The Independent

Liverpool have agreed a fee with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Bradley Barcola after the French club lowered their demands for the forward. Liverpool have also enquired about the availability of Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr as Andoni Iraola looks to add wide attacking threat to his squad, after the Reds had also seen two bids for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh knocked back.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have insisted there is “zero per cent chance” they sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona this summer and claim they are “the only victims” in the protracted transfer saga. The 26-year-old forward has made it clear that he would like to join Barcelona but Arsenal continue to monitor the situation and may move to make a late deal for the Argentina international. The Independent understands that Atletico would like Alvarez’s future to be decided by Friday.

Elsewhere, Manchester City have sealed a €100m deal for Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and have sold Savio to Tottenham in a deal worth £85m. They are also interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and could yet reignite a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, making him potentially the biggest transfer of the summer. Chelsea are also in talks to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and could turn back to Bournemouth’s Alex Scott if they sell Fernandez.

Tottenham Hotspur have completed their eighth acquisition of a busy transfer window, securing Omar Marmoush on a season-long loan from Manchester City that includes an obligation to sign the player on a permanent basis.

Marmoush is the latest addition for Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi, who took charge in March and guided the club to Premier League survival, before receiving more than £300m in backing to reconstruct his squad this summer.

Following Savio’s arrival on Tuesday in a total package worth £85m, Tottenham wrapped up their double raid on City on Thursday after Marmoush officially signed a contract that will turn permanent for a £60m fee next summer.

Upon his arrival, Marmoush said: "It feels amazing to be here. I’m so excited to get started with the team and I can’t wait to meet the fans.

"Tottenham Hotspur is one of the biggest clubs in England, if not the world, and the project was very attractive to me.

"I’ve spoken with the head coach, I loved what he had to say and I’m sure our passion for the game will go very well together."

The Egyptian international is another target Spurs have tracked for some time, having monitored him during the tenure of former manager Ange Postecoglou before he ultimately opted to sign for City in 2025 following a high-scoring period with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Loan spells at Stuttgart and St Pauli took place before a breakout year at Wolfsburg alongside his new Tottenham team-mate Micky van de Ven, prior to his move to Frankfurt.

The versatile attacker recorded an impressive tally of 37 goals and 20 assists over a productive 18-month stay at Frankfurt, which prompted his subsequent £59m transfer to City.

While Marmoush scored a hat-trick against Newcastle on his fifth outing for Man City, regular playing time proved difficult to secure as backup to Erling Haaland, leading to his exit after netting 16 times in 62 appearances.

De Zerbi said: "Omar is exactly the kind of player we want at this club – ambitious, hungry and determined to make a difference. He has incredible attacking quality but what I also love is his desire to improve and to win.

"He brings pace, intelligence and a real threat in front of goal, and I believe he can take our attacking play to another level."

It is understood that City have already fulfilled their required financial obligations to Frankfurt, and no sell-on clause was inserted into the agreement when City purchased the 27-year-old.

A move to north London will delight fellow Egyptian and former Spurs striker Mido, who recommended via X two years ago that his former team purchase Marmoush.

The addition of Marmoush on an initial loan ahead of a permanent £50m deal, with a further £10m included as part of add-ons, will boost Tottenham’s options in attack.

Spurs currently face a shortage of fully fit key forwards, with players such as James Maddison and Mohammed Kudus lacking match sharpness while others remain out with long-term injuries.

Following Savio’s goalscoring debut on Wednesday against Charlton in an impressive 19-minute cameo performance, Marmoush will be hoping to gain an opportunity to make his Spurs debut in Saturday’s match against Newcastle.

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Carabao Cup draw LIVE: Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Man Utd and Chelsea all learn third round ties

Liverpool play Tottenham in the third round of the Carabao Cup after Everton and Newcastle also progressed

Liverpool will play Tottenham in the third round of the Carabao Cup while Coventry City host Aston Villa in a Midlands derby and Chelsea could host Leeds United should they defeat Luton tomorrow night.

Premier League champions Arsenal will travel to Ipswich and Manchester United face Brighton, who knocked the Red Devils out of last season’s FA Cup at Old Trafford. Everton host Wolves and Newcastle face a tricky visit to Millwall, while Sunderland host Hull in another all-Premier League tie.

