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West Ham United add Tottenham Hotspur star to list of midfield targets

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West Ham United have added Yves Bissouma to their list of midfield targets, talkSPORT understands.

With a week to go in the transfer window, the Irons are looking to strengthen the central midfield area of the pitch, and they think the Tottenham Hotspur man could be the one.

Spurs are open to offers for the Malian international as well.

Bissouma joined Tottenham in the summer of 2022 for an initial £25million, with an additional £10m in add-ons.

The midfielder played a key role in Spurs' Europa League win last year under Ange Postecoglou, but with the Australian gone, his future in north London doesn't look so clear.

What is happening with Bissouma?

Bissouma has seen himself go from starter in a European final to not even in the matchday squad in the space of a few months.

New Spurs manager Thomas Frank removed the former Brighton midfielder from the UEFA Super Cup squad after turning up to training late on numerous occasions.

Speaking about the incident, Frank said: "Bissouma has not travelled with the group for disciplinary reasons.

"He’s been late several times and now this time was just one too many.

"With everything you need to give your players a lot of love and there needs to be demands and consequences."

He hasn't been part of the first two matchday squads in the Premier League either.

Frank provided no reason for his absence against Burnley, while he simply stated that Bissouma wouldn't play against Manchester City.

Tottenham do have plenty of central midfielders as well with all of the others being involved so far.

Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray started against Burnley before Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha came in for the trip to the Etihad.

The one constant was Pape Mate Sarr, so it's no surprise that Spurs are open to offers, though, it remains to be seen if West Ham launch a bid or try to get the player on loan.

What about West Ham?

The Hammers have endured a horrible start to the new campaign, losing both games and conceding eight goals.

talkSPORT understands that Graham Potter remains safe for now despite just five wins since he replaced Julen Lopetegui.

However, the board are monitoring the situation closely.

But the transfer window has been a frustrating one for everyone connected with West Ham.

Mohammed Kudus has left to join Spurs, while Mads Hermansen and El Hadji Malick Diouf are the only players who have arrived for fees.

Callum Wilson and Kyle Walker-Peters have also joined, but they were free transfers.

Central midfield is a position that needs reinforcements, with Edson Alvarez joining Fenerbahce on loan and Guido Rodriguez expected to leave as well.

But Bissouma isn't the only midfield target with Southampton's Mateus Fernandes on the list as well.

However, time is running out for the Irons to give their manager the tools he needs to be a success.

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Arsenal handed advantage for Piero Hincapie transfer with Tottenham stance clear

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Arsenal are keen on signing Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen and have been given a huge boost in their pursuit.

The 23-year-old centre-back has told the Bundesliga club that he would like to leave but remains under contract until 2029.

The Ecuadorian, though, does have a €60million (£52m) release clause in his current deal.

The player himself is keen on a transfer to the Gunners.

Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham have also been credited with an interest.

However, talkSPORT understands Spurs have not made contact with Leverkusen.

Hincapie has made 166 appearances for the club, including in their first two games of the current campaign.

He was an impressive part of the Bundesliga side's title-winning side in 2023/24, covering at left centre-back.

He would, though, join a growing list of players from that squad who have now left.

Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli, Granit Xhaka, and Jonathan Tah have all now joined new clubs.

And even manager Xabi Alonso has departed this summer to take charge of his former side Real Madrid.

Arsenal will need departures to happen for a deal to go through.

Who might Arsenal sell?

Currently Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Reiss Nelson are candidates to be moved on.

Polish defender Kiwior has interest from Porto, while Vieira did have Stuttgart on his tail - but they have now reportedly moved on to other targets.

Zinchenko has long been out of favour at the Emirates, while Reiss Nelson was on loan at Fulham last season until injury cut his spell short.

Similarly, Sambi Lokonga spent the last two campaigns with Luton and Sevilla, respectively.

Who have Arsenal already signed this summer?

Arsenal have already had a busy summer in the transfer market, having missed out on the Premier League title for a third consecutive year.

They have made three statement signings in Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, and Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

Those were supplemented by the arrivals of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, and Noni Madueke.

In total that's a huge £247m outlay to challenge for the Premier League trophy again.

And Hincapie would make that around £300m, with currently just £10m coming in from the sales of Nuno Tavares and Marquinhos.

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I was part of dominant Arsenal period, Man City's era of glory is over - Pep Guardiola's side have no aura anymore

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Manchester City may have won six Premier League titles in the last eight years - but their era of dominance has finally come to an end.

