TBR Football

Kobbie Mainoo could be on the way out at Old Trafford this summer, with his Manchester United contract remaining unresolved.

As exclusively revealed by TBR Football, Tottenham have asked about signing Mainoo amid the uncertainty of his future under Ruben Amorim.

According to reports elsewhere, Mainoo’s representatives aren’t asking for an unreasonable salary from United, which is why the youngster will be even more frustrated.

The Red Devils are looking to add further reinforcements to their midfield, which could force the 20-year-old further down the pecking order.

Amid speculation over a move to North London, an image posted on the midfielder’s Instagram has resurfaced, which will only fuel transfer talk.

When Kobbie Mainoo posted himself in a Tottenham kit

Back in April, Kobbie Mainoo stunned Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United supporters when he posted an image of himself as a child wearing a Spurs shirt.

The midfielder was celebrating his 20th birthday and posted an old image on his Instagram wearing Tottenham’s third shirt from the 1995/96 season.

The image is even more baffling, given that the shirt would have been well over ten years old when the image was taken.

It’s worth noting that Mainoo has not mentioned anything about the move, however, it’s quite interesting to see him in Spurs colours following the latest links.

Thomas Frank is keen to add a number six to his midfield this summer and the Manchester United academy graduate could be the perfect option.

Spurs require homegrown players and Mainoo would, of course, tick that box, which will only add to his transfer value.

TBR Football has also revealed that Tottenham are talking to Joao Palhinha about a move away from Bayern Munich.

The Portuguese international is ten years Mainoo’s senior, so it would be quite a change in plans to go from the United starlet to Palhinha.

Mainoo’s career at Old Trafford so far has been rather stop-start due to injuries following what was an impressive breakout campaign in 2023/24 from the youngster.

Michael Carrick believes that it is natural for young players to have dips in form, and he just needs the right people around him to keep believing in him.

For the 20-year-old, that could even involve a move away, given his struggles to work his way into Amorim’s plans at United.

Carrick told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “I think it’s pretty normal, I had it in my third year, I was at West Ham, I was terrible.

“I came out of the England squad, I just couldn’t pull it together. I’m not saying he’s terrible, Mainoo – I think it’s a little bit different for him. Some players can have that at the time.

“I think you need stubbornness to stick at it and keep believing, it’s tough at times and I think you need people to stick with you, believe in you.

“I think we’re quite quick to season to season or every six months to say, ‘ah he’s good’, ‘ah he’s not good enough’. I think we were given a lot more time.”

Pre-season is well underway at Hotspur Way, and plenty of players have been making quite an impression on Thomas Frank already.

Thomas Frank will be getting a chance to cast his eye over his new Tottenham Hotspur team over the next couple of weeks, with plenty of friendlies soon approaching.

The North London club are due to travel to Asia at the end of the week for games against Newcastle United and Arsenal.

But for now, the Spurs squad is still training in N17, and one of their new arrivals has been quick to impress supporters in his first few weeks at the club.

Luka Vuskovic makes Cristian Romero look ‘tiny’ in training

Luka Vuskovic has left Tottenham fans in awe of his size after seeing him line up in training next to Cristian Romero.

Vuskovic impressed on his Tottenham debut against Reading as he scored and assisted just eight minutes after coming off the bench.

Playing alongside Micky van de Ven, Vuskovic admitted it was an amazing experience to play with his new teammates, hailing the Dutch defender and Guglielmo Vicario.

His display will have left fans desperate to see more from the 18-year-old, and they will get that chance when Spurs take on Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

Tottenham were incredibly impressed by Vuskovic’s loan at Westerlo last season and believe that the teenager is a big talent for the future.

But one thing that is so striking about the Croatian international is his height, which is quite remarkable for an 18-year-old. After seeing the latest images of him in training, Spurs fans took to X to react.

One fan said: “This kid Vuskovic is an absolute tank… Unit!!”

Another stated: “How big is Luka? He’s built like a rugby player. Imagine a back three of him, Romero and Van de Ven. Brick wall!”

There was further praise for Vuskovic: “Honestly, seeing him live at Reading, he absolutely towers over everyone on corners. He’s going to be a menace like Gabriel is for them down the road.”

“He’s massive, what a presence. So physically imposing, he’s bold and will grow to be one of the leaders in the group, you can already tell,” claimed another.

It will be quite telling to see whether the defender features against Wycombe at Hotspur Way or whether he is selected for the trip to Kenilworth Road to play Luton.

