Sports Mole

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among the three clubs keen to bring back former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to the Premier League this summer.Â

Newcastle United are the third club looking to sign their former striker as they prepare alternative plans in case Alexander Isak leaves the club.Â

Since joining Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal from Fulham in 2023, Mitrovic has enjoyed excellent form, scoring 68 goals in 79 games over the past two seasons.Â

According to a report from Caughtoffside, Man Utd, Spurs, and Newcastle are looking to sign Mitrovic, who is valued at around €30m (£26m).Â

Mitrovic would be a solid addition for Man Utd and Spurs Â

The Red Devils are looking to rebuild their squad under Ruben Amorim, and they have already signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.Â

United need more quality players in their attacking department after finishing 15th in the Premier League last season. The likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have been underwhelming since joining the club, and they need an experienced striker who can guarantee regular goals. Mitrovic fits the bill.Â

Tottenham have signed Mathys Tel permanently from Bayern Munich and added Mohammed Kudus to their ranks. However, Thomas Frank probably would need another top striker if Richarlison and Son Heung-Min are allowed to leave.Â

Newcastle could lose their talisman Isak this summer, and they are already checking on several options. According to Florian Plettenberg, the Magpies are in the race for Benjamin Sesko, but they need to pay around €80m (£70m) for the RB Leipzig striker.Â

Mitrovic could be a cheaper alternative for Eddie Howe if Newcastle want to take a chance with him.Â

Spurs and Newcastle have an advantage over Man UtdÂ

The Serbian still has a lot of quality football left in him, but it is not clear whether he still has the hunger to test himself at the top level.Â

The former Anderlecht striker scored only 17 goals in 72 games for the Magpies, but his record for Fulham was impressive. The Serbian scored 111 goals in 206 games for the Cottagers, and he would be a solid addition to all three interested clubs.Â

Tottenham and Newcastle can offer him European football, which could prove to be a significant factor in Mitrovic's decision to choose his next club if he decides to leave.

The asking price is quite affordable for all three Premier League clubs, and it remains to be seen if any one of them comes up with a concrete offer.Â

Tottenham Hotspur prospect Mikey Moore is allegedly most likely to join a Champions League club on loan.

The 17-year-old is viewed as one of the most highly-regarded academy graduates at the North London outfit since the emergence of Harry Kane.

Despite his age, the playmaker has already racked up a total of 21 appearances and 815 minutes of football in the senior ranks.

However, despite already having a goal in the Europa League under his belt, too, it appears that his game time under Thomas Frank could be limited.

Mohammed Kudus's arrival from West Ham United will only push Moore further down the pecking order, yet it appears that a plan for the next stage of his development could be in place.

Which club could sign Mikey Moore?

As per journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph, Rangers have emerged as the favourites to sign the England Under-19 international.

The report claims that a number of Championship clubs have also been monitoring the situation and were seemingly prepared to hand Moore regular minutes.

Instead, it appears that Scottish giants Rangers are in line to acquire the services of Moore for the 2025-26 campaign.

Rangers are currently preparing for the second leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie at Panathinaikos, holding a 2-0 advantage from the first fixture at Ibrox.

New head coach Russell Martin has already brought in seven fresh faces in an effort to progress through to the League Phase and challenge Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title.

Perfect move for Moore?

While Moore would not be someone who would start every game for Rangers, experiencing the pressure of playing for a big club can only benefit him going forward.

He has already had that at Spurs, but he could drop out of the picture in the short term if he were to remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this campaign.

Having failed to sign Morgan Gibbs-White for £60m, those funds will realistically be allocated to trying to sign another playmaker of a similar profile.

Spurs may insist on Moore penning fresh terms before his likely loan exit. Just two years remain on his current contract.

Tottenham Hotspur have allegedly expressed a shock interest in Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus, whose future is the subject of mounting uncertainty.

The 28-year-old's contract with the Gunners only runs until the end of the 2026-27 campaign, and sporting director Andrea Berta is allegedly weighing up the sale of the Brazilian in the current window.

Jesus has been out of action since January due to a severe ACL injury, and he is also expected to miss the first few months of the 2025-26 season, although he has been taking positive steps in his rehabilitation.

However, with Viktor Gyokeres now donning the red and white stripes, Jesus could be relegated to third-choice centre-forward in North London owing to the presence of Kai Havertz.

Clubs in both Europe and Brazil are believed to have enquired about Jesus's situation, including Flamengo, who are said to be preparing an offer of a loan deal with an option to buy in 2026.

Tottenham 'among several clubs' tracking Arsenal's Jesus

The South American giants welcomed Jesus's former Arsenal teammate Jorginho to the club on a free transfer earlier this summer, but they will supposedly face significant competition to reunite him with Jesus.

