The Mirror

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a number of midfielders this summer, including Sandro Tonali and Mateus Ferna

Lucas Bergvall has told Tottenham Hotspur of his intentions to leave the club this summer. The 20-year-old, who only made the switch to North London from Djurgarden in 2024 in an £8.5million deal, found consistent playing time hard to come by during the closing stages of 2025/26, predominantly featuring as a second-half substitute after Roberto De Zerbi's arrival.

And now, the Athletic report that the Sweden international - who is presently representing his country at the 2026 World Cup in North America - is seeking a new challenge elsewhere. While the midfielder has previously caught the eye of clubs including Chelsea and Aston Villa, Spurs showed no willingness at the time to part ways with him.

Whether either side remain interested in his services is yet to be determined. Considering how expensive the midfield market has become this summer, a transfer for Bergvall - who remains under contract until 2031 - is unlikely to be straightforward.

His current market valuation stands at approximately £52m, though given his eagerness to move on, potential buyers may succeed in negotiating that figure down somewhat.

This development comes as Spurs have been associated with several highly-regarded midfielders this summer, as they aim to strengthen their engine room to prevent another disappointing campaign.

The Lilywhites ended up 17th in the Premier League table last term, barely escaping relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season with a 1-0 victory over Everton.

And with De Zerbi now in charge for the upcoming campaign, it appears Spurs are actively pursuing upgrades right across the squad. The Athletic reports that the club are prepared to break their wage structure to secure a deal for Sandro Tonali, who stood out in a struggling Newcastle United side last term.

Yet, with a price tag hovering around £100m, it remains uncertain whether the Lilywhites will stump up the funds needed to tempt the Magpies, given they are determined to keep hold of the Italian.

West Ham's Mateus Fernandes has been mentioned as another potential target, with the East London outfit possibly looking to reduce their wage bill after suffering relegation this season.

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It is understood that Spurs have approached their London rivals regarding a transfer, though the Hammers still value the 21-year-old at approximately £80m with his prime years still to come.

Tottenham Hotspur have had an £80million bid for the Italian midfielder turned down by Newcastle United

There are many roles on a football pitch that cannot be judged by statistics. In a relatively deep central midfield position, Sandro Tonali occupies one of them.

So, it would be unfair to use basic numbers to suggest his most recent season with Newcastle United was not his best one. Those numbers are quite stark, though.

He did not score in the Premier League and contributed only two assists. He was booked four times. He was part of a Newcastle team that finished 12th and won only 14 of their 38 matches.

Tonali is a good player, no doubt about that. He cost in excess of £55million three years ago. And it understandable that Newcastle, and manager Eddie Howe, would want to keep hold of him.

They have shown great faith in him, having supported the player during the 10-month ban he received for breaking betting regulations. It is also understandable that they would turn down an opening bid from any suitor. That is the way negotiations work. No-one accepts a first offer.

But with their £80million valuation of the 26-year-old Italian, Spurs are being more than realistic. And if Newcastle hold out for - and get - £100million for Tonali, it will be proof that the Premier League transfer market is madder than ever.

In support of their nine-figure valuation, Newcastle will probably point to Elliot Anderson, the player they sold to Nottingham Forest for £35million in the summer of 2024 and who now looks certain to join Manchester City in a deal that is likely to be finalised at somewhere close to the £130million mark. Across two seasons with Forest, Anderson has six Premier League goals and ten assists.

He is an integral part of the England team and is clearly an extremely good player. But he was also an integral part of a Forest team that finished 16th in the Premier League last season.

Clearly, there is a premium on central, combative midfielders. Mateus Fernandes is clearly going to leave West Ham after their relegation to the Championship, having only been at the club for a year following his £38million move from Southampton. Now, it seems, he is valued at around £80million.

Fernandes was decent enough in West Ham’s doomed campaign but how has he more than doubled in value? This is a player who has now been relegated with two clubs in two seasons.