Vuskovic, who cost £12m, will be eager to make an impression on his new manager and fight for his place in the squad next season.

Thomas Frank is currently set to send Luka Vuskovic on loan

Current indications suggest that Frank plans to send Vuskovic on loan, but that could quickly change if he continues to impress the way he is at the moment, as per Alasdair Gold.

Spurs already have a bloated squad with plenty of defensive options, therefore, at least one player could be sent out on loan.

Spurs are expected to choose between the teenager and Kota Takai as to who will be sent out in search of more regular minutes.

Gold told Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham: “I do think it’s probably going to come down to those two. At the moment, the indications are that Takai will be one sticking around, and Vuskovic may be heading out on loan.”

It’s worth noting that there remains a chance that the pair could be kept at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until January, with both being given the chance to impress until then.

Tottenham Hotspur have added to their attack already this summer, but they’re not done yet.

Indeed, Mohammed Kudus has arrived at Spurs, and while Kudus is looking sharp at Spurs already, Tottenham still want more attackers through the door.

Tottenham have been linked with numerous attacking options, and, interestingly, Yoane Wissa is one player Spurs are keen on.

Speaking on Market Madness, Ben Jacobs has been discussing Wissa’s situation, and he says the attacker has now made it clear to Brentford he wants to leave as he feels this is his last chance to play Champions League football at his age.

Yoane Wissa wants to leave

According to Jacobs, Wissa has told Brentford he wants to leave.

The attacker is keen to move due to the fact he feels this is his last shot at playing at the top level.

Wissa has been valued at £40m recently, and Newcastle and Spurs are both keen.

“So Wissa has made it clear to Brentford he wants to leave. Brentford want Wissa to sign a new deal. So there is a big gulf in each side’s position,” Jacobs said.

“But instead of agitating for a move or going on strike like Gyokeres did, Wissa has to speak to the Brentford hierarchy. And my understanding is that he will say very clearly that he would like to leave because he feels at his age this is his last opportunity to go and play Champions League football. And both Spurs and Newcastle have that and can offer it to him imminently.”

Yoane Wissa still has time on his side

Yoane Wissa feels that this is his last shot of playing Champions League football, but he does still have plenty of time to make that dream a reality.

It’s never too late in football, and there have been examples in the past of players who’ve had to wait until the tail end of their careers to make it at the top level.

Just last season, we saw Christian Stuani make his Champions League debut at the age of 37 for Girona, and Wissa is a long way off that age.

Of course, at the age of 28, Wissa wants to make a big move while he’s still playing his best football, but even if this transfer doesn’t come off this summer, he could still end up playing in the Champions League later down the line with hard work and a bit of luck on his side.

Son Heung-min’s future at Tottenham Hotspur remains in doubt and the South Korean captain is being linked with a move away.

As TBR Football first reported back in June, LAFC have opened talks to sign Son and now reports elsewhere suggest they have made an offer.

The South Korean’s time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could now be drawing to a close following 10 successful years in North London.

Thomas Frank will be tasked with several jobs if Son does choose to leave for the MLS, but his first decision is a clear one.

Thomas Frank should make Cristian Romero captain

Frank should promote Cristian Romero to captain of Tottenham Hotspur should Son Heung-min leave the club this summer.

The Argentine is currently the vice-captain at the club, having been appointed in the role by Ange Postecoglou just after he arrived.

Like with Postecoglou, one of Frank’s first decisions as Tottenham manager could be to pick a new captain of the football club.

There are two obvious candidates: James Maddison and Romero, both of whom have shown great leadership qualities.

But, given Romero’s performance in the Europa League final as captain, his status in the squad and what he’s now achieved in the sport, he’s now the ideal candidate.

Frank was spotted hugging Romero after Spurs’ training session at Hotspur Way on Tuesday, with the Danish head coach hoping to convince him to stay.

As TBR Football revealed, Atletico Madrid have backed away from signing Romero, with a feeling that they have done all they can to prise him away from Spurs.

So, with the 27-year-old set to remain in North London and Son linked with a move away, Frank must make him the next captain.

Eberechi Eze is the most obvious candidate to replace Son in North London, with Spurs having admired the forward for some time.

However, TBR Football exclusively reported Eze has told friends he’s joining Arsenal, which could rule Spurs out of the running.

