Sports Mole

Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore believes that Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali choosing to join Tottenham Hotspur means that their ambitions should be questioned.

The Reds were linked with both Fernandes and Tonali earlier in the summer transfer window, as Andoni Iraola aims to bolster his engine room before the start of his debut campaign.

However, Liverpool never made a serious play for either Fernandes or Tonali, who are set to link up under Roberto De Zerbi next season as the Lilywhites prepare to complete a £185m double swoop.

Fernandes's £85m move to Tottenham has been confirmed, while Tonali's £100m switch from Newcastle United is in the works; the Italian has announced that he will be leaving St James' Park for the capital.

Speaking exclusively to Sports Mole, Collymore expressed his view that Liverpool were not genuine contenders for either midfielder, while aiming a dig at Tottenham and anyone opting to move to Hotspur Way over Kirkby after Spurs' 17th-placed Premier League finish last season.

Stan Collymore aims dig at Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali

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"I'm not even convinced Liverpool were that deep into either of those deals," Collymore said. "With the greatest respect to Spurs, if you're choosing Tottenham over Liverpool at this stage, then I'd question your ambition.

"I actually don't think Liverpool are desperate for another midfielder. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are more than good enough to start the season.

"I'd also like to see Florian Wirtz used a little deeper at times as an attacking midfielder who can really dictate games. Liverpool have plenty of quality in that area already, so I don't think signing another midfielder is an absolute necessity.

"If anything, it would simply be a case of giving a new manager another player because he's new."

Which midfielders could Liverpool sign this summer?

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While Collymore does not believe that Iraola is desperate for another addition in the centre of the park, some members of the Anfield faithful may think differently.

Curtis Jones is looking increasingly likely to stay after Inter Milan failed to meet Liverpool's demands, but his contract expires in 2027, while Alexis Mac Allister's displays in 2025-26 left a lot to be desired.

Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga is apparently a target for the Reds, who have also been linked with Crystal Palace lynchpin Adam Wharton and Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The latter's fellow Ligue 1 talent Lamine Camara - who represents Monaco - has also been name-checked as a possible addition for Liverpool, but the Reds' primary focus appears to be on a new big-money attacker.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly enquired about a potential move for Atalanta BC defender Raoul Bellanova.

Spurs have been proactive in the early stages of the summer transfer window as they look to avoid a repeat of last season's relegation battle.

Tottenham have already recruited midfielder Mateus Fernandes, goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and the defensive trio of Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson.

They look set to make Sandro Tonali their sixth summer addition after agreeing a deal with Newcastle United worth up to £100m.

Not content with their busy window, Spurs are already on the lookout for other potential additions to Roberto De Zerbi's side.

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Spurs make contact over Bellanova move

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Tottenham are showing interest in signing Bellanova from Serie A side Atalanta.

Spurs are one of four Premier League sides who have made an enquiry to gather information about the feasibility of a possible transfer.

Spurs seemingly view Bellanova as someone who can provide cover and compete with Pedro Porro for the right-back spot.

Fulham, Everton and Nottingham Forest have also made contact with Atalanta, while Napoli could offer Bellanova the chance to remain in Serie A.

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What is Atalanta's Bellanova asking price?

Bellanova has widely been used as a wing-back during his time with Atalanta, providing 11 assists from that position in 35 Serie A appearances in the 2024-25 season.

However, Bellanova struggled to match that productivity last term as he found himself in and out of the team due to selection decisions and injury.

Atalanta are seemingly prepared to sanction a sale as long as one of Bellanova's potential suitors meets their asking price.

The Serie A outfit will demand a fee in the region of €15m (£12.9m) and €20m (£17.1m) for a player who is under contract until the summer of 2029.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo this summer.

The Netherlands international joined the Reds from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has since made 180 appearances in all competitions, scoring 50 goals.