The cost of players in the Premier League is getting silly. Jan Paul van Hecke had a very good game for the Netherlands in their 5-1 thrashing of Sweden at the World Cup. But he only had a year of his Brighton contract left to run and Spurs still paid in excess of £50 million for him.

It is what the Germans used to call ‘stupid English money’. There does appear to be one outlier this summer.

It seems Manchester United will accept £40million from another Premier League club - apart from Liverpool or Manchester City - for Marcus Rashford. In the context of the current market, that is hard to fathom - almost as hard to fathom as Barcelona’s decision not to activate a £26million purchase clause at the end of the 28-year-old England attacker’s loan deal.

But Rashford, for whatever reason, seems to be an exceptional case. Because if the prices being bandied around for Tonali, for Anderson and for Fernandes are paid, the summer window promises to bring a spending spree that is remarkable, even by Premier League standards.

Liverpool are reportedly not in the running to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven this summer

Liverpool are reportedly not pursuing Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven this summer, despite recent reports indicating a potential deal could materialise.

The Reds have been tentatively linked with a move for the Spurs centre-back previously, and the speculation has emerged once more this week.

Andoni Iraola will be focusing on preparations for his debut campaign as Liverpool's new boss, having been confirmed as Arne Slot's successor earlier this month.

Those preparations will include involvement in the club's summer transfer window strategy, with reports surfacing that Van de Ven could feature on Liverpool's list of targets this summer.

Nevertheless, Fabrizio Romano has stated that there are no intentions for Van de Ven to join either Liverpool or Barcelona, with the latter also being mentioned as a potential option for the Netherlands international.

It has been indicated that Spurs regard Van de Ven as a key figure in their squad and do not anticipate the defender departing north London throughout the summer transfer window.

The development followed a report in Dutch publication De Telegraaf claiming that Liverpool and Barcelona have both submitted an approach to secure the 25-year-old centre-half this summer.

The uncertainty surrounding Van de Ven's future arrives at a time when Spurs have finalised the signing of defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton in a deal understood to be valued at approximately £52million.

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Liverpool currently have four senior centre-back options at their disposal, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni set to be joined by new signing Jeremy Jacquet.

The Reds have been dealt a blow after Ibrahima Konate departed the club this summer on a free transfer to Real Madrid, fuelling speculation that strengthening at centre-back could be firmly on the agenda during the current transfer window.

Liverpool will also be aware that Leoni is still working his way back from an ACL injury sustained on his debut last September, while Jacquet picked up a shoulder injury in February in what turned out to be his last appearance for Rennes before his switch to Merseyside.

Iraola has already seen Liverpool bolster his newly-inherited ranks, with Victor Munoz completing a permanent transfer to Anfield from Osasuna.

The Spain international has put pen to paper on a six-year deal after Liverpool reached an agreement worth £34.5m to secure the signature of the versatile forward.

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Arsenal have been linked with several players during the summer transfer window, including Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali

Arsenal enter the summer transfer window in a commanding position as the reigning Premier League champions. Mikel Arteta will want to build on his side’s success by securing the club’s top targets.

The Gunners have assembled a formidable squad but there is always room for improvement. Arsenal have consistently been linked with Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, while Morocco starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi has also been touted for a move to the Emirates Stadium during the World Cup.

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is another player who has been the subject of transfer speculation. The 26-year-old was claimed to be an Arsenal target during the previous window and is on the radar of several Premier League clubs.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur academy prospect Elijah Upson. Here, Mirror Football looks at some of the biggest stories surrounding Arsenal.

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Sandro Tonali transfer battle update

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly entered the race to sign Newcastle star Sandro Toanli. Arsenal were initially linked with a surprise move for the Italy international at the end of the winter transfer window.

The Times reports that Spurs have held talks with Tonali’s representatives over a possible move to Roberto De Zerbi’s side. Newcastle are claimed to value the midfielder at up to £100million.

