Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Benfica attacker Andreas Schjelderup during the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old joined Benfica from Nordsjaelland in January 2023 and has since made 86 appearances in all competitions, scoring 15 goals.

Spurs have been highly active in the transfer market, and the squad is beginning to take shape under Roberto De Zerbi, who guided the club to Premier League safety on the final day of last season.

The North London outfit have already completed six signings, including high-profile arrivals Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.

However, De Zerbi is still keen to strengthen his attacking options in the wide areas, with Schjelderup reportedly emerging as one of his leading targets.

Tottenham eye move for Andreas Schjelderup?

© Iconsport

According to a report from Correio da Manha (h/t Sport Witness), Spurs have recently made contact with Benfica to enquire about the conditions of a potential deal.

The Norway international enhanced his reputation at the World Cup, contributing one goal and three assists, and his impressive displays have only increased interest in his services.

Benfica are understood to value the exciting winger at around €50m (£43m), although Schjelderup is reportedly keen to move on this summer.

New Benfica head coach Marco Silva is said to be trying to persuade Schjelderup to stay and has already held personal talks with the left winger.

Benfica looking at potential replacements?

© Imago / ZUMA Press Wire

Benfica reportedly fear that Tottenham, or another interested club, could meet their asking price and lure the winger away this summer.

Spurs could reportedly face competition from Chelsea, who could considering the Norwegian as a potential replacement for Aston Villa-bound Alejandro Garnacho.

Silva is therefore eager to add another left-sided winger despite Benfica's signing of Jakub Kaminski, with Reiss Nelson emerging as a potential target.

Nelson spent last season on loan at Fulham under Silva, and while a reunion could be on the cards, the Cottagers are also keen to bring him back.

Tottenham Hotspur opened their preparations for the 2026-27 campaign with a 1-0 victory over League One outfit MK Dons on Wednesday evening.

The only goal of the match came from new signing Mateus Fernandes, with the midfielder scoring a stunning volley in the first half of the contest.

Sandro Tonali also made his debut for Spurs alongside Fernandes in the middle of the midfield, and it proved to be a winning start to pre-season for Roberto De Zerbi's side.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Well, a win is a win. Even in pre-season.

This was not a particularly pretty match for long stages, but rarely is that the case in pre-season, and Fernandes' wonder strike lit up the contest.

It took just three minutes for the midfielder to announce himself as a Tottenham player, scoring a wonderful goal, which proved to be the difference between the two teams.

Fernandes and Tonali both played the opening 45 minutes on their debuts, with the pair impressing, while Mathys Tel also caught the eye down the left.

It was a worthwhile exercise for Tottenham against a MK Dons outfit that provided a challenge, and it will be fascinating to see what Spurs can achieve in the new season given their struggles last term and their summer spending, which will grow in the coming weeks.

TOTTENHAM VS. MK DONS HIGHLIGHTS

Mateus Fernandes goal vs. MK Dons (3rd min, Tottenham 1-0 MK Dons)

Tottenham make the breakthrough in the third minute of the clash, and it is a first Spurs goal for debutant Fernandes, with the midfielder scoring a stunning volley from outside the penalty box.

Fernandes' effort went in off the post, what a start to his Tottenham career!

MAN OF THE MATCH - MATEUS FERNANDES

Fernandes had a very encouraging debut for Tottenham, with his standout moment coming early on when he struck into the back of the net from distance.

The Portuguese's use of the ball was also excellent, and the 22-year-old has the potential to become an incredible signing for the North London club.

TOTTENHAM VS. MK DONS MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham 71%-29% MK Dons

Shots: Tottenham 9-5 MK Dons

Shots on target: Tottenham 4-3 MK Dons

Corners: Tottenham 5-6 MK Dons

Fouls: Tottenham 10-9 MK Dons

WHAT NEXT?

Tottenham's preparations for their 2026-27 Premier League campaign will continue on July 25 when they take on Auckland FC as part of their pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.