Holders Manchester City are home to Norwich and Bournemouth and Crystal Palace also host Championship opposition with respective ties against Lincoln and Middlesbrough, while West Ham will welcome either Fulham or AFC Wimbledon.

Brentford make the short trip to Reading, while the remaining ties see Sheffield United at Fleetwood, Leyton Orient at home to Bradford and Peterborough meeting Barnsley.

The two remaining ties, between Chelsea and Luton and Fulham and AFC Wimbledon, will take place on Thursday night. The third-round fixtures will be held across the weeks commencing 7 September and 14 September.

The five Premier League clubs playing in this season’s Champions League will be in action in the second week due to their European commitments. The eight teams involved in the Champions League and Europa League could not play each other in the third round.

Follow all live updates from tonight’s ties below:

Pinned

Carabao Cup third round draw in full

Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough

Manchester United v Brighton

Manchester City v Norwich

Sunderland v Hull

Ipswich v Arsenal

Coventry v Aston Villa

Bournemouth v Lincoln

Liverpool v Tottenham

Chelsea/Luton v Leeds

Millwall v Newcastle

Fleetwood v Sheffield United

Everton v Wolves

Leyton Orient v Bradford

Reading v Brentford

Peterborough v Barnsley

West Ham v Fulham/AFC Wimbledon

Mike Jones26 August 2026 22:23

Coventry to play Aston Villa for first time in 25 years!

Coventry were always going to play Aston Villa this season after returning to the Premier League, but the Sky Blues will get to face their Midlands rivals earlier than expected after drawing them in the third round of the Carabao Cup. They have not played each other since Coventry were relegated from the Premier League 25 years ago and now they get three in one season! To add to the edge, it was Aston Villa who relegated Coventry in 2001.

Jamie Braidwood27 August 2026 03:30

Tough trip for Newcastle?

Newcastle were pushed hard by West Brom as Harvey Barnes’ double helped Matthias Jaissle to a first win at St James’ Park.

West Brom were two wins from two in the Championship and now Newcastle have to face another in-form Championship side.

They have been drawn away to Millwall in the third round, with Alex Neil’s side also making a strong start after missing out on promotion last season.

A midweek trip to the Den is a spicy one, too.

Jamie Braidwood27 August 2026 02:30

Can Man Utd avoid last year's cup disaster?

Manchester United failed to win a match in either the Carabao Cup or the FA Cup last season, losing to Grimsby in the second round of the former and then Brighton in the latter at Old Trafford. Well, Michael Carrick’s will be playing Brighton once again, this time in the third round of the Carabao Cup. It will also come after their opening match in the Champions League the week before. Brighton, who are also in Europe, will not be in action in the Conference League until October.

Jamie Braidwood27 August 2026 01:30

Roberto De Zerbi challenges Savio to hit double figures for Spurs this season

Roberto De Zerbi toasted the perfect day for Tottenham new boy Savio but then ordered him to hit doubles figures this season.

Spurs completed the £85m signing of Savio from Manchester City on Tuesday to bring a lengthy pursuit to a satisfactory conclusion and the 22-year-old quickly made himself a hit with fans in a 5-1 thrashing of Charlton in the Carabao Cup.

Savio was introduced in the 71st minute and got off the mark for his new club with 82 minutes on the clock with a fizzing low effort into the bottom corner before a side-footed shot three minutes later was deflected in by Ben Davies to round off Tottenham’s scoring.

“Yes, it is a perfect day for him,” De Zerbi said of Savio. “I think his biggest step and biggest improvement is to increase the number of goals because as qualities, I think he is one of the best wingers, but the best wingers score many goals.

“I spoke with him and we put the goal on 10 or 12 goals (target) because we need 10 or 12 goals from the wingers. Last season we suffered too much because also the number of goals were not enough to compete for nothing more than that (17th) position.”

George Sessions27 August 2026 00:30

Andy Robertson set for Liverpool return as Tottenham head to Anfield in Carabao Cup

Andy Robertson will return to Anfield for the first time as Liverpool host Tottenham in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

The Scotland captain joined Spurs on a free transfer this summer after nine successful years at Liverpool, where he became one of the world’s best left backs and a fan favourite.

The 32-year-old is now set for an emotional return to Liverpool in September when Andoni Iraola’s side host Roberto De Zerbi’s new-look side in the pick of the third-round draw.

