All posts by z3u9t.icu

It's going to be a "crucial week" for Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich as Harry Kane has informed them that his future must be sorted before a ball is kicked in the Premier League this weekend, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Is Harry Kane leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summer?

There are usually at least a few different transfer sagas that come to dominate the summer every year in football, whether that was the Gareth Bale to Real Madrid story in 2013, David de Gea's almost move to the same club in 2015 or even Declan Rice's switch to Arsenal earlier this year, Bayern's pursuit of Kane might be the biggest for quite some time.

The German behemoths have been incredibly persistent in their pursuit of the Englishman despite the constant signals from Spurs that their talismanic striker is not for sale for anything less than £100m.

So far, the Bundesliga champions have had three formal offers rebuffed by the North Londoners. The second was said to be worth just €80m (£69m), and the most recent one significantly more at €100m (£86m), however even that was deemed to be well below what Daniel Levy and Co are after.

Read the latest Tottenham Hotspur transfer news HERE…

However, where most clubs might've already given up on securing the signature of the superstar striker, the Bavarians look like they might push ahead with at least one more bid worth £95m to test the resolve of the Tottenham hierarchy, per Sky Sports.

That said, a decision will have to be made quickly as the player has informed both sides that his future must be decided before the club's Premier League campaign gets underway against Brentford on Sunday, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"For Harry Kane crucial week in this case, this week because Harry Kane's camp communicated to both Tottenham and Bayern that they want the deal to be decided this week. Harry Kane's preference is not to leave after the first game in the Premier League this season; Tottenham play on Sunday, so the expectation is to get the deal done by Friday or Saturday; otherwise, the deal would collapse.

"That's the preference of Harry Kane communicated to both clubs, let's see what happens. Bayern had internal talks today to discuss again about the Harry Kane case, and some sources believe that they will bid again for Harry Kane, so that's the feeling internally at Bayern.

"We wait for a final confirmation but Wednesday is going to be an important day to understand whether Bayern will bid again for Kane or not. Some sources in the club believe that a new bid will be made to try one last time to sign Harry Kane, so it will depend on Bayern and on Daniel Levy absolutely, with the timing now being crucial because the player wants to make the move this week or potentially next summer, so that's the Kane position."

How old is Harry Kane?

Born July 28th 1993, in Walthamstow, England, Kane has just turned 30-years-old but has shown no signs of decline in his performances or output whatsoever, and if last year is anything to go by, he's just getting better and better.

In his 37 Premier League appearances across the 2021/22 campaign, the 6 foot 2 "monster" scored a respectable 17 goals and provided nine assists, giving him a goal contribution every 124 minutes, or once every 1.3 games, per WhoScored.

However, last season, in his 38 starts, the £200,000-a-week genius managed to score 30 goals whilst still providing two assists, meaning that he created a goal contribution every 106 minutes in the Premier League, or one every 1.18 games, also per WhoScored.

With numbers like that, it's not hard to see why the record German champions want to add the England captain to their ranks for the new season, as his presence would give them a much better chance to extend their domestic dominance onto the continental scene.

Chelsea are interested in swooping for Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi, who took the reins at the AMEX Stadium to replace Graham Potter, who previously left Albion to join the Blues and is now facing intense scrutiny over his position at the head of the table at Stamford Bridge.

It’s about as tumultuous a situation as it gets, like the roar of a disgruntled crowd in the face of a questionable VAR decision.

And with The Telegraph’s Matt Law stating that the next two matches might be “make or break” for Potter, with Chelsea tenth in the Premier League and 14 points adrift of the top-four, boasting just two victories from the past 15 outings across all competitions, a change might indeed be made.

According to Football Insider, Blues owner Todd Boehly has earmarked the current Seagulls boss as an option to replace the club’s under-fire manager, amid interest in the Italian from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with the future of their manager Antonio Conte itself shrouded in uncertainty.

Should Boehly appoint De Zerbi?

Boehly would replicate his first managerial appointment and have another big blunder on his hands with a move for De Zerbi, with the 43-year-old of the same mould as the current man in the dugout.

Frankly, for all Potter’s acumen on the south coast, it has not worked out at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea face a dreadful end of a woeful season, with the Sun’s Alex Matthews recently saying “he’s out of his depth.”