It is added that Tonali has been offered to multiple clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United. Newcastle have already sold one of their star assets this summer after Anthony Gordon sealed his move to Barcelona.

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Arsenal deal Tottenham blow

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur academy star Elijah Upson. The defender is set to leave Spurs at the end of his contract and could face the blow of Upson joining their north London rivals.

The Athletic reports that Arsenal are targeting Upson as part of their drive to sign top prospects, following their interest in Leicester City’s Jeremy Monga. Upson made 23 appearances in all competitions last season, captaining Spurs’ U18s on several occasions.

The England U18 international is the son of former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson. The 47-year-old spent five-and-a-half years with the Gunners, featuring 57 times and winning the Premier League title in 2002.

Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, wanted by Spurs, suffered significant swelling to his eye following a collision in Holland's thrilling draw with Japan

Tottenham transfer target Jan Paul van Hecke is set to be assessed by Dutch national team medical staff on Monday after he suffered significant swelling to his right eye in Holland's 2-2 World Cup draw with Japan in Dallas.

The issue, sustained from a kick, worsened during the second half and images of the bruising, taken as he greeted his family in the stands, have raised further alarm.

Van Hecke has also since revealed the damage impacted his vision, stating: "He kicked me in the eye with all his might. I was heading for the ball, so I thought something might happen.

"At some point, it definitely affected my vision. I can't see very well on that side right now. I hope it will get a little better in a few days. I think it will swell up a bit more later, but that's also part of the game."

While it's not clear when the incident took place, Van Hecke was able to complete the full 90 minutes as Ronald Koeman's Oranje surrendered the lead on two separate occasions in their Group F opener.

The 26-year-old, who is swiftly approaching the final year of his current contract with Brighton, feels Holland should have pressed higher up the pitch after restoring their one-goal cushion through Crysencio Summerville.

He continued: "We scored two fantastic goals, but personally, I think we dropped back a little too much. If we had kept putting pressure on the opponent, we could have made the game easier for ourselves

"It happens naturally. A goal changes the flow of the game. When you take the lead, you start to defend it. But you have to keep defending high up the pitch. Sometimes it's difficult, but I think we could have done better."

After seeing two bids rejected, Spurs remain in discussions with their Premier League counterparts over a deal for the central defender, who is eager to reunite with former boss Roberto De Zerbi in north London.

While other clubs had considered entering the race, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle are among those to have kept tabs on Van Hecke, he is thought to have made it clear he wants to join Tottenham.

Van Hecke's former side NAC Breda are patiently awaiting an agreement as they have a small sell-on clause (worth 7.5%) that will entitle them to a small cut of profit.

Tottenham have already completed two signings this summer after snapping up Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively.

Tottenham are working to complete the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke, who has just one year remaining on his current contract with Brighton and Hove Albion

Tottenham transfer target Jan Paul van Hecke insists he already has "clarity" on his club future, hinting he is keen to reunite with former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi in north London.

Still, Van Hecke has also made it clear he does not want any lingering distractions ahead of his World Cup debut with the Netherlands.

Spurs have already seen two bids rejected for the Albion centre-back, while the Seagulls are keen to sign Croatian gem Luka Vuskovic as his replacement after tabling a separate £30million offer.

Discussions between the parties are continuing but regardless, Van Hecke looks set to partner Virgil van Dijk at the back for Holland in their Group F opener against Japan in Dallas.

When quizzed on his situation, he said: “First of all, I just want to focus on the Dutch national team on Sunday.

“That is a very important match for us, for me. So that’s my focus until now. Of course, things are also playing, and I know that myself too. But that’s not for now, that’s more after the World Cup. I will then see where I play.

“I have also said very clearly that I would like to have clarity for myself before the World Cup. And uh I have that too. But then for now for myself it’s just clear. I just want to play the World Cup as well as possible.

“That clarity will probably come after the World Cup when uh when I make that step, then it’s clear to everyone."

Van Hecke will also fulfil a childhood dream if he makes his World Cup bow.

