Tottenham appear to be facing some potential difficulty in landing a deal for Sandro Tonali this summer, as Marca reports that a rival is preparing a bid for the midfielder.

Spurs have been pushing to land the Italian international this summer as part of a major midfield overhaul, with the expectation of two possible arrivals in the central ranks in the coming weeks.

Talks are ongoing to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, with intense competition from Manchester United for his signature along with a host of other clubs such as PSG and Real Madrid.

However, it’s Tonali that Tottenham have accelerated their interest in. Spurs have already agreed personal terms on a huge £275,000-a-week contract, per reports, and are looking to close an agreement with Newcastle to land him.

The Magpies are believed to be holding out for £100 million to facilitate an exit, a fee that clubs are looking to dwindle down to a slightly more affordable price.

But now, Spurs face the possibility of a hijack with a first offer being prepared by their rivals.

Man City Ready Sandro Tonali Offer

via Reuters

While Tottenham have been in hot pursuit of Tonali, there has been interest from rivals Arsenal and Manchester City for the midfielder as well this summer.

However, with the former backing out and the latter landing Elliot Anderson for £116 million, it seemed as though the path had cleared for Spurs to seal a deal with relative comfort.

Now, however, Marca reports that Man City are lining up a huge bid to try and tempt Newcastle to part ways with their midfield maestro in the coming weeks.

It’s claimed that a bid in the region of €110m (£95m) is being prepared by the club, who are keen to add Tonali next to Anderson as part of a new-look midfield pairing.

It comes as a huge potential blow to Tottenham, and as a possible hijack for the North London side, who may need to change their approach in negotiations with Newcastle in the transfer market.

The amount prepared by Man City is not set to meet the valuation set by the Magpies, which may see them reject a sale, but would only further reinforce how much Spurs may need to pay to land him.

Tottenham’s Challenging Market

via Reuters

Tottenham have done well in the market so far, landing four signings who will help bring some strength in depth across the whole of the squad.

The challenge was always going to come when other teams get involved for signings, especially if they hold the advantage in a potential battle.

Man City could offer more than Spurs, if they wish to, while there is also a certain guarantee of trophy opportunities and a chance to impress in the Champions League.

That is tough for Tottenham to compete with, and underlines how difficult the market could be for the club moving forward into areas, such as the midfield and forward lines.

It remains to be seen whether they can convince Tonali that N17 is the best place for him, but it will be a monumental task if Man City do push ahead with a bid.

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has caused quite a stir with what he said to the Japan player who claimed that “Brazil used to be a powerhouse” ahead of his side’s dramatic 2-1 World Cup victory on Monday evening. Carlo Ancelotti and co. left it late to complete the comeback in Houston and book their place in the Round of 16.

Kaishu Sano gave Japan a shock lead just before the 30-minute mark, but a series of second-half changes helped the five-time world champions wrestle back control and put their stamp on the contest. Casemiro powered home the equaliser in the 56th minute before Gabriel Martinelli emerged as the hero off the bench, poking in a dramatic 96th-minute winner after the ball trickled beyond the goalkeeper, kissed the post and crossed the line.

While Japan are renowned for their sportsmanship, there was no shortage of needle between the two sides. Before the showdown, Kento Shiogai had talked the talk by questioning Brazil’s standing among the game’s elite. But after failing to walk the walk, Cunha wasted little time in giving him a taste of his own medicine, firing back with a pointed response of his own after the final whistle.

What Cunha Said to Shiogai in Heated Exchange After Brazil 2-1 Japan

Troy Taormina / IMAGN Images via Reuters

In what Ancelotti later branded ‘mind games’, Shiogai had said: “I don’t hear much about Brazil these days,” after claiming: “Brazil used to be a powerhouse, but now only France and Argentina are strong.” He only played six minutes at this World Cup, and Cunha wasn’t prepared to let his comments slide as he could be seen saying after the final whistle (while holding up five fingers):

Also asked about the statement from Shiogai, captain Marquinhos said he saw a bit of arrogance in the Japanese player’s attitude, but Brazil eventually found a way to get themselves over the line.

His Gesture has Caused a Stir

Annegret Hilse via Action Images via Reuters

While many Brazilians applauded the five-word message, with one X user remarking: “He put him in his place” and another saying: “Pride and arrogance is back! That’s what we wanted!” neutrals have offered a different perspective on things.

Indeed, it seems the rest of the football world find the Man United winger’s comments a little bizarre, considering he hasn’t contributed to any of their success. In some ways, Cunha’s gesture proves his opponent right until he has something more recent to shout about, as one critic wrote: “Just setting himself up to be a meme.” Another also added:

Elsewhere, one last comment concluded: “Players bragging with trophies they didn’t win should be abolished.” Brazil will face Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at 21:00 GMT on Sunday night.

Football fans are in agreement over which player needs to be axed from Brazil’s starting lineup following their narrow 2-1 World Cup win vs Japan on Monday evening. Despite winning it late on with Gabriel Martinelli squeezing in a 95th minute goal, Carlo Ancelotti will not have been happy with everything he saw in Houston.

For decades, Brazil have carried a certain kind of ‘aura’ into tournaments that made them a feared opposition, despite being a shell of their glorified past. Now, it feels like their rivals are finally taking advantage of the reality of which the South American giants aren’t as good as their five stars would suggest, even if they got away with it this time.

And one player, more than any, showed that some deadwood still lingers in squad selections, despite calls from fans for years for him to replaced. It is unlikely he gets to start again in the Round of 16.

Brazil Ace is Being Begged to Retire Despite Round of 16 Qualification

Annegret Hilse via Reuters

Reacting to Danilo’s performance, which saw him produce the lowest Sofascore rating of everyone at the Houston Stadium, one X user wrote: “How Daniel is still playing professional football is unreal to me,” as a second added about the Flamengo defender (see the full post below):

A third remarked: “The age is really showing in this Brazil team. You’re not gonna get away with playing Danilo in 2026, be for real,” as a fourth continued: “Danilo minutes is malpractice.” Elsewhere, a fifth concluded: “Danilo mistake. It was embarrassing to call him up in 2022 why is he still around in 2026??”

Danilo’s Performance in Numbers

Troy Taormina / IMAGN Images via Reuters

Winners always find a way, but while the attackers put on a resilient showing in the second-half, it always felt like Brazil were one Danilo misstep away from gifting their opponents a way back into things as pressure built. Across 99 minutes, the right-back was responsible for an error that led to the goal, a foul, and general moments of disarray.

He didn’t commit to any tackles, he won just two of his five duels, and his two defensive contributions are cause for serious concern given he had ample time to get involved with protecting Alisson between the sticks but chose to sit further forward.

Maybe he would have been forgiven had he done well in attack, but zero successful dribbles, losing possession 12 times, completing just two out of four long ball attempts and cross attempts shows he was ineffective from back to front.