Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping a close eye on Kobbie Mainoo's situation at Manchester United, with the North London club preparing a move for the central midfielder.

Mainoo had a frustrating 2024-25 campaign at Old Trafford, with the England international failing to nail down a spot in Ruben Amorim's first XI.

The 20-year-old was used as a central midfielder, a number 10 and even a false nine, but he found it difficult to excel in any position, and there has been speculation surrounding his future of late.

Mainoo is regarded as one of the most talented youngsters in English football, but he is yet to sign a new deal at Old Trafford, with his current contract due to expire in June 2027.

Talk of a move away from Man United this summer has quietened in recent weeks, but according to TBR Football, Tottenham are keeping a close eye on his situation at Old Trafford.

Tottenham 'monitoring Mainoo' ahead of possible move

The report claims that Tottenham 'appreciate' Mainoo and would be ready to move for him this summer if it became clear that he was interested in a switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mainoo has seven goals and two assists in 72 appearances for Man United, including two goals and one assist in 37 appearances for the Red Devils during the 2024-25 campaign.

The midfielder featured in Man United's pre-season opener against Leeds United on Saturday, and he is currently with the Red Devils squad in the United States on their pre-season tour.

As it stands, it seems unlikely that Mainoo will leave Man United this summer, even if a new midfielder arrives, as he is said to be in the plans of head coach Amorim despite his issues last term.

Will Man United sign a new midfielder this summer?

Man United did not renew Christian Eriksen's contract, so they are technically a player down in the middle, although Sekou Kone is an outstanding youngster and a player who is capable of playing an important role in 2025-26.

Toby Collyer, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes are also options in that area alongside Mainoo, and it will be fascinating to see how the team lines up at the start of the new season.

A central midfielder may be signed later in the transfer window, but there should still be space for Mainoo, who may be used more as a number 10 by Amorim during the new campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Ashley Phillips has rejoined Championship outfit Stoke City on loan for the 2025-26 campaign.

The 20-year-old - who was an unused substitute in Spurs' 2-0 friendly victory over Reading at the weekend - was a mainstay of the Potters side during his first loan spell last season.

Phillips made 35 Championship appearances for Stoke in the 2024-25 campaign, as well as scoring one goal in an EFL Cup fourth-round defeat to Southampton.

The 2005-born defender may have been hopeful of a shot at first-team football at Tottenham next season, but Thomas Frank has reinforced his defensive ranks with the arrivals of Kota Takai and Luka Vuskovic this summer.

As a result, Phillips will spend a second spell at the bet365 Stadium for the upcoming season, and his re-signing was described as a "significant coup" by Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters.

Tottenham's Phillips joins Stoke in "significant" transfer coup

"Being able to bring Ashley back to Stoke City despite plenty of competition is down to him loving his time here last season so much, and a lot of work that took place behind the scenes to make it happen," Walters told the official Stoke website.

"I know the support he received from our fans was a huge part of his positive experience of our club and I’m looking forward to seeing that bond develop even further.

“With the attributes he has and what he’s already achieved as a central defender at such a young age, Ashley, for me, is a potential full international of the future.

“To have him playing for us for another season is a significant coup and we all can’t wait to see him back on the field in a Stoke City shirt, doing what he does best for the Potters."

Meanwhile, Phillips explained that it was a "no-brainer" to return to the Championship club for another spell, adding: "It feels like unfinished business. I am absolutely buzzing to be back.

Spurs' Phillips: 'No-brainer to re-sign for Stoke'

"I feel really valued, the coaching staff are brilliant, the gaffer has been amazing with me and presented me with the plan he has to help me to develop, it made it a no-brainer.

"Working with Ryan Shawcross in particular is great for me. He helped my game immeasurably last year and I am sure that will be the case again this season.

“Also, through thick and thin, our fans have turned up and supported us. They have been great to me, I know they will continue to be, and we will need them throughout the whole season."

Phillips joined Spurs from Blackburn Rovers for circa £2m in the summer of 2023, but the defender is yet to make his senior competitive debut for the Lilywhites.