That's the view of ex-Arsenal star Perry Groves, who believes Pep Guardiola's men are no longer the ones to beat at the top of the division.

Since Guardiola's arrival at the Etihad in 2016, he has overseen the club scooping a mammoth 18 trophies.

That includes six league titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, four League Cups, three Community Shields, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

City have never gone two years in a row without winning a Premier League title under Guardiola's tutelage - which they could manage come May.

Liverpool are the current holders, and are favourites to once again come out on top having splashed out over £290million on six new signings.

A whopping 13 points separated the two teams last campaign, resulting in City forking out over £150m on new recruits - with that figure set to rise before the window ends.

A 4-0 opening day win away at Wolves had fans - and pundits - believing that another City title challenge was to be on the cards.

But City supporters have had been forced to eat a slice of humble pie following their 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, a result which sent them crashing back down to earth.

It has led to Groves, who won two First Division titles, the League Cup and the Football League Centenary Trophy at Highbury between 1987-1991, to state that City's period of triumph is over.

Following City's tenth defeat to Spurs under Guardiola, Groves highlighted why he believes they are no longer the top dogs.

A loss of experience, a young squad and no fear factor are all reasons why City are not the team of old, Groves has claimed.

What did Perry Groves say about Man City?

Groves told talkSPORT: "I think there's a big issue. Football's cyclical, right?

"This is the end of Man City's cycle, I know their average age was 24 [on Saturday].

"If you look at the team they put out, there's no aura about that team.

"There's no presence or stature, if you look at the treble-winning side, when you had Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, [Riyad] Mahrez as well, they're all players that imposed themselves on the game.

"I'm looking at this Man City side, and I know they're in transition, they haven't got that aura anymore.

"And you know you're in trouble when your away team has more shots than you.

"That very rarely happens at the Etihad, normally, when they're in their pomp, Man City, you'd go to Etihad and knew you had to take maybe one or two of your chances to stand a game on the breakaway.

"That's not happening anymore, so I think the teams that go into Etihad now actually fancy their chances because they know that this isn't the Man City team of old.

"So, I said before, I don't think Man City are in the race for the title because of the age of their team."

As for former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam, the Scotsman is of the opinion that City's new-look team needs time to gel.

He remarked: "I look at Man City's team at the moment, they're trying. Rodri is missing, Bernardo Silva never played, Foden never played [both from kick-off]."

Before adding: "With that midfield [Nico Gonzalez, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders], there's no real Premier League experience in that midfield compared to Tottenham.

"We're talking about [Joao] Paulinha, who's played in the Premier League [at Fulham previously], [Rodrigo] Bentancur and [Pape Matar] Sarr, all played Premier League football, so they've got that experience in there.

"I know they're all good players, good footballers, Reijnders, Gonzalez and Cherki, but it takes time to really get the flow of it.

"And now for Man City, getting their key players back in terms of Foden, Silva, Rodri, I think will make a huge difference to them.

"But they have to find these solutions, and again, I still think, with the window open, Man City will look to do some business."

City will look to return to winning ways away at Brighton next Sunday in their final match before the September international break.

Guardiola failed to beat Fabian Hurzeler during his two encounters with the Seagulls last term - losing at the Amex Stadium before the teams played out a draw later in the season.

Failure to win at Brighton will not only have fans worrying that a title charge is out of the question, but would leave them fearing they are in a battle for a Champions League spot.

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Tottenham pushing to sign Savinho as transfer deadline day looms

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Tottenham are still pushing to sign Manchester City winger Savinho, talkSPORT understands.

Spurs have indicated to City they are willing to pay €70million (£60.7m) for the Brazilian, who is keen to make the move.

The player is yet to feature in his club's first two games of the season due to injury.

Still just 21 years old, the winger signed for Man City at £30.8m last summer, making 29 appearances and scoring one goal.

He did, though, make eight assists, as Pep Guardiola's team endured a difficult season with patchy form throughout.

The skilful Brazilian was previously a success out on loan with Girona from Troyes in 2023/24, where he earned plaudits in LaLiga.

He helped them to a stunning third place finish ahead of Atletico Madrid, while also ending the campaign just four points behind Barcelona.

However, his goalscoring didn't carry over in the Premier League with Man City last year.

When asked about Savinho's future, along with Manuel Akanji, prior to losing 2-0 to Tottenham, Guardiola said: "I don't know about that. They are our players, and we'll see what happens. I think a few things are going to happen, and we'll see."