De Zerbi has been lauded as a “special” coach by journalist Carlo Garganese, and while he is clearly a tactically astute manager with a commendable approach to his systematic construction and footballing intellect, he fails to boast the experience and pedigree of managing a club looking to land silverware of the very highest order, drawing parallels with Potter in this regard.

Albion sit in seventh place in the top-flight, four points behind Liverpool, and his impact has been profound – even being described as “very influential” by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.

But given Potter’s tutelage at Brighton saw the club complete a steady rise up the ranks in the Premier League, there might be fear that lightning will strike twice should the past approach be emulated in this regard.

No discredit to the work that De Zerbi has forged on the south coast, but it’s a formula Chelsea are all too familiar with at present, and given the current woes, there might be a sense of incredulity pervading across west London if the club dipped back down the road to prise another manager away from Brighton.

And given reports from Spain have hinted that the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Luis Enrique are available, there is a discernible route that Chelsea must delve down to navigate toward brighter pastures under their new owners.

With Leeds United about to embark on their first season in the Championship for four years, journalist Phil Hay is worried about where the goals will come from and who can be Daniel Farke's Teemu Pukki in white.

Leeds United transfer news

Before the dust had even settled on the Peacocks' relegation from the Premier League last season, players started looking for a way out of the club, and after Sam Allardyce was shown the door, it didn't take long for some of the first team to follow him.

So far, the club have sent four players out on loan, including recent signings Rasmus Kristensen, Brenden Aaronson, and Marc Roca. That number could soon be five as Maximilian Wober looks likely to join Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach in the coming days.

That said, the club still, at this point anyway, possess a decent lineup of attacking wide players, such as William Gnonto, Luis Sinisterra, Crysencio Summerville, and Jack Harrison.

However, whilst those players are certainly good enough for the Championship, the options at striker of Patrick Bamford and Gerorginio Rutter could be a problem and don't fill Phil Hay with a great deal of confidence going into the new season.

He explained his feelings on the situation on The Square Ball YouTube channel:

"I do still find myself asking, 'Who is going to be his Teemu Pukki in this team? Who is going to score 20-plus goals? I'm not looking at either Rutter through the middle or Patrick Bamford through the middle and thinking you've got a dead cert there for 20-plus in the season to come.

"I would also say, and I think you're right here, that while they're well served out wide with options, and they definitely are. I'm not sure that there is somebody who is perfectly suited to that central creative role."

Who have Leeds United been linked to?

With the striking situation looking a little worrying, have the club been linked to anyone that could come in and help move the club forward this season?

Well, the good news is that, according to WalesOnline, Leeds have made contact with fellow Championship side Swansea City over their free-scoring Dutch centre-forward Joel Piroe.

The Welsh publication has revealed that the player has refused to sign a new contract with the Swans and that because of this, his valuation could be lower than the £20m it was last summer.

While the 23-year-old isn't currently the Whites 'primary focus', he would be an excellent purchase due to his proficiency in the second tier over the last two seasons.

In his first year in English football, the 6 foot 1 dynamo scored 22 goals and provided six assists in just 40 starts. He followed that up by scoring 19 goals and providing two assists last season in just 43 starts.

So far, the Dutchman has 49 goal involvements in his 7293 minutes of Championship football for the Welsh club, meaning he has produced a goal involvement every 148 minutes, or once every one and a half games or so.

While it might not quite be as prolific as Pukki was for Norwich City in the 2020/21 and 2018/19 seasons, it's still massively impressive and would give the rest of the team an excellent base upon which to build.

If Leeds can get this deal done, it could go a long way in easing Hay's concerns.

Tottenham Hotspur could pull of a surprise deal to bring in one of the most prolific strikers that the Premier League has to offer; nevertheless, they may have to 'wait' to get their man, according to journalist Paul Brown.

How have Tottenham Hotspur fared in the transfer market?

Spurs have enjoyed a busy summer in the transfer market under Ange Postecoglou, with Alejo Veliz, Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Ashley Phillips and James Maddison all arriving on permanent deals in N17, as per Transfermarkt.

Of course, Tottenham have also been rocked by the departure of club icon Harry Kane to Bayern Munich for an initial £86 million and trying to identify his replacement will be a priority between now and the end of the window, as per BBC Sport.

