Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur are navigating entirely uncharted territory this summer. The club have already spent a staggering £237m on new signings, and several established players are now expected to depart to free up squad space and satisfy financial compliance requirements.

Supporters have witnessed two successive transfer records broken in the space of weeks. Mateus Fernandes arrived from West Ham for £85m before Sandro Tonali joined from Newcastle for £100m, both figures surpassing the club's previous highest outgoing.

Jan Paul van Hecke arrived from Brighton for £52m in defence, while boss Roberto De Zerbi also secured the free transfers of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka.

The ambition behind this activity is clear. Tottenham finished 17th in consecutive Premier League seasons and the board are determined to signal a decisive change of direction.

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The business case for a clearout

With the defensive and midfield rebuild largely complete, Spurs are expected to invest further in attacking options, but first, the books must balance. To comply with the Premier League's 25-man squad regulation, departures are unavoidable.

The process is already under way. Brennan Johnson has moved to Crystal Palace for £34m, while the club have agreed to sell promising defender Luka Vuskovic to Brighton for £46m. According to journalists, a further six or seven players could follow in what is shaping up to be a wholesale squad restructure.

Radu Dragusin has joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan, while Preston have paid a club record fee for Alfie Devine on a five-year deal. Tottenham are also ready to listen to offers for Djed Spence, Cristian Romero, Guglielmo Vicario and Lucas Bergvall. According to SportBible, the full clearout could generate up to £215m.

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A clear message from the chief executive

De Zerbi does not have the luxury of an inflated squad to rotate across European competition. With six new faces already through the door, the consensus is that sales must follow. Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham underlined that position in no uncertain terms.

'Trading is also about knowing the right time to sell,' he said. 'We need to be very decisive about moving players on who are not in our future plans. That is a necessity for meeting our financial obligations. We are not immune to those rules and must carefully manage our squad development plans.'

The message at Tottenham, it appears, is a unified one. When the sales are confirmed, supporters can expect a fresh wave of arrivals to follow.

Tottenham Hotspur are reluctant to lose midfielder Pape Sarr amid links to Fenerbahce, the newest report has revealed.

The Londoners have already completed six signings, the latest of whom was midfielder Sandro Tonali, who joins fellow newcomer Mateus Fernandes as an option in the middle of the pitch.

Roberto De Zerbi's squad has now been reinforced with £237m worth of talent, so it is no surprise to see a number of names linked with exits.

Sarr may find his gametime in midfield reduced due to the arrival of Fernandes and Tonali, with the £15m signing now reportedly a target of Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Senegalese outlet Wiw Sport claim that Spurs see Sarr as a valuable member of the squad, and only a substantial offer would be enough to tempt them into a sale.

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How will Tottenham Hotspur line up next season?

If Sarr remains at Tottenham, he will almost certainly be seen as a backup option to both Fernandes and Tonali, but keeping him will leave the team with arguably far too many options in the middle.

Sarr will be competing with Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray, Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall for minutes in the middle of the pitch as backups to the club's summer signings.

Spurs failed to qualify for Europe last term, meaning they will contest a maximum of 51 games next season, but that is predicated on them reaching the finals of the EFL Cup and FA Cup.

Tottenham are unlikely to reach the finals of both competitions, and that could severely restrict opportunities in the starting XI for fringe players.

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Spurs in the Premier League: Roberto De Zerbi in strong position?

Spurs' midfield is in an incredible position ahead of the next Premier League season, as is their defence considering they have signed the likes of Andrew Robertson and Marcos Senesi.

While there will naturally be some concerns about how the club might play given it may take some time for so many new stars to settle into life at Tottenham, De Zerbi has the luxury of a relatively relaxed schedule.

With England likely to be awarded a fifth Champions League spot once again, the Londoners' aim must be to finish in the top five.

Manchester United are in a race against time to arrange a permanent transfer for Marcus Rashford before their pre-season training camp in Dublin.

The Red Devils will fly to Ireland on August 8, immediately after a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg, with Rashford due to return following a three-week break after England’s World Cup campaign.

SunSport reports that United want the forward’s future resolved before the squad assembles, as all World Cup participants are set to be available.

Rashford, who has not featured for United since December 2024, has been clear about his desire to secure a move before the World Cup.

The 28-year-old confirmed he wanted a decision made early, but if not, he would wait until after the tournament to focus fully on England.

Barcelona declined their £26m option to buy the forward, preferring to sign Anthony Gordon instead, while Tottenham Hotspur have shown interest; however, Rashford is said to be keen to join a club competing in the Champions League.

