LondonWorld

'Deal done' - Tottenham Hotspur agree transfer for 21-year-old midfielder

Submitted by daniel on Tue, 23/07/2024 - 08:00

The Spurs midfielder will head back out on loan for the 2024/25 campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur have completed a deal with League One side Barnsley to send midfielder Matthew Craig on loan to Yorkshire for the 2024/25 campaign.

That's according to Football Insider, with the outlet reporting that the 21-year-old has had multiple clubs chasing his signature this summer following an impressive loan spell at Doncaster Rovers last season. Craig made 18 League Two appearances for the side having joined in January, helping the club to the play-off semi-final, which ultimately ended in defeat at the hands of Crewe Alexandra.

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Craig had already completed a medical with Barnsley and looks set to take part in the side's final pre-season preparations ahead of the EFL opening weekend in August. Barnsley welcome Mansfield Town to Oakwell on Friday, August 9 to kickstart their campaign.

The Tykes also suffered semi-final play-off heartbreak last season, losing to Bolton Wanderers and will look to achieve promotion to the Championship this term.

Craig has been part of the Spurs academy since the age of 12 and made his professional debut for the club in 2023. That came in a Premier League cameo against Leeds United in May 2023, a match which the London club won 4-1.

That is the player's only first team appearance to date with last season's spell at Doncaster Rovers his first loan period away from North London. Craig's current Spurs deal still has two years left on it, expiring in 2026, having signed an extension last year.

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Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday were also said to be tracking Craig's performances in League Two last season but it is the League One outfit who appear to have made a loan offer successful rather than those Championship sides.

Speaking at the end of his Doncaster Rovers loan deal, Craig was positive about the experience and had appeared to hint at a potential return. He told the Yorkshire Post: “Yeah - I've really liked it here. I think at the end of the season, we'll see what Spurs say as well. So far, I've really enjoyed my time here.

"Being able to come here, and being able to experience senior football, is something which I've really enjoyed. You see games within the league and you can't wait to get out and play.

"You have conversations with Spurs about where they think is best for you and when you should go out. I've been lucky enough that I've been allowed to come here and get some games.

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“First loan, obviously for me, I think I've really learnt a lot here in the couple of months I've been here so far. I've been really lucky, I've come to a club that's really helped me, and a squad that's embraced me."

LondonWorld

Spurs join Chelsea and Aston Villa in race for £35m Premier League playmaker

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 22/07/2024 - 15:26

The Brazil international is a transfer target for several Premier League clubs this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to have joined Chelsea and Aston Villa in the race for Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira this summer.

That's according to Brazilian outlet Globo with the suggestion being that Spurs' turn to the Cottagers man could come as they give up on any hopes of bringing Crystal Palace man Eberechi Eze to North London. It had been believed that Spurs would offer the £60 million demanded by the Eagles but Manchester City could now be frontrunners as they look to find a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne - the Belgian is linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

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Ange Postecoglou's side will face a battle for Pereira. Not only is the former Manchester United a key part of Marco Silva's Fulham set-up, but he is supposedly a target for Chelsea and Aston Villa too.

Fulham paid £10 million to sign the player, who is a childhood Arsenal fan, from the Red Devils permanently in 2022 and Pereira put pen to paper on a four-year contract. That deal still has another two years to run, which would put the west London club in a strong position for negotiations.

The Cottagers have already played hardball when selling Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich this summer, rejecting multiple bids before accepting a £47.4 million offer. Having already lost an important midfield man, Fulham could be reluctant to see Pereira leave - although have been linked with serious transfer interest in Arsenal man Emile Smith-Rowe, who could be an ideal replacement.

Watch - The Premier League Panel: Best and worst signings

Globo adds that Pereira has in fact reached an agreement with Silva to leave Fulham. The player and manager are known to be very close and often praise one another. Silva hailed the playmaker as 'outstanding' shortly after signing him while in April Pereira said: “I have a great relationship with him. He’s always put a lot of confidence in me.

