Vital Football

Tottenham transfer news: AS Roma wanted Djed Spence, but they quickly discovered Tottenham had no intention of offering a discount. Italian transfer journalist Nicolo Schira reports that Roma made an attempt to sign the full-back before deciding Spurs’ asking price of around €40 million sat well outside their budget. Transfer Feed later relayed the claim.

Tottenham transfer news: Roma walk away after €40m valuation

Interest from the Italian club followed a season in which Spence changed plenty of opinions. He had entered the campaign as a useful squad player, yet he finished it as one of Tottenham’s most dependable defensive options after covering both full-back positions whenever required.

His league figures backed that rise. Across 30 Premier League appearances and 2,060 minutes during the 2025/26 campaign, the 25-year-old completed 84% of his passes, made 28 successful tackles and registered 58 clearances. He featured 43 times in all competitions, including 10 Champions League matches. Roma clearly liked the profile. They simply refused to stretch their finances to Tottenham’s valuation.

Tottenham transfer news: Spurs have earned the right to stand firm

Selling Spence for less would make little sense. Reliable full-backs who can switch flanks without weakening the side remain difficult to replace, and clubs usually pay a premium for that flexibility.

His value climbed again during England’s run to third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Thomas Tuchel trusted him in key moments, and Spence answered with composed defensive displays against elite attackers. Those matches are more important than another routine league fixture.

That shift matters. A player coming off a strong international tournament almost always attracts greater attention, so Tottenham would gain nothing by lowering their demands after his stock reached its highest point.

Tottenham transfer news: Roma’s stance is understandable too

Roma’s hesitation isn’t surprising either. Spending €40 million on a full-back places serious pressure on any transfer budget, particularly when several areas of the squad still need attention.

Tottenham, though, hold the stronger hand. Peter Carrington doesn’t need to force a sale because Spence still offers genuine value inside Roberto De Zerbi’s squad. Inter Milan have already shown interest, while clubs across England continue tracking defenders capable of playing both sides of the back line.

That leaves Spurs in a comfortable position. They either receive the fee they believe reflects the defender’s standing or they keep a home-grown international whose performances during the past year have changed how clubs across Europe rate him.

Lincoln City have completed the signing of highly rated striker Mason Melia on a season-long loan from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, subject to EFL approval.

The 18-year-old arrives at the ProAmpac Stadium after becoming one of the most sought-after young forwards in British and Irish football, with Spurs securing his signature earlier this year following an outstanding breakthrough with St Patrick’s Athletic.

Melia joins the Imps for the 2026/27 Sky Bet Championship campaign, adding further quality and competition to Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw’s attacking options.

The Republic of Ireland international is regarded as one of the brightest young attacking talents to emerge from Ireland in recent years. Strong, athletic, intelligent and clinical in front of goal, he has already shown his ability to perform in senior football.

He made his senior debut for St Patrick’s Athletic at just 15 years old before becoming the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history. His performances in the League of Ireland attracted interest from across Europe before Tottenham Hotspur completed his transfer – paying a record for a League of Ireland player.

After beginning the next stage of his development in north London, Melia will continue his progression with the Imps in the Championship.

He said: “I’m delighted to be here and get everything completed. Everyone I’ve met has been so welcoming, and I’m excited to get going in the Championship.

“The ambition of the club really stood out to me. Our first conversation was a bit mad because we were trying to work around all the different time zones while I was in Australia, but once we got everyone together, the presentation was unbelievable. It played a huge part in my decision to come here because it showed me the club’s vision and what we can achieve together.

“It made me feel really wanted, which is important as a footballer. I came away from that meeting buzzing. My aim is to score goals, help the team in every way I can and contribute to a successful season for the club. I’m really excited for what’s ahead.”

Jez George added: “Mason is a player that we knew about in the League of Ireland, playing under Stephen Kenny at Pats, and we first enquired to Tottenham about him in January. It has been well documented in the press that we beat up to 30 other clubs for his signature, and he is an exceptional talent who we feel can make a big impact for us in the Championship.

