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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly submitted a formal offer to Liverpool for Cody Gakpo as they look to strengthen their attacking options before the new season.

Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in the January transfer window of 2023 and has since made 180 appearances for the Reds, scoring 50 goals.

The Dutch winger, who represented the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs, who are keen to add greater quality and depth in the wide areas.

Tottenham are also reportedly working towards an agreement for Manchester City winger Savinho, while they are attempting to hijack a proposed deal for Lille attacker Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

Cody Gakpo future: Tottenham submit formal bid?

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According to SoccerNews, Spurs have submitted an offer of more than €69m (£60m) for the 27-year-old attacker.

The Dutch outlet believes that a move to Tottenham is a realistic possibility, although Liverpool are expected to reject the current proposal.

Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly keen to work with Gakpo in North London, but it remains to be seen whether Spurs can put forward an offer substantial enough to persuade Liverpool to part ways with the Dutchman.

Should Liverpool sell Cody Gakpo?

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Gakpo remains something of a divisive figure among Liverpool supporters, with his qualities and limitations often producing contrasting opinions.

The Dutchman is an excellent finisher, but he is neither an out-and-out striker nor a natural touchline winger, with his preferred role coming from the left side of the attack.

At the same time, Gakpo is not an especially prolific dribbler and can occasionally lack the creative spark required to prise open stubborn defences, particularly against low blocks designed to frustrate and suffocate attacking teams.

However, with Hugo Ekitike set to miss a significant chunk of the new season, allowing Gakpo to leave without first strengthening the attacking department would be a risky move.

Bradley Barcola continues to be heavily linked with a move to Anfield, but Liverpool have so far been unable to bridge the gap between their valuation and Paris Saint-Germain's asking price.

The Reds are also interested in PSG youngster Ibrahim Mbaye, although whether they can successfully complete either deal - let alone sign both players - remains a major question.

Tottenham Hotspur's final pre-season fixture before the Premier League season will take place against Hoffenheim at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

Spurs are yet to experience defeat in Roberto De Zerbi's first pre-season at the club, while Hoffenheim are also yet to be beaten in their summer friendlies, so the weekend's clash should be a good test ahead of 2026-27.

Match preview

Tottenham are fast approaching the beginning of what many hope will be their revival under De Zerbi, who has been charged with bringing the club back to towards the division's European spots.

Spurs' second consecutive 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last term cannot be repeated, especially considering the club have spent significantly in the summer so far, with the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali part of a total expenditure of roughly £240m.

The Londoners' pre-season campaign has been strong, as while they were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Getafe on August 8, they won their prior four friendlies.

A particularly satisfying victory would have been their 2-1 success over rivals Chelsea, who were beaten on August 1 thanks to strikes from Tonali and Richarlison, and that win was earned in spite of the red card Kevin Danso received just after half time.

Spurs have not been particularly free scoring this summer given they have found the back of the net on just seven occasions, and they will be looking for their first clean sheet in four games.

The hosts are yet to play a friendly at home, though that could be seen as a positive considering the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has not been a fortress for Spurs in recent times, with the club winning two, losing four and drawing three of their final nine outings at the ground in 2025-26.

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It is fair to say Hoffenheim were one of the most frantic sides to watch in the Bundesliga last term given the club scored at least three goals 14 times but also conceded at least three goals in six matches.

The visitors were unfortunate to miss out on a place in the Champions League, but their points tally of 61 was one fewer than fourth-placed Stuttgart in 2025-26.

Die Kraichgauer have played six friendlies this summer so far, and a victory on the weekend would be their sixth in seven clashes.

Christian Ilzer's side scored at least three goals in five those six games - they netted 21 goals in a 21-0 win against SV Massenbachhausen on July 22 - and they also kept three clean sheets.

Hoffenheim's record on the road was mixed last term, with the club losing two, winning two, and drawing one of their final five away fixtures.

Tottenham Hotspur friendly form:

Hoffenheim friendly form:

Team News

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Tottenham agreed to sell Cristian Romero to Atletico Madrid earlier this week, so fans have seen the last of him in their shirt, and his absence makes the selection of Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven straightforward.