The England Under-20 international also spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan with Plymouth Argyle, playing 20 matches while at Home Park.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly becoming 'more serious' in their pursuit of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, and they are tempted to submit a formal offer to sign him.Â

The Argentine winger has been left out of the pre-season tour of America, and the Red Devils are eager to see him gone.Â

The 21-year-old has fallen out of favour under Amorim, and his price tag has been slashed to £40m in the past 24 hours.Â

According to a report from GIVEMESPORT, Spurs have real interest in Garnacho, but the north London club could face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa, both have held talks with United over a potential deal.Â

While Tottenham have upped the ante in their pursuit of Garnacho this week, Thomas Frank and the recruitment department have not made a final decision on whether to submit a formal bid for the winger.Â

Garnacho would be a smart signing for TottenhamÂ

It is clear that Garnacho has no future at Old Trafford. His exit is inevitable, leaving the door open for Tottenham to take advantage.Â

The Argentine wants to stay in the Premier League, and this should come as a major boost for Spurs and other domestic rivals.Â

Garnacho scored ten goals and provided nine assists in all competitions for United last season, and he is definitely good enough to play for Spurs, who can lure him away with the offer of Champions League football.Â

Tottenham completed the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham this month, but another quality attacker is needed, as uncertainty grows over the future of club skipper, Heung-min Son.Â

Tottenham not giving up on Morgan Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest reportedly threatened Spurs with legal action, due to concerns that the north Londoners had made an illegal approach, as well as a breach of confidentiality, while trying to sign Gibbs-White.Â

The report claims that Spurs are determined to land Gibbs-White, but they are working to make another attacking acquisition at the same time.Â

Spurs will have a great transfer window if they can land both Garnacho and Gibbs-White, but it is easier said than done.Â

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among clubs who admire Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher.Â

Gallagher joined the La Liga club last summer from Chelsea for a fee of around £34m in a deal that saw Joao Felix moving in the opposite direction.Â

The 25-year-old made 50 appearances for the Rojiblancos under Diego Simeone in the 2024-25 season, scoring four goals.Â

According to a report from TBR Football, Spurs boss Thomas Frank appreciates him, and while Gallagher is happy at Atletico, intermediaries have been put in touch to gauge his potential options.Â

Newcastle United are also interested in the former Chelsea midfielder, and the Magpies are exploring the possibilities to bring him back to the Premier League.

Gallagher fits the bill at TottenhamÂ

Spurs were heavily keen to sign Gallagher before he moved to Atletico, and they could rekindle their interest this summer.Â

The north London club are looking to sign a new number six this summer, and the former Chelsea midfielder would be perfect for them.Â

While he is happy in Spain and probably feels that he has made the right move, the chance of returning to the Premier League could be too tempting to reject outright, especially when Spurs and Newcastle can offer him Champions League football next season.Â

Spurs have reportedly held talks to sign Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha, but Gallagher would be a better option.Â

Could Gallagher be tempted to move to Tottenham?Â

The 21-cap England international may drop down the pecking order at the Wanda Metropolitano next season.Â

Diego Simeone has brought in five new players this summer, and Gallagher could face competition for a regular starting role.Â

The Chelsea academy graduate will be aware that he needs to play regularly to keep his place intact in Thomas Tuchel's squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup, and therefore, a potential move to Tottenham could appeal to him.Â

Tottenham Hotspur will supposedly have no qualms about paying Bournemouth's 'full asking price' for defender Illia Zabarnyi amid links with Paris Saint-Germain.

Reports emerged earlier this month claiming that the Europa League winners were planning to hijack PSG's move for Zabarnyi, who shone alongside Dean Huijsen in the Cherries' backline last season.

Huijsen was eventually courted by Real Madrid and completed a £50m switch to the Bernabeu, and Andoni Iraola is now at serious risk of losing his other starting centre-back.

Bournemouth are under little pressure to sell immediately given that the Ukraine international's contract does not expire until 2029, but either Spurs or PSG could stump up an offer that is too good to refuse.

While Les Parisiens would understandably be expected to trump Spurs financially, CaughtOffside instead suggests that the Lilywhites could present a higher offer than the European champions.

Tottenham 'preparing £60.7m offer' for PSG-linked Zabarnyi

PSG have supposedly failed with a series of bids of around £52m, whereas Tottenham are prepared to meet Bournemouth's 'full asking price' of €70m (£60.7m) for the 22-year-old.