The 27-year-old registered seven goals and five assists in the Premier League last season as Liverpool finished fifth to secure Champions League qualification.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are interested in Gakpo, but Liverpool have not opened the door to negotiations.

The transfer expert claims that the Reds have not indicated to the winger that he is available for transfer, although his situation could become more interesting if Tottenham submit an offer towards the end of the window.

Should Liverpool sell Cody Gakpo?

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Strengthening the forward line remains a priority for Andoni Iraola, and the Reds have already signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna.

Iraola is keen to add more quality in the wide areas, and Liverpool are expected to recruit another high-profile winger regardless of what the future holds for the current crop.

Gakpo is under contract at Anfield until 2030, and while Liverpool are under no immediate pressure to sell, the situation could change if reports are accurate that the Dutchman has informed the club of his desire to leave this summer.

Ben Jacobs reported last month that the Reds have taken note of Anthony Gordon's £70m move to Barcelona, with that figure expected to represent the minimum valuation for Gakpo.

Cody Gakpo would be a terrific signing for Tottenham

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The Dutchman is capable of operating on either wing or through the middle, making him an ideal fit for Roberto De Zerbi's attacking system.

After signing Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and Jan Paul van Hecke, Spurs have also completed a club-record £85m move for Mateus Fernandes.

The North London club have also reportedly agreed a deal worth around £100m for Sandro Tonali, but further additions are expected as De Zerbi continues his overhaul of the squad that narrowly avoided relegation last season.

Gakpo's Premier League pedigree, international experience and versatility make him an attractive target, although prising him away from Anfield will be far from straightforward.

After back-to-back 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur have made a statement in the summer transfer window, with five new signings and a sixth on the horizon set to take their total spending to £237m.

Sandro Tonali is set to become Spurs’ club-record signing after a £100m package with Newcastle United was agreed earlier this week, with the Italian midfielder in London for his medical.

Tottenham’s current transfer record was broken on Thursday when the club confirmed the £85m arrival of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, beating long-term suitors Manchester United to his signature.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side have also forked out £52m on Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, while fellow centre-back Marcos Senesi, left-back Andrew Robertson and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka have all moved to North London on free transfers.

Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how Spurs could line up with some of their latest signings from the summer transfer window.

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It is widely expected that De Zerbi will predominantly use a four-at-the-back system at Tottenham, though there may be some occasions where the Italian head coach would prefer to switch to a back three for certain matches.

With Guglielmo Vicario expected to leave the club this summer, Antonin Kinsky is currently set to be entrusted with the number one jersey for next season after signing a new contract with the club. Dubravka, meanwhile, will provide experienced backup.

Pedro Porro, who also signed a new contract in June, is Spurs’ undisputed first-choice right-back, ahead of Djed Spence in the pecking order, while new recruit Robertson will provide stern competition for Destiny Udogie, Spence, Souza and Ben Davies for the left-back berth.

While Robertson may not be a guaranteed starter to begin with, Van Hecke is expected to form a centre-back partnership with fellow Dutchman Mickey Van de Ven, while Cristian Romero is expected to leave this summer.

Senesi, who played a crucial role in helping Bournemouth finish sixth in the Premier League last season, is also a strong contender for regular starts and may now climb ahead of Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin in the centre-back pecking order.

Tottenham’s midfield has been upgraded with the arrival of tenacious 21-year-old playmaker Fernandes, and the expected arrival of dynamic regista Tonali, with the £185m duo expected to slot straight into De Zerbi’s XI.

Conor Gallagher, Archei Gray, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr will all provide midfield competition, while Joao Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall are likely to depart this summer.

After a frustrating season on the sidelined through injury, James Maddison will hope to be fit and firing for Spurs in 2026-27 and could reclaim the number 10 position,. Xavi Simons - currently recovering from an ACL injury - could also play centrally or operate out on the left where he played 11 times in his debut season at the club.