Pedro Porro returned from his World Cup break this week, but he is more likely to make an appearance from the bench, so expect to see Archie Gray continue at right-back.

Dominic Solanke is a likely inclusion as a number nine, and the centre-forward could be flanked by Richarlison and Mathys Tel.

Hoffenheim used Nathan De Cat in an advanced role behind Tim Lemperle against Borussia Monchengladbach on August 7, but while the latter may keep his place in the lineup, perhaps Adam Hlozek will come into the team for the former.

Wouter Burger and Alexander Prass were stationed together in a double pivot in that friendly, and the duo could be trusted together once again.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Tonali, Fernandes; Richarlison, Gallagher, Tel; Solanke

Hoffenheim possible starting lineup:

Baumann; Coufal, Kabak, Hajdari, Rots; Prass, Burger; Lenz, Hlozek, Conte; Lemperle

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Hoffenheim

Tottenham should be expected to win, but their struggles in the final third may make the game uncomfortable viewing for fans.

Spurs will be backed by a home crowd for the first time in pre-season, and their supporters will demand a strong performance so close to the start of their Premier League campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to lose the services of club captain Cristian Romero this summer.

The highly rated Argentine defender has been heavily linked with a permanent departure from North London following a difficult domestic campaign.

Spurs narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship last season in what proved to be an incredibly turbulent period for the Premier League side.

Romero's future has long been uncertain, with the defender more or less falling out with the club in the last campaign, and the growing feeling that he was on his way out was effectively accepted.

Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid have now swooped in to secure his signature ahead of the upcoming European season.

Atletico agree 'in principle' deal for Romero

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Sky Sports News reports that Diego Simeone's side have successfully reached an agreement in principle to sign the 28-year-old World Cup winner.

The total financial package required to pry the South American away from the English capital is understood to be in the region of £34.2m.

Spurs are also believed to have crucially negotiated a 15% sell-on clause which will be activated upon any future transfer.

The player was always believed to prefer a switch to the Spanish capital despite concrete interest from Inter Milan and even North London rivals Arsenal.

Romero will subsequently depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after making 156 appearances and scoring 13 goals across five seasons.

Can Tottenham replace their departing captain before deadline day?

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The impending departure of Romero represents a massive transitional phase for a Tottenham squad desperately seeking defensive stability.

While the defender's final season was unfortunately marred by disciplinary issues, he accumulated two red cards before a severe knee injury abruptly ended his campaign.

The centre-back also attracted significant criticism from disgruntled supporters after seemingly prioritising a match involving his boyhood club over a crucial relegation clash against Everton.

However, his aggressive defensive qualities and undeniable leadership skills will be incredibly difficult to adequately replace in such a short timeframe.

Management must now act decisively to reinvest those generated funds into a reliable replacement before the transfer window officially closes.

Fiorentina have reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign former Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho on a free transfer this summer.

The 26-year-old attacker is currently available on the open market after his contract at Old Trafford officially expired at the end of June.

The wide playmaker spent the second half of the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Aston Villa, where he featured 13 times in the Europa League - starting eight times - en route to Unai Emery's side securing the continental title.

Despite that recent continental success, the Red Devils decided against extending his existing deal in the North West.

As a result, his representatives are desperately scouring Europe to find a suitable new home for the 23-cap England international ahead of the upcoming season.

According to Get Football News Italy, Sancho's entourage explicitly contacted Fiorentina two weeks ago to gauge their interest in a potential move for the Englishman.

However, the Serie A side are believed to have swiftly rejected the idea of bringing the former Borussia Dortmund star to Florence.

The club's firm stance is believed to be largely driven by lingering concerns regarding his inconsistent performances and overall track record in recent years.

Sancho remains a free agent after leaving Man Utd, and it remains to be seen whether the ex-Dortmund man will find one before the free agency window closes.

Spurs reject 'huge bids' from Premier League rivals for talented midfielder

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Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be battling to retain the services of talented midfielder Lucas Bergvall during the summer transfer window.

The 20-year-old Sweden international recently returned from representing his country at the 2026 World Cup and is seemingly desperate for regular first-team football.

