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Tottenham Hotspur are favourites to sign Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven over north London rivals Arsenal, according to Jacque Talbot.

Who will Spurs sign after Maddison?

The north Londoners have sealed and confirmed three major signings this summer, putting pen to paper on deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli and James Maddison from Leicester City most recently.

Spurs also announced the permanent capture of winger Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus, but reliable media sources detail that Ange Postecoglou’s side are not done after the aforementioned trio.

The Lilywhites are believed to chasing a new centre-back, especially after a 22/23 campaign which saw Spurs leak more goals than any other top flight side above Bournemouth in the table.

Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy will be looking to fix that glaring achilles heel as soon as possible, and reports in the last week have suggested that they’re actively pursuing defensive options.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and van de Ven of Wolfsburg are two centre-backs who Spurs have been linked to, with club-to-club talks even happening behind-the-scenes.

Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Spurs have opened negotiations for the latter player in particular, and other sources say the same of Tapsoba.

Writing on Twitter, Football Transfers reporter Talbot has an update on van de Ven and Tottenham’s chances of signing the Netherlands international.

According to the journalist, rivals Arsenal are actually targeting him as welll, but in a piece of good news for Spurs supporters, their club are in pole position as things stand.

Who is Micky van de Ven?

The colossal 6 foot 4 defender played a major role for Wolfsburg last season as they only narrowly missed out on European qualification.

According to WhoScored, only the Bundesliga side’s goalkeeper played more German top flight minutes than van de Ven, who also averaged more blocks per 90 than any other Wolfsburg player.

The 22-year-old is still very young and raw, but as he begins to reach his potential, members of the media have stood up to take note.

Journalist Ronan Murphy, for instance, recently heaped praise on van de Ven for “flourishing” under manager Niko Kovac.

“Van de Ven’s performances for Wolfsburg this season have him knocking on the door of the Netherlands international team,” said Murphy.

“A giant on the pitch, he’s flourishing under head coach Niko Kovac.”

Everton are believed to be closing in on the signing of Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto this summer, acting as a big blow to the Whites.

How much is Wilfried Gnonto worth?

The 19-year-old moved to Elland Road during last year's summer transfer window, arriving as a highly-rated teenager who could hopefully help take his side up another level.

While Leeds ended up going through a grim season, getting through three different managers and suffering relegation from the Premier League, Gnonto did at least prove to be one of the few positives to emerge from the campaign.

The Italian provided an attacking spark when so many others failed to, providing pace, quick feet and end product out wide – he scored twice and registered four assists in the league and was hailed by Gary Neville – as he highlighted just how high his ceiling is as a player.

With Leeds now preparing to begin life back in the Championship again, though, they will be aware that keeping hold of the £15.3m-valued Gnonto will be difficult, considering he is likely to have various offers from top-flight clubs. Now, a fresh update suggests that his exit from Elland Road is closer than ever, with Everton seemingly closing in on the signing of the attacker.

Is Wilfried Gnonto set to leave Leeds?

According to Sport Italia [via Sport Witness], the Blues are now "very close" and "one step away" to signing Gnonto this summer, with a €22m (£18.7m) fee mooted for his signature.

Meanwhile, former Lecco sporting director Francesco Filucchi provided his thoughts on the youngster's future, admitting that a move to Goodison Park would be good for his development"

"Gnonto? Good story. He had a good season, he did well even when he was called into question during the game. He’s Italian, he’s doing a good job in the Premier League. Everton? Aston Villa were also looking for him: It’s a good sign. He’s growing, he is important for the future of the national team."

This is undoubtedly a disappointing update from a Leeds perspective, with Gnonto someone with such a massive future in the game, having been hailed as an "absolutely crucial" player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, as well as "superb", following his goal against Manchester United last season.

Ideally, the 12-cap Italy international may have a change of heart and commit his future to the Whites, but it is hard to begrudge him a move back to a Premier League team, with his stock too high to be playing Championship football next season.

It is Leeds' own fault for getting themselves into a mess where relegation is leading to key players moving forward, and the hope is that Daniel Farke can get his side straight back into the top flight and then avoid the same mistakes being made next time around.

On the plus side, Leeds may soon at least be receiving a healthy amount of money for Gnonto's services, which will aid Farke this summer when it comes to finding a replacement, but it is hard to shake the idea that the Whites are losing a special talent who could become a superstar.

