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Tottenham Hotspur have drawn a line in the sand regarding full-back Pedro Porro, knocking back early enquiries from Manchester City.

Having steered the club to Premier League safety on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign, manager Roberto De Zerbi views the defender as non-transferable.

Faced with a rigid price tag and North London resistance, the Etihad Stadium hierarchy may have to pivot their defensive recruitment focus.

Manchester City are likely to face an uphill battle in any transfer pursuit of Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro this summer, amid the stance taken by those in North London.

With the future of the right-back position flagged as an area needing reinforcement to supplement Matheus Nunes, City’s board had initiated contact via intermediate channels to explore bringing the 26-year-old Spaniard back to the club.

However, after narrowly escaping relegation into the Championship under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi – who took the position in the final weeks of the season – the Lilywhites are determined to reshape their identity without losing core assets.

Backed by the board and its new executive structure, Tottenham are seemingly prepared to block any approaches to ensure one of their star defenders is present when pre-season assembles from July onwards.

Tottenham aim to block Porro exit

According to transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi sees Pedro Porro as a crucial player for his set-up, and those within the North London club also do not want the Spaniard to leave this summer.

Even in the event of negotiating a move, Spurs are unlikely to shift below a £50 million baseline fee, and as such Hugo Viana must balance his budgets whilst keeping in mind other priority positions in the squad.

What are Man City’s other priorities this summer?

As the summer transfer market prepares to open, the Etihad Stadium’s recruiting team is already shifting focus toward younger specialist profiles at right-back who could seamlessly integrate into the squad long-term – with Marco Palestra getting mentions in Italian media.

Boardroom resources are already heavily occupied by primary negotiations elsewhere, with the club submitting a staggering £121 million package proposal to Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson this week – which was rejected by owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are actively negotiating a financial package that could see Savinho head to North London.

Talks are advancing significantly, with the overall valuation hovering around the £60 million mark.

In anticipation of a potential departure, City’s Sporting Director Hugo Viana is already compiling data on potential replacements, with an Everton star among the targets.

Manchester City could agree to a blockbuster transfer fee for the sale of highly-rated Brazilian winger Savinho to Tottenham this summer, according to new developments.

With the summer transfer window set to open on June 15, City’s incoming manager Enzo Maresca is working beside Hugo Viana to balance senior squad dynamics for the post-Pep Guardiola era.

While the Blues are keen to build a competitive set of players capable of wrestling the league crown from Arsenal, the chance to pocket a significant return on the 22-year-old attacker presents an incredibly fascinating business dilemma for the Etihad Stadium’s board.

For Manchester City, executing a high-value outgoing piece of business early ensures they will remain financially agile when their remaining first-team stars return to the City Football Academy for pre-season training in July.

Savinho moving closer to Tottenham transfer

Now, according to MailSport’s Simon Jones, Tottenham are currently advancing in talks over a deal worth around £60 million for Manchester City winger Savinho, with conversations currently centred around the structure of the deal.

It is insisted that any deal for the Brazilian will include add-ons and bonuses, while City will re-enter the transfer market to sign a new winger, with Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye among those they are assessing.

Next steps on Savinho’s move to Spurs

Should the financial terms of a deal be formally finalised soon, the £60 million influx will give Hugo Viana a significant boost to his war chest to reshape Enzo Maresca’s forward line as the Italian requires.

Interest in Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye highlights what could be further proof of a shift toward proven Premier League quality, following on from the recruitment of Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo in January.

Tottenham are formalising their summer transfer strategy, partially aimed at testing Manchester City’s resolve for Savinho.

The Lilywhites have retained a tracking dossier on the young attacker for over 12 months, viewing him as an injection of pace for their front-three.

With somewhat of a squad overhaul underway at the Etihad Stadium, incoming manager Enzo Maresca must decide whether to integrate or monetise the young Brazilian.

Manchester City could receive an opening offer from Tottenham in the coming days for Brazilian winger Savinho, it has been reported.

The development concerning the Brazilian winger comes at a busy period of squad planning in East Manchester, where recruitment officials including sporting director Hugo Viana is working to clear out fringe elements while protecting their world-class foundation.