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“This season has been a special season for me with a lot of ups and downs, but I came back from an injury. He’s always kept believing me and that’s what’s important. It’s a lot of hard work. He’s always been speaking with me about arriving more in the box and get opportunities to score. I’ve been working a lot with him, with Boa and with everyone, today it’s finally paid off and I’m being happy."

A £35 million is touted for any possible transfer, with Chelsea supposedly readying a bid of that amount for the Brazil international, who is viewed as a potential for Conor Gallagher should the England international move to Spurs.

LondonWorld

Predicted PL table: Where London clubs are tipped to finish

Submitted by daniel on Sat, 20/07/2024 - 07:52

It is not long until the 2024-25 Premier League season gets underway with Arsenal seeking to go one better after losing out on the title to Manchester City for a second-straight season. Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea will also be eyeing improvement after finishing fifth and sixth, respectively, and missing out on Champions League football.

West Ham are entering their first season since Julen Lopetegui’s appointment as manager, while Crystal Palace will out to build on an encouraging finish to last campaign under Oliver Glasner. Fulham and Brentford will also be eager to improve after bottom-half finishes last term.

Clubs are continuing with their transfer business with further deals expected to follow after the conclusion of Euro 2024 and Copa America. As clubs continue their transfer business, London World has done the unenviable job of trying to predict how the Premier League table will look come May - and where all the London clubs might finish compared to their rivals. Take a look...

LondonWorld

What Chelsea man Conor Gallagher has already said about £50m Spurs transfer

Submitted by daniel on Fri, 19/07/2024 - 08:30

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has long been linked with a summer transfer to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur are still looking to bring in a minimum of three marquee signings between now and the end of the summer transfer window with Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher one of the club's main targets.

That's according to GiveMeSport, with the outlet claiming that Spurs are still expected to bid for the England international. Ange Postecoglou's side has long been linked with transfer interest in the player but there is yet to be a sign that any move is close to becoming reality.

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Chelsea are thought to be open to selling Gallagher, eyeing a healthy profit for the 24-year-old who is a youth academy product. A fee in excess of £50 million has been touted as enough for the Blues to green light negotiations.

The midfielder still has another year on his current deal at Stamford Bridge with Atletico Madrid also said to be interested in the player's services. LondonWorld looks at what Gallagher has already said about a potential switch to Spurs, or another club away from Chelsea.

When on Euro 2024 duty with England, Gallagher was asked directly about his future at Chelsea. He replied: "I'm a Chelsea player right now and I'm just thinking about England and the tournament. It's not difficult. I'm away with England and I couldn't be happier with the position I'm in.

"I've just been focusing on England. This is the most important thing right now for me and the country. I'm hoping I can help the team more on the pitch in this tournament."

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In that same press conference, Gallagher also appeared to hint that playing time would be a priority for him when it comes to making a decision over his future. The midfielder praised Mauricio Pochettino for affording him plenty of minutes as he regularly captained the side.

Watch - The Premier League Panel: What's up with Chelsea?

He said: "I've really enjoyed it. When I'm playing football I'm happy and I've been playing on a consistent basis this season. I've just wanted to work as hard as possible to help Chelsea where I can.

"A lot of credit to Pochettino for giving me that opportunity to show Chelsea what I could do in the last season. Hopefully, there's still room for improvement."

Any potential Spurs switch could therefore depend on conversations had between Gallagher and new manager Enzo Maresca, who has joined the club from Leicester City. However, speaking in June, the player seemed positive about the prospect of working under the Italian.

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He said: "It's exciting. I've heard really good things and seen really good things as well. Myself and everyone at Chelsea are really happy and excited to work with him. We want to get Chelsea back to where they belong so hopefully with the new manager we can start to progress."

LondonWorld

'Bid ready' - Former Spurs star tipped for sensational £30m West Ham transfer

Submitted by daniel on Tue, 16/07/2024 - 07:45

The winger would be a familiar face for West Ham supporters, having spent more than two years at London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

West Ham could bring former Tottenham Hotspur forward Steven Bergwijn back to the Premier League this summer as the club readies to send a bid to Dutch side Ajax.