Another surprise target is Rafael Leao from AC Milan, with Fabio Paratici having shown an interest in the forward, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Portuguese forward has so far shown a reluctance to leave the Italian club, but that might change with no Champions League football on the table.

Milan themselves are also not keen to sell at the moment, but again, with no Champions League, that stance might change.

Alejandro Garnacho is another possible replacement for the 33-year-old, with the Lilywhites holding an interest in the Man United player.

TBR Football understands Tottenham Hotspur remain focused on finalising the signing of Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.

The midfielder has just linked up with Nottingham Forest on their pre-season trip to Portugal after missing the opening due to personal reasons.

Gibbs-White has agreed in principle to join Tottenham, who have embarked on matching his previously confidential £60m release clause.

Forest are attempting to try and combat the move, but the North London club and their club captain have made their position very clear.

Morgan Gibbs-White remains intent on Tottenham move

Tottenham Hotspur and Morgan Gibbs-White remain intent on the midfielder’s move to North London going through, sources have told Graeme Bailey, chief correspondent at TBR Football.

Gibbs-White told Forest he wants to join Tottenham, TBR Football has previously reported, after he made his return to training following an extended break.

Forest did have hope that previous suitors, Manchester City, would return for Gibbs-White, having shown an interest in him earlier this summer.

However, sources confirmed to TBR Football that Pep Guardiola’s side have moved on from Gibbs-White after he made it clear he wanted to join Tottenham.

Thomas Frank will be eager for the midfielder to join sooner rather than later to start integrating him into his pre-season plans.

The Danish head coach received a major boost this week with James Maddison having now returned to training, although the England international’s injury record will remain a concern.

The North London club are also working on other targets, with Tottenham having held talks to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich.

TBR Football has also revealed Tottenham’s approach to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United, in what would be a shock move.

Frank is keen to sign another number six for Tottenham this summer, although bringing in Gibbs-White remains the priority for now.

Nottingham Forest are working on Morgan Gibbs-White replacements

Forest, for their part, are also progressing with their own moves and are continuing talks with Bologna’s Dan Ndoye. But currently they are still battling interest from Napoli for the Belgian’s signature.

Talks are also ongoing over a deal for James McAtee, but sources confirm to TBR Football that there is still interest from German clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund.

Forest remains McAtee’s most likely English destination this summer, with Manchester City looking for around £20 million for the player.

The 22-year-old represents a great market opportunity given his place in City’s squad and the fact he has just 12 months remaining on his contract.

Tottenham Hotspur are now interested in signing Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United amid his contract uncertainty.

Kobbie Mainoo’s current Man United contract will expire in 2027, and the club do have an option to extend his deal by an additional year.

Discussions between Mainoo’s camp and United over a new deal have now been ongoing for over 12 months, and agreement is yet to be found.

Therefore, talks are at a stalemate and Tottenham are monitoring Mainoo’s situation closely as a result, a situation TBR Football exclusively revealed.

Tottenham lacked quality in midfield under Ange Postecoglou last season, and Mainoo would certainly help Thomas Frank’s cause were he suddenly made available.

Dean Saunders says Kobbie Mainoo isn’t asking Man United for a huge salary

That being said, pundit Dean Saunders has now shared an insight into Mainoo’s contract situation whilst speaking on talkSPORT.

First of all, Saunders confessed to knowing Mainoo’s agent, and he then explained that the Englishman’s representatives weren’t asking for an unreasonable salary in the slightest.

Saunders said: “I know his agent, and he’s not asking for too much money in comparison to what the players are earning at Man United.

“But it’s a dilemma for the football club, what do you do with Mainoo? How much money do you pay him?

“Because he’s actually not done much in the game but gets in the England squad and now he’s in Man United’s team and there’s players earning three times more than him, four times more than him.

“So to protect their asset, how much money have you got to give him to get him to sign a new contract?

“Or, if he’s not going to sign it, they’re going to have to sell him, otherwise he walks out on a free. But I think he’d get in Spurs’ team.”

Ruben Amorim still doesn’t seem to know Kobbie Mainoo’s best role

Across last season, Mainoo made a total of 37 appearances for United in all competitions.

Judging by Mainoo’s excellent contributions for England at the Euros in 2024, the 20-year-old’s best position is sitting as something of a number six/eight hybrid.

However, after a long look at the youngster, Ruben Amorim still doesn’t appear certain on where best to play Mainoo.

It’s pretty remarkable to think that the Englishman actually played 70 minutes as a striker last season.

