Sports Mole

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

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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.

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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.

Tottenham Hotspur's interest in Brentford forward Yoane Wissa has been described as unlikely to materialise due to Manchester United's interest in Bees teammate Bryan Mbeumo.

Thomas Frank's rebuild at Spurs is underway, and the Danish boss appears keen on an offensive revolution, with Mohammed Kudus his first major forward signing.

The club could also be set to add Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, though the transfer could become a prolonged saga after Forest threatened to complain to the Premier League.

Tottenham have been reported to hold interest in more offensive additions, with Frank's former player Wissa linked with a reunion.

However, Football Insider have claimed that because Manchester United are keen on signing Mbeumo, Brentford have no intention of also selling Wissa in the same transfer window.

Would Wissa make sense?

Wissa enjoyed an excellent season at the Gtech Community Stadium, as while Mbeumo often took the headlines, he himself managed to score 19 Premier League goals.

The forward netted 12 times in 2023-24 - proving that he can consistently contribute in the final third - and his familiarity with Frank's system would make him a strong stylistic fit at Spurs.

Perhaps the only drawback with the attacker is the fact that he will be 29 in September, and handing out a long-term contract to someone approaching their thirties is risky.

What next for Frank?

Though Tottenham could line up next season with a revamped forward line, Frank will still have to address his side's defensive frailties.

The club conceded 65 goals last term - the fifth worst return in the division - so perhaps signing defensive-minded players would be of benefit to the club.

Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany does not believe that Pep Guardiola’s side can be entirely ruled out of the race to sign Morgan Gibbs-White just yet.

The 25-year-old was strongly linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium earlier this summer, but the Citizens were allegedly unwilling to meet Nottingham Forest’s £100m asking price for the midfielder.

It has since emerged that Gibbs-White has a £60m release clause in his contract at the City Ground which was activated by Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur last week.

Forest are said to consider Gibbs-White's proposed move to Spurs to be off for now, though, while they consult their lawyers over potential legal action, as they believe Spurs made an illegal approach to the player and never granted permission for them to speak to him.

It remains unclear over whether Forest are able to block the transfer entirely, but Gibbs-White’s proposed move to North London is now expected to be delayed as Forest prepare a complaint to the Premier League.

Spurs are said to remain confident about their chances of signing Gibbs-White, who reported to Forest for pre-season training on Monday, but McInerney has suggested that Man City may consider reigniting their interest in the England international.

Gibbs-White to Man City ‘not impossible’ despite Spurs interest

McInerney claims that Gibbs-White was expecting a move to Man City earlier this summer, but reports of a potential switch to the Etihad soon cooled following the arrivals of playmaker Rayan Cherki and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders ahead of the Club World Cup.

Although Spurs appear to be at the front of the queue to sign Gibbs-White, McInerney has suggested that Pep Guardiola's side may contemplate going back in for Forest’s No.10 if his move to North London collapses and if either Ilkay Gundogan or Mateo Kovacic leave the Etihad in the near future.

Speaking to Sports Mole about the possibility of Man City renewing their interest in Gibbs-White, McInerney said: “I don't think it's impossible. I don't expect it, but football is a strange old game and anything can happen at any moment, so more fool the man who rules it out.

“I expect City have sort of moved on from him overall. There were some rumours that it was Cherki or Gibbs-White and Guardiola chose Cherki. You do wonder how much the fee played into that.

“I think largely Cherki is a better number 10, so if it was an option of [choosing a number] 10 out of those two players, you understand why Guardiola’s gone for Cherki who is an absurdly gifted creator and a lot more akin to [Kevin] De Bruyne in terms of his overall output in terms of creativity.

“There was a shot of Guardiola talking to Gibbs-White after [City’s FA Cup semi-final win over Forest] and it looked like one of those chats where he's like: ‘I'll see you soon mate’.

Gibbs-White “expected” Man City move earlier this summer

“[It seemed] all but confirmed when that was happening at the time and I know in semi-person as well that Gibbs-White was actually expecting a move to Man City to happen, and it just shows you how fickle things can be in football. They can move so quickly and for whatever reason it looks like he's set to join Spurs.

“I really like Gibbs-White. I think he's a cracking player. I do wonder how much his transfer was tied to other potential departures (at City) as well. I know we just talked about him being a 10 and either him or Cherki, but I do think there was a world that existed where it could have been Cherki and Gibbs-White.

“But that might have coincided with maybe one of Gundogan or Bernardo Silva maybe stepping out the door a little bit earlier. Maybe with Kovacic and his future sorted out, it looks like he's just going to be here, we don't know given he was injured during the Club World Cup.

“Maybe had Bernardo or Gundogan moved on, maybe City would have pulled the trigger and gone for Gibbs-White, but then you've got that issue with the fee.”

Sharing his thoughts on Gibbs-White’s valuation and release clause, McInerney added: “Now City were quoted £100m and that is obviously absurd. He's nowhere near that. You do wonder what's going on with the release clause. Were there some rumours about it only activating on a certain date?

“We can all be naive and act like clubs don't know these things, but they do know. There's no way his agent isn't going to get Man City to know that he's got a release clause that he could activate.