Jamie Braidwood26 August 2026 23:30

Thierno Barry leads confident Everton to reflect David Moyes’ Carabao Cup mission

A hat-trick for Thierno Barry and a first in blue for Brennan Johnston gave David Moyes plenty to smile about as his side cruised into the third round.

Thierno Barry leads confident Everton to reflect David Moyes’ Carabao Cup mission

Preston 0-4 Everton: A hat-trick for Thierno Barry and a first in blue for Brennan Johnston gave Moyes plenty to smile about as his side cruised into the third round

Richard Jolly at Deepdale26 August 2026 23:08

Where can Everton improve?

A final word from the Everton manager who explained the areas he thinks his team can improve in the short term.

“I think we’ve got a lot of work to do and I still feel that for us to be a side which is competitive I still feel that we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Moyes said.

“Hopefully we’re able to try and do some of it.

"More players. Our squad’s not big enough. We need to get more quality in some areas if we can do."

Mike Jones26 August 2026 23:04

Moyes on progress of Johnson

David Moyes and Everton aren’t rushing to get Brennan Johnson back into his best goalscoring form and the manager believes that easing him into life on Merseyside will benefit him.

"We want to find what he did at Tottenham when he was scoring all those goals,” Moyes revealed.

“His assist was a brilliant assist and his finish as well.

“The people who’ve watched Brennan over the years would tell you that looks a bit more like him… we don’t want to bring him on too quick we want to sort of introduce him but he’s done well when he’s come on tonight."

Mike Jones26 August 2026 23:00

Moyes on Barry's improvement

Thierno Barry scored a hat-trick for Everton and David Moyes is hopeful that can inspire him to kick on and progress.

"I told him he has to do a lot better than he did before, that’s it,” Moyes said of Barry.

“We want goalscorers, we want centre forwards to score goals and he’s got some.

"I don’t think it’s easy for anybody coming to the Premier League in their first season, especially centre forwards, it’s difficult for them.

“He’ll learn a lot more, he’ll see a lot more and he’s come in with a much better attitude generally so whoever’s working with him is doing a good job."

Mike Jones26 August 2026 22:56

Tottenham host Charlton Athletic in the second round of the Carabao Cup hoping to respond to the weekend’s woeful defeat to Brentford and get their season back on track.

Roberto De Zerbi was less than thrilled by his team’s performance as they went down 3-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium but he will be hoping that a league cup outing against Championship side Charlton can kick his team into gear. Spurs will be boosted by having Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro available while Savio, recently signed from Manchester City, could make his debut for the club.

Charlton, meanwhile, have had a fine start to the season with victories over Derby and West Ham coming in the second division after their 3-1 triumph against Cheltenham in the Carabao Cup first round. Manager Nathan Jones is excited about the prospect of taking on Spurs but understands the difficulty of facing a top-flight team.

“It is a wonderful test,” he said, “we have to be right near our best and do both sides of the game very well."

Tottenham have agreed a season-long loan deal with Manchester City for forward Omar Marmoush, with an obligation to buy the player for £60m next year.

The Egypt international is now set to undergo a medical with the London club before completing the remaining formalities of the move.

The transfer marks Spurs’ second capture from City in a matter of days, following the arrival of Brazil winger Savio in a deal worth an initial £75m.

It continues a busy summer of recruitment for Spurs after the captures of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.

The commitment to spend £60m on Marmoush will allow City to recover the £59m fee paid to buy the player from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025.

The 27-year-old scored 16 goals in 62 games for City, though he largely had to settle for an understudy role behind Erling Haaland.

He was an unused substitute during Sunday’s Premier League win against Bournemouth, with his last appearance for the club coming in the Community Shield a week earlier.

It has been a summer of upheaval at City, with Marmoush’s exit following the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Tijjani Reijnders, Nathan Ake and James Trafford. Nico Gonzalez is another who could leave before next week’s transfer deadline as he is closing in on a switch to Newcastle.

Spurs will hope Savio and Marmoush’s arrivals will lead to a change in fortunes after a disastrous start to the season last weekend.

The big-spending north London club suffered a 3-0 defeat at Brentford on Saturday as they look to bounce back from consecutive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side are due to return to action in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night when they host Championship club Charlton Athletic.

Spurs are then scheduled to play their first home league match of the season against Newcastle on Saturday evening.