Among the talking points of the last few days is City’s rebuffing of claims surrounding a multi-million-pound move for Erling Haaland to Real Madrid according to presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme, and managing midfield candidates like Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.

However, managing the depth across wide positions has emerged as a focal point for Maresca, especially with explosive stars like Jérémy Doku moving toward long-term security and veteran assets like Jack Grealish angling for permanent moves away.

Tottenham poised to launch offensive for Savinho

Now, according to Sky Sports News’ Lyall Thomas and Michael Bridge, Tottenham are considering making an offer for Manchester City’s Savinho.

The North London club have been ‘very interested’ in signing the Brazilian since last summer, and while it is pointed out that no direct approach to City has yet been made, one could come in the ‘next few days’.

How will Hugo Viana handle interest in Savinho?

Roberto De Zerbi is expected to demand elite wide players who can aggressively manipulate transition spaces, and his recruitment staff continue to view the young Brazilian as an ideal fit for his desired system.

However, as Manchester City hold a strong contractual position – with a deal running until summer 2031 – and are under no financial duress to capitulate to enquiries for Savinho, any formal proposal will need to be lucrative to even open serious lines of communication.

Manchester City have registered interest in former asset Pedro Porro as they hunt for competition and support to Matheus Nunes in the right-back position.

Etihad Stadium officials want to initiate formal negotiations and seal a transfer before the player jets off for World Cup duty this summer.

Tottenham have reportedly drawn a line in the sand, informing City that it will require a baseline fee of £50 million to even open talks.

Manchester City are looking towards Tottenham for defensive recruitment this summer, according to emerging reports from Spain.

As incoming manager Enzo Maresca and Sporting Director Hugo Viana begin reshaping the squad profile, fixing defensive depth has seemingly become an immediate priority among other areas in the roster.

Following a highly competitive season where Manchester City fell just short of reclaiming the Premier League title, the board is seemingly determined to provide Maresca with high-level options to get the post-Pep Guardiola era off to a flying start.

The pursuit of a right-back comes amid widespread dressing room evolution following the historic conclusion of Guardiola’s decade-long era. Long-serving legends like John Stones and Bernardo Silva are moving on, while the likes of Nico Gonzalez are assessing options.

While City’s team remain locked in discussions for other targets like Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, adding elite width down the right flank has emerged as a vital summer objective.

Manchester City’s right-back search in the Premier League

Now, according to AS’ Jorge Garcia, whilst Tottenham have held talks with their Spanish full-back Pedro Porro over a new contract beyond 2028, Manchester City have initiated contact to try and secure a transfer – and possibly before the World Cup.

It is claimed that both the player and Tottenham themselves are aware of City’s interest in the defender, although the North London club are not wanting to lose one of their most important players.

As such, it is insisted that ‘a significant effort will be required’ if City are to sign the midfielder, with Spurs having already set a starting price of £50 million.

The difficulty in recruiting from Tottenham

Securing Pedro Porro’s signature will likely require Hugo Viana to flex his financial muscle and navigate Tottenham’s notoriously uncompromising boardroom stance when it comes to sales to direct competitors.

Porro has evolved into one of the most prominent attacking full-backs in Europe, making him a potentially seamless fit for the style Maresca intends to implement at Manchester City.

However, with Matheus Nunes having performed to such a high standard this season and proving his suitability to the right-back role himself, City will have to decide whether to meet the £50 million asking price for Pedro Porro immediately or engage in a summer standoff.

Manchester City are scouring the market for a successor to Bernardo Silva, who is confirmed to be departing the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

Spurs are currently embroiled in a battle against relegation to the Championship under Roberto De Zerbi.

Swedish icon Anders Limpar believes 20-year-old Lucas Bergvall possesses the traits required to thrive in a Pep Guardiola midfield and succeed Bernardo Silva.

Manchester City’s potential replacement for Bernardo Silva could come in the way of a candidate within Tottenham’s squad, according to one former international star.