The Lilywhites are understood to have earmarked Zabarnyi as one of their leading contenders to replace Cristian Romero, who is believed to remain a serious target for Atletico Madrid in the current window.

However, the report adds that Zabarnyi remains fully focused on PSG and is not currently considering offers from other teams, thereby dealing Spurs a potentially crushing setback.

Newcastle United, Chelsea and Liverpool are seemingly in the same boat as Tottenham, having also taken a keen interest in Zabarnyi, who has submitted a transfer request at Bournemouth which is currently under 'internal review'.

The 2002-born centre-back has only missed three Premier League matches over the previous two seasons at Bournemouth and has scored one goal and provided one assist in 86 games for the club in total.

What is the latest with Romero's Tottenham future?

Spurs will likely only make a serious move for Zabarnyi if it becomes clear that Romero is on the way out, but that is not the case right now and should not be the case anytime soon.

The Argentine's contract situation is a slight worry, as he is now in the last two years of his agreement with no extension in sight, but Thomas Frank is confident that he sees his immediate future at Tottenham.

"Right now he’s here, that’s what I’m focusing on," Frank said before Saturday's 2-0 friendly victory over Reading, where Romero played 45 minutes.

"As long as players are here, I’m training them, I’m playing with them. He’s definitely here and very committed. I know he’s looking forward to the season."

However, even if Romero leaves, Tottenham have Kota Takai and Luka Vuskovic coming through the ranks; the latter scored and assisted in Saturday's success at the Madejski Stadium.

Thomas Frank remained tight-lipped on rumours surrounding a transfer for Morgan Gibbs-White as he held his first press conference since becoming Tottenham Hotspur head coach.

The former Brentford boss faced the media at Hotspur Way on Friday as Spurs prepare to begin their pre-season in Saturday's friendly clash with Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

Frank has overseen the arrivals of Kota Takai, Mohammed Kudus and Luka Vuskovic since taking the reins, while Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel's loans have been converted into permanent moves, and Spurs have since turned their attention to Gibbs-White.

It was claimed earlier this month that the Englishman's move to North London from Nottingham Forest was on the verge of completion, as Spurs triggered a £60m clause in his Garibaldi contract, but the Lilywhites are now facing a legal threat.

Forest have complained to the Premier League over what they felt was an illegal approach for the player, but Tottenham apparently remain confident that they will get a deal over the line in due course.

Frank tight-lipped on Gibbs-White Tottenham transfer rumours

Frank was inevitably questioned on the situation on Friday, but the Dane insisted that he was not in a position to comment about players that were not his own.

"You know me well so I will use what I've always said and that is that I won't speak about players from outside the club," football.london quotes the Spurs head coach as saying.

From incomings to possible outgoings, Frank was also asked about Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero, two players who have been persistently linked with exits from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer window.

"Two top players, Sonny has been here for 10 years and finally got his well deserved trophy in the summer. Cristian Romero, World Cup winner, Copa America winner twice, very important for us," he added.

"Both have trained well and set the standards. Both will play tomorrow and I'm very happy. Tomorrow we'll have two 45 minutes and Son and Romero will be the captains in both."

Frank provides double Spurs injury update before Reading friendly

In addition to transfer rumours, Frank also delivered his first Tottenham injury update as he provided the latest on James Maddison, Radu Dragusin and Dejan Kulusevski's recoveries.

Dragusin has been sidelined for almost half a year due to a severe ACL problem, while Maddison and Kulusevski both sustained knee injuries during the last knockings of the campaign and missed the Europa League final win over Manchester United.

However, the Englishman is on track to be fit for the start of the campaign, as Frank added: "James [Maddison] is part-training with the team so that's positive. Dragusin and Kulusevski are a little bit further away."

Following Saturday's friendly with Reading, Spurs clash with Luton Town on July 26 before embarking on a pre-season tour of Asia, where clashes with Arsenal and Newcastle United await.

The Lilywhites will then conclude their exhibition period against Bayern Munich on August 7, six days before battling Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.

Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White has reportedly set a transfer demand amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Tricky Trees are preparing for the loss of the England international as they supposedly consider a move for Aston Villa man Jacob Ramsey.

Gibbs-White enjoyed a stellar campaign in the Premier League last term for Forest, scoring seven goals and eight assists across 34 games.

Despite sitting in the Champions League spots for the majority of the term, the East Midlanders eventually dropped out of the top five.

However, the Tricky Trees still have a European return to look forward to, aiming to progress deep in the Europa League during 2025-26.

Tottenham target Gibbs-White sets Forest demand?

According to the Daily Mail via The Mirror, Nottingham Forest star Gibbs-White has set a transfer demand as the summer window rumbles on.

The report claims that the 25-year-old wants to have his future decided before Nuno Espirito Santo's troops set off for a pre-season camp in Portugal this weekend.

Before their travels, Forest are scheduled to pit their wits against Ligue 1 giants Monaco at Chesterfield's SMH Group Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

It is understood that Gibbs-White has continued to uphold an excellent level of professionalism in training despite speculation regarding his future.

Tottenham are said to be considering a £65m bid for the attacker, although it remains to be seen whether that fee would be enough to tempt Forest into a deal.

Where will Gibbs-White play next season?

After a stellar campaign at the City Ground, Gibbs-White could be set for a move to an elite club of the European game in the near future.

However, the attacker must continue playing regularly in order to keep at the front of Thomas Tuchel's England plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Gibbs-White featured for 32 minutes in the shock friendly defeat to Senegal at Nottingham Forest's home ground on June 10.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly suffered a blow in their pursuit of Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.

The 28-year-old enjoyed an excellent campaign in the Premier League last season, supposedly attracting interest from the likes of Newcastle United.

Wissa netted 19 goals and provided four assists across 35 top-flight matches during what was Thomas Frank's final term in charge of the Bees.

The attacker was paired at the top end of the pitch with Bryan Mbeumo, who fired in 20 Premier League goals in the 2024-25 season.

Since making the permanent switch from French club Lorient in 2021, Wissa has featured in 149 games for Brentford, scoring on 49 occasions.

Tottenham suffer Wissa blow?

According to talkSPORT, Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Brentford and DR Congo star Wissa.

The report claims that the Bees are ready to reject any offers for the 28-year-old as another star player looks set to depart the club.

It is understood that Brentford have agreed to sell Mbeumo to Manchester United for an initial fee of £65m with £5m in add-ons.

It is believed that the West London club are not willing to part ways with both of their leading talismen from last season at once.

Wissa is supposedly valued at £50m by the Bees, with Spurs, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest known to be keen on the striker.

Wissa set for relegation battle?

After firing in 19 top-flight goals last season, Wissa is certainly deserving of a high-profile move to a Champions League-competing outfit.

However, with Mbeumo all set for a switch to the Theatre of Dreams, his 28-year-old strike partner could be forced to stay put at the Gtech Community Stadium.

After losing former head coach Frank to Spurs, Brentford have appointed Keith Andrews, who is an underwhelming pick for many supporters.

Thomas Frank will man the touchline as Tottenham Hotspur head coach for the first time on Saturday afternoon, when the Lilywhites commence their pre-season away to Reading.

Spurs are building up towards a summer tour of the Far East, while their League One hosts are unbeaten in three friendlies so far.

Match preview

Seventeen was the theme for Tottenham during the 2024-25 campaign, as while Spurs were condemned to an embarrassing 17th-placed Premier League finish, they ended a torturous 17-year trophy drought under Ange Postecoglou.

The Celtic treble winner fulfilled his second-season trophy promise in the Europa League, masterminding a memorable 1-0 final triumph over Manchester United to punch Spurs' ticket to the Champions League and clinch their first honour since a Jonathan Woodgate-inspired 2008 EFL Cup triumph.

However, Daniel Levy and co could not justify keeping faith with the manager who oversaw the club's worst-ever Premier League season to date, and following the chairman's bold claim that Spurs have ambitions to conquer the top flight and Champions League, the powers-that-be have decided that Frank is the man to put them on that path to stardom.

The well-spoken Scandinavian and many of his trusted lieutenants have now arrived at Hotspur Way, as has their new second-most expensive signing of all time - Mohammed Kudus - and highly-rated defensive prospects Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai.