This game will see Tonali facing his old club for the first time following his £100m switch earlier this summer, and the Magpies are likely to provide a stern test after holding Liverpool to a 2-2 draw on Sunday.

Richard Jolly

Tuesday 25 August 2026 11:16 BST

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the £85m signing of Brazilian winger Savinho from Manchester City, taking the North London club's total summer transfer spending past the £300m mark.

The deal sees Spurs pay an initial £75m fee with £5m in guaranteed add-ons and a further £5m in potential performance-related bonuses, making Savinho Manchester City's record sale.

Savinho expressed his delight at joining Tottenham to work under head coach Roberto De Zerbi, while Spurs sporting director Johan Lange praised the player's ability, style, and mentality.

The move continues a significant recruitment drive for Tottenham, who have also signed Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke, while holding talks for City's Omar Marmoush.

Manchester City have generated over £230m in player sales this summer and have already agreed a €37.5m fee with Palmeiras to sign Brazilian winger Allan as a replacement for Savinho.

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal given Alvarez hope, Man City target Liverpool winger, Spurs sign Savinho

Alvarez was met with jeers by Atletico fans amid rumours over a move to Arsenal while Liverpool continue their pursuit of a new winger

Arsenal are hoping to secure the signing of Julian Alvarez to cap off a productive summer of incomings and boost their forward line as they look to defend their Premier League title. Alvarez is said to be open to the move having initially favoured a switch to Barcelona and he is the Gunners’ priority signing after their enquiries over Kenan Yildiz where shut down by Juventus.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are targeting a new winger with the need for more attacking options evidenced by their dramatic 2-2 draw with Newcastle on Sunday. They continue to pursue PSG’s Bradley Barcola who was left out of the squad for their game against Rennes while the Reds have seen two bids for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh turned down. This is perhaps a move closest to happening with Minteh having reportedly agreed personal terms. Real Madrid’s Endrick is also of interest.

Elsewhere, Manchester City have agreed a €100m deal with Lille to buy midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi while Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez were part of the squad to face Bournemouth despite interest from Spurs and Newcastle respectively. Interestingly, City are slso said to be interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo though no club-to-club talks have taken place yet.

Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez were also absent from Aston Villa’s matchday squad amid rumours that both players could be preparing for imminent exits with Watkins’ in particular looking very close to a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below

De Zerbi on Savinho's qualities

Tottenham manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has also been outspoken about his new player and explained why the club wanted to bring in Savinho.

"Sávio is a player who brings energy, imagination and quality in wide positions,” he said.

“He has the courage to attack defenders and the ability to change a game with his creativity.

"We’re very pleased to have him with us, and I’m looking forward to working with him, helping him continue to grow and seeing him bring his personality to the team.”

Mike Jones25 August 2026 11:40

Savinho reacts to joining Spurs

Earlier today it was announced that Tottenham have completed the signing of Manchester City’s Savinho.

The winger has now spoken about joining Spurs and says he is looking forward to the ‘wonderful opportunity’.

"It's taken a while but I'm very happy to be here,” he said.

"It's a wonderful opportunity at a brilliant club with one of the best managers in the world.

"As soon as I spoke to the Head Coach I knew I had to come. He told me he wants to help me reach the highest level, and I believe we can do that together, as a team."

Mike Jones25 August 2026 11:20

Villa make bid for Palace forward Mateta

Aston Villa have tabled a bid for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, reports The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The bid is thought to be below what the Eagles would find attractive for the 29-year-old.

Villa have been linked with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, with Ollie Watkins’ future unclear amid interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Jack Rathborn25 August 2026 11:00

Gary Neville voices concerns for Villa

Aston Villa started the match against Brighton on Sunday without six of the starting XI that won the Europa League.

Many of those players have moved on this summer and things could get worse if Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez leave as well.

"It's a mystery to me what is going on there," Gary Neville said on Monday Night Football.

"I looked at that team that Unai Emery had to field [at Brighton] and the substitutes bench, and I've got a lot of love for Aston Villa and Emery... what's going on?

"When you think about who has left Aston Villa - Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa - that squad's been obliterated of its experience.

"How are they going to even think to compete?

"Unai Emery is an unbelievable coach, he gets the best out of teams, but I'm really worried for Villa, I don't know what's going on."

Mike Jones25 August 2026 10:40

DONE DEAL! Bournemouth complete signing of Di Gregorio

Bournemouth have completed the signing of goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.