According to football.london, Bergvall's growing concerns over playing time under Roberto De Zerbi is believed to have been heavily exacerbated by the recently sanctioned massive £185m double swoop for central midfielders Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali to bolster their engine room.

Those deals are understood to have caused Bergvall to formally inform the club of his desire to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere to ensure his continuous development is not stalled.

Despite his clear stance regarding a potential departure, Spurs have reportedly rejected recent summer approaches from both Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

The North London clubs are said to be incredibly reluctant to part ways with the talented youngster and value him at upwards of £60m.

Bergvall only penned a lucrative six-year contract extension last year, meaning the club remain under zero immediate financial pressure to sanction a sale.

Englishman departs Man City until 2027

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Kalvin Phillips has rejoined Sheffield United on a season-long loan for the 2026-27 campaign.

The 30-year-old previously spent the second half of last season at Bramall Lane but endured a frustrating spell heavily disrupted by misfortune.

After arriving in South Yorkshire in February 2026, the combative midfielder was restricted to just three appearances across all competitions.

Phillips's initial stint was abruptly curtailed when he first got sent off during a fiery local derby clash against Sheffield Wednesday before sustaining an injury that ruled him out for the season.

Despite those previous setbacks, Chris Wilder has now successfully brought the experienced England international back to the club to bolster his midfield ranks.

The former Leeds United academy graduate has now put pen to paper on a temporary deal that will keep him in the Championship for the entire season.

Wilder recently revealed that both parties remained in constant dialogue throughout the summer and were incredibly eager to facilitate a swift reunion.

Phillips will have one year remaining on his Man City contract when he returns to the club in summer 2027.

Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence is reportedly edging closer to the exit door this summer, with Inter Milan now closing in on an agreement for the England international.

The Serie A champions have been heavily linked with Spence throughout the window, but their initial interest cooled after Spurs placed a €45m (£39m) valuation on the right wing-back following his impressive 2026 World Cup campaign.

However, negotiations have since gathered momentum after Tottenham lowered their asking price, and the two clubs are reportedly closing in on a deal.

Tottenham, Inter set to reach agreement for Djed Spence?

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According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham and Inter have reached a verbal agreement for Spence, with the Italian giants also agreeing personal terms with the player.

Spence is reportedly keen to make the move to San Siro, while Inter are expected to complete the transfer for around €31.5m (£26.9m).

The 26-year-old started 23 Premier League games for Spurs last season and has established himself as an increasingly dependable option on the right flank.

Inter have been desperate to recruit another full-back this summer following the departure of Denzel Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid, and Spence now appears poised to fill the void left by the Dutchman.

Tottenham signed Spence from Middlesbrough for £12.6m in 2022, meaning his impending departure would still represent a respectable profit on their original investment.

Tottenham, Inter: Who else could leave?

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Spence has made 85 appearances for Tottenham since arriving from Middlesbrough, but his departure is unlikely to be the only major change on the horizon in North London.

Spurs are reportedly already working on bringing in a replacement, while club captain Cristian Romero could also be heading towards the exit door amid interest from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and Inter.

For Inter, meanwhile, Davide Frattesi is expected to leave this summer, and his departure could potentially provide the financial ammunition required to pursue Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking to reach an agreement to sign Manchester City winger Savinho in the coming days.

This has been a massive transfer window for Spurs, who have spent nearly £240m on several new players as Roberto De Zerbi looks to sculpt the squad in his own image.

The North London club are still keen to add one more attacker before the end of the window and have explored several options, including Savinho.

Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo was reportedly targeted, but the chances of landing the Netherlands international appear slim.

Spurs are also reportedly looking to hijack a deal for Lille attacker Matias Fernandez-Pardo, but they now appear to be back in the race for Savinho.

Tottenham receive Savinho transfer boost?

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According to ESPN Brazil’s Bruno Andrade (h/t Sport Witness), Spurs are expected to meet Manchester City's demands for Savinho, with the deal potentially being completed soon.

The journalist claims that Tottenham are preparing to meet City's valuation, which is understood to be above £70m (€81m).

Savinho has reportedly informed Enzo Maresca and Manchester City's hierarchy that he does not want to remain at the club.