MK Dons, meanwhile, have three more friendlies before the start of their new season, with Paul Warne's side next in action against Wealdstone on July 25.

Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of cashing in on one of their most improved players have suffered an unexpected setback this summer.

Djed Spence had emerged as a leading target for Inter Milan, but the Italian giants have now cooled their interest.

And the reason appears to be down to one key demand.

Inter Milan back out of Djed Spence deal

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According to reports in Italy (via Sport Witness), il Nerazzurri have decided not to pursue a move for Djed Spence after being put off by Tottenham's £40 million asking price.

The Serie A champions had identified the England international as a potential replacement for Denzel Dumfries following his move to Real Madrid, with claims earlier this week suggesting talks were progressing.

However, Inter were hoping to negotiate a lower fee and have now opted to explore alternative targets instead.

The report adds that Spurs remain firm in their valuation, believing Spence's stock has risen significantly following his performances at the 2026 World Cup.

While Inter have 'walked away at this time', the door has not been closed completely, with the possibility of negotiations resuming later in the transfer window if the north Londoners soften their stance or other targets fail to materialise.

Does Djed Spence have a future at Spurs?

© Iconsport / DeFodi Images / Icon Sport

It certainly feels like he should.

Spence arrived in north London with plenty of promise but has had to be patient for consistent opportunities. His displays at the World Cup this summer, however, reminded everyone why Tottenham invested in him in the first place.

The 25-year-old quietly became one of England's unsung heroes during the tournament, combining defensive discipline with the pace and attacking intent that modern full-backs require.

Those performances inevitably increased his value, but they also strengthened his case to remain at Spurs.

Tottenham may need to balance the books after a significant summer of spending, yet selling a homegrown England international who has just enjoyed the best spell of his career would be a difficult decision to justify unless a truly exceptional offer arrives.

At £40 million, Spurs are certainly making it clear they are under no pressure to sell.

If no club is willing to meet that valuation, then Roberto De Zerbi could instead benefit from having a confident, in-form Spence competing for a starting role throughout the season.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among three Premier League clubs who are interested in Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.

The attacker has not played for Man United since December 2024, having spent time out on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona.

Rashford scored 14 goals and contributed 11 assists in 49 competitive appearances in last season's loan spell with Barcelona, where he won the league title and Spanish Super Cup.

However, the Catalan giants opted against activating the £26m buy option in Rashford's loan clause, leaving him in an uncertain position ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

As it stands, Man United are set to reintegrate Rashford into the first-team fold once he returns from his post-World Cup break.

© Iconsport / PA Images

Spurs among clubs monitoring Rashford situation

That said, there is still a possibility that he could depart before the transfer window shuts at the start of September.

According to the i, Tottenham are among three Premier League clubs keeping tabs on the 28-year-old.

Spurs' London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea have also been keeping a close eye on his situation at Old Trafford.

The report claims that Spurs were plotting a £40m bid earlier in the summer, but Man United are reluctant to sell to another Premier League side.

The Man United hierarchy are concerned that they would receive criticism if Rashford hit his best form while at another English club.

The Red Devils are also wary that they would need to add a new winger to Michael Carrick's squad if Rashford were to depart.

© Iconsport / PA Images

Rashford's priority revealed

The same report states that Rashford wants to play for a top Champions League club in the 2026-27 campaign.

Man United can offer the England international Champions League football after finishing in third place last season.

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of 18-year-old centre-back Elijah Upson following his exit from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 2008-born defender - who is the son of former Arsenal Premier League-winning centre-back Matthew Upson - will join up with the Gunners' academy squad but has penned a professional contract.

Elijah Upson rejected the chance to sign pro terms at Tottenham in favour of joining their arch-rivals, where he will be in contention to train with the first team and make sporadic appearances in cup competitions.

The former Spurs protege played 34 times for the Lilywhites' Under-18 side, while also making six UEFA Youth League appearances and earning two outings for the Under-21s.