But perhaps that’s actually a poor reflection on United’s number nines, rather than any sudden masterplan with Mainoo’s future.

However, it’s clear that there’s a few question marks hanging over Mainoo at Old Trafford right now, and perhaps a fresh start at Tottenham might actually prove very appealing.

TBR Football understands that Yves Bissouma is attracting strong interest from the Turkish Super Lig and that is now his most likely destination.

Tottenham are trying to sell Bissouma, as revealed by TBR Football, and Fabio Paratici is currently working to find the 28-year-old a new club.

Paratici is expected to return to Tottenham on a full-time basis with his 30-month worldwide ban from football operations now over.

The Italian director initially offered the Malian international to his former club Juventus, but it is clubs from Turkey who are most keen on him.

Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are competing to sign Yves Bissouma

Galatasaray have asked about signing Yves Bissouma, but Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce also appreciate the player very much, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

As TBR Football revealed back in April, Tottenham wanted to sell Bissouma, and now the North London club are actively working to move him on.

A move to Turkey at this point remains his most likely destination, with two European clubs competing for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of selling him to Turkey recently received a key boost with the agent of Hakan Calhanoglu, Gordon Stipic, revealing that the player would not be returning to his home country.

“Hakan will stay at Inter. No Fenerbahce, no Galatasaray… he never asked to leave Inter and he’s set to stay. There are no negotiations with other clubs,” Stipic told TRT Sport.

Juventus remain keen but are focusing on other parts of their squad at this point, but have other targets for midfield, including Florentino Luiz and Franck Kessie.

Jose Mourinho could help bring Joao Palhinha to Tottenham

TBR Football exclusively revealed that Tottenham want to sign Joao Palhinha, but they want to ensure they are not stuck with Bissouma, so they are now working hard to find an exit route.

Therefore, Mourinho being keen on bringing Bissouma to Fenerbahce could free up the space for his former club to bring in the Portuguese international.

Tottenham have held talks to sign Palhinha last week, and it’s understood that the 30-year-old is keen on a return to London.

Personal terms between the player and Spurs are unlikely to be an issue, although Bayern Munich want £30 million for the former Fulham star.

The Lilywhites would rather pay closer to £20 million, given his age and demands over a three-year contract.

There has not been much negativity for Tottenham fans to mull over this summer.

It has largely been a period of positive developments for Spurs. One of the best managers in the Premier League has arrived in Thomas Frank, as well as a proven talent at this level in Mohammed Kudus.

Now – however – Tottenham supporters are in disagreement with those on the recruitment team after hearing that Ashley Phillips has been loaned to Stoke once again.

Ashley Phillips development frustrates Tottenham fans

The 20-year-old spent the 2024/25 campaign with the Potters, and he is now returning to Stoke for the 2025/26 season after Tottenham decided the young central defender was not needed for now.

Towards the end of June, Alan Nixon claimed that Frank asked Spurs not to entertain any offers for Phillips as the Dane wanted to take a look at the Manchester-born prospect in training.

It could therefore be argued that the 51-year-old feels the England U20 international is not yet ready for Premier League football, but the decision has irked Tottenham fans nonetheless.

One Spurs supporter simply called it a “bad decision” to loan Phillips back to Stoke, with many in agreement that the move does little to challenge the youngster.

Another wrote similar, adding that the loan “makes no sense” and offers the £2m prodigy “zero progression” in his career.

A third Tottenham fan opined: “Not a fan of this. Would like to see him at a higher level on loan.”

Sheffield United were also keen to sign Phillips – who were on the cusp of Premier League promotion last season – so a loan to Bramall Lane would have arguably made more sense than another move to Stoke, who finished 18th in the Championship last term.

Another Spurs supporter even feels the Blackburn academy graduate would play ahead of Radu Dragusin if he stayed, posting: “Weird. Kid can start over Dragusin.”

Even Tottenham players seemed to be moved by Ashley Phillips

Since his £2m move from Blackburn to Tottenham in August 2023, Phillips has been loaned to Plymouth and Stoke, failing to make a competitive appearance for Spurs.

He did, however, spend six months training with Spurs at Hotspur Way before his loan to Plymouth occurred in January 2024, in which time the youngster made a strong impression.

Dejan Kulusevski was impressed by Phillips to give one example.

The Swede said: “He is probably ready. It is the coach that decides this, but I think every player is unbelievable in training. If he will be called, he will be ready.”