Kane has given his reasoning behind choosing to going German giants Bayern Munich, stating in a recent interview: "I didn't want to get to the end of my career with regrets at not experiencing different leagues and cultures. I spent my whole career in England and the Premier League, so it may take a bit of adapting to get used to a new league."

According to Football Insider, Gent striker Gift Orban has emerged as a 'major target' to succeed Kane after Tottenham scouts were 'blown away' by his exploits in Belgium and 'huge potential' to develop into an elite striker.

Nottingham Forest striker Brennan Johnson is another alternative to Kane and is valued at around £50 million amid interest from several other Premier League clubs, as per The Daily Mail.

What has Paul Brown said about Ivan Toney?

Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who has been hailed as a "lion", has been earmarked as a target for Tottenham despite currently being banned from playing football due to breaching gambling rules, as per FootballTransfers.

Last term, the England international was in magnificent form for the Bees, registering 21 goals and five assists in 35 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Brown thinks that £46k-a-week earner Toney could be the 'perfect' solution to lead the line for Spurs moving forward.

Brown stated: “I can’t really see Brennan Johnson operating as a like-for-like replacement for Harry Kane, he’s not that sort of player and I suspect he would cost quite a lot of money as well.

“It is possible they would consider a deal if the money is right I think, so that is one to watch. He obviously wouldn’t be able to play straightaway for Spurs, so they’d have to wait for him.”

Who else could Tottenham Hotspur target this summer?

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via The Daily Express, Tottenham are keen on a shock move for Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku, who would cost in the region of £38.7 million.

Lukaku also has interest in his services to consider from Serie A and the Saudi Pro League, though he reportedly isn't keen to move to the Gulf region.

In a separate report from La Gazzetta dello Sport via The Daily Mail, Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is being weighed up by Tottenham; nevertheless, it seems extremely unlikely that the USA international would cross the north London divide.

Dusan Vlahovic may be available due to financial irregularities at Juventus and could become an individual Postecoglou chooses to pursue to replace Kane, as per Football Insider.

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is facing a spell on the sidelines, but a reliable journalist has confirmed that his injury is not as bad as first feared in a promising update for supporters.

What's the latest injury news on Trent Alexander-Arnold?

During the 3-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, the right-back was forced off the pitch after 71 minutes with a suspected hamstring injury and was replaced by Jarell Quansah.

In his post-match interview after the game, Jurgen Klopp delivered an immediate update on his vice-captain’s fitness. He said: “I don’t know exactly. I asked him, he said it’s [his] hamstring. ‘Not too serious’ is his opinion, but we obviously have to wait for the scans and then we will know more.”

The England international had initially been named as part of Gareth Southgate’s squad for his side's upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine and friendly vs Scotland, but with the 24-year-old having since withdrawn from duty with the Three Lions, fans will have been concerned that their academy graduate had sustained a serious problem.

How long is Alexander-Arnold out for?

Taking to X on Monday, however, The Athletic’s James Pearce revealed that Alexander-Arnold is only set to be out of action for a fortnight, and whilst he might not make next weekend’s game vs Wolves, the prognosis is a "big relief" from initial fears of serious damage:

“Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to be sidelined for around 2 weeks. Scan today showed damage to his hamstring is only minor. Big relief. A doubt for Wolves away after the break – but he’s a quick healer.”

How many goals has Alexander-Arnold scored for Liverpool?

During his 277 senior appearances for Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has posted 89 goal contributions (73 assists and 16 goals), form which has previously seen him dubbed “mind-blowing” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and that’s certainly the impact he has under Klopp, hence why it’ll be a huge boost to have him back.

Sponsored by Under Armour, the defender has recorded a total of 18 shot-creating actions so far this season, which is tied with Dominik Szoboszlai for the most in the squad, as well as whipping 16 crosses into the box which is the second-highest behind Andy Robertson, via FBRef, highlighting his desire to provide for his peers in the final third.

The West Derby-born talent, who pockets £180k-per-week, has also helped the club to secure seven pieces of silverware since his promotion to the first team fold, including the Premier League and Champions League trophies, so he knows exactly what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level with his extraordinary winning mentality.

Finally, Alexander-Arnold has the ability to operate slightly higher up in both central and on the right side of the midfield alongside his usual role as a full-back so he provides the boss with excellent versatility, and there’s no doubt that having him in the starting line-up only increases the team’s chances of gaining a positive result.