The 29-year-old joins the Cherries on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy included for £12m plus add ons.

Should Bournemouth decide against signing him permanently at the end of the season they will need to pay an additional £1.3m in loan fees instead.

Mike Jones25 August 2026 10:39

Villa make approach for Leao

After their mass exodus this summer, Aston Villa are in need of reinforcements.

They have turned to AC Milan and have approached the Serie A over a move for Rafael Leao according to Sky Sports.

The Portugal winger is open to the move and talks have begun over a possible deal.

Uncertainty over Ollie Watkins’ future also makes this deal an imperative for the Premier League side.

Mike Jones25 August 2026 10:19

DONE DEAL! Tottenham sign Savinho from Man City

Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Savinho from Manchester City in a worth up to £85m.

The initial payment is for £75m with a further £10m of add ons available to be met under certain criteria.

Sky Sports News says that £5m of those add ons are near guaranteed meaning City are likely to pocket £80m from the deal.

Spurs’ expenditure this summer has now exceeded £300m as they attempt to arrest their downturn in form which has seen them finish 17th in the Premier League over the last two seasons.

Mike Jones25 August 2026 10:13

What's going on with Bradley Barcola?

Will Liverpool sign PSG winger Bradley Barcola? That’s been one of the lingering questions throughout the transfer window and there still isn’t a definitive answer.

Signs point to it being a possibility as Barcola was left out of PSG’s two most recent matchday squads but a report from RMC Sport says that PSG boss Luis Enrique is not including him, nor Ibrahim Mbaye, until their transfer situations are resolved.

Both players have been linked with Liverpool.

However, in Barcola’s case the French champions aim to receive £140m plus for the winger while Liverpool want a much lower fee.

French media have said that an offer between £111m and £128m could be negotiated. In either case Liverpool will be paying a premium for the forward so they move ahead with their pursuit.

Will Castle25 August 2026 10:00

Man Utd target Alejandro Balde wants to fight for Barcelona place

Manchester United target Alejandro Balde wants to remain at Barcelona this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo in Spain.

Signing a left back remains a priority for United this summer, following the 2-0 opening day defeat at newly promoted Hull on Saturday, and there has even been contact between the clubs.

But the 22-year-old Spain international Balde wants to remain at this boyhood club and fight for his place in the team this season.

Mike Jones25 August 2026 09:40

Liverpool discover Yankuba Minteh price after Brighton reject two bids for winger

Liverpool will have to pay £70m to sign Yankuba Minteh from Brighton after seeing two bids rebuffed.

Brighton will hold firm to their valuation of the Gambian winger, The Independent understands.

Andoni Iraola is keen on the 22-year-old, who missed the Seagulls’ 4-0 win over Aston Villa through injury.

Mike Jones25 August 2026 09:20

Savinho has completed his £85m move from Tottenham to Manchester City as Spurs have taken their spending this summer past £300m.

The Brazilian becomes City’s record sale – replacing Julian Alvarez, who moved to Atletico Madrid for £82m two years ago – and one of the three most expensive players in Tottenham’s history, along with his new teammates Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.

Spurs will pay an initial £75m, with a further £5m of add-ons guaranteed and the potential for £5m more on top of that.

Tottenham, who were first interested in the winger last summer, have finally got their man in what could be the first of two signings from City, with the clubs in talks over a transfer for Omar Marmoush.

"It's taken a while but I'm very happy to be here,” said Savinho, who is looking forward to playing for Roberto De Zerbi.

"It's a wonderful opportunity at a brilliant club with one of the best managers in the world. As soon as I spoke to the head coach I knew I had to come. He told me he wants to help me reach the highest level, and I believe we can do that together, as a team."

City, who signed Savinho from their sister club Troyes for £30.8m in 2024, have already lined up a replacement as they have agreed a €37.5m fee with Palmeiras for another Brazilian winger, Allan.

Savinho scored seven goals in 84 games for City, but he only found the net twice in the Premier League for them and was limited to seven top-flight starts last season.

But Spurs remained interested and sporting director Johan Lange said: "Savio is someone who has been on our radar for a while and I'm delighted that he is now a Tottenham Hotspur player.

"He has already shown his quality at the highest level, and we believe his ability, style and mentality will be a great fit for the squad we are building here.

