TBR Football

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.”

TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Randal Kolo Muani could become available for Tottenham Hotspur and other interested clubs in this window.

The Frenchman was transfer-listed by Paris Saint-Germain in January this year, and he was linked with a move to sign for a few clubs, including Spurs.

However, Kolo Muani rejected a move to Tottenham and joined Juventus on loan instead.

Now, just a few months later, the PSG striker could become available for a transfer to other clubs, as Juventus are struggling to get a deal over the line.

Tottenham could have a chance to sign Randal Kolo Muani

TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, understands that talks between Juventus and PSG for Randal Kolo Muani have not been going well.

Juve want him back on another loan deal with an option to make that permanent, and Damien Comolli, the new Juventus GM, has been trying to broker a deal.

However, PSG have told the Italian giants that they want a sale, or, at the very least, a loan with an obligation-to-buy clause inserted into the deal.

The Parisians want €50 million (£43.3m) in a permanent sale, or a €5 million (£4.3m) loan with a €45 million (£39m) obligation.

At this point, Juve are not willing to do that, and we can confirm they have now asked Manchester United about Rasmus Hojlund. This came about as Comolli is also talking to the Red Devils about Jadon Sancho.

Kolo Muani wants to move to Turin. However, we can confirm he is open to the prospect of moving elsewhere, possibly to England. He was very close to joining Tottenham Hotspur in January.

We can confirm that Spurs still hold an interest, and intermediaries working with Kolo Muani have spoken to them. But they have also had contact with Manchester United, Newcastle and Aston Villa to let them know his situation and that he is once again potentially on the market.

Bailey told TBR: “Kolo Muani’s move to Juventus has stalled. They want him back, but they want a loan with an option. PSG are not keen, and they believe there are other clubs willing to take him on better terms.

“Kolo Muani has enjoyed life in Turin, but we are told that he remains keen on England – he was very close to joining Tottenham in January.

Spurs are one of those contacted again, but so have the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle, both of whom are obviously in the market for new forwards.

“He is suddenly a name who is possibly back on the market, and he is intriguing to these Premier League clubs. He is still seen as a huge talent.”

Randal Kolo Muani’s stats since rejecting Tottenham

Kolo Muani has always been viewed as a terrific talent.

The France international, hailed as a ‘powerful’ player by Bundesliga.com, is capable of scoring big goals, and his ability to play across the frontline makes him a very attractive option for clubs as well.

TBR revealed in January that Tottenham were ‘gutted’ after Kolo Muani rejected them for Juventus, and his numbers explain why.

Kolo Muani averaged more than a goal or assist every other game at Juventus, which is a terrific return for someone who only joined them in January.

It is no surprise that Juve want him back, but a deal with PSG has been far more difficult to get over the line than they initially imagined.

Cristian Romero’s future at Tottenham Hotspur remains undecided amid links to Atletico Madrid.

One of Thomas Frank’s big tasks this summer is to convince the defender that staying in North London is the best move for his career right now.

Romero has been linked with a move away from N17, which has left many supporters very concerned about the possibility of losing one of their best players.

But the latest footage from Spurs’ training session suggests that the situation has already been resolved positively for the Lilywhites.

Thomas Frank embraces Cristian Romero after Tottenham training

Frank was spotted sharing a warm embrace with Cristian Romero after Tottenham Hotspur’s training session on Tuesday.

Given the speculation surrounding the defender’s future, Spurs supporters enjoyed seeing their new manager already looking close with their vice captain.

Romero was a big fan of Ange Postecoglou, which led to concerns that sacking the Australian head coach could upset the 27-year-old.

But Romero has looked happy to be back at Tottenham since returning to Hotspur Way following a summer break.

The Argentine international was made captain of Spurs’ first pre-season game against Reading on Saturday. Frank admits he’s not decided on Tottenham’s captain for next season, at this stage

Now, following the latest footage from Spurs’ session at their Enfield training base, fans have taken to X, having all spotted Romero and Frank looking rather close already.

One fan said: “He’s staying for sure. Atletico have already moved to Viega from Chelsea and will get him for 50 million. He’s not leaving.”

Another claimed: “I don’t know why, but this photo of Romero and Frank has put a smile on my face.”

“He’s already putting his arm around Cuti’s shoulder. Yeah, this has got to be a good sign,” added another supporter.

Finally, one supporter noticed that Son was hardly featuring in Spurs’ training video, suggesting he could soon be sold: “Sonny is being ironed out of all the videos; he’s so leaving. Romero will be the captain full-time, no question.”