Dejan Kulusevski is another who endured a nightmare injury-hit campaign, but he will be hoping to battle for starts on either flank when fully fit. Mohammed Kudus appears to be ahead of him for the right-wing position, though, while Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore are other wide options at De Zerbi's disposal.

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly have plans to make an approach for Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi.

Spurs are currently going on what is an unprecedented spending spree at the start of the summer transfer window in an effort to steal a march on their Premier League rivals.

On Thursday morning, West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes became the latest addition to Roberto De Zerbi's squad.

Furthermore, Sandro Tonali will complete a £100m transfer from Newcastle United before the end of the week, adding to the likes of Martin Dubravka, Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke who have already signed for Spurs.

According to The Independent, in-demand Kroupi is the next player on Spurs' radar.

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How much would Spurs have to pay for Kroupi?

The report says that De Zerbi is now eager to strengthen in the final third, particularly with someone who can play down the left-hand side.

Spurs are allegedly prepared to pay big money for the France Under-21 international, who has also been linked with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.

Bournemouth are said to have no intention of considering any offers that are below their valuation of £80m.

In his first year of Premier League football, Kroupi contributed 13 goals from 33 appearances in 2025-26.

Such has been his progression that a call-up to the France squad after the World Cup is a realistic possibility.

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When will Spurs start considering player sales?

There will come a point when Spurs will want, and need, to start giving genuine consideration to player sales.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been linked with a move to Italy, while Brighton & Hove Albion are pushing hard for Luka Vuskovic.

Left-back Souza, midfielder Lucas Bergvall, and one of Richarlison or Dominic Solanke may also be considered for exits.

De Zerbi will surely want to get his squad numbers down by the time that Spurs are through the opening weeks of pre-season.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the arrival of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United in a club-record transfer.

The 21-year-old has made the move to North London for a reported £85m fee, smashing Tottenham's previous transfer record of £65m spent on striker Dominic Solanke.

Manchester United were initially seen as the leading contenders for Fernandes's signature, but the Red Devils backed away from a deal after refusing to match Tottenham's £85m bid.

The Portugal international becomes Tottenham's fifth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Andy Robertson, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, but his status as Spurs' record signing could be broken in days.

Tottenham have reportedly also agreed a £100m deal for Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali, who will soon link up with fellow Spurs newcomer Fernandes in the centre of Roberto De Zerbi's midfield.

Mateus Fernandes's first words as Tottenham player after £85m move confirmed

Speaking for the first time as a Tottenham player to the club's official channels, Fernandes said: "I'm very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club and the Head Coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.

"When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way - going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can't wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the Club."

Meanwhile, De Zerbi highlighted the qualities that made Fernandes stand out as a midfield candidate, adding: "I've admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.

"Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments. I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I'm excited to start working with him."

Fernandes registered four goals and four assists in 38 games for West Ham following his 2025 arrival from Southampton, but he was unable to save the Irons from relegation to the Championship.

Tottenham confirm Mateus Fernandes shirt number

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Tottenham did not immediately confirm Fernandes's shirt number, but the Lilywhites quickly revealed that the 21-year-old will be sporting the number 18 shirt.

Fernandes donned the same jersey during his time with Southampton and West Ham, and he also wore that number for Portugal's Under-19s and Under-21s before stepping up to senior level.

The last Tottenham player to be bestowed with the number 18 shirt was Yang Min-hyeok, who spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Portsmouth and Coventry City and is yet to make his senior Spurs debut.

Notable Tottenham players to sport the 18 include Harry Kane in 2014-15 and Jurgen Klinsmann in 1994-95, while Giovani Lo Celso and Jermain Defoe have also worn that number in recent years.

Lucas Bergvall has provided a fresh update on his future at Tottenham Hotspur following Sweden’s exit from the 2026 World Cup.

The 20-year-old became Sweden’s youngest ever World Cup player during the group stage before starting in midfield in Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to France in the last 32.

After the match, Bergvall was questioned over his club future after reports emerged last month claiming that he has requested to leave Spurs this summer in pursuit of a fresh challenge.

