlist of Gibbs-White alternatives and are expected to work through them over the coming weeks.

Dejan Kulusevski is ‘nowhere near returning’ from injury

Tottenham’s need for a number ten has only increased after Alasdair Gold revealed that Kulusevski is ‘nowhere near returning’ from a knee injury.

Kulusevski underwent surgery back in May following a bad knee injury, which he suffered just ahead of the Europa League final.

The 24-year-old is no longer using crutches, but remains well off returning from injury, and he could miss a fair chunk when the season starts.

Gold told his YouTube channel: “Dejan Kuluseski is nowhere near returning yet. Obviously, he had the patella surgery on his knee in mid-May.

“Thomas Frank warned everyone not to expect him back for the first game of the Premier League season against Burnley. I would say he’s expected to miss far more than that. He’s got a lot of rehab to do on that right knee.”

Rodrygo Goes could be on the move away from Real Madrid this summer, and Tottenham Hotspur is a potential destination

TBR Football exclusively revealed on Monday that Rodrygo is open to joining Tottenham, and talks have started with intermediaries over a deal.

The North London club want to be kept informed on the winger’s situation, with Real Madrid valuing Rodrygo at around £70m.

The departure of Son Heung-min could help ignite the move for the Brazilian international and also allow Spurs to make him one key promise.

Tottenham could offer Rodrygo desired left-wing role

Back in May, ESPN claimed that Rodrygo Goes wants to start playing on the left wing again, rather than being used out of position on the right.

However, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr also able to play there, his chances of featuring on the left at Real Madrid are slim.

There is also the fact that during the FIFA World Cup, Rodrygo made just one start under new manager Xabi Alonso, and he played just 92 minutes in total.

The 24-year-old is due to discuss his future with the Spanish coach when he returns from holiday, but at this stage, his future could lie away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

At Tottenham Hotspur, should Son leave for LAFC, the left wing spot would suddenly become available, and TBR Football understands Spurs want a big-name replacement.

Rodrygo will be conscious that, ahead of next summer’s World Cup, he will need to be playing regular football, given the competition for places in the Brazilian national team.

Spurs face an uphill battle to get this deal done, and it’s likely one that will rumble on, but they have thrown their hat into the ring.

Son Heung-min’s stats compared to Rodrygo Goes

TBR Football revealed on Monday that LAFC have stepped up talks to sign Son and is now seriously considering the move to the States.

Son’s performances for Spurs last season were called into question, although he still managed to register 23 goal contributions in all competitions.

Rodrygo produced just two more than the South Korean, which poses the question whether the Brazilian would actually be an upgrade on Son.

But if the 33-year-old does leave for the MLS, Spurs will need to sort a high-profile replacement and that could be the Madrid star.

Tottenham have only signed two new players so far this summer in Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai.

Spurs looked set for an exciting summer when the £60m release clause of Morgan Gibbs-White was triggered swiftly after the £55m signing of Kudus was announced.

However, developments on the transfer front have since gone quiet, as Nottingham Forest convinced the England international to sign a new deal and an alternative is yet to be seriously pursued.

Now, one of the two new signings at Tottenham in Kota Takai has suffered plantar fascia, but just how bad could this problem be? Let’s take a look.

Speaking to reporters in Hong Kong, Thomas Frank said: “Kota got a plantar fascia injury, unfortunately we don’t know the scale of it. (He could be out for) weeks.”

Plantar fascia differs wildly from the usual utterances of more common issues like hamstring strains and calf tears, and the fact it has already prevented the Japan international from making his debut in clashes against Reading, Wycombe and Luton does not offer much encouragement.

The NHS (National Health Service) website states that the condition – which “causes pain on the bottom of your foot, around your heel and arch” – can be chronic, and advises people to see a GP if it does not improve after two weeks.

Symptoms of the condition – which Takai may be struggling from – are as follows.

It goes without saying that the £5m arrival from Kawasaki Frontale regularly needs to do all of the above actions in his role as a professional footballer, so Tottenham will hope to see some improvement on his condition soon.

Kota Takai fitness was already seemingly behind the required level at Tottenham

Before the 20-year-old suffered his injury, he was involved in a gruelling fitness session at Hotspur Way.

Frank put his new charges through their paces – placing plenty of focus on running – and Takai looked absolutely exhausted after one particular drill.

The man born in Yokohama even said “not good” when asked how he felt after the session.

Thomas Frank is learning more about his players every day during Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season.

The Dane spent the better part of a decade at Brentford, first as an assistant to Dean Smith and then as the manager of the club.

Frank did a tremendous job there, but Tottenham are a big step up, especially considering that they have just won their first trophy in 17 years and want to kick on.

All the decision-makers at Spurs are planning the squad for the upcoming season, and a decision has been made about one of their biggest talents.

Thomas Frank says he is ‘very excited’ about Mikey Moore

Mikey Moore is one of the brightest young players to come out of Tottenham’s academy.

The teenager, who is 17 now, moved to Spurs at U9 level, and he has come through the ranks and even played for the first team already.

In May last year, Moore became the youngest player to make a senior appearance for Tottenham, and he has shown flashes of his brilliance whenever he has had an opportunity since.

TBR Football revealed that Rangers are pushing to sign Moore on loan this summer, and Frank has all but confirmed that he will be heading out on a temporary deal.

However, the Dane’s comments suggest that Moore’s long-term future lies at Tottenham.

When asked if a loan spell for Moore is important, Frank said in his press conference, as relayed by HaytersTV: “It is very important.

“Mikey is a big talent. I’m really excited about his future here at Tottenham.

“I think for all players, but especially younger players, they need consistent first-team football into their bodies. I think if we can find the right option, we will do that.”

Mikey Moore’s likeliest loan destination

When a player of Moore’s quality becomes available, he will not be short of offers.

TBR revealed that nearly half the clubs in the Championship, including Sheffield United, are interested in signing the Tottenham youngster on loan.

Even Borussia Dortmund wanted to sign Moore earlier in the window.

However, TBR can confirm that Moore is closing in on a loan move to Rangers after Gers boss Russell Martin held direct talks to convince Spurs.

A move to Scotland will be a great experience for the 17-year-old.

He will not only get regular minutes, but he will also gain valuable experience from playing in high-pressure games like the Old Firm Derby.