"I know he will excite our supporters every time he gets on the ball and I'm looking forward to watching his development under Roberto's coaching."

De Zerbi added: "Savio is a player who brings energy, imagination and quality in wide positions. He has the courage to attack defenders and the ability to change a game with his creativity.

"We’re very pleased to have him with us, and I’m looking forward to working with him, helping him continue to grow and seeing him bring his personality to the team.”

City have now brought in over £230m in sales this summer but, besides Allan, are closing in on an £85m deal for midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. They are also in talks with Newcastle to sell midfielder Nico Gonzalez.

Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez are part of the Manchester City squad to face Bournemouth this afternoon, but Tottenham Hotspur target Savinho is absent.

Winger Savinho is set to join Spurs in a deal that could reach £85m, while Marmoush is also wanted by Tottenham in a separate deal.

Gonzalez, meanwhile, has been linked with a move to Newcastle United as the Magpies look to add an experienced central midfielder.

But Rico Lewis, who had also been linked with a move away, starts for City in midfield alongside new recruit Elliot Anderson and Nico O’Reilly.

Enzo Maresca’s side have agreed an £85m fee for Lille midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi and continue to be linked with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.

Tottenham were thumped 3-0 by Brentford on Saturday and the arrival of Savinho is set to take their summer spending above £300m.

But Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that Tottenham are still not prepared for the start of the new Premier League season.

“I believe in my players, my club and myself. I think we are working well but we are late for the start of the Premier League,” De Zerbi said.

“It’s a step we have to improve quickly. We could fight stronger than we did today and we lost too many duels.

“The target is to become (a) team. To find the spirit, the soul, is a process.”

Maresca, meanwhile, said he hoped that any further Manchester City outgoings will be replaced.

They have already lost Rodri, Bernando Silva, Tijjani Reijnders, John Stones and Nathan Ake, following the departure of Pep Guardiola.

“They all want to play, and when they don’t play they would prefer to leave,” Maresca said.

“It’s always complicated when someone leaves and someone else arrives, but for sure we will need more options if players go out.

“If some leave, some must arrive. I’m not worried or concerned. Since day one we have known exactly what we need. I am working with the club and the sporting director.

“There are 10 or 11 days to go and many things can happen.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s expensive summer rebuild was shaken to its foundations by rampant Brentford on an alarming opening day for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

New-look Spurs showed the same old flaws as goals from Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Janelt and Michael Kayode saw them dismantled 3-0.

Spurs look set to top the £300m mark on new faces this summer once they complete deals for Savinho and Omar Marmoush in a bid to move on from last season’s scrape with relegation.

But it was Brentford’s marquee signing, the comparably reasonably-priced £41m midfielder Mamadou Sangare, who provided the early dividends in west London.

Archie Gray made Spurs history as the club’s youngest captain since Steve Perryman in the 1970s, and he was joined in the back four by three new signings in Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi.

That lack of familiarity showed in the opening seconds with Robertson almost putting through his own net before Bees skipper Nathan Collins stabbed a glorious chance wide from six yards out.

Livewire Mali international Sangare set up the opening goal after just 12 minutes, playing a one-two on the edge of the box, bursting to the byline and cutting the ball back for Lewis-Potter to convert.

The Bees kept piling forward and Dango Ouattara was put through by Igor Thiago only to be thwarted by Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky.

The pressure told in the 33rd minute when Kinsky could only parry Mathias Jensen’s shot from the edge of the box and Janelt snaffled up the rebound.

Tottenham’s torrid first half was best summed up when the ball dropped 18 yards out to £100m man Sandro Tonali, who shanked his volley miles over the crossbar.

Things did not improve after the break, despite the half-time arrival of £85m midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

The third goal came when Collins headed a corner down at the far post, Sangare’s snap-shot was beaten away by Kinsky and Kayode lashed in the loose ball.

“Thomas Frank, he’s laughing at you,” chimed the Brentford fans, an ode to their old boss whose disastrous spell at Spurs last season left De Zerbi picking up the pieces.

Moments later it should have been four after Rodrigo Bentancur bundled over Kevin Schade in the area, but last term’s top scorer Thiago rolled his spot-kick against a post.

Mikey Moore, the 19-year-old homegrown winger, provided the only bright spark with two efforts saved by Bees keeper Caoimhin Kelleher on an otherwise dark opening day for Spurs.

PA