Furthermore, the Brazilian has already spoken to De Zerbi on more than one occasion, and Spurs believe they can complete the deal in the coming days.

Manchester City transfer stance on Savinho

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Savinho joined Man City in the summer of 2024 and has made 84 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring seven goals.

At one stage, it appeared that Spurs had cooled their interest after negotiations stalled, but the situation now appears to be moving in their favour.

Manchester City would reportedly be willing to offload Savinho, but they want to sign a replacement before sanctioning his departure, meaning the saga could run until the end of the transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan are reportedly close to reaching an agreement on a deal for Djed Spence, shortly after the Nerazzurri were said to have reignited their interest.

Inter are understood to have been tracking Spence for some time, both before and after the versatile defender enjoyed a standout World Cup 2026 campaign with England en route to the bronze medal.

The Spence to San Siro trail went cold for a number of weeks, but it was reported late on Monday night that Inter were preparing to send an official bid to Tottenham for the 26-year-old.

Now, Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the two clubs are moving closer towards an accord, and Inter will land Spence for cheaper than Tottenham's original asking price.

Tottenham, Inter 'close' to £25.6m Djed Spence agreement

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The Lilywhites were believed to have been holding out for around €45m (£38.5m) for the defender shortly after the World Cup, while Inter were hopeful of striking a deal for less than €40m (£34.2m).

However, the report states that the Nerazzurri will fork out just €30m (£25.6m) plus bonuses for Spence, who is under contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for another three seasons.

Inter have supposedly set a target for themselves to complete Spence's signing before they play their first game of the Serie A season, which comes at home to Monza on August 22, following their final friendly against Real Betis on August 15.

There are no guarantees that the defender will be fit to make his debut in the Calcio opener, though, as he has only just resumed training following his post-World Cup holiday.

Spence is nevertheless 'anxiously awaiting' permission to fly to Milan, complete his medical and sign his contract, which is expected to be a four-year agreement until the summer of 2030.

Tottenham will make a sizeable profit on the England international, whom they signed from Middlesbrough for £12.6m in 2022, after which Spence struggled to immediately adapt under Antonio Conte and Ange Postecoglou.

The defender was loaned out to Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa before playing key roles in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 campaigns, amassing 79 appearances across all competitions and winning a Europa League title.

Spence will leave Tottenham having scored two goals and provided three assists for the club in 85 matches, including one Premier League strike against Ipswich Town in February 2025.

Will Cristian Romero join Djed Spence at Inter Milan?

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Spence - who will replace Denzel Dumfries for Inter - will be welcomed to Milan by a familiar face in John Stones, who has just signed for the Nerazzurri on a free transfer from Manchester City.

Christian Chivu's side were also persistently linked with a swoop for another Spurs defender in Cristian Romero, but the report adds that there is 'no way forward' in negotiations for the Argentine.

Atletico Madrid are said to be 'one step away' from signing Romero, meaning that Spence will not enjoy an immediate Tottenham reunion in Serie A.

Atletico Madrid reportedly have progressed in negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur over a transfer for Cristian Romero.

Romero's Tottenham future has been the subject of transfer speculation throughout the summer window, with the defender widely expected to secure a move away from the club.

Italian heavyweights Inter Milan and Catalan giants Barcelona have both been mentioned as potential suitors for the Argentina international.

Arsenal have also been linked with a controversial move to prise the Spurs captain across the north London divide.

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Atletico closing in on Romero transfer agreement

However, it is Atletico that are currently in pole position to win the race for the Argentine's signature.

According to Sky Sports News, the Spanish side are 'getting closer' to reaching an agreement with Spurs over a permanent transfer.

The report claims that Romero favours a move to Atletico over the other teams that have shown an interest this summer.

However, Atletico still need to overcome a couple of hurdles in negotiations with Tottenham, including a £5m valuation gap between the two clubs over the fixed fee.

Any potential add-ons also need to be agreed before Tottenham can green light Romero's departure.

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Are Tottenham ready for Romero's exit?

In truth, Spurs already appear to have moved on from Romero, having recruited two new centre-backs and tied Micky van de Ven down to a new contract.