Since the club's takeover at the end of 2021, Newcastle United have invested hefty sums on several highly-talented players.

Notably, this list includes Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and most recently, Sandro Tonali.

Spending has increased as the club prepares for one of the biggest summers in its history as it prepares to compete in the Champions League.

However, in the tenure of the new ownership, the most important signing could arguably be their first – the acquisition of Kieran Trippier in January 2022 for just £12m has emerged as an inspired piece of business.

The 32-year-old has oozed quality, composure and leadership. He is now the club captain and an indispensable component of Eddie Howe’s machine.

Nevertheless, his age cannot be escaped, and whilst he is in the most fruitful form of his life, he is nearing the twilight years of his career.

But the Magpies hierarchy has already begun the process to pinpoint a long-term successor to the Englishman, with Tino Livramento suggested as a possible target.

What’s the latest on Tino Livramento to Newcastle United?

According to the Telegraph, the Magpies have already submitted two bids for the Southampton gem, but have failed to reach an agreement.

The Saints, who were relegated to the Championship, value the 20-year-old at more than £30m, whilst Newcastle have only offered around £21m.

The outlet describes the player as 'very keen' on the move, but the club may need to wait until the sale of Allan Saint-Maximin has been completed for a timely cash injection, whilst also easing Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns.

It was previously reported by the Daily Mail that Chelsea supposedly has a “surprise interest” in Livramento, with a £40m buy-back clause as part of his departure in 2021.

However, with the immovable Reece James and the recently-signed Malo Gusto already in their ranks, it seems unlikely that a transfer back to west London will ever materialise.

If Newcastle can just match Southampton’s asking price then a deal is very much a possibility.

Can Tino Livramento emulate Kieran Trippier at Newcastle United?

Within the Chelsea youth system, the quick right-back forged an esteemed reputation for his class and potential.

In 30 appearances during the 2020/21 season, Livramento registered ten assists and was named as the Blues' Academy Player of the Year, winning the award alongside the likes of James, Mason Mount, and Billy Gilmour.

He was then unexpectedly sold to Southampton for the next season, and in 28 top-flight outings, he averaged 1.9 tackles and 1.1 dribbles per game (third-highest ranking for each metric in the squad) to showcase his impressively competent all-round game.

But, a devastating ACL injury against Brighton in April 2022 massively derailed his progress and kept him out of action for over a year.

Now back to full fitness, he is the subject of interest from the high-flying Magpies, and Howe could train him as Trippier’s heir to the right-back throne.

Last term, Trippier was simply sensational.

He was named in OPTA’s team of the season, playing in every fixture, creating the most chances from set plays (76), and playing the most passes into the opposition box (551) in a single season since 2004. The former Tottenham Hotspur man also recorded 138 successful crosses, the most in a single season since 2006.

Having a man of this calibre to mentor the “fantastic” Livramento – as once lauded by former teammate Theo Walcott – can continue Newcastle’s reputation as a rapidly improving asset.

There’s not much that Mohamed Salah isn’t good at when it comes to the world of football. Name a type of goal, and the Liverpool star has likely scored it. But, even as a usual standout, the Egyptian could never quite defeat James Milner in the Reds’ pre-season test.The test in question, of course, is the lactate test, which measures a player’s aerobic endurance whilst they run increasing distances at speed. So, with that said, you’d have to be an incredible athlete to beat a squad full of players in their prime to take victory in your mid to late 30s. Yet, seemingly without a single concern, Milner did exactly that every pre-season at Liverpool.

Who won the Liverpool lactate test?

It has taken Milner’s departure to crown a new champion of the Liverpool lactate test, and if there were odds as to who would take a seat on the throne, Salah would have been up there as the favourite. The winger finished first in his group, as seen in the footage above.

He wasn’t the only who impressed, however.

New signing Dominik Szoboszlai excited many fans by how easy he made it look, and came first in his group to stand alongside Salah. Whilst others struggled behind, the former RB Leipzig midfielder barely broke a sweat, remaining picture-perfect in Liverpool’s answer to Baywatch.

Liverpool’s midfield, of course, suffered a major burnout last season, with the likes of Fabinho looking nowhere near the player who reached the Champions League final in the previous campaign. The Reds were in need of a refresh.