The update comes with eight days remaining in the transfer window, and a day on from the north London side's impressive win over the Citizens at the Etihad Stadium.

Tottenham saw VAR intervene to give Brennan Johnson the opening goal as he slotted home from a Richarlison cross.

And, just before half-time, loanee Joao Palhinha hammered into the back of the net after an error from new City goalkeeper James Trafford.

Tottenham are stepping up their interest in Savinho just hours after seeing former transfer target Eberechi Eze join rivals Arsenal.

Spurs had looked close to a deal for the Crystal Palace star in midweek, but the Gunners swooped in to sign the 27-year-old.

The England international remained a fan of his boyhood club despite crying in his room for a week when Arsenal released him, aged 13.

Eze was paraded at the Emirates on Saturday evening just minutes after the announcement of his signing.

And the night got even better for Gunners fans as they went on to beat Leeds United 5-0.

Fellow new signing Viktor Gyokeres scored his first two goals for the club in the win.

However, injuries to Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have soured the mood to an extent.

Tottenham have seen their summer signings settle in with ease so far this season.

Mohammed Kudus, a £55m signing from West Ham, has put in three fine performances against Paris Saint-Germain, Burnley, and Man City.

Against the Clarets he assisted both goals for Richarlison in a 3-0 victory.

And Palhinha impressed against PSG and the Citizens too with his pressing and defensive duels winning his new fans over instantly.

Fellow new boy Kota Takai, though, has been unable to play since his £5m arrival from Kawasaki Frontale, while Luka Vuskovic looks set to go out on loan.

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Ange Postecoglou wants Premier League return as Nottingham Forest consider sacking Nuno Espirito Santo amid Edu rift

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Ange Postecoglou is keen to return to Premier League management, talkSPORT understands.

Postecoglou is high on Nottingham Forest's wanted list if they decide to sack Nuno Espirito Santo following his public fallout with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

It is understood Marinakis has already held direct conversations with former Tottenham boss Postecoglou, with whom he also enjoys a personal relationship.

The pair were pictured together earlier this summer in Greece at an awards ceremony.

Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham after the club finished 17th in the Premier League last season, despite the Australian boss guiding Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years with Europa League glory.

talkSPORT understands that Espirito Santo’s position remains unsafe, even though the current expectation is he takes charge of Sunday’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace.

In a dramatic press conference on Friday, Nuno revealed a deteriorating relationship with Marinakis.

The pair are understood to speak less than last season following the arrival of former Arsenal sporting director Edu.

There is also a rift between Nuno and Edu, who are not fully aligned on the club’s recruitment strategy or playing style.

talkSPORT has learned Nuno wanted to sign Fulham’s Adama Traore earlier this summer and believes Edu blocked the move, although club sources insist the player himself was the issue in any potential deal falling through.

Nottingham Forest originally dismissed suggestions Nuno could be sacked, but Friday’s press conference angered Marinakis resulting in emergency meetings by club leadership.

There remains a strong chance Nuno departs after the weekend.

Marinakis is also a long-term admirer of former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, who is believed to be happy in his new position as head of global soccer at Red Bull.

Edu is working closely with Marinakis to develop a consistent style and recruitment model across Forest, Olympiacos and Portuguese side Rio Avenue, with a further club expected to be added in Brazil.

This requires a more collaborative recruitment model, and there are doubts whether Espirito Santo is the right fit within this new strategy.

Postecoglou was sacked by Spurs last season following their Europa League Final win over Manchester United and has rejected interest from Saudi Arabian clubs this summer.

Those close to Postecoglou insist there has been no formal approach, but talkSPORT has learned Marinakis has directly and informally sounded him out over a potential vacancy.

What did Nuno say on Friday?

There were no doubts over the Nottingham Forest manager's future until a rapidly-accelerating situation developed on Friday.

Forest sealed European football after an excellent 2024/25 campaign and won their opening match of the new season 3-1 against Brentford.

But after surprise reports of tension between Nuno and the Forest hierarchy, the Portuguese boss confirmed the rift in a bombshell press conference.

"I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis," he said.

"This season it is not so well [between us] but I always believe that dialogue is important because my concern is the squad and the season we have ahead of us.

"Our relationship has changed and we are not as close."When pressed to give his feelings on the situation, Espirito Santo added: "No, it is not good. I think everybody at the club should be together but this not the reality."

"I don't know exactly but I'm being honest with you, it is not the same.

"The reason behind it I do not know. What I said last week or two weeks ago was my concern and why I was worried about where we were going [as a club].