His uncle Jan Poortvliet represented Holland at the 1978 tournament and even played in the final where Oranje fell short against hosts Argentina in Buenos Aires.

It's partially why he never forgets his roots and humble beginnings and ex-club NAC Breda are in line to profit from his potential transfer to Spurs, should that materialise.

Van Hecke added, alluding to Breda's 7.5 per cent sell-on clause: “My story is special anyway, because I was still playing as a main class amateur at 17.

“We were promoted then and that is of course special now that you take such a step and very nice amounts will eventually go back to where you started. Of course those people are watching and thinking about that amount!"

Holland boss Ronald Koeman is hopeful of having Van Hecke's Brighton team-mate Bart Verbruggen fit to start in goal. The shot-stopper recently picked up a hip injury in his nation's final World Cup warm-up match against Uzbekistan.

Tottenham are leading a rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi with two signings already made and at least one more on the Italian's shortlist

Tottenham can at last focus on what lies ahead following a tense conclusion to the Premier League campaign, which saw Roberto De Zerbi guide them to survival on the final day of the season. The Italian manager has already left his mark in north London with two significant acquisitions, snapping up Champions League victor Andy Robertson from Liverpool and Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth on free transfer.

However, further additions are anticipated during the summer window to enable De Zerbi to complete his preferred defensive unit. Robertson, 32, enjoyed eight silverware-filled years at Anfield and his know-how will prove crucial in helping reshape the mentality in north London, while Senesi has established himself as one of the Premier League's most reliable performers.

De Zerbi is nowhere near done with building his defence for the forthcoming campaign, though, having made plain his desire to link up again with Jan Paul van Hecke. This is evident in Spurs' chase of Van Hecke following two rejected offers for the Dutchman, as Brighton refuse to budge from their £70 million valuation.

The Dutchman is part of the Netherlands World Cup squad in the United States and Spurs' efforts to secure an agreement ahead of the tournament's start have thus far fallen short. Nevertheless, the sums being discussed demonstrate the club's determination to progress after disappointing consecutive 17th-placed finishes in the division.

The Lilywhites are plotting a major overhaul that could see an entirely fresh centre-back partnership installed. With uncertainty surrounding the futures of captain Cristian Romero and star defender Micky van de Ven, De Zerbi is laying the groundwork by chasing a deal for Van Hecke to form a pairing with Luka Vuskovic.

The 19-year-old produced an outstanding loan stint with Hamburg in the Bundesliga last term, netting six goals in 28 outings despite operating mainly as a centre-back. The German club were eager to prolong his stay for another year, but Spurs' determination to keep hold of the Serbian for next campaign indicates he is in line for a more prominent squad position.

Vuskovic has already suggested he will not be heading back to Hamburg or embarking on another loan spell. When questioned about his plans ahead, the teenager told Nova TV: "Playing with my brother [Mario] at HSV would be a dream and a dream come true for me, but it's hardly possible. I don't know what else to say except... impossible."

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He also offered an enthusiastic assessment of his new manager De Zerbi, saying: "I think he's a top-class coach. He likes attacking football, he likes build-up play, and I really like that. I hope we'll work well together in the future."

It could turn out to be an ideal partnership. De Zerbi is committed to giving first-team chances to younger players and Spurs will be determined to ensure Vuskovic receives sufficient game time to further his progression.

Senesi's arrival alongside the pursuit of Van Hecke could restrict Vuskovic to a substitute's role in the Premier League, particularly if Romero or Van de Ven stay at the club. But opportunities elsewhere - such as domestic cup fixtures - could arise for the youngster.

Bringing in Van Hecke to join Robertson and Senesi, a pair boasting extensive Premier League know-how, will only bolster their ranks with Pedro Porro established as their preferred right-back and Djed Spence offering backup.

Regarding exits, Kevin Danso may depart should Van Hecke arrive this summer, while Radu Dragusin is anticipated to seal a permanent return to Italy and young left-back Souza could go out on loan. Whether they can retain Romero and Van de Ven is an entirely separate question, and losing two of their experienced leaders would constitute a devastating setback ahead of the new campaign.

