Tottenham make contact to sign Man Utd star Kobbie Mainoo

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly held initial talks over a deal to sign Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, as per transfer journalist Graeme Bailey.

After ranking through the Red Devils’ youth system, the 20-year-old made his first-team debut a couple of years ago. He played a key role under Erik ten Hag in the 2023/24 season, and following his eye-catching displays in the Premier League, he was selected to play for England in the European Championship last summer.

Mainoo played alongside Declan Rice and helped his country reach the final before losing to Spain. However, he failed to replicate the same performance last term, and fitness problems were one of the main reasons behind this.

He struggled to find regular game time under Ruben Amorim. It was even reported in the winter window that Man Utd might be open to cashing-in on him and Chelsea registered their interest in him.

However, a deal eventually didn’t come to fruition, and he stayed at Old Trafford. He has started pre-season under the Portuguese boss and even displayed a solid performance versus Leeds United in the first pre-season game.

On TBR Football, Bailey says that Mainoo’s existing deal with the Red Devils will run until 2027, and there is an option to extend the deal for a year further. So, Amorim’s side want to tie him down to a fresh term and have been locked in negotiations over the last 12 months.

Mainoo to Tottenham

But an agreement between the two parties hasn’t been reached yet, and United might be open to letting him leave should the situation persist. Chelsea remain interested in him, and Tottenham have now joined the race as well.

The Lilywhites have been keeping a close eye on the Englishman’s current situation and have held talks to enquire about the details.

At the moment, Mainoo wants to stay at Old Trafford, but if he continues to struggle to find regular game time, he might be tempted to move. Because the World Cup is next summer and he would be keen on securing his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England national team.

Mainoo, valued at around £43m by Transfermarkt, is best suited to play in the box-to-box role in a midfield three or one of the double midfield pivot roles. He is a highly talented player and would be a great coup should Spurs eventually manage to secure his service.

Livramento will love him: Newcastle have big interest in £45m “monster”

After a season of tactical adaptation, Newcastle United’s summer transfer strategy is now clearly focused on evolution.

The club is targeting players who can help transition the team into a more progressive, possession-based unit.

Nowhere is this shift more evident than in defence, where the Magpies are exploring options to support one of their most exciting young talents: Tino Livramento.

Since arriving from Southampton, Livramento has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout young full-backs. His versatility was on full display in the Carabao Cup final, where he nullified Mohamed Salah despite playing out of position on the left.

He also played a key role in England’s U21 European Championship success and continues to develop into a modern, forward-thinking defender.

With reported interest from Manchester City, Newcastle are determined to secure his long-term future. The club is said to be preparing a six-year deal that would make him one of their highest earners.

To fully unlock his creative qualities, Newcastle must surround him with players who provide a solid platform behind him. Their pursuit of a new centre-back appears to be aimed precisely at that.

Newcastle chasing their missing piece of the jigsaw

One player who fits that profile perfectly is Marc Guéhi. The Crystal Palace captain is entering the final year of his contract and looks unlikely to extend his stay in south London.

Newcastle had several bids turned down for the defender last summer, while Tottenham also failed with an approach in January.

With Liverpool reportedly reluctant to meet Palace’s £45m valuation, the Magpies may now have a clearer path to securing his signature. Indeed, according to GIVEMESPORT, the player is now keen on a move away from Selhurst Park.

It’s revealed that the likes of Newcastle, Liverpool and Spurs all have ‘strong’ interest in the player.

What may prove beneficial is that there’s already a personal connection in place. Sky Sports has noted that Guéhi shares close friendships with several Newcastle players, namely Anthony Gordon, Livramento and Lewis Hall who he was alongside at Chelsea.

That familiarity could ease his transition and strengthen the cohesion within Eddie Howe’s defensive unit.

Guehi & Livramento: A partnership for the future

On the pitch, Guéhi was a model of consistency last season. According to Sofascore, he made 34 appearances, scored three goals, and averaged a match rating of 7.10. While his numbers in traditional defensive areas, such as clearances, tackles, and aerial duels, were impressive, his technical ability sets him apart.

According to data from FBref, Guéhi ranks among the most progressive centre-backs in Europe. He sits in the 98th percentile for through balls, the 75th percentile for switches of play, and the 77th for crosses. These numbers point to a defender who’s not only comfortable under pressure but capable of initiating phases of possession.

This makes him an ideal partner for Livramento. According to the same data, the young full-back already ranks in the top percentiles for pass completion, progressive passes, and progressive carries, thriving when given the freedom to push forward.