"What I said, I said it with respect. The reality is that the relationship is not what is use to be.

"It was a respectful relationship based on trust and sharing opinions but now it is not so good."

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Referee was left ‘devastated’ by mistake in Man City vs Tottenham clash

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If only Simon Hooper could travel back in time.

He would have avoided a comically irate Erling Haaland.

He would have avoided the ire of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and tens of thousands of supporters crammed inside the Etihad Stadium.

Instead, he was left to live with being the centre of controversy during City's Premier League clash against Tottenham in December 2023.

And it was a storm he unwillingly created all on his own.

Deep in second half stoppage time and with the contest level at 3-3, Tottenham defender Emerson Royal attempted to nick the ball off of Haaland in City's half as they looked to launch a counter.

The Brazilian clipped the City superstar and although he fell to his knees, Haaland quickly popped to his feet and played a perfect ball over the top of Tottenham's defence into the path of Jack Grealish.

Hooper signalled City had the advantage upon Haaland falling over, but just as Grealish looked to streak clear and bear down on goal, he blew his whistle to bring the play back to the original spot of the foul.

How did the City players react to Hooper's call?

An utterly perplexed Grealish stood with his arms outstretched, scarcely able to believe the whistle had been blown.

Haaland immediately sprinted over to Hooper and had his hands on his head.

Several other City players soon formed a crowd around Hooper, who pleaded for calm amid the chaos.

At one point, as many as six of City's stars surrounded Hooper.

The 3-3 scoreline ultimately remained intact, but Hooper's decision would be critiqued long into the night by pundits and even players.

On his X account, Haaland reposted a video of the incident and wrote the caption: "Wtf."

Guardiola was less scathing in his analysis of the incident, although he too was left scratching his head.

"It is hard when you review the image, the referee decides to blow the whistle after he has already said to play on.

"After the pass, the whistle, so I do not understand this action."

'He was devastated'

The controversial incident was reviewed just days after on the Match Officials Mic'd Up show, where PGMOL chief refereeing officer Howard Webb broke down the major decisions that occurred over the weekend.

The Grealish incident was addressed and Webb stated he could 'understand the disappointment that City felt on this one'.

But what was most notable during the analysis was how Webb lifted the lid on the mental anguish endured by Hooper in the aftermath.

Webb began his explanation by pointing out VAR 'has no part to play', meaning it was squarely Hooper's call.

"We're always looking, as officials, to have that positive influence on the game, by trying to identify occasions when we can allow the game to play through an advantage," Webb said.

"He decides to penalise just at the moment as the ball's about to go, he blows the whistle, and then realises that a wonderful advantage was available.

"He was devastated. He'd refereed the game really well for 93 minutes, but he knew this is going to be the only talking point. It would have been a wonderful advantage."

Luckily for City, the result had little bearing on their run to a remarkable fourth-straight Premier League title that season.

Guardiola's side finished at the top of the heap with 91 points, two more than second-placed Arsenal.

It also had no major effect on Tottenham, as they finished in fifth with 66 points, two behind Aston Villa who took up the final Champions League qualification spot.

As for Hooper, he remains a Premier League referee.

But for a few brief seconds on that night in December 2023, Hooper may have preferred he was in a less public line of work.

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Harry Kane in stunning career first as Bayern Munich hero matches Premier League tally in 256 games fewer

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Harry Kane proved he has left his August curse back in England after matching a stunning Premier League feat in the opening Bundesliga match of the season.

The England captain netted an incredible 13-minute second half hat-trick in Bayern Munich's 6-0 thrashing of RB Leipzig on Friday night.

Vincent Kompany's men had three former Premier League stars on the score sheet to give his side the perfect start to the season.

Ex-Crystal Palace star Michael Olise scored twice, either side of a first Bundesliga goal from Luis Diaz following his move from Liverpool.

Kane, who is making the first defence of a title in his career, then took home the matchball by finding the net three times in 13 minutes.

But Kane also left a nod to his life back in England with his eighth Bundesliga treble.

It's the same amount he managed during 320 Premier League games with Tottenham Hotspur - but in 256 games fewer.

Unsurprisingly, it was the first time that the striker has scored a hat-trick in his opening league match of the season.

Kane infamously suffered from an August curse throughout his Spurs tenure, hitting 1,000 minutes without a Premier League goal in the opening month of the season.

He failed to find the net in 14 Premier League matches in August - once having eight shots on target in a single game without scoring.

