Spence future
Ange Postecoglou has given an update on the future of Tottenham full-back Djed Spence.
The 23-year-old spent time on loan at both Leeds and Genoa last season.
Postecoglou explained: “Djed’s here, he’s a Spurs player. He’s a very good player who fits into our football and so it’s as much about him as it is about me making a decision.
“He’s been very good pre-season, he’s impressed all the coaches, not just myself.”
More on Guehi
Newcastle have opened talks with Crystal Palace over a move for Marc Guehi.
Guehi has rejected a new contract at Selhurst Park and his current deal expires in 2026.
According to The Athletic, the Magpies have now made a move to sign the centre-back.
The England international has also had interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United.
Bayern turn down Man Utd
Manchester United have seen a joint bid for Bayern Munich stars Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui rejected.
De Ligt has not travelled with the Bayern squad to South Korea for their pre-season games, as he eyes an exit.
Mazraoui, who also played under the Red Devils’ boss Erik ten Hag at Ajax, could come in to compete with Diogo Dalot for the right-back spot.
The Manchester giants hoped their joint bid would be enough to secure the targets but the offer was rejected by the Bundesliga giants, according to The Athletic.
It is not yet known how much was put on the table in order to snap up the pair, though United’s £30million bid for De Ligt was turned down last week.
Agent Rafaela Pimenta, who represents both players, was reportedly shocked that Bayern changed their stance especially after new manager Vincent Kompany informed the defenders they were surplus to requirements ahead of the coming window.
De Ligt and Mazraoui have reportedly agreed personal terms on five-year deals at Old Trafford.
Jhon Duran latest
Jhon Duran will have to wait until Aston Villa return from the USA to discover if he will be disciplined by the club.
The 20-year-old Colombian will be made to sweat it out until Unai Emery and Villa’s management team return from their pre-season tour at the start of next week.
Duran, who has been linked with a move to West Ham, posted a controversial video of himself crossing his arms to mimic Hammers’ fans trademark Irons pose last week.
The move did little to endear himself with Villa fans and club chiefs vowed to investigate the striker’s provocative post.
West Ham had offered £35million for the wantaway striker but Villa wanted more than £40million for Duran.
That appeared too rich for the Hammers who have since turned their attention to Borussia Dortmund striker Niklas Fullkrug.
Smith Rowe on Fulham move
Emile Smith Rowe decided to move to Fulham from Arsenal after being won over by the project at Craven Cottage.
The Gunners confirmed the £34m departure of Smith Rowe earlier today.
The playmaker has become the most expensive academy-grown departure in the club’s history.
Listening to the project, speaking to the manager, and seeing what players we have here already, I think it’s an exciting project for me, and definitely the perfect step for my career going forward.
Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe to Fulham
Mikel Arteta expressed his “sadness” after Arsenal confirmed the £34m departure of Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham.
The Gunners midfielder, 24, ends a 14-year spell with the North Londoners – becoming the most expensive academy-grown departure in the club’s history.
Smith Rowe joins the Cottagers on a long-term deal with £27m paid upfront plus £7m in add-ons – and could make his debut on Monday in a friendly at home to Sevilla.
He left Arsenal’s pre-season States camp to complete his medical earlier this week before joining the Fulham squad in Portugal – keen to hit the ground running after making just 25 Prem appearances since August 2022.
I’m sad that Emile is leaving us. But I’m excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, when he needs to be starting matches and playing regularly.
Emile’s commitment, attitude and energy every day was first class, always stepping up when the team needed him.
He came into the first team and was instrumental during a difficult moment for us. He created an important impression, with his strong performances making our supporters proud.
Emile is loved by everyone at the club and leaves us with our gratitude, absolute respect and best wishes. We all wish Emile and his family well at Fulham.
Mikel Arteta