Arsenal may have recruited well this summer, but there remains one disappointment for Mikel Arteta which he will seek to rectify before deadline day concludes…

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

The Gunners were decisive with their business throughout the window, welcoming Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber in quick succession before adding David Raya later on.

However, it is one of these signings that is actually now posing the biggest headache for the Spanish manager, with the former Ajax star having been struck down with injury in what was his very first Premier League start.

Reports have since confirmed that their worst fears have been realised, with a seven-month lay-off as the 22-year-old recovers from ACL surgery.

The tough proposition is now deciding whether they wait, potentially sacrificing their title push in favour of saving money, or instead signing another player who could be unnecessary in the long-term by returning into the market.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Now, recent reports from Denmark seem to suggest that the 41-year-old has taken the latter route, with their interest in SL Benfica youngster Alexander Bah detailed.

It is expected that the Portuguese club will try and command €30m (£26m) for his services.

How good is Alexander Bah?

The only positive surrounding the miserable injury that has spurred this potential move is that Arteta could now add to his wealth of young talent set to star in the present and the future.

After all, the 25-year-old has shone across various different clubs now, having amassed 257 career appearances, surprisingly scoring 25 and assisting 47 from full-back, via Transfermarkt.

He clearly boasts a dynamic attacking impetus despite being a right-back by trade, and that desperation to contribute to the attack could see him become a hugely important figure this season, on the opposite flank to Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Denmark international actually boasts plenty of similarities with the 26-year-old former Manchester City star, as a creative defender often more impactful when pushed further forward rather than left to defend.

This is due to his inversion from left-back into midfield, allowing him to flex his offensive know-how alongside his work rate and tenacity.

These are traits also seen in Bah, who when compared against other full-backs across European divisions similar to the Portuguese top flight, stands out.

He ranks in the top 11% for shot-creating actions per 90, the top 5% for pass attempted per 90, the top 8% for progressive passes per 90 and even the top 12% for tackles per 90, via FBref.

Given how unknown a commodity he remains, the words of scout Ron Dor still ring true:

"Alexander Bah? One of the most undervalued RB profiles in the game."

To compare those figures with Zinchenko's, it becomes clear just how impactful the former Slavia Prague star could instantly be.

After all, when the Ukraine international is instead compared against full-backs across Europe's top-five leagues, he sits in the top 15% for total shots per 90, the top 2% for passes attempted, and the top 1% for progressive passes per 90, via FBref.

He retains that immense creativity, but arguably lacks the solidity that could help Bah shine. It seems he is readymade for Arteta's system, and could more than make up for Timber's absence should he take to English football with ease.

Manchester United are in the market to sign a new defender after news that Luke Shaw could miss months of action, rather than weeks.

The muscle injury has left Erik ten Hag without a senior left-back with Tyrell Malacia also out with his own injury problem.

Who could replace Luke Shaw at Man United?

The Red Devils are thought to be considering three options, as per Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist claims that Marc Cucurella at Chelsea is one possibility on a potential loan deal.

However, Sky Sports suggests it is a different Premier League left-back who is the subject of United's focus before the window closes on Friday evening.

They claimed on Saturday evening that Tottenham's Sergio Reguilon is now an option.

The £13m-rated full-back can leave Spurs before the market shuts, but they face competition from Fulham, who would no doubt be able to offer the player more game time in the long term.

How good is Sergio Reguilon?

Now 26, the Spaniard has endured a rough few years after trading Spanish football for the Premier League.

In the 2019/20 season, he played a pivotal role in Sevilla's Europe League triumph but has found consistency rather hard to come by since.

He hasn't played 30 league games once after moving to Spurs and was forced to move to Atletico Madrid last term on a loan deal in order to play more regularly. That said, he could only manage 11 La Liga outings in another difficult term.

That said, if any coach can extract the best from Reguilon, they would be unearthing a fine flying wing-back.

You only need to head back to that Europe League winning season to understand that.

Indeed, during that campaign he was compared, as per FBref, to former Real Madrid superstar Marcelo, and one of the best left-backs in the Premier League now, Pervis Estupinan.

At the time, Estupinan was playing at Osasuna before bursting onto the scene with Brighton a few years later.

That term, Reguilon ranked inside the best 3% of full-backs in La Liga for progressive carries and touches in the attacking penalty area, the top 7% for successful take-ons and the best 8% for shot-creating actions.