The search for an heir to the Portugal international has only intensified following the recent confirmation that the 31-year-old will seek a new challenge this summer, leaving the Etihad Stadium upon the expiry of his current contract.

Silva has been a cornerstone of the Pep Guardiola era, but City’s recruitment team is looking toward the next generation of talent, having already recruited the likes of Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki in the last 18 months.

Despite the high-profile appointment of Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs have struggled for consistency and find themselves in a precarious position near the foot of the Premier League table.

And should the North London club fail to secure their top-flight status in the final four matches of the season, a fire sale of their brightest assets is expected, with several elite clubs already circling the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Lucas Bergvall tipped to replace Bernardo Silva

Now, speaking to NewBettingSites, former Sweden midfielder Anders Limpar has pointed towards one name within Roberto De Zerbi’s squad as a potential candidate to replace Bernardo Silva at Manchester City.

“You can’t replace players like this. A player is going somewhere and a different replacement is going to come in,” Limpar stressed.

He continued, “We’re definitely going to see another player come in at Manchester City and if Tottenham go down [relegated into the Championship], I can actually see Lucas Bergvall as the replacement to Bernardo Silva.

“He is a much, much better option because he can be that engine. He’s young. He’s mobile. He’s a very intelligent player. He has four lungs.”

Why Lucas Bergvall is a strong candidate for the role

The idea of Lucas Bergvall moving to the Etihad Stadium is one that perhaps aligns with Manchester City’s recent strategy of targeting elite Under-21 talent.

Bergvall, while obviously lacking Bernardo Silva’s years of experience, retains an intelligence and work rate that could make him a natural fit for the high-pressing demands of a Pep Guardiola midfield.

Much will depend on the final standings of the Premier League season, and should Spurs face the unthinkable drop into the Championship, a high transfer fee could still be demanded by North London bosses in the event of Premier League transfer interest.

Manchester City will be searching for a third successive win when they face Tottenham and Thomas Frank in north London on Sunday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League.

That result, secured via goals from Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush, ended a difficult run for the Blues and secured direct qualification for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 by means of an eighth place finish in the group phase of the competition.

Domestically, the stakes remain just as high for the Blues. With Arsenal stumbling at home to Manchester United last weekend, City have been handed a renewed lifeline in the title race.

However, a trip to face Thomas Frank’s side represents one of the toughest hurdles remaining in the calendar, especially given City’s historic struggles at this venue.

The Blues are boosted this afternoon by the return of two key January signings. Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo were ineligible for the midweek clash against Galatasaray due to UEFA registration rules – but return to the matchday squad on Sunday evening.

However, Guardiola continues to navigate a significant injury list. Jeremy Doku joined the absentees after picking up a knock in midweek, joining Ruben Dias, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic on the sidelines. Rodri, however, is available for domestic selection despite his recent European suspension.

Ahead of the 16:30 UK kick-off between Tottenham and Manchester City in north London, both Thomas Frank and Pep Guardiola have confirmed their respective starting line-ups.

Tottenham

Starting XI: Vicario, Gray, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie, Palhinha, Bissouma, Gallagher, Xavi, Kolo Muani, Solanke

Substitutes: Kinsky, Tel, Odobert, Sarr, Souza, Rowswell, Olusesi, Kyerematen, Byfield

Manchester City

Starting XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait-Nouri, Rodri, Silva, O’Reilly, Semenyo, Cherki, Haaland

Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol already has himself a successor, according to the views of one former Croatia international star.

Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, Gvardiol has developed into one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted defensive options, with his versatility across the backline both centrally and at left-back underlining why City invested so heavily in securing his services.

The Croatian international has also gained a reputation for blending strength and composure with confidence in possession – a hallmark of Guardiola’s modern-day defenders. Gvardiol’s impact has not only been noticed in Manchester, but also in Croatia where his rapid rise continues to inspire the next generation of players.

At just 23, the former RB Leipzig man already has international pedigree and now plays a key role in City’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe. His influence is such that comparisons are quickly being drawn between Gvardiol and up-and-coming defenders.