So, out went Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner – all on free deals upon the expiration of their contracts. In came, importantly, Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.

Suddenly, Liverpool’s midfield doesn’t just have a fresh coat of paint, but it has a vibrant new look. And Szoboszlai, in particular, proved that he’s got the engine to transform Jurgen Klopp’s side once more.

How many all-time goals does Mohamed Salah have?

Whilst Salah will no doubt enjoy the lactate test victory, his best work comes in front of goal. The winner of three Golden Boots, the modern-day Liverpool legend has scored a total of 186 goals for the Reds in 305 appearances, whilst also assisting 79 goals.

In his career as a whole, Salah has found the back of the net an incredible 367 times, with goals for Fiorentina, AS Roma, and even Chelsea.

In the coming season, he’ll be hoping to add a number of goals to that tally, especially after his below-par campaign last time out for his standards, scoring just 19 Premier League goals – his joint-lowest season Talley. For many, that number would be impressive, but Salah is, simply put, usually a level above.

With a new-look midfield behind him, we can’t see a reason why the Egyptian shouldn’t hit at least the 20-goal mark, perhaps taking Liverpool to unexpected Premier League glory once more.

Without Champions League football, Klopp’s side will certainly find it easier to focus on domestic trophies, whilst keeping an eye trained on the Europa League as it progresses.

Arsenal could be set to continue their summer spending, by returning to finalise a longstanding transfer saga…

How much would Romeo Lavia cost?

According to Belgian outlet DH, via Sport Witness, the Gunners could trump Liverpool in the pursuit of Southampton's star Romeo Lavia.

The Belgian midfielder, who enjoyed his breakout year last term in the Premier League, has been linked with an exit from St Mary's for some time since their relegation.

However, it seems that his potential move to the Emirates hinges largely on the future of Thomas Partey, and whether he departs for Saudi Arabia.

Given one Saudi Arabian journalist, Nawaf Al-Aqeel, claimed the Ghana international had already agreed personal terms with a club just last week, they should now have the upper hand over the Reds that the report suggested they would. Should that move go through, then bringing Lavia in is to become a 'priority', as per the report.

The Saints are set to command a fee of around £50m for his services, although Football Transfers only value the 19-year-old at €20.3m (£17.6m).

How good is Romeo Lavia?

This high-profile acquisition would supplement the three new faces already integrated within Mikel Arteta's squad, as they recently jetted off to America with Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber all part of the side.

Whilst it was a drawn-out process to sign the latter two, it finally seems as though their team has the requisite depth to truly challenge Manchester City and push them even further in the battle for elite honours.

However, this has clearly not stopped the north London club from scouring the market for additional deals that would further aid in this pursuit.

Given the versatility and immense technical capabilities of their new Dutch defender, it is expected that the former Ajax man will largely enjoy a future as an inverted full-back, coming inside from the right to help underpin Arteta's philosophy. This is despite his preferred role being as a centre-back.

Should this be the case, and with the potential double exit of Partey and Granit Xhaka, they would be without that midfield general to act as the foundation for such a system.

Therefore, Lavia's arrival could provide just that, with a defence-first mindset that would make him a formidable asset in the engine room to provide the springboard for Timber to shine.

After all, even though last term marked just his first full year in English football, he showed no signs of being overawed despite his youth. The 6.80 average rating he would record in the league made him the eighth-best performer within his club, as a figure largely boosted through his 86% pass accuracy, 68% dribble success, 2.1 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game, via Sofascore.

Partey could only match his tackling success and would record even fewer interceptions per game, via Sofascore. Journalist Ed Aarons' surprise at his level despite his age summed up the thoughts of many who witnessed Lavia's personal campaign: "Romeo Lavia is outstanding. And still only 19…"

To imagine this kind of added steel within Arteta's engine room, whilst the similarly solid Timber inverts beside him, immediately the two could form one of the strongest midfield pairings in the division.

Not to mention that, whilst he too posted 1.4 tackles and 1.9 clearances per game in the Eredivisie, the 22-year-old also ranked in the top 1% for passes attempted, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90 when compared to other centre-backs across Europe, via FBref.

To partner these two with one another could see a fine balance struck, to help propel this new-look side to the league title that they so richly crave.

Liverpool are favourites to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia in the summer transfer window, according to a key update from reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Are Liverpool pushing to sign Romeo Lavia?