Regulars and newbies are now gelling ahead of a five-match friendly run; Luton Town, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich also await before Spurs contest the UEFA Super Cup with Paris Saint-Germain on August 13.

While Spurs prepare for a fresh start under new first-team management, Reading are getting accustomed to life under new club management, as Dai Yongge's miserable reign finally came to an end in the spring.

Shortly before the campaign concluded, Redwood Holdings Limited completed their takeover of the Berkshire outfit, who came within a whisker of the League One playoffs in 2024-25 too.

Ruben Selles and current incumbent Noel Hunt combined to win 75 points throughout the season, just three shy of Leyton Orient in sixth place, and the Royals' preparations for another playoff push are already gathering momentum.

Indeed, Saturday's hosts have two victories and a draw to show from their three pre-season friendlies thus far, getting the better of Hungerford Town (5-1) and most recently Swindon Town (2-1) either side of a 0-0 draw with Gillingham.

Reading will also pit their wits against Slough Town and Portsmouth following Saturday's reunion with Spurs, who triumphed 3-1 the last time these two sides met in a competitive clash on New Year's Day 2013; Royals boss Hunt was a second-half substitute in that Premier League battle.

Reading pre-season form:

W D W

Team News

Having already been integrated into Tottenham training, there is no reason why Kudus should not make his unofficial Spurs debut on Saturday, where Frank will have an extremely strong set of options to select from.

Knee victims Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin are still continuing their recoveries, while Mikey Moore, Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel are still on holiday following international commitments, but Frank has everyone else at his disposal.

Defensive additions Takai and Vuskovic can also anticipate their first minutes in a Tottenham shirt, as Frank will no doubt ring the changes throughout the all-English affair.

As for Reading, midfielder Ben Elliott managed 30 minutes against Swindon on Tuesday, taking a giant step forward in his recovery from a severe hamstring problem.

Hunt's squad came out of the 120-minute match with their old rivals unscathed in midweek, where Premier League loanees Finley Burns (Manchester City) and Mark O'Mahony (Brighton & Hove Albion) were part of the second-half XI.

Reading possible starting lineup:

Pereira; Yiadom, O'Connor, Burns, Jacob; Wing, Savage; Osho, Knibbs, Camara; Ehibhatiomhan

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Porro, Takai, Van de Ven, Spence; Maddison, Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Solanke, Son

We say: Reading 1-4 Tottenham Hotspur

Â

Adapting to Frank's methods after the gung-ho style of Postecoglou will take some time for Spurs, but with an enviable selection of attacking talents from which to select from, the Dane ought to kick off his reign with a bang.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Â

No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to turn down bids for left-back Destiny Udogie in the current transfer window.

Spurs are currently preparing for their first season under new head coach Thomas Frank, who was named as Ange Postecoglou's successor last month.

The former Brentford boss has already strengthened his squad with the arrivals of Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus, while Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel have converted their loan moves into permanent transfers.

There may be a focus on further additions, but Frank also needs to decide which squad members can leave before the transfer market shuts later this summer.

Frank makes Udogie transfer decision

Udogie is among those who have been linked with a move away, amid reported interest from Italian giants Juventus.

However, according to Football Insider, Frank has made it clear that he views the Italy international as a 'key part' of his plans.

Tottenham are ready to back Frank's stance by rejecting any transfer offers they receive for the 22-year-old this summer.Â

The North London club are certainly under no pressure to sell a player who has a long-term contract until June 2030.Â

How could Frank utilise Udogie?

Frank demonstrated at Brentford that he can be flexible when it comes to selecting a formation, after using a back four and a back three during his time with the West London club.

Udogie would be used in a familiar left-back role if Frank opts to use a back four, which appears to be his preferred setup.

However, Udogie also possesses the ability to play further forward if the Tottenham boss decides to implement wing-backs at some stage of the season.Â

Frank's transfer stance suggests that Udogie will be a regular starter despite facing competition from Djed Spence for a place in the Tottenham lineup.Â

The 22-year-old has made 53 Premier League appearances in two seasons with Tottenham, chipping in with two goals and four assists.