Speaking to the official Arsenal website after his arrival was confirmed, Upson reflected on following in the footsteps of his father, who was also just 18 when he moved to Highbury in 1997.

Arsenal confirm Elijah Upson signing following Tottenham rejection

"It's a great feeling, really proud to be here," Upson said. "Really nice to have all my family and everyone around it, it's been a great experience.

"My dad signed here around the same time as me, it's great to have someone with a good experience of the place. But at the same time, I'm definitely looking forward to building my own reputation and getting started.

"When I met the guys here recently and met all the team and staff, it just seemed like a really nice environment. That was probably the biggest factor, an environment where you feel you can hopefully learn and get better as a person.

Asked about his standout attributes and what Arsenal fans can expect to see from him, Upson added: "Aerially, I'm quite good, it's definitely a strength of mine.

"Obviously, I'm a defender, but if I can take that into an attacking side of things, then that's also really good and an area I can use that quality as well.

"I'd [also] say I've definitely worked hard in terms of my passing range and having a good, longer passing range. I'd say that could be a good strength of mine; I'm looking forward to making those qualities better."

Upson - who has won two caps for England at Under-18 level - follows Illan Meslier and Piero Hincapie to the Emirates as Arsenal's next permanent signing this summer.

The teenager has been allocated the number 57 shirt, which was once worn by Cesc Fabregas during his first Arsenal season in 2003-04.

Arsenal sign Elijah Upson: Who's next for Mikel Arteta?

© Imago / News Images

Upson is one for the future, Meslier is a backup goalkeeper and Hincapie already played a crucial role in 2025-26; Arsenal fans are yet to witness a new marquee signing at the Emirates this summer.

That may soon change, however, as the Gunners are reportedly in direct talks to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, having stepped up their interest in the Brazil international.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly agreed to sell Will Lankshear to Middlesbrough.

Having already signed six players for a combined £237m, Spurs have been proactive during the summer transfer window.

However, as a club without European football on their schedule for 2026-27, it is clear that sales must be made to comply with the Premier League's financial regulations.

Approximately £68m has already been recouped, but there is an inevitability that more exits will follow if De Zerbi wants to continue to strengthen his squad.

According to Sky Sports News, the decision has been made to generate a substantial sum for Lankshear.

© Imago / PPAUK

Spurs make Lankshear transfer decision.

The report alleges that a total package worth £20m has been agreed with last season's Championship playoff final runners-up.

Middlesbrough are said to be ready to pay an initial fee of £10m, with the rest coming in add-ons and bonuses.

Nevertheless, Spurs also possess a sell-on clause and will hold a matching rights clause, which means that must be given a chance to equal any future bid for the 21-year-old.

Lankshear contributed 11 goals and four assists from 44 Championship appearances for Oxford United in 2025-26.

He also made two starts for Spurs across six outings, his solitary goal coming in a Europa League fixture away at Galatasaray.

© Imago

Spurs still see value in Lankshear

Facilitating such a deal for a homegrown talent should be viewed as a shrewd piece of business by Spurs' hierarchy.

Complying with the relevant financial regulations is their immediate concern, and they are raking in pure profit.

At the same time, Spurs lack homegrown talent in their senior ranks, and Lankshear had the potential to become a valuable option under De Zerbi.

If Lankshear fires Middlesbrough to promotion and Spurs return to the Champions League, it would not come as a surprise if they tried to secure a reunion with Lankshear, someone who scored over 30 goals in the academy ranks, in order to comply with registration rules.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence is reportedly keen to complete a move to Inter Milan.

Spence recently wrapped up an eventful World Cup, which saw him become a cult hero among England fans after bouncing back from his struggles in the group stage with a series of impressive performances in the knockout rounds.

After helping England earn a third-place finish, the full-back's focus will now turn to his uncertain club future, despite being under contract with Spurs until at least 2029.