It is all change in the Reds' midfield this summer, with that area of the pitch set to look completely different once the new Premier League season gets underway next month.

The window started well for Liverpool, with Argentine World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister coming in from Brighton and Dominik Szoboszlai joining from RB Leipzig, but James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all moved on when their contracts expired.

Meanwhile, shock exit rumours surrounding Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have since emerged, with the pair looking likely to depart for Saudi Arabia in the very near future.

That highlights the need for further reinforcements in the middle of the park and Lavia has arguably been linked with a move to Liverpool more than any other midfielder this summer, having shone for Saints last season. The 19-year-old may end up leaving his current club sooner rather than later, following their relegation to the Championship, and Arsenal and Chelsea are also believed to be interested in signing him.

Now, a new claim suggests that a summer switch to Anfield is looking on the cards, in an update that will no doubt excite many supporters.

Are Liverpool favourites to sign Romeo Lavia?

Writing on Twitter on Tuesday morning, Sky Sports reporter Plettenberg dropped a fresh update regarding Liverpool's potential move for Lavia, saying the Reds are now in pole position to get their man:

"News Romeo Lavia: Understand that LFC is the top favorite now! Lavia wants to join Liverpool and has given the green light. No agreement between the clubs yet but concrete negotiations are ongoing. His price valuation was around £50m. Klopp wants him!"

It has since been claimed that the Reds have had a £40m offer turned down for Lavia, with Chelsea keeping an eye on the situation.

In truth, it has felt like Liverpool and Lavia are a match made in heaven for a while now, with the Belgium international clearly keen on joining up with Jurgen Klopp. This further suggests that it could now be a matter of time until the Reds get their man, as they potentially snap up one of the Premier League's most exciting young players.

Lavia was so impressive for Southampton last season, standing out amid their struggles and averaging 2.1 tackles per match in the league. He was also described as "incredible" Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, having left the Etihad for the Saints last summer, and compatriot Kevin De Bruyne has backed him to become a "top player" in the future.

He could come in and prove to be a great addition in Fabinho's No.6 role in front of the defence, and while he is still admittedly very young, he has already displayed a level of maturity beyond his years over past 12 months.

If Liverpool could sign Lavia and another player of a similar ilk – someone with a little more experience, such as reported target Cheick Doucoure, it could end up being a productive summer in the transfer market, in what is a major midfield transformation.

Sofyan Amrabat has turned down offers from Saudi Arabia as his priority is a switch to Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano

The Moroccan midfielder looks set to depart Fiorentina this summer.

What is the latest Sofyan Amrabat news?

It seems the midfielder has made his decision on his future.

According to a report from L'Equipe, the Fiorentina player was a target for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, who wanted to add him to their squad which includes new signings Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Allan Saint-Maximin. The report also stated that the Moroccan was set to make his decision on his preferred destination in the following days, and that his current club had resigned themselves to the fact that he was to depart this summer.

United have been long time admirers of Amrabat, having tried to bring in the midfielder back in the January window following his impressive performances during the World Cup that saw him get named in the World Cup Team of the Tournament.

The deal never happened and Amrabat remained with Fiorentina for the rest of the season, which was a campaign that saw him lose out in both the Coppa Italia final and the Europa Conference League final. Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag previously worked with the defensive midfielder at Utrecht, and is pushing for the club to complete the transfer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Amrabat had turned down the offer from Saudi Arabia, as he is focused on completing a switch to the Red Devils. The Italian journalist also stated that United are waiting on the sales for Fred and Van de Beek to fund the transfer.

"Sofyan Amrabat, rumoured as potential target for Al Ahli last week, from what I understand, he does not want to negotiate with Al Ahli, but also all Saudi clubs as his priority now is Europe. Sofyan Amrabat wants to go to Man United, so he rejected very important financial approaches from Saudi because he wants to wait for Man United.

"As I always told you, there is no official bid to Fiorentina as they have to sell Fred, and it’s not going to be to Galatasaray from what I’m told, so other clubs are keen on Fred. But also, Donny Van de Beek, the conversation with Real Sociedad is ongoing, so Man United wait to sell one between Van de Beek and Fred before proceeding, but both will leave guys by the end of the summer, and then they will proceed with a bid for Amrabat, that is the plan at the moment."