One of Frank’s first tasks if Son is sold this summer should be to appoint Romero as the new captain of the North London club.

James Maddison would be the other option for the captaincy, but given the Argentine’s performance as captain in the Europa League final, it’s clear he is the strongest leader in the team.

Atletico Madrid look to have moved on from Cristian Romero

As TBR Football revealed earlier this month, Atletico Madrid are backing away from a deal for Romero, having told him they’ve done all they can to sign him

Tottenham have stood firm over their £70 million valuation of the World Cup winner and the Spanish club were unwilling to match that fee.

Simeone was obsessed with signing Romero, however, his team have now moved on from signing the defender to other targets.

Tottenham Hotspur are one of the clubs keeping tabs on Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho this summer.

The Argentina international has fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, and all signs point towards him leaving the club in the coming weeks.

TBR Football confirmed interest from Tottenham, Chelsea and Aston Villa in Garnacho earlier in July, and that remains the case.

Thomas Frank’s stance has now come out.

How Tottenham boss Thomas Frank feels about Alejandro Garnacho

Amorim made it clear that he doesn’t want Garnacho after Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.

The 21-year-old will not be travelling with the rest of his teammates for their tour of the United States either, along with the likes of Antony and Tyrell Malacia.

It is almost certain now that the Argentine will leave Old Trafford this summer, and reports have claimed that Manchester United have slashed Garnacho’s asking price to £40 million.

Now, GiveMeSport have claimed that Tottenham have ‘upped the ante’ and have become ‘more serious’ in their pursuit of the Manchester United star.

It has been revealed that Frank and influential figures at Tottenham ‘have been left intrigued by his value and determination to prove his worth’ after his issues at Old Trafford.

However, although the interest is genuine, Frank and Tottenham have not yet decided whether to make a formal bid to sign Garnacho this summer.

As for the player, his preference is to remain in the Premier League, which is good news for Spurs.

What Thomas Frank once said about Alejandro Garnacho

Frank has a good idea about Garnacho, having played against him when he was at the helm of Brentford.

The Manchester United number 17 has scored two goals and provided an assist in four games against Frank’s Bees, which is a very impressive return.

Back in April last year, after a game between Brentford and the Red Devils, Frank publicly claimed that Garnacho can be ‘unplayable’ on his day.

He said, per United in Focus: “We beat Manchester United 4-0 [at home in the league] last season, but I thought we performed better today. It was our best of the season. We faced United… they’ve been in form and their front three [is great]

“At times, Garnacho [is] unplayable, [Marcus] Rashford back to a good level and [also Rasmus] Hojlund.”

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur have asked about signing Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

The North London club appreciate the 20-year-old and are keeping abreast of his contract situation, which still hasn’t been agreed with Manchester United.

Mainoo’s current deal at Old Trafford runs until 2027, and the 13-time Premier League champions have the option to extend that by an additional year.

Should the United academy graduate become available for transfer this summer, Spurs would most certainly be keen to get involved in the race to sign him.

Tottenham could get involved in race to sign Kobbie Mainoo

Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring Kobbie Mainoo’s situation at Manchester United as contract talks remain at a stalemate, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

Discussions over a new deal for the 20-year-old have now been ongoing for over 12 months, and an agreement is yet to be found.

Mainoo is keen to stay at Man United, but the longer he goes without agreeing to sign a new contract, the more likely it becomes that he could be sold.

Last season, the youngster had a rather stop-start campaign due to injury and ended the season having started on just 24 occasions.

With the World Cup next summer, the player will be eager to be playing regular football, and that might not be possible at United.

Ruben Amorim already has the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte as his midfield options, and he is keen to add another.

The Red Devils have also started looking for new options in central midfield, which could open the door for Spurs and Chelsea, who are long-term admirers.

TBR Football sources suggest he could still move this summer, and if he does, Tottenham might get involved, and Chelsea’s long-term interest in Mainoo could be reignited.

Tottenham also hold talks to sign Joao Palhinha and Douglas Luiz

Joao Palhinha and Douglas Luiz are among the other options on the list of options for Tottenham as they look to sign a number six for Thomas Frank.

TBR Football exclusively revealed that Tottenham held talks to sign Palhinha last week and the midfielder is keen to return to London.

Bayern want £30 million for Palhinha, although Spurs are only willing to pay around £20 million for the 30-year-old, given his age and contract demands.

Meanwhile, Luiz is keen to sign for Tottenham, as he also looks to make a return to the Premier League after just 12 months in Turin.

The Brazilian has struggled to settle at Juventus following his move from Aston Villa and a move back to England looks on the cards.