In August 2018, Kane finally broke his barren run in a 3-1 win over Fulham on the second match of the 2018/2019 campaign.

Kane in the Premier League when he broke his August curse

Kane, meanwhile, was making his 64th appearance in the Bundesliga when he helped Bayern down RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena.

His first two goals were both set up by Diaz, who scored two in as many games for his new club following his Super Cup heroics.

Kane set down an opening day marker to defend his Golden Boot trophy, mere days after tipping Diaz to challenge him for it.

However, the forward was keen to toast his new partnership with his former Premier League rival following Bayern's 'statement' victory.

"We wanted to open the season with a statement, and that's exactly what we've done," Kane told Sky.

"We're playing against a good side, but we were on top in all areas and we were clinical when we needed to be, so we can enjoy this."

Kane: 'Great to play' with Olise and Diaz

"I've played a year with Michael now, and I feel the relationship is getting stronger and stronger," Kane continued.

"The first half, he was outstanding, the goals he scored.

"And Lucho (Diaz), it's only been a few weeks, but I feel like it's been an instant connection. He got a couple of assists for me today.

"It's great for the boys, great for the confidence, but as we know it's the whole team that are working and it's a big performance."

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Tyler Dibling set for instant Premier League return in £42million deal amid Tottenham interest

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Everton have agreed a fee with Southampton for starlet Tyler Dibling, talkSPORT understands.

The Toffees, who have seen two bids for the teenager knocked back this summer, will fork out a £42million package for the 19-year-old.

David Moyes’ side held a long-standing interest in the England Under-21 international, with initial offers of £27m and £35m already turned down.

The Saints had been holding out for a fee closer to £50m for Dibling, who has played just seven Championship minutes this term.

Will Still's men have now finally agreed to part ways with their academy graduate, but are believed to have a 20 per cent sell-on clause inserted in the deal to send him to Merseyside.

Personal terms have been agreed in principle, with plans for Dibling to undergo a medical next week ahead of his move to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The winger scored twice in 33 Premier League appearances last season and has been linked with a return to the top-flight for months.

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle were among the clubs tracking Dibling, with talkSPORT reporting in January that he was on their radar.

However, neither Champions League outfit formalised their interest in the Southampton star, leading the path clear for Everton.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Toffees boss David Moyes claimed his side were struggling to make signings.

"We have money to spend and we are trying to spend it," said Moyes.

"It is not that we don't have the money to spend, we do have, but we're finding it very difficult to spend the money at the moment."

Moyes: 'Everton have had trouble spending money'

"We've really gone for some top players, but unfortunately, we've not been able to get them, so we might be finding ourselves coming down the ladder to find players because we are short on numbers generally. We are going to have to adjust," Moyes continued.

Asked what was preventing Everton from securing several of their targets, Moyes added: "Absolutely Europe.

"If you have European football, you attract a different level of player, you are more attractive.

"We have got to build an awful lot of trust with players and maybe agents to show we are a club moving in the right direction.

"I think our ownership have come in and helped us, and they will give us a chance to spend more money, but I believe the better players want European football, most of them or a lot of them do."

Who have Everton signed so far?

Everton have spent £75m on six players, while Jack Grealish has also joined on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

Thierno Barry has joined from Villarreal for £27m, while Adam Aznou has completed an £8m switch from Bayern Munich.

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'Him or the kitman' - Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur target was slammed by ex-Premier League manager

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Alexander Sorloth is back on the radar of English clubs just five years after ending his Premier League hell.

The towering Norwegian striker - who is on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle - could not get out of Crystal Palace quick enough after signing from Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland in 2018.

His legacy was minimal with his one and only goal for the Eagles coming in a 1–0 EFL Cup win over Swansea City.

And soon enough, he was shipped out on loan at Belgian side Gent and later Trabzonspor.

Most observers were unmoved by his exit, that’s until Sorloth miraculously found his scoring boots in the Turkish Super Lig.

As Palace struggled for goals, Sorloth and Trabzonspor were flourishing.

While Palace were registering a goal-shy total of 24 goals, the Norwegian hammered in his 24th goal of the season for the Turkish outfit.

Few could have predicted such a turnaround and the subject of Sorloth’s upturn in form was famously discussed on an episode of Soccer Saturday.

The show' s host at the time, Jeff Stelling, made reference to Soloth’s impressive stats, however former Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock was having none of it.

What did Neil Warnock say about Alexander Sorloth?

“You can’t blame Palace for that,” Warnock said. “If you’d have seen him, you’d have played yourself.