With a transfer for Manchester City winger Savinho also progressing, the painful recollections from the 2025/26 season under Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor are slowly receding into the past. Throw an exciting prospect like Vuskovic into the equation and the outlook appears considerably more promising for Spurs under their forward-thinking new boss De Zerbi.

Right-back: Pedro Porro, Djed Spence

Centre-back: Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Luka Vuskovic

Left-back: Andy Robertson, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies

French outlet L'Equipe has claimed Manchester City are considering a move for Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto. The Cityzens have been linked with several Blues players this summer.

With former West Londoners' manager Enzo Maresca set to replace Pep Guardiola, the French outlet understands he would like to reunite with Gusto. The Frenchman was a regular under the Italian, particularly when Reece James was out injured.

Brighton and Hove Albion have bid £30m for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Luka Vuskovic, according to the Athletic. The 19-year-old is considered to be one of Spurs' top young talents.

He has also gained a great reputation across Europe, who took note of his performances while he was on loan at Hamburg last season.

Liverpool transfer target Bradley Barcola has been told he can leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The Frenchman has been on the Merseysiders' radar for the last couple of seasons.

Now the two-time Champions League winner will be allowed to depart in the summer, according to L'Equipe. However, Andoni Iraola's side may also have to compete with Mikel Arteta and Arsenal for the forward's signature.

In the Championship, Birmingham City are reportedly set to complete a £7m transfer.

Blues are to turn their loan of Jhon Solis from Girona into a permanent deal. Solis spent the second half of last season on loan at St Andrew's and now Chris Davies' side are set to bring him in before their option to buy the player expires next week, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Midlands side are expected to challenge for promotion next season.

Kieran Trippier is considering tearing up his deal to join Wolverhampton Wanderers, after Rob Edwards was sacked. Trippier was recently unveiled as a Wolves player, albeit his deal does not kick-in until July 1.

According to the Sun, he is furious with Edwards' dismissal and is now considering not moving to the Molineux. He's been described as feeling "angry and betrayed" at the messy parting of ways between Edwards and the club.

Former Arsenal star Ray Parlour has backed the Gunners to complete the double transfer of Morgan Rogers and Eli Junior Kroupi. The duo, who have both been linked with the Gunners, would likely cost the north Londoners around £170m.

Rogers could be in line to start for the Three Lions in the World Cup, while Kroupi was a breakout star for Bournemouth in last season's Premier League campaign. Looking at their displays, Parlous thinks his former side should sign both.

He told The Mirror: "Kroupi's a very good, talented player, there's no doubt about that. He's a young player, and you know Mikel Arteta can make players even better when they're young, so that would be a good signing."

Manchester City may make a move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, if they admit defeat to Elliot Anderson. The Cityzens recently saw a £106m plus £15m in add-ons bid for Anderson be rejected by Nottingham Forest.

It has since been claimed they may walk away for a deal for the England international to avoid a transfer bidding war. And according to Fabrizio Romano, City may consider making a move for Tonali as an alternative option.

Nottingham Forest may have priced, out of everybody, Manchester City out of signing Elliot Anderson. The Englishman was subjected to a £106m plus £15m in add-ons bid from the Cityzens but this was rejected.

It's now been claimed by the Mirror City may walk away from a potential deal for the ex-Newcastle United ace. City are understood to not be willing to go into a messy transfer bidding war for the dynamic midfielder, who is expected to partner Declan Rice in the World Cup.

Andoni Iraola has been tipped to carry out a £160million transfer raid on former club Bournemouth. The new Liverpool manager has been linked with a massive double move for Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott.

The Cherries' duo were outstanding for Iraola in their Europa League qualifying campaign. After they both took part in a historic campaign for the South Coast side, Alan Shearer has tipped them to both move to Liverpool.