CaughtOffside reports that the Hammers are in the process of launching a £16.7 million offer for the 26-year-old. Bergwijn quit Spurs to join Ajax in 2022 and has enjoyed a successful couple of years with the club.

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The forward, who is usually deployed as a left winger but also capable through the middle, bagged 13 goals in all competitions for Ajax last season. Since making the move to the Netherlands, he has 29 goals in 76 outings.

It is reported that while West Ham will show a serious statement of intent with a £16.7 million offer, Ajax value the player much higher than that. The club could demand a sensational £30 million for his services, having set an Eredivisie transfer record when forking out £26 million for Bergwijn in 2022.

Having recruited Max Kilman in defence from Wolves, adding firepower to his West Ham squad is the next priority for Julen Lopetegui this summer. Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen have both been linked with moves away, although that £100 million Newcastle United switch for the latter seems unlikely, while Danny Ings and Michail Antonio have not been at their talismanic best in recent times.

The Hammers have brought talented Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme to the club from Palmeiras, but at just 18 years old is perhaps a future first team star rather than an immediate starter.

Watch - The Premier League Panel: Best and worst signings

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West Ham supporters will be familiar with Bergwijn from his time at Tottenham Hotspur. The forward spent two years with the club, making 83 appearances but only scoring eight goals in that time.

The winger, who cost Spurs £27 million from PSV Eindhoven, scored on his debut against Manchester City in January 2020 and picked up a Carabao Cup runners-up medal with the team in 2021.

LondonWorld

Chelsea face rival for £54m deal as Spurs sweat on 'plausible' exit

Submitted by daniel on Sat, 13/07/2024 - 17:00

All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Chelsea and Tottenham as pre-season training steps up a gear.

Chelsea and Tottenham are hard at work preparing for the new season, with pre-season trips and fixtures just around the corner. The Blues have made a quick start to the summer window, signing a number of players while not actually spending much money due to sanctioning a number of exits.

Tottenham have spent a little more with the capture of Archie Gray, and we will likely see more incomings and outgoings over the coming weeks. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding both London clubs.

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Richarlison claim

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Tottenham could still lose Richarlison this summer, according to one journalist. The Brazilian is said to be attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, with the gulf state still offering players big money to make the move. Ben Jacobs told The Boot Room: “I still think Tottenham are looking at a central midfielder, a striker is a really high priority. Striker is a big priority because Richarlison could still plausibly depart and I’d be surprised if there wasn’t a formal Saudi offer for him,” Jacobs said.

“I don’t know if he’ll take it, but Saudi dealmakers are confident there is an opportunity there to be had.” Richarlison has scored 12 goals in 55 league appearances for Spurs since arriving in 2022 for a deal worth a total of £60million including add-ons. Tottenham would expect to profit on that fee if they were to sell.

Doue battle

Arsenal and Chelsea are said to be battling it out for Rennes winger Desire Doue this summer. According to L’Equipe, both teams are battling for the 19-year-old who will reportedly command a fee as big as £54million this summer. That’s a bigger fee than Nico Williams is available for, meaning both clubs will likely attempt to reduce the fee or walk away.

Doue was also linked with Tottenham this summer, but they are not about to pay anywhere near that money to bolster their wide spots. Doue, who can also play in midfield, already has 57 league appearances for Rennes at senior level.

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Cucurella’s transfer plan

Marc Cucurella says he is trying to convince Nico Williams to make the move to Stamford Bridge during his Euro 2024 campaign wit Spain. Cucurella told The Athletic: "It's a similar case to what I told you about Cole Palmer.

"Without doing too much in the camp, we have created a very good relationship with Nico and in the end, these sorts of players need to feel comfortable and important. What I tell Nico all the time is that he has to do his thing, create whatever goes through his mind, and I’ll be covering his back or doing anything he needs me to. I tell him every day he should come to Chelsea, he would help us a lot! He is more than welcome and he knows that (laughs). But he is so young, he has to decide by himself and with his people, so it’s not time to put too many things in his head."