Former Croatia striker Mladen Petric has become the latest to weigh in on the conversation, identifying one Tottenham Hotspur prospect as a natural heir to Josko Gvardiol’s ever-growing legacy.

Petric, speaking with BILD, believes the North London club already have a player on their books that could become the next Gvardiol – who continues to go from strength to strength since signing for Manchester City in 2024, and is still beneath his exceptionally high ceiling.

“Luka [Vuskovic] is a pretty hot prospect, one of the top talents in Croatia,” Petric said of the Tottenham starlet, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness.

Petric continued, “He reminds me of the young Josko Gvardiol, who now plays for Manchester City. Vuskovic could become the next superstar in our country.

“I’m curious to see how quickly Luka settles into his role as defensive leader at HSV, leading the team from the back. That could take a while. He’s definitely an asset to my former team. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for him and the team.”

Back in May 2023, it was widely reported that City made attempts to sign Luka Vuskovic themselves, proposing a deal worth €12 million for the then-16 year-old, comprising an initial €10 million plus €2 million in potential add-ons. Tottenham would ultimately emerge victorious in the chase for the player for a similar total fee.

Vuskovic is currently on loan at Hamburg, where he joined at the end of the transfer window after Tottenham opted to send him out for further development. He had earlier spent pre-season training under Thomas Frank’s watchful eye, following an impressive stint in Belgium.

His decision to join HSV was also likely influenced by his brother’s presence at the club, while Hamburg themselves had pushed hard to land the teenager throughout the summer. For Manchester City fans, such remarks are a reminder of Gvardiol’s own journey.

The club had tracked his development at Dinamo Zagreb and Leipzig before eventually striking a major deal to secure his signature. Now, Tottenham appear to be nurturing a defender who could mirror that same trajectory, raising the prospect of future competition in the Premier League between the two.

Manchester City are now on the receiving end of yet another approach from Tottenham, this time concerning the future of a centre-back late in the market.

Spurs’ latest move comes amid a hectic final stretch of the transfer window, with Thomas Frank’s side keen to reinforce their backline following interest elsewhere in their own squad, and after disappointment in recruiting elsewhere in their side.

The north London club have been actively exploring centre-back options in recent days, with Manuel Akanji emerging as one of their latest targets following frustration in other pursuits such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié.

This development continues a busy summer for the Switzerland international, whose future has been under increasing discussion in recent weeks. Reports have already linked Akanji with interest from Galatasaray, Crystal Palace, and Bayer Leverkusen, while City have remained open to exploring suitable proposals.

The player himself had most recently rejected an offer from Turkey, with reigning champions Galatasaray unable to meet his salary expectations despite a club-to-club agreement being in place.

Akanji’s situation has also been complicated by City’s defensive depth. With Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Nathan Aké, and Abdukodir Khusanov all competing for minutes, the Swiss international’s role is not as secure as it once was. As a result, the club have been willing to listen to offers.

According to the information of Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have now made an approach to Manchester City for central defender Akanji – making him one of three names on their shortlist for the position.

Elsewhere, it is reminded that Italian giants AC Milan remain in talks over a move for the Switzerland international and are ready to pay a £15 million transfer fee for the player, but are also still in talks over personal terms.

For City, a late-window sale of Akanji would not be entirely unexpected. The club are confident in their other defensive options, while also remaining in the market for other exits as Guardiola continues to eye a trimming down of his squad numbers.

Elsewhere, Manchester City’s links with highly-rated young talents and potential future additions underline the strategy of maintaining balance within the squad while creating space for younger arrivals like Reis – currently on loan at Girona – to develop later on down the line.

For Tottenham, securing Akanji would represent not just added depth, but also proven Premier League quality at a time when their defensive set-up has faced scrutiny. Thomas Frank himself will be aware of the need for a reliable backline to support his attacking style, and Akanji’s versatility could prove appealing given his experience both centrally and at full-back.

Should Spurs accelerate talks and Milan continue to press, Manchester City could be faced with a decision that reshapes their central defensive options before the transfer deadline.

Much may also depend on Manuel Akanji himself, who has been deliberate in his consideration of offers so far, prioritising both financial terms and competitiveness of the project put forward.