Inter have emerged as a strong candidate to secure Spence's signature if Spurs open the door to a sale.

© Iconsport / DeFodi Images / Icon Sport

Spence keen on Inter move

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sky Sports News, Spence wants to leave Spurs for the reigning Italian champions.

Inter view Spence as a potential replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who completed a move to Real Madrid earlier this summer.

While they may see Spence as a right wing-back, the Nerazzurri will be fully aware that he also possesses the ability to operate on the left side.

Inter are believed to be lining up a €35m (£29.75m) offer, although it remains to be seen whether Spurs will sanction a sale at that price, especially as Spence boosted his reputation at the World Cup.

The Italian giants have to be wary of possible competition from Everton, who have held internal discussions over a move for Spence.

© Iconsport / SUSA

Why is Spence targeting Spurs exit?

The report does not state why Spurs is looking to pursue a move to Inter, but he may have fears over his playing time if he stays put in north London.

Pedro Porro is regarded as Tottenham's first-choice right-back, while the arrival of Andy Robertson on a free transfer has dented Spence's chances of being the starting left-back in Roberto De Zerbi's side.

Spence has also previously shown a willingness to play abroad, having spent time on loan at Rennes and Genoa.

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of highly-rated teenager Tynan Thompson, with the England youth international arriving from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 18-year-old scored 13 goals and registered six assists for Tottenham Under-21s and Under-18s during the 2025-26 campaign, including seven goals in seven matches in the UEFA Youth League.

There has been a host of speculation surrounding Thompson in recent weeks, with Man United said to be determined to secure his signature.

The 20-time English champions have now confirmed his arrival.

"Manchester United have agreed the signing of exciting young winger Tynan Thompson, subject to registration," read a statement from the 20-time English champions. Everyone at United would like to welcome Tynan to the club and wish him the very best of luck for the future."

Man United confirm arrival of £8m Thompson

According to Sky Sports News, the deal for Thompson is worth up to £8m, with Man United paying an initial £4m plus a potential £4m in add-ons.

The report claims that Tottenham have a sell-on clause of 15%.

Journalist Laurie Whitwell has revealed that Thompson has been offered a pathway into the first team, with the youngster set to train with the senior side.

Thompson could be involved in Man United's preparations for the new campaign, with a view to making the first-team squad in the early stages of the season.

The attacker never made a first-team appearance for Tottenham, but he did make the matchday squad on three occasions last term, including against Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

When could Thompson make his debut?

Man United will continue their preparations for the 2025-26 campaign with a friendly against Rosenborg on Friday, and there is a chance that Thompson could be involved in that clash.

The Red Devils will then tackle Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United and AC Milan in their final four friendlies of the summer before beginning their 2026-27 Premier League campaign against Hull City on August 22.

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Amid a busy summer on the transfer scene, Tottenham Hotspur will start warming up for the new Premier League campaign on Wednesday, when they meet MK Dons for a training ground friendly.

Roberto De Zerbi has embarked on a big rebuild after narrowly securing top-flight survival, with midfield pair Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali costing almost £200m between them - as neither played at the World Cup, they might be involved in midweek.

Fellow new boys Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi were among a big Spurs contingent at FIFA's top tournament, but most are still on leave. Like Senesi, club captain Cristian Romero and Spain star Pedro Porro both featured in Sunday's final and will be jetting off on holiday.

Flying full-back Djed Spence - the subject of intense transfer speculation following his England displays - is also unavailable, while De Zerbi is still missing several men due to injury.

Long-term absentees Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski are all on the road to recovery; veteran defender Ben Davies has been sidelined by an ankle injury since January and may not be ready to start.

More likely, Tottenham will turn to their young guns, including Mikey Moore, who has returned to North London after a successful loan spell with Rangers.

Fellow academy graduates Will Lankshear and Jamie Donley could also feature - along with Under-21s captain Alfie Dorrington - and there is the potential for fielding different teams in either half.