As quoted by Sport Witness, Bergvall said: “I want continuous matches in my position. That is the only goal. We’ll see what happens in the future. I’ve only been focused on the World Cup until now.”

The midfielder was then asked directly whether he is keen to remain in the Premier League, and he replied: “As I said, my focus has been on the World Cup. We’ll deal with whatever comes next. I don’t know – we’ll see.”

It is understood that Nottingham Forest are ready to offer Bergvall an 'very good deal’ in an attempt to lure him to the City Ground, with the Tricky Trees prepared to use the funds generated from the sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City.

Stoke sign Galbraith for £10m from Swansea

In the Championship, Stoke City have announced the signing of Northern Ireland international Ethan Galbraith from Swansea City on a four-year contract.

The 25-year-old has moved to the Potters for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £10m plus add-ons which would make him the joint-13th biggest sale in Swansea’s history.

Galbraith only joined Swansea from Leyton Orient last summer for around £1.5m, but the Welsh club now stand to make a significant profit in excess of £8m.

“Ethan is a player we feel can make a real difference,” Sporting Director Jonathan Walters told the club's website. “In our view, he’s one of the most gifted midfielders in the Championship, and at 25 he has his best years ahead of him.

“He’s a player who can help us get to where we want to be, and we firmly believe he has all the attributes to succeed at the next level, which is where we want this football club to get to.

“To be able to attract a player of Ethan’s calibre is another statement of intent. It reflects the ambition that runs throughout the football club and the backing we’ve received from John Coates as we continue building a squad capable of achieving our ambitions.”

Galbraith accumulated 3,108 minutes and started 36 games for Swansea last season, recording 39 interceptions and 201 recoveries - the highest recovery total of any outfield player at the club.

Comfortable operating in midfield or at full-back, Galbraith has become Stoke’s fourth signing of the summer after Svante Ingelsson, Djibril Soumare and Milan Smit, with Mark Robins’s side spending around £20m on new recruits thus far.

Rangers complete two more signings under McInnes

Elsewhere, Rangers have added two new players to their squad in the form of goalkeeper Ivor Pandur and midfielder Daniel Neil.

Pandur has moved to Ibrox from Hull City for a reported £6m, and the 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year contract.

According to Sky Sports News, Pandur’s arrival will pave the way for Jack Butland to move in the opposite direction, with the shot-stopper said to be closing in on a £3m switch to the newly-promoted Premier League club.

As for Neil, he has joined Rangers on a free transfer, signing a three-year deal, following the expiration of his contract at Sunderland.

The 24-year-old had allegedly been in talks with Championship side Southampton, but Rangers have landed the versatile midfielder, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town.

Neil made 201 first-team appearances for Sunderland having graduated from the club's academy, and he captained the Black Cats to Premier League promotion in the 2024-25 season.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the biggest signing in the club's history as Roberto De Zerbi continues his dramatic rebuild in north London.

After already agreeing a deal for Mateus Fernandes, Spurs now look set to land Sandro Tonali in what has become a statement summer transfer window.

The latest update suggests the move is entering its final stages.

Sandro Tonali is in London for his Tottenham medical

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According to Fabrizio Romano, the Newcastle United midfielder has arrived in London alongside his family and representatives to undergo his medical ahead of completing his move to Tottenham.

Spurs have agreed a club-record package with the Magpies, believed to be worth up to £100 million, with an initial fee of £92.5 million plus a further £7.5 million in add-ons.

The agreement comes after Newcastle rejected an earlier offer worth around £80 million, but Tottenham have returned with an improved proposal to secure Roberto De Zerbi's priority midfield target.

De Zerbi has admired Tonali for several years, dating back to his time managing Sassuolo, and the Italy international is now set to become Tottenham's second record-breaking midfield signing in the space of a week following the arrival of Mateus Fernandes.

How will Spurs line up with Sandro Tonali in midfield?