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal's bitter rivals Spurs are among the clubs monitoring the striker's situation, along with a few other revered European teams.

Barcelona - who are preparing for a post-Robert Lewandowski future - are also rumoured to be keeping a close eye on developments, as are AC Milan, Inter Milan and Newcastle United.

However, given that Jesus is expected to be sidelined until the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026, the report adds that both European and South American clubs would be more likely to make their move during the January transfer window.

Jesus has produced 26 goals and 20 assists from 96 games for Arsenal since joining from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, including six strikes in four games last winter during a brief resurgence.

Which players have played for both Arsenal and Tottenham?

While Sol Campbell may be the most noteworthy example of a player to cross the North London divide, several others have moved in the opposite direction, abandoning their red and white stripes for a lilywhite kit.

Jesus's fellow striker Emmanuel Adebayor had already become Gooners' public enemy number one by running to celebrate in front of them while playing for Man City in 2009, before burning any bridges he had left by joining Tottenham.

The Togo international then scored in both 5-2 Emirates thrillers in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons, although he was also sent off in the latter for a horrendous challenge on Santi Cazorla.

Adebayor also briefly shared a dressing room with William Gallas at White Hart Lane, while David Bentley made a name for himself at Spurs after coming through the Arsenal academy system, memorably scoring a 40-yard screamer in the 4-4 draw in 2008-09.

Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has signed a new contract to stay at the City Ground until 2028, news that has ended speculation he could sign for Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs supporters' faith in the team had been building this summer, with the additions of players like Mohammed Kudus boosting manager Thomas Frank's squad.

The head coach may have expected to have welcomed Forest attacker Gibbs-White into the club given they had activated his £60m release clause.

However, the deal stalled after the Garibaldi threatened to complain to the Premier League about grievances over the breach of a confidentiality agreement regarding his buyout clause.

Now any transfer to Tottenham appears to be off after Forest announced on their website that Gibbs-White had signed fresh terms.

What next for Tottenham and Frank after Gibbs-White blow?

Gibbs-White would have added considerably to Tottenham's squad given he possesses many technical and athletic qualities, but there is an arguement that he should not have been a priority.

The Forest attacker prefers to operate in a central position, but Spurs forwards James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Kudus are capable of playing behind a striker.

Kudus and Kulusevski in particular profile similarly to Gibbs-White in terms of athleticism, and perhaps the Londoners can now use the funds they would have committed to the Englishman elsewhere.

Tottenham conceded 65 times last season in the Premier League and finished 17th, and the team would almost certainly benefit from further defensive additions.

Is Gibbs-White's deal a victory for the rest of the Premier League?

Nottingham Forest have already sold Anthony Elanga this summer, but the fact they have kept hold of arguably their best player will be a welcome boost to boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Keeping the 25-year-old could also represent a boost to many of the other sides in the Premier League, providing hope that clubs can resist the pressure to sell their stars to the richest teams in the division.

Bournemouth lost Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers sold Matheus Cunha to Manchester United and a number of other players have also joined the league's elite.

The ability to retain key stars could help the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest challenge the teams in the top half of the table.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly toying with the idea of accepting an offer for Son Heung-min.

As he nears the completion of a decade in North London, Son is a bonafide club legend with 173 goals and 101 assists from 454 appearances in all competitions.

However, at the age of 33, the South Korea international is no longer at the peak of his powers, even if he still netted seven times and chipped in with 10 assists in last season's Premier League.

With just a year left on his contract, it is realistic to expect widespread interest in the versatile attacker, particularly if he is open to a fresh challenge.

According to The Sun, club officials are giving thought to accept a £15m bid that has arrived for his signature.

Which club wants to sign Son?

The report suggests that Los Angeles FC are eager to tempt Son to MLS over the coming weeks.

Spurs are seemingly prepared to accept anywhere between £15m and £20m for the player, who is yet to decide on his future.

That may take some time with Son not in a position to leave Spurs until after a friendly against Newcastle United in South Korea on August 3.

If Son does not feature in that match, Spurs would face a financial penalty due to the terms and conditions of their contract for the game.

Los Angeles currently sit in fifth place in the Western Conference table, albeit with at least two matches in hand and only trailing leaders San Diego FC by seven points.

Right time for Son to leave Spurs?

Son is at the stage of his career where he may be relishing one of his final chances to play in the Champions League, and Spurs value what he brings in terms of experience and adding to squad-depth.

On the flip side, though, he faces a battle to remain as first choice in the final third when Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus have been signed on long-term contracts.