“City under (outgoing sporting director) Txiki Begiristain have been very good at activating release clauses. They love a release clause because it's an easy transfer and it gets you through the door nice and easily with very little negotiation.

“Maybe they didn't know, or maybe it's genuinely the case that not enough players have left City. It does look like Bernardo’s definitely going to stay. I presume Kovacic will. I felt Gundogan was going to go but it's gone a bit quiet on that front as well. Who knows, maybe they're just on holiday right now.”

“Forest and Spurs might have done the dirty work” for City to sign Gibbs-White

Not only is Gibbs-White a “very talented player” who recorded seven goals and 10 assists in 34 Premier League games for Forest last season, but he is also a homegrown player which appeals to a Man City side seeking to comply with homegrown quota rules for next season.

“Having said all that, there's still a small possibility of Gibbs-White becoming a City player,” said McInerney. “Forest and Spurs might have done the dirty work for City there. Maybe the release clause is out and up in the air now.

“If Gundogan moves on and it turns out Kovacic's future's up in the air a little bit after his injury, they might still go in for Gibbs-White, given the fact that they need homegrown players, but I don't really know. It is a mad mess.

“He's a very talented player and personally I wouldn't say no, but I think we've probably made our decision already.”

McInerney has also shared his thoughts on why Cherki “could be special” and ‘understands the logic’ behind Man City’s decision to prioritise the 21-year-old over Gibbs-White earlier this summer.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are both reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha during this summer's transfer window.

Palhinha only made the move to Bayern from Fulham last summer, but he struggled to show his best form for the German giants last term, being restricted to just 25 appearances in all competitions.

The Portugal international was a star for Fulham, though, scoring eight goals and registering one assist in 79 appearances, establishing himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in England's top flight.

According to CaughtOffside, both Man United and Tottenham are interested in bringing the 30-year-old back to the Premier League this summer, but a loan deal is not thought to be possible.

The report claims that Bayern want in the region of €30m (£26m) for Palhinha, who still has another three years left to run on his contract with the Bundesliga champions.

Man United, Tottenham 'interested' in Palhinha

Tottenham have signed two defenders and two forwards this summer, and central midfield is certainly an area which the club want to strengthen before the end of the summer transfer window.

Palhinha is proven in England's top flight, and Spurs can offer Champions League football to new signings, having beaten Man United in last season's Europa League final.

Man United, meanwhile, have signed an attacker and a defender this summer, and like Spurs, they are expected to bolster their midfield before the end of the market.

Christian Eriksen's departure on a free transfer has opened up a space in midfield, but bringing in Palhinha would go against their transfer policy of targeting young players rather than established stars.

How will this one play out?

Palhinha is believed to be reluctant to give up on his Bayern career, but if it becomes clear that he will continue to struggle for minutes next season, then a departure is likely.

Indeed, the midfielder will want to be playing regularly in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup, and both Man United and Tottenham would be able to offer him Premier League action.

Man United are thought to lead the English interest, but the fact that the Red Devils will not play in Europe during the 2025-26 campaign could count against them when it comes to the battle for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma supposedly intends to remain in North London during the summer transfer window despite interest from across Europe.

After shining alongside Pape Sarr during the 2023-24 campaign, Bissouma slipped down the pecking order at Tottenham last season and is now in the final 12 months of his contract.

As things stand, no extension for the Mali international is forthcoming, and there was an expectation that he would be sold this summer to avoid the risk of a free transfer in 2026.

Last week, it was claimed that Juventus viewed Bissouma as a 'standout option' for the summer window, as the Old Lady scope out suitable replacements for the under-performing Douglas Luiz.

The former Aston Villa midfielder is already being linked with an exit from Turin after just one season, and both the Lions and Manchester United are rumoured to be keeping tabs on developments.

Bissouma 'expresses desire' to stay at Spurs this summer

Owing to his contract situation, it was reported that Spurs would be prepared to sanction the 28-year-old's sale for as little as €15m (£13m) this summer, although they would ideally like to pocket closer to €20m (£17.3m).

However, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Bissouma has 'expressed a desire' to continue at Tottenham for the final year of his current contract at the very least.

Tavolieri adds that a handful of European clubs have been monitoring his situation closely, including AC Milan and Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce, the latter of whom have apparently been in contact with him.

The midfielder's first choice is to remain in North London, though, and even if Tottenham do decide to part ways with him this summer, he would prefer to move to another Premier League club than trying his hand in a different league.

Since joining the Lilywhites in a £25.2m deal from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022, Bissouma has struck two goals in 100 appearances for Spurs, playing the full 90 minutes in last season's Europa League final win over Manchester United.

Bissouma wants to stay, but who could be sold?

As Spurs do not appear close to bolstering their midfield ranks, retaining Bissouma's services is surely a no-brainer from a sporting point of view, as Thomas Frank needs every troop possible for the imminent Champions League campaign.

The Europa League winners are still yet to make a serious sale this summer; besides a few free agents, the only departures have been Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - whose Marseille loan was converted into a permanent deal - and Alejo Veliz, who has returned to Rosario Central on a temporary basis.

However, more exits are anticipated between now and September 1, especially up front, where Richarlison, Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil should all be on the hunt for new stomping grounds this summer.