No more loans as United look at replacements

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United are believed to be unwilling to sanction another loan for Rashford after last season’s spell at Barcelona, where he scored 14 goals as they retained the La Liga title and reached the Champions League quarter-finals under Hansi Flick.

The club are actively seeking a permanent solution, with West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville among the names under consideration.

The only major outgoing at Old Trafford this summer so far has been Rasmus Hojlund’s £38m switch to Napoli.

Rashford’s return date and next steps for United

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Should England progress to the later stages of the World Cup, Rashford’s return to club duties will be pushed to early August.

United want a swift resolution to avoid distractions during their pre-season under Michael Carrick.

With the transfer window moving quickly, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining where Rashford will be playing in the 2026-27 campaign.

Everton are reportedly considering making a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence during this summer's transfer window.

Spence is currently with the England squad at the 2026 World Cup, making five appearances at the competition, helping the Three Lions to reach the quarter-finals.

The 25-year-old has a contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until the summer of 2029, with the option of a further year, but there is currently speculation surrounding his future.

According to Sky Sports News, Everton have internally discussed making a move for the England defender before the end of the summer market.

However, the report claims that there has not yet been an official approach.

Spence has scored twice and registered three assists in 85 appearances for Tottenham since making the move to the capital outfit from Middlesbrough in 2022.

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Ipswich 'agree £26.6m deal' for Emersonn

Meanwhile, Ipswich Town have reportedly come to an agreement with Toulouse over the signing of Emersonn.

There has been a host of speculation surrounding the 21-year-old's future of late, with Hull City also believed to be keen to sign him this summer.

However, according to Sky Sports News, Ipswich have now reached an agreement with Toulouse, with the French outfit set to receive £26.6m for the striker.

The report claims that there is also a sell-on clause in the agreement.

Emersonn, who is likely to undergo a medical before the end of the week, has scored seven goals and registered three assists in 31 appearances for Toulouse in all competitions.

The forward only arrived at his current side from Turkish outfit Goztepe last summer.

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Brighton 'agree' Gruda sale to Leipzig

Elsewhere, Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly reached an agreement with Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig over the sale of Brajan Gruda.

The 22-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Leipzig from Brighton, scoring three times in 14 appearances for the German club.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, a verbal agreement has now been reached between the two clubs when it comes to the attacking midfielder.

It is understood that there are still some 'final details' to be completed, but Gruda is set to make the move to Leipzig on a permanent basis.

The former Germany Under-21s international has scored four goals and registered eight assists in 45 appearances for Brighton in all competitions.

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao is reportedly ready to leave the Serie A giants and complete a move to the Premier League this summer.

Leao joined AC Milan in the summer of 2019 and has scored 80 goals in 291 appearances across all competitions, but his future appears increasingly likely to lie away from San Siro.

Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Barcelona have all been linked with the 27-year-old, who could now be focusing on his future after Portugal's last-16 elimination at the hands of Spain.

Rafael Leao future: Where will he join next?

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According to Italian journalist Daniele Longo, Leao wants to join Tottenham this summer, with Milan seeking a fee of around £51.2m.

Speaking on his YouTube channel (h/t Teamtalk) Longo claimed that Leao views Tottenham as a "welcome destination" and is ready to make the move to North London.

New Milan head coach Ruben Amorim has reportedly sanctioned the Portugal international's departure, while the player himself is willing to listen to Tottenham's proposal.

Spurs are reportedly preparing a blockbuster move for Leao, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Barcelona.

The Rossoneri have already completed the big-money signing of Goncalo Ramos, making Leao's departure a realistic possibility this summer.

Man Utd transfer blow for Rafael Leao?

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The Red Devils are believed to have admired Leao for some time, but they have yet to show serious intent to sign him this summer.

Michael Carrick is currently focused on strengthening his midfield, with Manchester United reportedly prepared to pay a premium fee for elite players such as Aurelien Tchouameni.

Manchester United could also strengthen their wide attacking options this summer and have been heavily linked with a move for Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville.

Barcelona have already signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and are unlikely to spend heavily on another winger, potentially leaving Tottenham as the favourites to land Leao.

As England march onto the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, another busy day in the transfer market sees several Premier League clubs ramp up their summer plans, with high-profile deals and potential moves dominating the headlines once again.

Sports Mole rounds up the latest rumours and developments from across the Premier League this morning.

Tottenham explore blockbuster Rafael Leao move

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly exploring an ambitious summer move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.