Much may depend on whether Son is content with becoming a squad option in Thomas Frank's squad, although that may be something that benefits him when it comes to trying to stay injury-free.

Spurs would ideally like to generate a fee for Son, yet his status at the club could ensure that an eventual free transfer may not be as detrimental as it could be given the riches on offer in the Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering whether to join the race to sign Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo.

The Brazil international has been a key player for Los Blancos for much of his time at the Bernabeu, starting in 2019.

However, despite contributing 68 goals and 51 assists from 270 appearances, the 24-year-old is at risk of not being relied upon by Xabi Alonso.

Rodrygo featured for just 92 minutes during the recent Club World Cup, playing three games but also remaining as an unused substitute on three occasions.

Speculation persists that the forward could be allowed to depart Real Madrid for the right price, there known to be Premier League interest.

Spurs to join Rodrygo race?

According to AS, Spurs may look to make a 'statement' in the transfer market by signing Rodrygo ahead of some of their English rivals.

Mathys Tel has already joined on a permanent basis from Bayern Munich, where he was followed by West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus for £55m.

Nevertheless, it appears that chairman Daniel Levy wants to make his mark ahead of the club's return to the Champions League.

The report alleges that Levy will attempt to lower Rodrygo's asking price below €90m (£78.21m), relying on the relationship that they hold with their Real Madrid counterparts.

Liverpool and Arsenal have also been credited as admirers of Rodrygo, yet it remains to be seen whether those teams will move onto other targets.

Where does Rodrygo stand?

While Real Madrid are happy to retain Rodrygo's services, it is suggested that he will have the final decision over his future, providing that his asking price is met.

That is allegedly due to Real Madrid being happy to generate funds in order to strengthen other areas of the pitch.

The emergence of Gonzalo Garcia down the middle of the attack has been an unforeseen bonus, while a cheaper alternative to Rodrygo could be acquired if he left for £70m+.

Rodrygo still has three years remaining on his contract.

The release clause is a fee specified in some players' contracts that, when paid by another club, obliges the club holding the player's rights to allow his departure. This was Tottenham Hotspur's strategy to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest. However, the deal was blocked and could end up in court.

Earlier this month, Spurs made a move for the attacking midfielder for a fee of £60m, a sum that supposedly matched the release clause stipulated in his contract with Forest.

However, according to Sky Sports News, Nottingham Forest threatened legal action against Tottenham, claiming that the 25-year-old Englishman was tapped up and that there was a breach of confidentiality regarding the player's contract.

As a result, Gibbs-White remains available to coach Nuno Espirito Santo for pre-season. Forest are open to negotiating for their number 10 during this transfer window, but the lack of interest from other clubs may force a reconciliation with Spurs.

Legal dispute over unauthorised contact and confidentiality breach

Nottingham Forest claim they did not authorise any prior contact between Tottenham and Gibbs-White, which would constitute a direct approach without consent. This move would violate Premier League rules regarding negotiations with contracted players.

In addition, Forest argue that Spurs leaked confidential information about the English midfielder’s release clause. Nottingham Forest’s management believe this strategic detail was improperly disclosed by Tottenham during negotiations, potentially benefiting other clubs.

Since then, Forest have cut off communications with Spurs and notified their legal team that, should Gibbs-White leave under these circumstances, they will take the case to the Premier League and, if necessary, to civil court to protect their rights.

Despite the behind-the-scenes dispute, Forest’s number 10 has remained professional and continues to participate in preparations for the 2025-26 season. However, Gibbs-White has rejected all contract renewal attempts in recent months.

The attacking midfielder’s current contract runs until June 2027. Therefore, Forest know that if they want to profit from the Englishman, now is the time to negotiate, in order to avoid losing him for free at the end of his deal.

No takers for Forest’s £100m valuation

Evangelos Marinakis, owner of Nottingham Forest, had hoped that Manchester City would renew their interest in Gibbs-White, as they did at the start of the transfer window. But the Citizens currently have no plans to sign any more midfielders.

In recent weeks, Pep Guardiola has brought in Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Sverre Nypan to help fill the gap left by Kevin De Bruyne, who moved to Napoli. Before completing those deals, Manchester City had monitored Forest’s number 10, who was valued at £100m.

That asking price was not accepted by the Citizens, who instead spent £89.8m on Cherki, Reijnders and Nypan combined. Shortly after, Tottenham tried to trigger Morgan Gibbs-White’s release clause.

So far, no other club has shown concrete interest in the English attacking midfielder. In other words, Nottingham Forest may be forced to resume talks with Spurs, who maintain they have done nothing wrong. If the impasse continues, Gibbs-White may well remain at the City Ground.

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