Three Manchester City stars have now been subject to Tottenham transfer interest, according to the information of a club insider.

Spurs have been heavily involved in discussions around City’s squad across the final weeks of the summer, with their strongest focus being on Brazil international Savinho. However, City’s refusal to sanction the winger’s departure has forced the North London club to reassess.

It is well documented that City’s strategy has been to keep hold of players they see as long-term core assets. Fabrizio Romano recently revealed Savinho is part of Pep Guardiola’s vision both for the current campaign and coming seasons, with the forward viewed as untouchable.

That stance has also blocked any chance of Manchester City pursuing Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, whose agents had been sounding out opportunities elsewhere throughout the course of the summer.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have been exploring options to strengthen their forward line and defensive set-up. With Thomas Frank keen to build on Spurs’ momentum, his recruitment team has turned to ambitious targets, albeit with little sign of City being prepared to talk.

According to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, after trying to force through a sale of Savinho, Tottenham have since asked about the possible availability of Jeremy Doku, Nathan Ake and Omar Marmoush from Pep Guardiola’s side.

City’s stance is likely to be uncompromising once again. Jeremy Doku, signed in 2023, is considered a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s attacking rebuild and has been earmarked for a bigger role this season following his opening two seasons in England.

Nathan Ake, on the other hand, remains highly trusted by coaching staff for his versatility, even amid growing competition. As for Omar Marmoush, who joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, he is seen as one of the club’s smart forward acquisitions to complement Erling Haaland.

Looking ahead, Spurs may need to recalibrate expectations. City are unlikely to weaken their squad further before the window closes, especially given their ambitions in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

With Savinho staying put and Jeremy Doku, Nathan Ake, and Omar Marmoush all integral to Pep Guardiola’s plans, Tottenham officials could be forced to pursue more realistic targets elsewhere.

What will be worth watching in the final days of the window is whether Spurs maintain their attempts to push City into discussions, or if they pivot towards other names in Europe.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made some interesting additions to the club’s training group ahead of this weekend’s trip to Brighton and Hove Albion.

City suffered their first loss of the 2025-26 season on Saturday as goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha secured a comfortable 2-0 win for Thomas Frank and Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.

It seemed all too familiar for Guardiola and co at the weekend as summer signing James Trafford gifted Tottenham their second goal with a moment of madness on his first senior home appearance for his boyhood club.

Manchester City lacked any meaningful attacking threat and Tottenham defended resolutely to thwart the Blues when they did break into the box, with Omar Marmoush, Erling Haaland and Tijjani Reijnders all presented with goalscoring chances either side of half-time.

City endured their most challenging year under Guardiola in the recent campaign, recording their lowest Premier League points tally (71) since the Spaniard was appointed manager in the summer of 2016.

A third-place Premier League finish last term was compounded by an early exit from the Carabao Cup, a Round of 16 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League and a gutting FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace.

It’s been a busy transfer window, to say the least, at the Etihad Stadium and newly-appointed director of football Hugo Viana has spearheaded a major overhaul of Guardiola’s first-team squad – which appeared in desperate need of inspiration across the pitch last term.

Manchester City’s new signings have, for the most part, settled in quickly and despite a disappointing Round of 16 exit from the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States in June, Guardiola can take plenty of encouragement away from a limited pre-season with a bloated first-team group.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Guardiola has added academy trio Reigan Heskey, Ryan McAidoo and Divine Mukasa to Manchester City first-team training ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Guardiola is likely to ring the changes at the Amex Stadium after his starting XI against Tottenham failed to impress and were comfortably outplayed, outrun by a determined Spurs side buoyed by their historic UEFA Europa League success last season.

The Manchester City boss will issue an update on his squad’s fitness in a press conference on Friday, with questions likely to be raised on his side’s prospects for the Premier League title amid strong competition from holders Liverpool and second-place favourites Arsenal.

City cannot afford a lousy beginning to a Premier League campaign if they are serious about competing in the title race this time round, with six-pointer fixtures against Manchester United and Arsenal set to follow the trip to Brighton.