Spurs Firm on Van de Ven Amid Barcelona Interest

Barcelona have joined the growing pack keeping a close eye on Micky van de Ven, but Tottenham show no sign of loosening their grip on one of their key pillars.

The Dutch centre-half, outstanding since arriving in north London, has opened talks over a contract extension with two years left on his current deal. Nothing is signed, nothing is sealed, yet Spurs are pushing hard. Roberto De Zerbi has already nailed his colours to the mast, calling the 25-year-old one of the best central defenders in the Premier League.

Clubs across Europe have taken note. Barcelona are among those monitoring the situation, waiting to see if Spurs’ resolve cracks or if Van de Ven commits his prime years to De Zerbi’s rebuild.

Greenwood’s future in play as Arsenal and Spurs lurk

On the other side of the Channel, Mason Greenwood’s name is back on the Premier League agenda.

L’Equipe report that Arsenal and Tottenham are both weighing up a move for the Marseille forward this summer. Greenwood left Manchester United for the Ligue 1 club in 2024, but Marseille’s need to raise funds to stay on the right side of Financial Fair Play has turned him into a potential asset to cash in on.

From 1 July, a release clause of around £52m kicks in, a figure notably lower than the reported £69m valuation placed on the 24-year-old. For clubs looking for a forward entering his peak years, that gap in numbers will be hard to ignore.

Calafiori priced out of Real Madrid’s defensive spree

Real Madrid’s defensive shopping spree may have hit its ceiling.

Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, fresh from a Premier League title with Arsenal, has attracted serious interest from across Europe, including the Bernabéu. But Andrea Berta’s £86m valuation has thrown a sizeable roadblock in front of any move.

Madrid have already spent £52m on Marc Cucurella and lodged a £78m bid for Ruben Dias. Dropping another £86m on Calafiori, on top of that outlay, would be a staggering statement even by their standards. For now, the numbers simply look too heavy.

Shaw set for new United deal – on reduced terms

Manchester United, meanwhile, are trying to strike a delicate balance with Luke Shaw.

The club are prepared to offer the 30-year-old a new contract, but on a lower salary than his current terms. Shaw has been a valuable figure again this season, yet he is out of contract next summer and United’s wage structure is under scrutiny.

Signed in 2014 from Southampton and last extended in 2023, Shaw now faces a decision: accept reduced terms to stay at Old Trafford or test a market that still values experienced, attack-minded full-backs.

Maguire hails £130m Anderson in Rice bracket

Harry Maguire has put serious weight behind Elliot Anderson’s burgeoning reputation.

The Manchester United defender believes the £130m-rated midfielder belongs in the same conversation as Declan Rice after the pair starred together in England’s World Cup win over Croatia.

United had already withdrawn from the race to sign Anderson, citing the huge financial package required. Maguire’s verdict underlines exactly why the price is so high.

“He’s got absolutely everything,” Maguire said, describing Anderson as a player who can operate as a 6, 8 or 10 and noting how much the midfielder impressed him in training. “He reminds me of Declan Rice in some aspects in terms of his profile.”

For any club still in the hunt, the endorsement only adds fuel to an already expensive fire.

Arsenal eye Georgian starlet Bartishvili

Arsenal’s recruitment team are again casting their net towards Georgia.

The Gunners have been tipped to move for Andria Bartishvili, the Georgia Under-21 international already drawing comparisons with countryman and two-time Champions League winner Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Bartishvili, just 17, is out of contract at the end of the year. BBC Sport report that Arsenal are keen to tie him down to a pre-contract agreement. It is a familiar path: they have previously been linked with Kvaratskhelia himself, though the winger’s current situation at PSG suggests he will not be going anywhere soon.

Real Madrid still chasing Enzo – and another centre-back

Back in Madrid, the European champions are not done reshaping the spine of their side.

ESPN report that Real remain keen on Enzo Fernandez, still enamoured with the Argentine midfielder who lit up the World Cup while at Benfica before his move to Chelsea. He sits near the top of their agenda.

But the rebuild does not stop there. Even after securing Ibrahima Konate and Marc Cucurella, another central defender is believed to be a priority. Real want depth, versatility and long-term security at the back – and they are prepared to pay for it.

Olmo warns Cucurella: Yamal is waiting in El Clásico

Dani Olmo has already fired the first shot ahead of next season’s El Clásico.

Cucurella’s Spain team-mate admitted he and others were surprised by the full-back’s move from Chelsea to Real Madrid. Speaking at the World Cup, the Barcelona midfielder revealed that Cucurella kept the switch quiet – and then delivered a pointed reminder of what awaits him in La Liga.

“He’s going to have to suffer against Lamine, for example,” Olmo said, with a smile that could be heard between the lines. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage phenomenon, will no doubt relish the challenge. So will everyone watching.

Liverpool revive Thuram interest as Juventus sell

Liverpool have gone back to an old name on their midfield shortlist.

Corriere dello Sport claim the Reds have reignited their interest in Khephren Thuram, with Juventus ready to move players on to balance the books. The French midfielder could be available for between £35m and £39m, a range that will tempt clubs looking for power and presence in the middle of the pitch.

Thuram has also been linked with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, but he is understood not to be keen on a move to the Middle East at this stage of his career. That stance keeps the door wide open for Liverpool.

Spurs muscle in on De Cat race

Tottenham’s squad reshaping under De Zerbi is gathering pace.

TeamTalk report that Spurs have entered the race to sign 17-year-old Anderlecht midfielder Nathan de Cat, a player already on Manchester United’s radar. The north London club are intent on reinforcing the core of their side with youth and athleticism.

They have already completed free transfers for Andrew Robertson and Marco Senesi and sealed a £52m move for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. De Cat would be another piece of a rapidly evolving spine.

Leipzig watching Barry as Everton weigh up sale

Thierno Barry’s first season at Everton was uneven, then quietly encouraging.

Under David Moyes, the striker endured a mixed start but grew into the campaign, finishing with eight goals in 38 Premier League appearances. That steady improvement has caught the eye of RB Leipzig, according to the Times.

The Bundesliga club have yet to lodge a formal bid, but the Liverpool Echo report that Everton’s hierarchy would be prepared to make a judgement call if a serious offer lands on the table. For a club constantly juggling finances and ambition, Barry’s future could become a pivotal decision.

Arsenal test PSG’s resolve over Barcola

Arsenal are not just looking at youth. They are also ready to chase established quality.

The Independent report that the Gunners are preparing a major bid for Bradley Barcola, fresh from scoring his first World Cup goal in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal. The 23-year-old arrives at this point off the back of another Champions League-winning season with Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal are currently running the rule over what it would take to bring him to the Emirates, checking the “necessary details” before submitting an official offer. If they move, it will be a statement aimed squarely at the top end of the Premier League and Europe.

United turn to Baturina after England audition

Manchester United’s search for midfield reinforcements has taken them to Como – via the international stage.

Croatia midfielder Martin Baturina, who scored a slick equaliser against England, has emerged as a target, according to Sky Sport in Italy. The 21-year-old impressed in his first Serie A season under Cesc Fabregas, delivering six goals and three assists in 29 league games.

Fabregas used him everywhere: false nine, left wing, attacking midfield, deep-lying playmaker. That versatility has put him firmly on United’s radar as they look to add craft and flexibility to a midfield that has lacked both.

The market is moving. The money is eye-watering. The question now is which of these names will actually be pulling on new shirts when the window slams shut.