And when reminded of Sorloth’s record of one goal for Eagles, Warnock joked: “At one stage it was either him or the kitman.”

But it appears that Sorloth is having the last laugh having put his nightmare spell in England behind him to carve out a successful career in Germany and Spain.

LaLiga has brought the best out of the striker with an impressive goal total across the three clubs he has represented.

He netted 24 goals in 90 appearances for Real Sociedad before moving to Villarreal for just £8.6million, where he registered 26 goals in 41 games.

However his biggest move came when he signed for Atletico Madrid in 2024 for £28m.

Playing mostly as back up to Julian Alvarez, Sortloth has netted an impressive 24 goals in 54 games for the Rojiblancos.

But with the Argentine cementing his place as the number one starter under Simeone, Sorloth is unsettled in the Spanish capital.

So much so that he is now considering his options before the end of the transfer window.

Atletico are understood to be open to a departure and they have reportedly set their asking price at around £28m with Villarreal also set to benefit owing to a 20 per cent sell on clause.

That has put both Newcastle and Tottenham on red alert with both clubs the subject of high-profile transfer snubs this summer.

But they may face competition from Istanbul-based duo Besiktas and Fenerbahce for his signature.

Now aged 29, Sorloth may opt for the Premier League to help heal his old wounds and put his past trauma behind him.

Newcastle and Spurs are both desperate for attacking reinforcements before the end of the window, and a move for the 6ft 4in hitman could represent sound business.

And a punt on a tall, Norwegian hitman hasn’t worked out too badly for Manchester City.

Newcastle have seen their advances for Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko eclipsed by Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.

While Brentford continue to play hardball over Yoane Wissa and Wolves want to keep hold of Jorgen Strand Larsen.

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'We don't want them here' - Tottenham boss Thomas Frank gives bullish response to Eberechi Eze snub

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Thomas Frank says he only wants players to sign to Tottenham if they are committed to playing for the club.

The Tottenham boss was speaking after seeing Arsenal snatch Eberechi Eze out of his grasp despite Spurs having agreed a fee with Crystal Palace for the winger.

Eze is set to undergo a medical on Friday before being unveiled as a new Arsenal player.

And that means it’s back to the drawing board for Tottenham in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements.

However, despite widespread taunts of Spurs and their perceived lack of ambition in the transfer market, Frank was in a bullish mood on Friday.

"To make it very, very clear, I don't want any players who don't want to come to the club and wear this fantastic badge," Frank said.

"We don't want them here, that's very clear. The fans also feel the same. If they don't want to play for the club, really enjoy it, no problem. We don't want them here. That's the message."

He continued: "Whoever the player is, whoever they support I don't care too much about. We all have a past. The main thing is the player wants to come. If they're from Spain, Brazil, Denmark… if they want to come, perfect."

Asked if Spurs will be making further signings before the transfer window shuts, Frank said: "I'm pretty confident that we will sign a player before the end of the window."

talkSPORT understands Tottenham do not feel they could have done more to sign Eze, having agreed terms with both Palace and the player.

It is understood Palace were waiting to finalise the deal so that Eze could feature in their Conference League play-off on Thursday night.

But Arsenal swooped in late on Wednesday following an injury to Kai Havertz, and Spurs sources believe Eze's emotional connection to the Gunners ended up deciding the matter.

The England star ended up sitting out of the 1-0 victory over Fredrikstad on Thursday night.

Asked if Spurs will be making further signings before the transfer window shuts, Frank said: "I'm pretty confident that we will sign a player before the end of the window."

Eze is the second Spurs target to slip out their grasp this summer after Morgan Gibbs-White’s transfer from Nottingham Forest fell through.

Frank was then pressed on whether he would be dipping into the transfer market before the end of the transfer window and gave an overwhelming response.

"I'm pretty confident that we will sign a player before the end of the window,” he said.

Meanwhile the Spurs boss offered an update on injured forward Dejan Kulusevski.

The Swede has been sidelined since May after undergoing knee surgery.

He was initially expected to be out for 'a few months' but recent reports claimed Kulusevski had suffered setback and could ruled out until 2026.

And Frank did little to allay Spurs' fans fear when asked about the forwards return ahead of Saturday's trip to Manchester City.

"No Kulusevski, he's out. That's a longer one, I don't want to put a timeframe on it," Frank told reporters.

The Swede's unavailability comes just as Frank adjusts to life without playmaker James Maddison.

Source