“He shows maturity beyond his years, physically and mentally, displaying all the traits we value out of possession, as well as moments of magic in the final third and a real instinct to score goals. This loan was delayed due to Mason being selected for Tottenham’s tour of Australia, and he played 25 minutes against Sydney last week, so he is raring to go. I would also like to thank his agents and the staff at Tottenham for trusting us with the next stage of Mason’s development.”

Tottenham transfer news: Juventus have turned their attention to Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after failing to secure other names on their shortlist. According to Tuttomercato, with the report relayed by Transfer Feed, the Serie A giants want to structure the move as a loan with an option to buy instead of committing to an immediate permanent transfer. That approach would spread the financial cost while giving Juventus flexibility before making a long-term decision.

Tottenham transfer news: Juventus step up Vicario interest

Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly accepted Vicario’s departure, removing another obstacle from negotiations. Spurs no longer view the Italian as part of their strongest starting side, which has encouraged Juventus to press ahead. A return to Italy now looks far more realistic than it did only a few months ago, especially with discussions centred on a deal that suits both clubs financially.

Tottenham transfer news: Why Spurs are willing to negotiate

Vicario’s standing at Tottenham changed dramatically during the second half of the 2025/26 campaign. He made 31 Premier League appearances, kept seven clean sheets and conceded 50 goals across 2,790 minutes. His European form painted a different picture, producing six clean sheets while allowing only 11 goals in 10 Champions League matches.

Then came the sports hernia injury in March. Antonín Kinský stepped in and never gave the shirt back. Once De Zerbi settled on the younger goalkeeper, Vicario slipped further down the pecking order. His absence from Tottenham’s pre-season tour only reinforced the feeling that his spell in north London had reached its limit.

Tottenham transfer news: A sensible deal for both clubs

Tottenham reportedly want a package worth around €20 million, with a €15 million option to buy included after an initial loan. That figure isn’t random. Spurs paid Empoli €20 million in 2023, so the proposed structure would allow the club to recover the remaining value of their investment without creating an unnecessary financial setback.

Juventus have practical reasons for pushing this deal. Their attempt to land Emiliano Martínez stalled, leaving them searching for a proven goalkeeper at a lower cost. Vicario brings Serie A experience, international pedigree with Italy and a player eager for a fresh start. His reported request for wages of around €4 million per season explains why Juventus prefer a staged agreement instead of paying everything upfront.

Martin Dúbravka’s arrival has already given Tottenham another experienced goalkeeper behind Kinský. That leaves Vicario in an awkward position, while Juventus have spotted an opportunity that carries very little financial risk.

Chelsea transfer news: Chelsea have entered an increasingly competitive battle for Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, although Tottenham Hotspur are pushing just as hard for the Italy international. According to The Sun, and the report relayed by Transfer Feed, both Premier League clubs have placed the 22-year-old centre-back high on their shortlist, while Newcastle United could yet join the contest.

Chelsea transfer news: Spurs join Blues in Giorgio Scalvini chase

Atalanta value Scalvini at around £42 million ($56.5 million), a figure that reflects both his quality and long-term potential. Chelsea continue searching for another reliable defender despite recent investment across the squad, while Spurs want greater depth and consistency after identifying central defence as a priority area.

Interest in Scalvini comes as little surprise. He offers calm distribution, strong positioning and the confidence to play through pressure rather than taking the easy clearance. Those qualities have made him one of Serie A’s most admired young defenders, leaving Atalanta in a strong negotiating position during this window.

Chelsea transfer news: Spurs offer a clearer football project

Scalvini enjoyed an impressive return after recovering from his serious ACL injury during the 2025/26 campaign. He played 30 matches across all competitions, scored three goals, supplied one assist and completed 2,231 minutes. In Serie A alone, he featured in 24 games as Atalanta kept seven clean sheets, while his reported 94% Champions League passing accuracy highlighted his comfort in possession.

Chelsea admire exactly that profile. Xabi Alonso wants centre-backs capable of stepping into midfield and breaking opposition pressure with progressive passing. Even so, competition for places has increased after the arrivals of Maxence Lacroix and Marco Palestra, making guaranteed minutes difficult for any new signing.