LondonWorld

Crystal Palace make £12.6m offer as West Ham 'move' for rivals' target

Submitted by daniel on Fri, 12/07/2024 - 17:00

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Crystal Palace eye Olise replacement as West Ham defensive targets emerge

Both Crystal Palace and West Ham are hopeful of productive summer transfer windows with both Oliver Glasner and Julen Lopetegui enjoying their first transfer windows at their respective clubs.

Glasner has already lost key asset Michael Olise this window and as he prepares for the potential departures of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi as well, he will be eyeing up potential defensive and winger replacements. Lopetegui, meanwhile, is seeking to rebuild the Irons’ defensive line-up with the club having conceded 74 goals in 38 matches last campaign.

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As the Eagles and Irons look to firm up their 2024/25 squads, here is the latest news from both Selhurst Park and London Stadium camps...

Crystal Palace make £12.6m offer

Crystal Palace are said to be showing the most interest in Sporting CP star Marcus Edwards and while Tottenham Hotspur had been repeatedly linked with a move for their former player, the Lilywhites’ interest appears to have weakened while the Eagles continue to stay involved.

With Palace already losing Michael Olise, and Eberechi Eze also set to depart, the Eagles are eyeing up potential winger replacements with their eyes set on bringing Edwards back to the Premier League.

According to reports from Record, Palace have offered €15 million (£12.6m) for the winger. However, this is reportedly nowhere near close to Sporting’s demands with the Portuguese side wanting between €25-30m (£21-25m) for the ex-Spur star - a figure which feels exceptionally ambitious.

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Spurs also retain a 35% sell-on clause for Edwards, meaning for a deal which is expected to cost around €20m or £16.8m, they’d get receive £5.8m. Palace have also faced transfer competition from Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr but the winger is reportedly not keen that plan.

West Ham ‘move’ for Everton target

West Ham ‘have moved’ to sign the Hellas Verona defender Jackson Tchatchoua, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, and are hopeful of beating their Premier League rivals Everton for his signature.

The Cameroonian is reportedly enjoying interest from both Everton and West Ham but it is the Irons who ‘have moved’ for the defender, currently valued at €8m (£6.7m) by the Italian club. The 22-year-old was only signed on a permanent deal this summer, with Hellas Verona paying €3m to bring him over from Charleroi in Belgium following a successful loan spell. Born in Belgium, the 22-year-old is of Cameroonian descent and has now one appearance for Cameroon’s national side, representing them in a June 2024 World Cup qualifier, in which they won 4-1 against Cape Verde.

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A year on and the Italian side are now hopeful of making at least a €5m profit following the Premier League interest he is enjoying. The Toffees were said to be the first to show an interest and a report earlier this month indicated that they were ‘ready to buy him’. However, now with West Ham entering the race and supposedly having already moved for him, it is highly likely the defender will go for much more as both Premier League clubs step up their interest.

LondonWorld

'Next Mohamed Salah' - West Ham and Spurs sent enticing £25m transfer news

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 08/07/2024 - 17:17

The Serie A star is reportedly keen on a switch to the Premier League as the London rivals compete for his signature.

West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur are competing for the signature of Genoa forward Albert Gudmundsson with the player keen on a move to the Premier League.

The 27-year-old was first linked with a move to London in January and both the Hammers and Spurs have maintained interest this summer. The versatile Iceland international can play anywhere across the front three, including the attacking midfielder role.

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That makes him a particularly attractive option for Julen Lopetegui at West Ham with Brazilian maestro Lucas Paqueta linked with a move away and the side still relying on winger Jarrod Bowen for goals as a central striker.

Both top flight clubs chasing the star were handed a boost over the weekend as Calcio Genoa reported that Gudmundsson is 'attracted' by the prospect of a move to either the London Stadium or the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The report also claims that the striker could be available for as little as £25 million despite previous reports that the Serie A outfit wanted £10 million more than that.

Gudmundsson made 37 appearances in all competitions for Genoa last season, bagging 16 goals and claiming five assists over an impressive campaign. Speaking in November, Genoa teammate Kevin Strootman heaped praise on his Icelandic colleague, comparing him to Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah.