De Zerbi certainly has plenty of options to choose from, even if Luka Vuskovic, Radu Dragusin, Alfie Devine, Alejo Veliz and Yves Bissouma have all departed, while loan deals for Randal Kolo Muani and Joao Palhinha were not renewed.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Austin; Adewole, Dorrington, Phillips, Souza; Gray, Gallagher; Donley, Maddison, Moore; Lankshear

After narrowly escaping Premier League relegation last term, Tottenham Hotspur will start a fresh page on Wednesday evening, when they host MK Dons in their first pre-season friendly.

Amid a manic month in the transfer market, Spurs begin the next chapter of Roberto De Zerbi's reign with a behind-closed-doors game at their training ground.

Match preview

Only a tense final-day victory over Everton confirmed Tottenham's Premier League status after another season of struggle, and the North London club have embarked on a big rebuild this summer.

Following back-to-back 17th-placed finishes, Spurs reacted by smashing their transfer record twice in one window, bringing in Mateus Fernandes for £85m and potentially breaking the £100m barrier for Sandro Tonali.

Head coach De Zerbi is also busy bolstering his backline, having acquired Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and experienced goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

Minus several players still on leave following international duty, De Zerbi's squad recently resumed training, and preparations for the 2026-27 campaign are now under way.

A pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia awaits - featuring games against Auckland FC, Sydney FC and old foes Chelsea - but Spurs will start with a low-key contest at their Enfield training base.

Wednesday's warm-up kicks off a month of friendlies leading to a tricky Premier League opener at Brentford, by which time a new-look squad should be fully fit and raring to go.

© Imago

The last time MK Dons met Tottenham - for a pre-season fixture five years ago - they were beaten 3-1 on home turf.

While the result is largely irrelevant at this early stage, the Milton Keynes club might expect to fare better this week, as they are much further along in terms of match-fitness.

The Dons have already beaten Maidenhead United 4-1, then lost 2-1 to NK Istra in Croatia, while a young XI recently drew 1-1 with Chippenham Town.

Paul Warne's side are gearing up for their league opener away to Oxford United, which will be preceded by a tough EFL Cup tie against Norwich City in early August.

Looking to build on last term, when they finished second in League Two and secured automatic promotion, staying afloat in the third tier may be their main aim.

MK Dons pre-season form:

W L

Team News

© Iconsport / SUSA

Neither Tonali nor Fernandes competed at the World Cup, so both could be in contention for Tottenham's first pre-season friendly, possibly appearing from the bench.

Robertson and Van Hecke are less likely to participate; fellow new boy Senesi, club captain Cristian Romero and Spain full-back Pedro Porro all featured in Sunday's final and will be heading off on holiday.

England star Djed Spence is also unavailable, while Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski have yet to fully recover from serious knee injuries; Ben Davies (ankle) remains a doubt.

Meanwhile, MK Dons have signed former Middlesbrough midfielder Dan Barlaser on a free transfer, following an impressive spell on loan at Hibernian.

Warne previously worked with Barlaser at Rotherham United, and the 29-year-old could team up with Cardiff City's current Player of the Year, Ryan Wintle, who captained the Bluebirds to promotion last term before joining the Dons.

Central defender Charlie Goode has also signed after his contract expired at Stevenage, taking a place on the bench against NK Istra last time out.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Austin; Adewole, Dorrington, Phillips, Souza; Gray, Gallagher; Donley, Maddison, Moore; Lankshear

MK Dons possible starting lineup:

MacGillivray; Ekpiteta, Nelson, Goode; Jones, Wintle, Gilbey, Barlaser, Bramall; Hepburn-Murphy, Mendez-Laing

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 MK Dons

Expect an unfamiliar Spurs lineup and multiple changes, as the hosts get pre-season under way.

MK Dons have more match-fitness under their belts, so that should bridge an obvious gap in quality.