Spurs can present a simpler picture. Robert de Zerbi’s aggressive defensive setup demands composed ball-playing defenders, and Scalvini matches those requirements almost perfectly. A regular place alongside Cristian Romero or even to replace him could appeal far more than entering another crowded battle for selection.

Chelsea transfer news: VF’s opinion

VF believes Tottenham hold a slight edge despite Chelsea’s financial strength. Scalvini has rebuilt his reputation after a difficult injury spell, so regular football should rank above everything else at this stage of his career.

Chelsea still have the resources to change the race, although outgoing transfers may influence how quickly they can make a decisive move. Spurs don’t appear to face the same obstacle and can move with greater freedom. A package worth around £45 million, including £38 million upfront and £7 million in performance-related add-ons, feels like a sensible compromise for all parties. Based on the current situation and The Sun’s report, Tottenham’s football project looks more convincing than Chelsea’s.

Tottenham transfer news: Inter Milan have taken a major step towards signing Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero, with negotiations between the two clubs advancing over the past few days. According to a report relayed by Transfer Feed, sources involved in the discussions expect the Serie A club to complete the deal if the remaining financial details are resolved.

Tottenham transfer news: Inter close in on Cristian Romero

Inter’s opening offer is worth €40 million and is structured as an initial loan with a mandatory obligation to buy. Tottenham initially valued the Argentina international closer to €50 million, although fresh discussions have brought both clubs much nearer to an agreement.

Attention has now shifted to Romero’s contract. The 28-year-old is understood to be seeking a salary of around €6.5 million per season, while Inter’s latest proposal stands at approximately €5 million annually. Talks with the player’s representatives remain active, and there is growing confidence that both sides will settle on acceptable terms.

Romero has reportedly made it clear that he wants the move to San Siro, while Tottenham have accepted that a transfer would suit everyone involved. Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have all monitored the defender’s situation throughout the summer. Even so, Inter have established a sizeable advantage. Barcelona admire Romero, yet they would first need to sell a defender before making a serious attempt, leaving the Italian club firmly in control of negotiations.

Despite an injury-hit 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Romero remained influential. He scored four goals and supplied one assist across 23 league appearances, playing 1,874 minutes. His season was interrupted by disciplinary problems after collecting 10 yellow cards and two red cards, resulting in four suspensions before a knee injury ruled him out during the closing stages of Tottenham’s difficult campaign.

Tottenham transfer news: De Zerbi already has enough centre-backs

Selling Romero would leave a leadership gap, although it should not create a defensive crisis. Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham’s recruitment team have already prepared for this possibility by strengthening the back line before the transfer window reaches its closing weeks.

The arrival of Jan Paul van Hecke in a deal worth around £52 million (€60 million) gives Spurs another composed defender capable of progressing possession from deep. Free-agent signing Marcos Senesi adds valuable Premier League experience, while Micky van de Ven remains a strong option. That quartet offers balance, athleticism and far greater availability than Romero managed throughout last season.

Romero’s quality is undeniable, especially for Argentina, where he recently started seven matches during their run to a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final. Still, Tottenham cannot ignore how often suspensions and injuries disrupted their defensive rhythm across the previous campaign.

Tottenham transfer news: The attack deserves full investment

De Zerbi should resist any temptation to reinvest Romero’s transfer fee in another central defender. That department already looks healthy. The frontline presents a much bigger concern.

Tottenham struggled badly for attacking fluency during their disappointing 2025/26 season, and injuries to Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski have left creativity in short supply. De Zerbi’s football depends on quick combinations, aggressive pressing and wide players capable of beating defenders consistently. Spurs lacked those qualities for long spells.

A sizeable portion of the €40 million received for Romero should therefore be directed towards a high-level winger, with Antonio Nusa remaining an attractive option, while recruiting a clinical centre-forward would give Tottenham a far better platform than signing another defender.