Watch - The Premier League Panel: Best and worst signings

Strootman, who played in the same Roma side as Salah, said: "He reminds me of when Mohamed Salah was at Roma. If he keeps improving, he won’t stay at Genoa for long.

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“He reminds me of Salah when he was at Roma, in that every now and then he disappears. Much like Salah then, he would have four or five chances per match and only score at most one.

“They used to say that if Salah was more clinical, he would be playing for Liverpool, and that is exactly what happened. All joking aside, Gudmundsson is a devastating player and also an exemplary professional.”

LondonWorld

Tottenham transfer blow as Ange Postecoglou now set to miss out on midfielder Jason Cundy says has 'energy'

Submitted by daniel on Sun, 07/07/2024 - 11:00

Tottenham are still looking to bring in another midfielder despite signing Archie Gray who can play there.

Tottenham have reportedly ruled out going after Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher because Chelsea value him at around £50 million. However, they will still be on the lookout for another midfielder. The Lilywhites signed 18-year-old Archie Gray from Leeds United, who can play as a midfielder as well as a full-back.

They already have Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr, and the mercurial Rodrigo Bentancur, as well as Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Bryan Gil. Both Gil and Højbjerg are expected to leave the club this summer, and if they do, Spurs will definitely be looking to bring in someone to add depth.

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A report on Football Insider says Tottenham might not be able to secure Gallagher in this window, but the club is interested in another former Chelsea player. They have their eyes on Callum Hudson-Odoi, who came through Chelsea’s academy, but injuries, form, and competition prevented him from making a career in West London.

Gallagher is a player who divides opinion. He came off the bench twice for England during the Euros before deservedly earning a start, but that did not go well, and he has since been seen less frequently.

Former Spurs midfielder Jason Cundy, speaking ahead of Gallagher’s start against Slovakia, said he is a player with a lot of energy, which makes up for his deficiencies elsewhere. He said ahead of the game last week:

“What Conor has got - there’s a lot about Conor. He’s not as technically gifted as other players. But what Conor lacks, he makes up in absolute energy, heart, and desire. And I’ve got to tell you, you go a long way in football with that. If you have all of that in abundance and talent - which he clearly has - you go a long way. If there’s one thing I have to say about England, right, which I’ve watched, it’s ‘lethargic’. Slow. I’ve seen Conor drag us up into games.”

Spurs are already back at Hotspur Way for pre-season, and they will work for the week in London before heading off for the second phase of training.

LondonWorld

European club submit opening bid for £25.8m Tottenham star who started 11 games for Ange Postecoglou

Submitted by daniel on Sun, 07/07/2024 - 07:00

Tottenham are looking to sell some players before bringing in new faces to strengthen the team.

AC Milan have reportedly made their first move to Tottenham with an opening bid as they look to sign full-back Emerson Royal this summer.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the figure submitted is below the 20 million euros Spurs value the player at. Di Marzio adds that the next 10 days will be decisive, as Milan plot their next move in their pursuit of the 25-year-old.

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Last season, Emerson was second choice to Pedro Porro, who established himself as one of the first names on Ange Postecoglou’s starting team. Despite being relegated to the bench, he still played in 22 league games, starting 11, as Spurs finished 5th and secured Europa League football.

Tottenham signed Brazilian defender Emerson Royal from Barcelona for £25.8 million on a five-year contract in 2021. Before the arrival of manager Postecoglou, he looked to have found form under Antonio Conte, who often deployed him as a wing-back. However, when Australian Postecoglou introduced an attacking brand of football and required players to be able to step into midfield and create an overload, it became increasingly evident that the manager favored Spanish defender Porro.

Tottenham are looking to create space on their wage bill and have already agreed to terminate the contract of Tanguy Ndombele, while the likes of Eric Dier, Japhet Tanganga, and Ryan Sessegnon have been allowed to leave.

In have come the young Archie Gray, as well as German forward Timo Werner, who arrived on loan midway through last season and just about did enough to secure another season-long loan deal.

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Swedish sensation Lucas Bergvall is also joining pre-season even though he was signed in January. Spurs have the added Europa League football and will be looking to build on what was, in general, an impressive first season under manager Postecoglou.

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