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

Who do Man United have to sell for Amrabat?

There are two midfielders who could depart Old Trafford this summer to create the space for Amrabat.

One name Romano mentioned was Fred. The 30-year-old has seen his role reduced at United under ten Hag, and with the arrival of Mason Mount as well as the potential signing of Amrabat, opportunities would be even further limited for the Brazilian.

According to a report from 90min, Galatasaray have seen an offer rejected that fell below the asking price of £20m set by Man United, and have since pulled away according to Fabrizio Romano. Saudi clubs remain interested in the midfielder, and Fulham could reignite the interest they showed earlier on in the summer.

The other name mentioned by Romano was Van de Beek. The Dutch international has had a disappointing career at Old Trafford following his £39m switch from Ajax in 2020, having only made 60 appearances for the club during a three-year spell blighted by injury problems that have forced him to miss 52 games.

According to reports, Real Sociedad have opened talks regarding the midfielder despite concerns about the player's injury problems, with the asking price set to be £25m.

Reliable football.london journalist Alasdair Gold has shared a transfer update on Tottenham Hotspur as they eye Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Who will Spurs sign next?

New manager Ange Postecoglou, after an entertaining pre-season where Spurs supporters caught a glimpse of his free-flowing, attack-minded style, could now lose star striker Harry Kane.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, after weeks of pushing for the England superstar, have agreed a deal worth over £86 million to sign Kane this summer – giving Postecoglou a major headache ahead of Brentford on Sunday.

Kane had entered the final 12 months of his Spurs deal, leaving chairman Daniel Levy with a huge decision to make in regard to the player's future. Indeed, it appears the north London club have opted to sell before he can leave as a free agent next year.

Attention may now turn back to incomings at Tottenham, given the £86m financial windfall which may be heading their way, but replacing Kane will be a near-impossible task.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Postecoglou, speaking to the media recently, hinted at the possibility of another centre-back signing after Spurs completed a deal to sign Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg.

Meanwhile, in the event of midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's possible departure to Atletico Madrid, there have been reports that Tottenham could target another midfielder.

Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, who Tottenham have reportedly held talks for, is one name to have been mentioned – with reliable reporter Gold sharing an update on Palace's attacking midfield ace Eze.

The 25-year-old dazzled under both Patrick Vieira and Roy Hodgson last term, alerting Spurs, as they're apparently monitoring his situation at Selhurst Park.

This is especially due to midfielder Bryan Gil's injury, with the Spaniard recently undergoing surgery on a groin problem which could keep him out for the foreseeable.

As well as Eze, Gold shares to football.london that Tottenham's late-window shortlist contains Gift Orban, Brennan Johnson, Perr Schuurs and Gallagher.

Interestingly, Eze is a CAA Base client, an agency which represents the likes of Richarlison, Son Heung-min and new summer signing James Maddison.

How good is Eberechi Eze?

The attacker seriously impressed as, arguably, Palace's standout performer over the 2022/2023 season.

As per WhoScored, Eze was a mainstay for the Eagles, featuring in all of their top flight encounters whilst finishing the campaign with 14 goal contributions (10 goals, four assists).

The former QPR star also ranked in Palace's top two for attempts at goal, key passes made and successful take-ons per 90 in the final third – showcasing his real creative talent (WhoScored).

Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, speaking to Football Insider after Newcastle United were previously linked with Eze, claimed he would be a "fantastic" signing.

"It would be a really good signing," said the pundit.

“He’s completely different to Conor Gallagher – he’s a million times better.

“He can run with the ball at speed, change direction with skill, he’s adding goals to his game, can play in the number ten or off the wing – it’s a fantastic signing.

“If I’m Newcastle, I’m going for him and Maddison. You’d then have competition that can take Newcastle to another level. I love Eze and I think there’s going to be a lot of clubs after him.”

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their efforts to bolster the attacking options in the playing squad before the end of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Sunderland transfer news?

According to Italian outlet il Resto del Carlino, the Black Cats are one of two Championship clubs interested in signing Bologna centre-forward Sydney van Hooijdonk.

It's thought that Tony Mowbray's side and Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, are both keen on the 23-year-old ace after his impressive spell on loan with Heerenveen in his home country.