Phillips also impressed Ange Postecoglou, with the Australian saying: “We’ve got young Ash in, who is working really hard and improving all the time. We think he has great potential.”

Therefore, you can see why Tottenham fans are annoyed by what they consider to be a sideways move for Phillips.

Yoane Wissa is keen to join Newcastle United, which could leave Thomas Frank and Tottenham needing to look elsewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to sign another forward this summer to bolster Thomas Frank’s squad options in attack.

TBR Football understands that Frank wants to be reunited with Yoane Wissa at Spurs, but he is currently in discussions with Newcastle United.

The North London club have other targets, and one of those targets is now available for just £26 million, which could prove to be a bargain.

Rennes expect £26m for Tottenham target Arnaud Kalimuendo

Rennes are expecting to receive an offer worth £26m to sell Tottenham target Arnaud Kalimuendo this summer, according to RMC Sport.

The Lilywhites are not the only club interested in the forward, as Nottingham Forest, RB Leipzig, Villarreal and others are also keen on him.

Reports back in June suggested that Tottenham had started talks to sign Kalimuendo, and now they have learned how much he will cost.

Spurs are looking to sign another striker as an alternative option to Dominic Solanke and a potential replacement for Richarlison.

Kalimuendo enjoyed a brilliant campaign last season in Ligue 1 as he netted 17 goals, which was the fourth most in the division and just four less than Ousmane Dembele.

Palmeiras are keen on Richarlison and could move for the forward, having just received £25 million for Richard Rios and a hefty payment from the FIFA Club World Cup.

The North Londoners would need to sell Richarlison to fund a move for Kalimuendo and free up space in their squad.

Ideally, Frank wants to sign Wissa and use him as a number nine at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but at this moment in time, he is destined for Newcastle.

Yoane Wissa wants to join Newcastle United

Newcastle’s opening £30m bid for Wissa was rejected, as revealed by TBR Football, with the forward having informed Brentford that he wants to leave.

The Tyneside club have now stepped up their interest in the 28-year-old and are ready to return with an improved offer.

There is a belief that the West London club want around £40 million for the striker, with Newcastle’s third bid set to exceed £30 million.

Tottenham and Forest remain in the picture for Wissa, but currently, their priorities lie elsewhere in the transfer market.

SL Benfica announced the signing of Richard Rios on Tuesday evening, and TBR Football understands that he turned his back on potential moves to the Premier League.

Benfica concluded a deal with Palmeiras to sign the Colombian international in a deal that is worth just over £25 million.

The midfielder became one of the brightest talents playing in South America over the last year, and there were many clubs that were keen to bring him to Europe.

TBR Football can confirm that a host of Premier League clubs held talks with Rios in recent weeks, indeed stretching back months.

Tottenham and Manchester United held Richard Rios talks

Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Everton, Wolves and West Ham United all held talks at some level, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

However, TBR Football can reveal that no firm bids were made, despite even getting as far as personal terms.

Tottenham expressed an interest in Rios back in January. Meanwhile, Forest held talks to sign Rios, but never firmed up their interest in the player.

Despite being aware of the interest, Rios himself instructed his people to finalise the deal with Benfica, who held off interest from the Italian side, AS Roma, to land the 25-year-old.

Tottenham are looking to sign a new number six this summer, but have seemingly turned their attention to signing Joao Palhinha.

Manchester United are also keen to add to their midfield options, with Ruben Amorim wanting a more athletic addition to his squad.

Question marks over Kobbie Mainoo’s future mean that they might need to seriously assess their options, although Rios is now off their list of targets.

Richard Rios backing himself to become one of Europe’s top midfielders

Rios certainly believes in his ability, and there is an understanding that he is backing himself to become one of Europe’s top midfielders.

The 25-year-old is confident that moving to Benfica as his first European club is a great step towards establishing himself on the new continent.

He will have the chance to play Champions League football for the first time next season, with Benfica set to compete in the competition.

Bailey told TBR Football: “Richard Rios is one of those South American-based players who Premier League clubs liked, liked him a lot.

“But nobody would make the final push, get the deal done. Rios and his people were sick of waiting for what they perceived as false promises.

“I am told that Rios firmly believes that he will become one of Europe’s top midfielders, and he believes Benfica is a great landing spot for him to show that.

“I certainly won’t be surprised if some of those Premier League clubs who considered him this summer, won’t be looking at him next summer but are likely having to pay double what he would have cost this year.”