VF’s opinion:

Romero has been one of Europe’s finest centre-backs at his best, but Tottenham appear well prepared for his departure. Van Hecke, Senesi, and Van de Ven provide enough depth to move forward confidently. Spurs should treat this sale as an opportunity to rebuild an attack that badly lacked pace, goals and creativity rather than strengthening an area that already looks well stocked.

Tottenham transfer news: FC Porto have added Tottenham left-back João Victor de Souza Menezes to their shortlist as they search for fresh options before the new season. A report relayed by Transfer Feed claims the Portuguese side have admired the 20-year-old since his breakthrough at Santos, where their scouts first identified him as one of Brazil’s brightest young defenders. Benfica remain firmly in the picture after reports earlier this month linked them with a reported €20 million (£17 million) offer.

Tottenham transfer news: Porto add Souza to defensive shortlist

Porto have yet to settle on a final target. Instead, they continue to assess several candidates before stepping up their business during August as Francesco Farioli shapes his first squad. Souza has emerged as a realistic option because his position at Tottenham looks uncertain after a difficult opening spell in England.

Spurs signed the Brazilian from Santos in January 2026 for a reported €15 million (£13 million), handing him a contract until 2031. Minutes proved difficult to find. Souza made four Premier League appearances during the second half of the 2025/26 campaign, playing only 145 league minutes and finishing with no goals or assists. He has earned 12 caps for Brazil’s Under-17 side, currently represents the Under-20 national team and carries a Transfermarkt valuation of €12 million. His absence from Tottenham’s pre-season tour has naturally increased speculation surrounding his future.

Tottenham transfer news: Spurs should resist a permanent transfer

Selling Souza after only six months would feel like an impatient decision rather than smart squad management. Tottenham recruited him because they believed he could develop into an elite full-back over several years, not because they expected instant results after arriving from Brazilian football.

Context matters. Roberto De Zerbi already has Andrew Robertson, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies and Djed Spence competing for minutes on the left side. Breaking into that group would challenge almost any young defender, regardless of talent. Souza’s lack of appearances says far more about competition than ability.

A reported €20 million bid certainly offers a quick financial return. Even so, Spurs would risk giving away a player whose value could rise dramatically once he starts playing every week. His nomination for the 2026 Golden Boy award reflects the regard many scouts already have for his potential. Players with that profile rarely become available again at the same price once they establish themselves.

Tottenham transfer news: A loan would benefit everyone

Keeping Souza on the bench serves little purpose. Young defenders improve through regular football, mistakes, pressure and responsibility, none of which come from watching matches from the dugout.

A season-long loan to Portugal or another competitive European league makes much more sense. 30 or more senior appearances would strengthen his defensive decision-making, improve his confidence in possession and help him settle into the demands of European football without Tottenham giving up control of his future.

VF’s opinion:

Porto’s interest simply reinforces what Tottenham already knew when they signed Souza. Clubs across Europe still view him as one of Brazil’s outstanding young defenders. Spurs should reject every permanent proposal this summer, whether it comes from Porto or Benfica, because there is very little to gain beyond a modest profit. A straight loan protects the investment, gives Souza the football he currently needs and leaves Tottenham holding a far stronger asset instead of cashing out far too early.

Tottenham transfer news: Few transfer developments this summer carry the same sense of pure theatre. Tottenham broke cover this week with a staggering revelation. Spurs put a clean €100m on the table for Bournemouth’s teenage sensation Eli Junior Kroupi. The answer from the South Coast? A flat no. The player is not for sale at any price. Bournemouth’s hierarchy slammed the door shut, declaring the young forward completely off-limits. Whether a nine-figure sum eventually cracks that stance over the coming days is anyone’s guess right now.

Tottenham transfer news and Kroupi’s outrageous debut Premier League season

Is Bournemouth’s refusal actually realistic in today’s market, or is it just posturing? Look at the numbers Kroupi produced in 2025/26 and the decision to keep him gets tricky fast. Thirteen Premier League goals in 33 matches. Breathtaking stuff, particularly when you realise he didn’t play a single 90-minute full match the entire campaign. Coming off the bench or getting hooked early didn’t stop him from running riot.