Shearer said: "I totally understand why bigger clubs will be looking at their players because of their outstanding performances, particularly last season, though I guess Bournemouth fans will hate to hear this.

"We've said it many times and we'll say it again: their recruitment at Bournemouth has been off the charts, so it is no surprise some of their players are being linked with big football clubs.

"That's a great credit to them for the job they've done in getting those players there. I said months ago that the two players I would pick out of that team would be Eli Kroupi and Alex Scott.

"I think they've been absolutely outstanding this season for Bournemouth, so it wouldn't be a surprise to me at all if they were to go this summer."

Good morning transfer fans - yes, there is still transfer news coming through. The World Cup may have got underway last night, but there is still much business to be done.

They may be with all of their international teams in the USA, Canada and Mexico, but there are still transfer moves to be completed and deals to be done.

Mirror Football will be here with any and all updates on the transfer market.

Manchester City are thought to be considering walking away from a potential deal for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson this summer, reports Jeremy Cross.

City have already seen a £120million bid for the England midfielder rejected by Forest, which is understood to comprise of an initial £100million fee plus £20million in add-ons.

Anderson is currently with the England squad for this summer’s World Cup, and City are not prepared to enter a bidding war for the talented midfielder, with it believed their previous offer was a fair one.

Data compiled by Machine Football shows that Pedro Porro has quietly become one of the most productive attacking full-backs in European football, and the numbers back it up.

His expected assists figure of 4.64 this season is exceptional for a right back, and his creativity, sitting in the 99th percentile universally by position tells you everything about how he operates.

Machine Football values him at £44.6M, and a global archetype ranking of 11th out of 796 right backs confirms this is a player at the very top of his position.

Taken together, the data suggests that Porro would be a smart signing for City were they to agree a deal.

Supercomputer Machine Football analyses billions of bits of football data to predict player performance, transfers and match outcomes.

Manchester United continue to be linked with Newcastle United star Lewis Hall this summer in their search for a new left-back.

The Magpies defender is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and United are monitoring his situation but another name has emerged as a possible transfer target.

Sky Sports claims Michael Carrick's side have also identified Antonee Robinson as a potential alternative to Hall this summer.

Robinson's future at Craven Cottage is unclear with Fulham searching for a new head coach after Marco Silva's departure.

Manchester United are preparing a move for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare. The 23-year-old has attracted interest after a standout debut campaign in Ligue 1 after arriving for just £6.9million.

The box-to-box midfielder is described as a "monster" in transition, and Foot Mercato report that United are impressed by his development so far and potential for growth.

His estimated value is said to be around £35m, but the French club are said to be holding out for far more than that with United unlikely to be the only club interested this summer.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has left Blackburn Rovers, after spending the tail end of the season as part of Michael O'Neill's coaching staff.

Blackburn said in a statement: "We can confirm that Phil Jones has informed the club of his decision to pursue another opportunity away from Ewood Park.

"Everyone at Blackburn Rovers would like to thank Phil for his professionalism and commitment, and wish him every success in the future."

Arsenal are 'confident' they can sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams during the summer transfer window, according to TEAMTalk.

It's added that Williams, who came close to signing for Arsenal in 2024, is believed to be keen to move to the Premier League and the Gunners are still in the hunt for his signature.

Spain international Williams is considered Arteta's 'dream' signing for the transfer window, but it remains to be seen whether they can convince Athletic to sell.

New Yorker and Tottenham Hotspur fan Adam Richman is among the hosts in New York tonight.

ITV viewers were confused tonight when presenting the opening day of World Cup coverage alongside the former footballers on the panel was a man best known for eating hot dogs, monster steaks and grilled cheese sandwiches.

The broadcaster has signed up New Yorker and Tottenham Hotspur fan Adam Richman, the former host of legendary series Man V Food. Adam travelled America for the competitive eating show from 2008 until 2012 it was regularly repeated in the UK for many years to come. A spin-off, Adam Richman Eats Britain, aired in 2024.