The Sunderland boss has already confirmed that he is in the market for another number nine option before the window slams shut and now appears to be eyeing a deal for the Dutch marksman.

How good is Sydney van Hooijdonk?

The 6 foot 3 finisher showcased his ability to be a reliable goalscorer at first-team level during his Eredivisie spell over the last 18 months and could come in as a dream heir to Ross Stewart at the Stadium of Light.

Van Hooijdonk scored 16 goals in 30 Dutch top-flight starts during the 2022/23 campaign, which was two more than any Sunderland player managed at Championship level last term and four more than any current member of the squad following Amad Diallo's return to Manchester United.

Stewart produced an outstanding ten goals in 13 league outings for the Black Cats but has been out since January with an Achilles injury and it would be a huge ask for him to return to the same level whilst maintaining that consistently over the course of an entire campaign.

His record of 26 goals in 49 League One starts throughout the 2021/22 campaign may be a more realistic expectation of where his scoring rate could fall upon his return, which is an average of a strike every 1.88 starts.

Van Hooijdonk scored once every 1.88 league starts on average for Heerenveen last season and produced six goals in 13 appearances for the side in the second half of the previous term on loan from his Serie A club.

This suggests that the right-footed whiz, who was once hailed as "prolific" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has the potential to replace Stewart's goalscoring prowess at the top end of the pitch for Sunderland.

The Scotland international is now in the final year of his contract on Wearside after two-and-a-half-years since his move from Scotland and it remains to be seen if he will be willing to put pen to paper on an extension with the club.

This means that Mowbray and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman must plan for life after the former Ross County man moves on and the signing of van Hooijdonk could be an excellent piece of business to ensure that the club have a lethal number nine in the building.

The reported Black Cats target, who scored an eye-catching 35 goals in 41 U19 matches for NAC Breda earlier in his career, would be the dream heir to Stewart – whether that is this season or in a future year – if he can replicate his Eredivisie form in England.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, and journalist Ben Jacobs has now revealed whether they will be able to bring him in as a replacement for Harry Kane…

Are Tottenham signing a striker?

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is said to be scouring the transfer market after Kane's move to Bayern Munich, with Gent's Gift Orban and Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku considered to be two of his main targets.

Spurs also made an enquiry about Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson, but the club's CEO, Paul Barber, has now declared there is no chance of him leaving this summer, saying: “In Evan’s case, it’ll be in at least five years’ time!"

After doing their homework on their top targets, the Lilywhites are poised to make a move soon, with Richarlison not viewed as a "long-term" solution to lead the line, and Jacobs has now given an overview of their potential options.

Read The Latest Tottenham Transfer News HERE

The journalist has now suggested that Lukaku may no longer be a key target for Tottenham, saying:

"Spurs must now find a replacement (for Kane). Talk of that being Romelu Lukaku has been dismissed.

"Before Fabio Paratici left Spurs, the most likely target if Kane left was Lille’s Jonathan David. An approach still can’t be ruled out. Spurs also like Lautaro Martinez, but Inter simply don’t want to sell.

"There was never any substance in a swap deal between Kylian Mbappe and Kane prior to the England striker’s move to Bayern. PSG did explore Kane, though, but they knew he preferred Bayern."

How many goals has Lautaro Martinez scored?

If Inter decide to soften their stance and listen to offers for their striker, he could be a great signing for Tottenham, given that he has been prolific for the Italian side in the Serie A and the Champions League, and he regularly scores for Argentina.

In a total of 238 games for Inter Milan, the Argentine has scored 102 goals, including ten in the Champions League, while he has also scored 21 goals in 48 games for his national side, proving himself as a top player.

The £184k-per-week forward also has other strengths to his game, ranking in the 83rd percentile for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, and he is not afraid to pitch in defensively, placing in the 98th percentile for interceptions.

Lauded as "absolutely incredible" by members of the media, Martinez could be a top signing for Tottenham, but it does not seem likely he will leave this summer, unless he pushes for a move, given that he is contracted until the summer of 2026.

It is vital that Postecoglou brings in a replacement for Kane before the transfer window shuts, so it is not worthwhile pursuing a player who is unlikely to be available, and he needs to move on to other targets.

Jacobs mentions that Spurs could still target Jonathan David, and the Canadian could also be a fantastic signing, having scored 24 goals in 37 Ligue 1 games for Lille last season.