A conversion rate of 28.2% put him right at the top of the entire division for players scoring ten or more. His expected goals figure stood at just 8.35. He outperformed his xG by nearly five whole goals through pure, ruthlessly precise finishing. Bournemouth grabbed sixth place and booked a spot in European football off the back of it. Kroupi, still only 20, sat right at the heart of the whole setup.

Tottenham transfer news: Can Spurs break Bournemouth’s resolve on Kroupi?

Holding onto top talents like this shows how much Bournemouth have changed as a club over the last three years. They’ve grown into a completely different beast. High energy, relentlessly drilled, and nasty enough to drag results out of anyone in the league. Kroupi sits right at the focal point of that attack.

Finding another 20-year-old who finishes chances with that kind of cold efficiency isn’t easy. No sensible club gives that up without a massive fight, regardless of the money involved. Spurs know they need serious firepower coming into the new campaign. Roberto De Zerbi wants quick, intelligent, clinical forwards who fit his aggressive setup. Kroupi ticks every single box. Pace, clever movement, lethal finishing. The big question now is whether the Cherries can really hold their ground if Tottenham push that offer even higher.

VF’s take on the €100m standoff

Saying no to a €100m takes serious guts. It tells you everything about how high Bournemouth rate the kid’s potential future value. They’re probably right to demand more, too. Delivering those numbers at 20 without playing full matches is rare. Tottenham came in hot with a strong opening pitch, but it certainly isn’t the final ceiling. Expect this negotiation to drag out for a while yet.

Tottenham transfer news: Fabrizio Romano has dropped the bombshell Spurs fans knew was coming, though it still stings. Cristian Romero’s time in north London is up. He is leaving before the transfer window shuts, plain and simple. Galatasaray want him on their list. Barcelona are sniffing around, provided they can clear out their own defensive deadwood first. But Inter Milan? They’ve already picked up the phone and dialled his agent.

Tottenham transfer news: Cristian Romero set to leave Tottenham as Inter Milan push for deal

Look at the figures from last term. 23 Premier League games, four goals, one assist, and a respectable 7.06 average rating. He bagged another goal and two assists in eight Champions League ties, too. Standard fare for a World Cup and Copa America winner who lifted the Europa League with Tottenham back in May 2025.

Yet, the raw numbers don’t tell the full story. Nine yellow cards. Two reds. Classic Cuti. Unhinged brilliance one week, reckless tackles the next. That volatility hasn’t tanked his market value, mind you. Spurs paid Atalanta €53.8 million for his signature in August 2022, and he’s still valued anywhere between €45 million and €63.5 million. He remains one of the finest ball-playing centre-backs in the game when his head is screwed on right.

Inter lead three-way chase for Argentine

Inter are making the early running here. Direct dialogue with a player’s representative is never accidental; it means business. Barcelona might fancy the Argentina international, but their financial gymnastics mean any deal relies on selling someone else first. Unreliable at best. Galatasaray have deep pockets and a sudden urge to make a splash, so you can’t rule them out, but Serie A feels like the natural fit. Spurs aren’t in a corner here. Not even close. Romero is tied down until June 2029, meaning Peter Carrington holds every single card in negotiations. Anyone wanting him has to pay full price. No discounts, no cheap instalment plans.

Time for a clean break

Honestly? It works for everyone. At 28, Romero is in his absolute prime and needs to be the undisputed main man in a backline. Tottenham are reshaping things under Roberto De Zerbi, and cashing in now makes complete financial sense. Inter get a World Cup-winning enforcer to power another Scudetto charge, while Spurs get a massive transfer kitty to rebuild.

Tottenham transfer news: Rangers haven’t given up hope on Mikey Moore, not by a long shot. Reports out of Glasgow suggest the Ibrox club are considering a genuine attempt to bring the 18-year-old back permanently this summer. It sounds ambitious on paper. Crazy, almost, given the numbers involved. But a cleverly structured financial proposal could actually blow the doors back open on a deal that looked dead in the water.