Those metrics paint the picture that the now Spurs man is an incredibly offensive asset on his day, one that would certainly help to fill the void that Shaw will leave behind while on the treatment table.

Estupinan, for comparison, sat inside the best 15% for shot-creating actions that same season, the top 6% for successful take-ons and the best 7% for progressive carries to illustrate their impressive range of similarities.

Of course, the Ecuadorian has been a great deal more impressive in the Premier League after he made his own move to English football, notably registering ten assists in 44 games to Reguilon's nine in 67 outings but the evidence is there that the Spaniard could make his mark in equal manner.

He has never really had the manager to extract the best from him at Tottenham. Antonio Conte's style of play, for instance, was too defensive even if he does prefer wing-backs in his system.

Ten Hag, however, could be a game-changer as far as Reguilon is concerned. It's just whether he sees himself achieving regular minutes once Shaw returns.

As well as finding a Declan Rice replacement, the other pressing concern for the West Ham hierarchy will be to sign a new striker.

Last season, the attacking trio of Michail Antonio, Gianluca Scamacca, and Danny Ings only netted ten Premier League goals between them. David Moyes will be on the hunt for a more consistent and dynamic focal point to spearhead the club’s domestic and European challenges.

One man tipped to do this is Armando Broja.

What’s the latest on Armando Broja to West Ham?

According to ExWHUEmployee, the Hammers welcome an opportunity in bringing Broja to the London Stadium on loan.

Last summer, West Ham tried to sign the striker on a permanent deal for around £30m. The youngster had told Chelsea he didn’t want a season on loan and stayed at the club.

Nevertheless, the East Londoners have reignited their interest in exciting young forward Broja.

Speaking exclusively to The West Ham Way podcast, Ex said: "We’ve also looked at youngsters from other clubs, mainly Chelsea. Obviously, they’ve got Armando Broja who we tried to sign last summer, if he was to be available for a loan and maybe one of our forwards was to move on then he would be another that we would look to sign."

Who can Armando Broja replace at West Ham?

Last season was hugely challenging and disappointing for Broja. After consecutive loans, the frontman was finally spending a full year with the Chelsea first team.

However, a chaotic term under new ownership coupled with a devastating knee injury that kept him out for over six months meant he only mustered three starts in all competitions.

Nevertheless, in the previous campaign, whilst on loan at Southampton, the attacker demonstrated he was an effervescent and troublesome top-flight striker, with nine goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.

This form generated large applause, with Alan Shearer saying that the £40k-per-week prodigy made an “immediate impact” whilst on loan at Southampton, adding: “Let me tell you, this lad is clinical. Broja is a young striker with an eye for goal and has a bright future in the Premier League.”

This sentiment was echoed by his former manager Frank Lampard, who said: “He is a very talented young boy. He’s fast, strong, has a real eye for goal, and he’s a very, very good young player.”

A player of this energetic, pacey, and physical profile could be the perfect heir for Antonio.

The Jamaica international has been a fantastic servant for the Irons – he has been there since 2015 and is the club’s record Premier League goalscorer, netting on 61 occasions.

But, the 33-year-old’s contract expires next summer, and he is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.

Although Antonio’s commitment can never be questioned, it seems the logical time for the era of a new striker at the London Stadium.

He ranks within the lowest 26% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for non-penalty goals per 90, total shots per 90, shot-creating actions per 90, progressive passes per 90, and touches in the attacking penalty per 90.

Meanwhile, Broja can replicate Antonio’s trademark hold-up play, whilst also providing a more compelling outlet with his lightning acceleration.

Newcastle United are now interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Jesper Lindstrom, but they will have to battle the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal for his signature, according to recent reports from Denmark.

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

There have been suggestions that Newcastle have made contact with Galatasaray over a move for Nicolo Zaniolo, as a result of the "excellent impact" he made for the Turkish club after arriving in January, but they have no interest in selling him this summer.

That has not deterred the Magpies, however, as they are expected to make an official offer this week, with Zaniolo emerging as one of their key midfield targets, but they do have a few other options in mind, including Flamengo youngster Victor Hugo.

Eddie Howe's side have "decided" to make a bid of around €24m (£21m) for the 19-year-old, having closely monitored him for some time now, and the Brazilian club will have to be prepared for an "astronomical proposal" this summer.