© Iconsport / Mark Cosgrove/News Images/Sipa USA

Tonali's arrival gives De Zerbi the opportunity to build one of the Premier League's most technically gifted midfield units.

The Italian is expected to operate at the base of midfield, where his range of passing, defensive intelligence and ability to dictate the tempo should allow Tottenham to control games far more effectively than they have in recent seasons.

Alongside him, Fernandes offers the energy, ball-carrying ability and attacking thrust to break lines and support the forward players. On paper, the pair complement each other superbly, with Tonali providing the control and Fernandes the dynamism.

Spurs are committing close to £185 million to the duo, underlining just how determined the club are to back De Zerbi after last season's struggles.

It is an enormous investment, but if the partnership develops as many expect, Tottenham could finally have the midfield platform required to climb back towards the Premier League's top four.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali in the summer transfer window.

Spurs have been heavily linked with a move for the in-demand Italian star, with Roberto De Zerbi looking to add more quality to his midfield.

The North London club reportedly broke their transfer record a few days ago when they struck an agreement to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85m.

It has been widely reported that Spurs have been working on a separate deal for Tonali alongside Fernandes as well, and it now appears they have struck another record-breaking agreement.

Tottenham agree Sandro Tonali deal?

© Iconsport / Mark Cosgrove/News Images/Sipa USA

According to The Athletic, Spurs have reached an agreement with the Magpies in a deal that could reach £100m.

The two clubs began negotiations last month, and Tottenham have now proposed an offer that Newcastle feel is too good to turn down.

Spurs will reportedly pay an initial £92.5m for Tonali, with a further £7.5m in add-ons based on multiple Champions League qualifications.

Newcastle believe the add-ons are highly achievable and that the package will eventually reach £100m, allowing them to reinvest in the squad to strengthen multiple areas.

Busy transfer window for Tottenham

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Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July 2023 for a fee in the region of £60.5m and has since become a key player for Eddie Howe's side.

Last season, the Italian made 53 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals as the Magpies finished 12th in the Premier League.

Spurs already have Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall in their squad, but it has been widely reported that the Swedish midfielder has informed the club of his desire to move on.

Newcastle have reportedly shown interest in signing Gray and submitted an offer, but Spurs rejected it quickly.

It has already been a busy summer for Tottenham, with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi arriving on free transfers and Jan Paul van Hecke joining from Brighton & Hove Albion for £52m.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning to make a move for another West Ham player after securing an agreement for Mateus Fernandes.

After narrowly securing Premier League safety, Spurs have wasted no time in bolstering their squad this summer, with Roberto De Zerbi backed by the club to bring in players of his choice.

Deals for Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke had already been agreed, while Spurs have reportedly secured two blockbuster signings in quick succession.

Spurs have reportedly agreed an £85m deal for Fernandes, who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer.

The North London club have also secured a blockbuster £100m package deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali as De Zerbi looks to revamp the side completely.

Tottenham eye move for Crysencio Summerville?

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According to Harry Hotspur, Spurs are looking at more signings after Fernandes and Tonali, and they have set their sights on Crysencio Summerville.

The report claims that the North London club are expected to hold serious talks with the Hammers over signing their gifted winger, who is valued at around £50m.

Summerville scored one goal and provided two assists for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, but his tournament was cut short after Ronald Koeman's side were beaten by Morocco in the Round of 32.

De Zerbi is apparently a big admirer of Summerville, mainly because of his dribbling ability and incredible work rate.

Crysencio Summerville: Should Man Utd make concrete effort?

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In recent weeks, Manchester United have emerged as a serious contender to sign Summerville during the summer transfer window.

However, with Spurs reportedly lurking, the Red Devils must show urgency and begin negotiations with West Ham if they are serious about signing the Dutchman.

Spurs are also reportedly interested in signing Como and Croatia star Martin Baturina, who is valued at £70m by the Champions League newcomers.