Tottenham transfer news: Rangers eyeing ambitious permanent swoop for Tottenham starlet Mikey Moore

Borussia Dortmund are interested. That’s the huge elephant in the room. Rangers simply don’t throw around £20 million transfer fees on single players, which usually rules them out of these conversations straight away. Yet this particular transfer saga keeps refusing to go away. The teenager spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan in Glasgow, putting in 2,163 minutes of Scottish Premiership football. 10 direct goal contributions, seven goals, three assists tell a decent story for a kid getting his first proper taste of senior action.

A sharp finish in the 4-2 victory over Dundee United caught the eye. Then came a standout 7.9 FotMob rating against Aberdeen, showing he could handle the rough stuff as well as the polished moments. It was precisely the kind of tough learning curve Spurs wanted for him. Contracted in North London until June 2030 on full professional terms, Tottenham clearly view him as elite stock. His market value sits around the €17.9 million mark right now. Yet Roberto De Zerbi has shown he won’t stand in the way of academy talent leaving, provided the receiving club ticks every financial box Tottenham demand.

The Lankshear blueprint offers a way forward

How do Rangers actually pull this off? They copy a playbook already proven to work down south. Look at the Will Lankshear deal. A Championship side managed to land a major Spurs prospect by spreading payments across staggered instalments, laced heavily with performance-based add-ons.

A lower initial cash outlay keeps the accountants happy in the short term. Performance clauses push the overall package towards Spurs’ valuation, while heavy sell-on protection guarantees Tottenham profit downstream. It isn’t an easy transaction to write up. Negotiating those conditional add-ons requires endless back-and-forth between boardrooms. But the precedent is sitting right there.

Dortmund threat and the final verdict

Dortmund complicate things massively. Bundesliga prestige, immediate Champions League nights, and an unmatched record of converting teenagers into superstars. Rangers cannot match that pitch on paper. Sentiment matters, though. Moore enjoyed his football in Scotland. He knows the squad, the manager, and the pressure of the support. Spurs hold the cards. They will dictate the terms, the structure, and the timing. If Rangers are serious, they need to put that structured offer on the table now before Dortmund turn the player’s head completely.

Tottenham transfer news: Spurs have been handed an unexpected second chance to sign Union Saint-Gilloise winger Anan Khalaili. The 21-year-old looked destined for Serie A earlier this summer. Inter Milan had agreed on a €25m package, leaving Spurs to look elsewhere. But the entire deal collapsed at the eleventh hour. Italy’s strict CONI medical assessments flagged issues, forcing the Italian champions to walk away from the table. That failed medical changes the game for Peter Carrington and Roberto de Zerbi.

Tottenham transfer news: Anan Khalaili back on radar

The Nerazzurri pulled out after those rigorous Italian health checks put the brakes on a five-year contract. It is a massive blow for the player. However, Italian sports regulations are notoriously stringent regarding cardiopulmonary standards, often red-flagging issues that medical teams in the Premier League clear without a second thought.

Spurs had backed off initially. They wanted to avoid a messy bidding war with the Milan executives, especially when the Israeli international made it clear he preferred the San Siro. Now, he is stuck back in Belgium. The north London club have a clear run at him if they choose to strike.

Khalaili is coming off a massive workload for Union Saint-Gilloise. He racked up 3,099 minutes across 38 league games in the 2025/26 campaign. That is serious mileage for a young wide player. He managed three goals and five assists in domestic competition, but his European displays really attracted attention. A brilliant brace against Marseille in the Champions League group stage proved he can deliver on the big stage. De Zerbi needs depth out wide. High-intensity directness is non-negotiable in this current system, and Khalaili fits the profile perfectly.

VF’s opinion: What happens next for Spurs

Union Saint-Gilloise wanted around €23m up front before the Italian move fell apart. Whether that price tag drops now remains the big question. Spurs can test their resolve. Everything depends on the Tottenham medical staff doing their own homework. If they check the fitness reports and find no lasting issues, this is a huge market opportunity. A top-tier talent is suddenly up for grabs with almost zero competition. Spurs just need to decide if they want to hit the accelerator.