Read the latest Newcastle transfer news HERE…

There are no other clubs named as potential suitors for Hugo, but Newcastle are set to face a lot of competition in their pursuit of Lindstrom, with Ekstra Bladet, via Sport Witness, recently detailing that a whole host of clubs are vying for the Frankfurt star's signature.

Alongside the Magpies, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig, Inter Milan and Napoli are all interested in the 23-year-old, who could be on the move this summer, with his current club said to be planning for a sale.

Frankfurt would find it hard to say no to a good offer, and if an auction breaks out, the fee could rise as high as €55m (£47m), although he is valued at around €35m – €40m (£30m – £34m). At the moment, Arsenal, Liverpool and Juventus are the clubs that have taken the most concrete steps, having "already been in contact" with the Bundesliga club to discuss a deal.

How good is Jesper Lindstrom?

Football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor has praised the attacking midfielder on a number of occasions, describing him as "fun to watch", before recently adding:

"Jesper Lindstrom is a fascinating player. Really talented and unusual, but also hard to define."

Having arrived in the Bundesliga from Brondby ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, it was always going to take the Dane some time to adapt, but teammate Kevin Trapp believes he has already come on leaps and bounds since his arrival:

"Jesper is very young and came from a different league. The Bundesliga is a tougher league than the Danish league, you have to get used to it. It’s normal, and everyone in the club and the team knows that. Jesper has already made significant steps forward… you can see that he's an outstanding footballer and has very good technique."

Of course, a move to the Premier League would be another step up for the maestro, but he has proven he may be up to the task, having scored seven league goals last season, the third-highest amount in the squad. If Newcastle are able to sign Lindstrom for a fee close to his valuation of around £30m, he could be a quality addition, but it may be difficult to win the race for his signature, given the level of interest.

Tottenham Hotspur have now been provided with a significant update on their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba…

Are Tottenham signing a defender?

Ahead of the September 1st transfer deadline, Spurs are still looking to sign a new defender, and Football London have recently given an overview of their potential targets, with Torino's Perr Schuurs still an option, but there will be competition.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested in the Dutchman, who could cost as much as £35m, although the Italian club would be willing to start negotiations at €20m – €25m (£17m – £21.3m), indicating he could end up being a low-cost signing.

Clement Lenglet and Tosin Adarabioyo are mentioned in the report, with Spurs recently opening talks with Fulham over a move for Adarabioyo, which could end up being a swap deal, with Eric Dier heading to Craven Cottage.

Tapsoba is also named as a potential target, with the report claiming the Burkina Faso international could come in to challenge Cristian Romero for a starting spot, given that he is right-footed, but there has now been an indication he could remain in Germany.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Lilywhites have now cooled their interest in the Leverkusen defender, having been told that he will cost £50m, which is deemed to be a "prohibitive" amount.

As such, the centre-back is unlikely to be on the move before the transfer window slams shut, meaning Tottenham and Newcastle United, who have been widely linked with a move, are now set to miss out on his signature.

Leverkusen are in a strong position to demand a big fee for their star defender, having already raised money by selling Sardar Azmoun and Moussa Diaby this summer, indicating they will hold out for £50m.

Although Spurs are set to miss out on the 24-year-old, they are still ready to swoop for another centre-back, and Adarabioyo has been one of their long-term targets.

Read The Latest Tottenham Transfer News HERE

How good is Edmond Tapsoba?

Although he is comfortable in possession of the ball, ranking in the 97th percentile for successful take-ons, and the 93rd percentile for progressive carries per 90 over the past year, the Leverkusen star is yet to prove he would be worth a £50m outlay.

Former Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has lauded the 6 foot 4 centre-back as "dangerous in front of goal", while also claiming he has "really big potential", but he has not been a consistent performer at the highest level.

The former Guimaraes man does not particularly excel on any defensive metric, placing in the 39th percentile for aerials won, despite his height, and the 38th percentile for interceptions, when compared to his positional peers.

Tapsoba is still only 24 years of age, so he could easily develop into a top defender, having been a regular for Leverkusen over the past few seasons, making 33 Bundesliga appearances last term.

However, it may not be overly disappointing that Tottenham are set to miss out on the 36-time Burkina Faso international, particularly considering they have a whole host of other targets, including the likes oof Schuurs, Lenglet and Adarabioyo.