Tonight viewers were introduced to the star, who is hosting alongside fellow American Semra Hunter, an expert in Spanish football. The pair appeared in their own section of ITV's impressive Brooklyn set, in a special area away from host Mark Pougatch and pundits Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright.

Many poked fun at his inclusion in the line-up, with one viewer writing: "Don't mind Adam Richman being part of ITV's World Cup coverage but they should be making him eat a 9 foot wide pizza while he's there."

Another wrote: "Give me a Roy Keane reaction cam in the corner whenever they hand to Adam Richman." A third said: "Can get aboard with the Adam Richman segments on itvs coverage. All round solid bloke who loves football and will surely get some good snippets of local knowledge and food clips."

Others agreed, with one writing: "Adam Richman of Man v. Food fame being a World Cup 2026 pundit for ITV says a lot about about the US and how this tournament is going to play out, but I’m weirdly here for it…"

One moaned: "What does Adam Richman have to do with the World Cup exactly??" But many pointed out his football credentials, with a viewer saying: "All you people moaning about Adam Richman Man Vs Food being on ITVs World Cip Panel know Jack S***.

"He loves his football, proper Spurs man, goes to games & sits with ordinary supporters, sat with us at Chelsea away a few years back."

Adam, 52, slimmed down considerably after retiring Man V Food, losing around 30kg through a mixture of no longer eating large quantities of food during the challenges and taking up a dedicated exercise routine.

ITV has spent big on the World Cup this time around, with a roster of top pundits and its lavish New York set. The BBC by comparison will be hosting the action from the US, Mexico and Canada from a green-screen set in Salford.

Ben Davies has signed a new one-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur despite suffering a serious ankle injury in January that ruled him out for the remainder of the 2025/26 season

Tottenham have announced that Ben Davies has signed a new one-year deal the club - but Yves Bissouma is set to leave when his contract expires this summer.

Davies, 33, had been facing the prospect of becoming a free agent at the end of June, but Spurs have opted to hand him fresh terms and he has agreed to stay at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the 2026/27 season.

The Welshman has been at Spurs since 2014, when he joined from Swansea City, and has established himself as a cult hero during his time in north London, racking up 363 appearances and playing his part in the side that lifted the Europa League last season.

Bissouma, 29, meanwhile, joined Spurs for £30million from Brighton in 2022 and made 111 appearances for the club. Like Davies, the Mali international played a key role in Tottenham's Europa League win and starred in the final against Manchester United.

While Bissouma has showed moments of brilliance during his time in N17, he has been nowhere consistent enough and Spurs have now allowed him to leave for free at the end of his contract this month.

Bissouma, once dubbed one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, is one of 11 players departing Spurs when their current deal expires, with Pele Arganese-McDermott, Tyrell Ashcroft, Leo Black, Dante Cassanova, Matthew Craig, Calum Logan, Jamel Beggs, Samal Bangura, Leon Myrtaj, Elijah Upson the others.

As for Davies, concerns had mounted that his time at Tottenham was finished when he suffered a dreadful ankle injury during a 2-1 loss to West Ham in mid-January. He required two operations to rectify the issue and was sidelined for the rest of the campaign, sitting out the final 22 matches.

Davies made just five appearances for Tottenham throughout the 2025/26 campaign, having been sidelined for over a month earlier in the season following a hamstring injury.

While it remains uncertain whether Davies will be available from the start of the new season, his influence in the dressing room is undoubtedly going to prove priceless, particularly for the younger members of the squad.

After putting his signature to a new Tottenham deal, Davies told the club's website: "Tottenham Hotspur really feels like home. It's been a huge part of my football journey and I'm grateful for what the club has given me so far in my career.

"It's been difficult over the past few months, not being able to help the team on the pitch in some tough moments due to injury. So I tried to help the boys off it as much as I could, being a voice in the dressing room and around the group, contributing in any way I could.

"My heart's on my sleeve for this club and I'll give everything for it.