The Portugal international is expected to leave San Siro this summer, and TEAMtalk claim that Spurs have been informed that the 27-year-old would be open to a move to North London.

Leao's representatives have reportedly been sounding out potential destinations in recent months, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona among the clubs approached over their interest.

However, Tottenham have now emerged as another potential destination as they look to strengthen the left side of their attack ahead of the new season.

Spurs remain in talks over a possible move for Manchester City winger Savinho, but Leao is now said to be another high-profile option under serious consideration.

Newcastle join Arsenal in Christian Kofane race

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Newcastle United are reportedly ready to rival Arsenal for the signature of Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane.

The 19-year-old Cameroon international only joined the Bundesliga side from Albacete last summer, but has already attracted interest from several major European clubs.

Kofane registered seven goals and nine assists across 44 appearances last season, despite being restricted to just 1,983 minutes of action.

According to Bild (via Sport Witness), Arsenal remain in contact with the forward's representatives after stepping up their interest following his performance against them in a 1-1 Champions League draw in March.

Newcastle are also now making a move for Kofane as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his attacking options, although their failure to qualify for European competition could count against them.

The Gunners may therefore hold the advantage, with a concrete offer from the Premier League champions reportedly capable of changing the complexion of the race.

Ederson to Man Utd latest update

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Manchester United's move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson remains on track despite speculation surrounding the Brazilian's medical.

The Red Devils have already agreed a fee with the Serie A club, while personal terms with the midfielder were finalised around a month ago.

However, Fabrizio Romano reports that United will wait until after Brazil's World Cup campaign before Ederson undergoes a full medical examination in the UK.

The 26-year-old has already undergone an initial medical check, but United are reportedly keen to complete their usual tests before formally signing off on the transfer.

That means the deal is not yet complete, although the agreement between the clubs and Ederson's camp remains in place as United wait for the midfielder to return from international duty.

Leeds United are reportedly bracing themselves for offers for Swedish defender Gabriel Gudmundsson during the summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old joined Elland Road from Lille for £10m last summer and enjoyed an excellent debut 2025-26 campaign, making 32 Premier League appearances.

The defender has also impressed at the 2026 World Cup, starting all four of Sweden's matches.

According to Football Insider, interest in Gudmundsson is growing after his impressive season, and the Whites are expected to receive bids from European clubs this summer.

However, Daniel Farke is reluctant to lose any of his key players, although Leeds' resolve could be tested if they receive a substantial offer for the left-back.

Brentford agree deal for Burnley winger

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Brentford have reportedly agreed a £17m deal to sign Burnley winger Jaidon Anthony this summer.

The 26-year-old enjoyed an impressive Premier League campaign with the Clarets last season, scoring eight goals in 37 appearances.

However, following Burnley's relegation to the Championship, the club are expected to lose several key players, with Anthony seemingly among those set to depart.

According to a report from Sky Sports, the Bees will pay an initial £15m for the 26-year-old, with a further £2m in add-ons.

AFC Bournemouth will also benefit from the transfer, having retained a 15% sell-on clause when Anthony joined Burnley on a permanent deal in May 2025.

Anthony is set to undergo a medical early next week, with Brentford hoping to complete the move by Tuesday.

Napoli make transfer decision on midfielder

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Napoli have reportedly decided to offer Scott McTominay a new contract in an effort to fend off interest from potential suitors.

The Scotland international joined Napoli from Manchester United and has since established himself as one of the club's key players.

McTominay has registered 27 goals and 10 assists in 80 appearances across all competitions for Napoli, and the Serie A champions are reluctant to lose him amid reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli are prepared to offer the midfielder a new deal until 2030, which would make him one of the club's highest-paid players.

Napoli chief Leonardo Giammarioli admitted back in February that he was concerned about keeping McTominay, but the club now appear ready to take the necessary steps to secure his long-term future.

Celtic receive boost in signing Tottenham playmaker?

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Scottish champions Celtic have reportedly received a boost in their pursuit of Tottenham youngster Alfie Devine this summer.

According to Football Insider, the Bhoys have been informed that Spurs are willing to accept offers in the region of £4m-£6m for Devine.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at Preston North End, but the Championship club opted against triggering the £4.5m purchase option in his deal.

Martin O'Neill has reportedly made multiple trips to watch Devine in person and is keen to bring the midfielder to Celtic Park.

The reported asking price falls within Celtic's budget, while Tottenham are not expected to stand in Devine's way if he decides to pursue a move elsewhere.

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.