Roberto De Zerbi's side recruited Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Bournemouth and Jan Paul van Hecke in a £52m move from Brighton & Hove Albion.

They also have Kevin Danso, Kota Takai and Ben Davies on the books, so they have defensive cover to contend with Romero's imminent exit.

Van de Ven is more than capable of stepping up to be the main leader in Spurs' backline, something he demonstrated when he wore the captain's armband in Romero's absence in the latter stages of last term.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has signed a new contract to commit his future to the north London club.

Spurs bolstered their central defensive options with the additions of Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke earlier this summer.

Those new signings came at a time when Van de Ven was linked with a potential move to fellow Premier League side Liverpool.

However, it soon became clear that Spurs were determined to keep Van de Ven's services as they entered talks over a new contract.

Tottenham have now confirmed that the Dutchman has put pen to paper on a fresh contract, although the club have not specified the length of the deal.

Van de Ven "excited" about Spurs future

The centre-back cited the club's "direction" as one of the factors behind his decision to extend his stay in the English capital.

"It's a special moment to sign a new deal and a proud moment for me and my family," Van de Ven told Tottenham's official website.

"I've always loved Spurs, from the first day I stepped in here. I love the club, I love the fans, and I've developed really well here.

"It's clear the direction the club wants to go in, and I want to be a part of it. I'm excited about what's to come."

De Zerbi, who is preparing for his first season as Tottenham boss, also expressed his delight at keeping a player of Van de Ven's calibre at the club ahead of the new season.

"Micky is one of the best centre-backs in Europe and an important player for us," De Zerbi said.

"He has the qualities, mentality and ambition that we want at Tottenham, and I am very happy that he has decided to continue his journey with the club.

"We are building something strong here, and players like Micky are an important part of that future. His decision to sign a new contract shows his belief in what we are creating together."

Van de Ven's importance to Tottenham

The Netherlands international has made 96 competitive appearances since joining from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023.

The 25-year-old was a key part of the Tottenham side that lifted the Europa League trophy in May 2025, played an important role in the club's successful survival bid last term, donning the captain's armband for the final six games of the season in the absence of Cristian Romero.

Van de Ven will start the new season with a new centre-back partner, with Romero expected to leave the club in the near future.

Senesi and Van de Ven's Netherlands teammate, Van Hecke, are the main contenders to replace Romero as a regular starter in the backline.

Chelsea have been handed a home tie against Luton Town in the EFL Cup second round.

Having missed out on European qualification, the Blues - as well as the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United - are among 11 Premier League clubs who enter the competition at this stage.

Xabi Alonso's side will take on League One club Luton, who are managed by former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere.

Meanwhile, Spurs will play host to Charlton Athletic, while Newcastle United have been handed a showdown with West Bromwich Albion.

There is just one all-Premier League tie, that being Nottingham Forest squaring off against Leeds United at the City Ground.

Everton will make the trip to Deepdale to play Preston North End as David Moyes goes back to one of his former clubs.

Birmingham City and Brentford meet in another eye-catching tie, while Fulham will welcome AFC Wimbledon to Craven Cottage for a London derby.

The second-round ties take place on the week commencing August 24.

EFL Cup second round draw in full

Stoke City vs. Hull City

Newcastle United vs. West Bromwich Albion

Blackburn Rovers vs. Sheffield United

Nottingham Forest vs. Leeds United

Doncaster Rovers vs. Middlesbrough

Barnsley vs. Crewe Alexandra

Preston North End vs. Everton

Blackpool vs. Lincoln City

Sheffield Wednesday vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Bradford City vs. Burnley

Fleetwood Town vs. Shrewsbury Town

Walsall vs. Leyton Orient

Ipswich Town vs. Leicester City

Cardiff City vs. Norwich City

Stevenage vs. Reading

Cambridge United vs. Millwall

Birmingham City vs. Brentford

Southampton vs. West Ham United

Watford vs. Peterborough United

Fulham vs. AFC Wimbledon

Plymouth Argyle/Exeter City vs. Coventry City

Chelsea vs. Luton Town

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Charlton Athletic