Tottenham Hotspur now reportedly have a ‘high’ chance of completing the signing of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, after formally expressing their interest in the player earlier this week.

Gakpo endured a difficult 2025/26 season for the Reds as they slumped to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, netting just seven goals and providing five assists. Despite this underwhelming form, Spurs have courted the Dutchman throughout the summer as Roberto De Zerbi looks to bolster his squad’s attacking department ahead of the new season.

The Italian is said to be pushing hard to secure Gakpo, and the chances of the deal materialising are now understood to be ‘very realistic’.

That said, Liverpool still need to decide to sanction the 27-year-old’s departure, and this may be dependent on their ability to land a replacement.

Spurs Could Sign Gakpo Before Season Opener

Tottenham focused on strengthening their midfield and defence early in the summer, signing Sandro Tonali for £100 million alongside several other players.

While their squad looks significantly improved as a whole, they have neglected their attack up until now. Their season commences next Saturday when they visit Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, and De Zerbi is currently on course to name a front three consisting of the likes of Mathys Tel, Richarlison and Mikey Moore.

However, Dutch reporter Blaauwhof gave Spurs supporters hope that Gakpo could be added to the Italian’s ranks before the visit to West London, claiming that the Lilywhites have formally expressed their interest in the Netherlands international earlier this week.

The journalist then provided another update suggesting that the chances of the deal going through are now ‘quite high’.

It remains to be seen what sort of fee Liverpool will be looking for, although given Gakpo’s hefty wages, they may be forced to settle for a modest sum. The wide forward is currently on £250,000-a-week at Anfield, and if he were to earn this in North London, it would make him Spurs’ highest-paid player.

Tottenham Could Have a Completely New Wing Pairing Next Season

via Reuters

Alongside Gakpo, Tottenham are closing in on the signing of Manchester City’s Savinho. The Brazilian is expected to predominantly be deployed on the right in N17, with Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert still recovering from serious injuries.

Gakpo will take the mantle off the left in Xavi Simons’ absence, meaning Spurs could line up with an entirely new pairing on the flanks next term.

As shown by the data above, De Zerbi may look to run his attack through Savinho as the team’s creative outlet, and this could suit Gakpo’s ability to arrive on the end of moves on the other side.

All Statistics via FotMob – correct as of 15/08/2026

One of US President Donald Trump’s key advisors has made an eye-opening new claim about why Gianni Infantino has so many critics following his failed plot to sell stakes in the World Cup.

The FIFA chief had already raised suspicions because of his close relationship with Trump, with the latter allegedly able to lobby for a decision that saw Folarin Balogun’s red card during the World Cup Round of 16 rescinded – initially raising alarm bells over potential corruption and favouritism.

His announcement following the conclusion of the tournament, which saw Spain crowned champions for just the second time after a 1-0 win over Argentina, has only turned the backlash nuclear. UEFA has led the charge, with multiple European nations, including England, withdrawing their support for the Swiss millionaire ahead of March’s election.

Infantino still retains the backing of several countries, among them Argentina, while the USA has pledged to do everything in its power to keep him in office after he refused to resign following a crisis meeting with FIFA in Morocco. Now, Andrew Giuliani has hit back at Infantino’s critics with a strong new claim.

Andrew Giulani Makes Strong Claim About Why Infantino is Disliked

Brian Snyder via Reuters

Andrew Giuliani, the son of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and executive director of the White House Task Force for the recently completed World Cup, has voiced his support for embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling his critics jealous.

The 40-year-old has claimed that politics and pettiness are the true reasons behind the outcry, rather than a conflict of interest like much of the footballing world has emphasised. “It’s politics. I’ve seen this before,” Giuliani told The Athletic.

REUTERS/Lee Smith

He continued: “Look, we are all human beings, and I think it’s one of those things where sport has become ‌monetised and commercialised. I would just say that you have got to look at Gianni’s full body of work and to also realise that he’s always ‌trying ‌to improve his organisation, and I think that’s the thing … I would look at the body of work and say this is the guy I would want leading.”

Trump Has Made His Feelings on the FIFA Chief Very Clear

Credit: Aaron Schwartz / Pool/Sipa USA

With the walls seemingly closing in on Infantino, Trump posted a message on Truth Social Monday night in support of the beleaguered leader. “FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,” Trump said.

It’s also notable that the FFE proposal initially sparked a lot of criticism due to the involvement of private investors, in particular the main proposed investor group, Thrive Eternal, which is headed up by Joshua Kushner – brother of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Trump.

It’s yet to be seen whether the intervention from the US president is enough to stem the tide that the FIFA president is fighting against, but the White House’s authority cannot be understated after tipping Infantino to also take up a position in European parliament in the future.

Newcastle United are now said to be closing in on a deal for a new right-back in the form of Amar Dedic. The Magpies are have had a tricky summer that has ultimately led Eddie Howe to leave the club, with Matthias Jaissle now at the helm.

But there is real concern over how Newcastle will perform this season following the departures of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Anthony Gordon. Bazoumana Traore, Aladji Bamba, Lukas Hornicek, Sean Steur and Ewen Jaouen have all been signed, but there is no getting around the quality of players that have left the club.

But Newcastle’s business has not concluded, and Jaissle will now be getting a better idea of what he needs.

Newcastle closing in on Amar Dedic transfer

REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari via Action Images

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are closing on on a deal for Dedic as they look to add a right-back to their ranks. Romano posted on X: “Newcastle are set to close Amar Dedić deal with Benfica soon as final round of talks has been scheduled. New fullback coming soon for Jaissle, as revealed all agreed on player side. Up next for #NUFC: midfielder too.”

Jaissle lacks depth on the right side, with Tino Livramento the starter and the young Leo Shahar the only back-up. More competition is required, and Dedic now looks set to add it. Dedic is only 23 years of age himself, but he has more senior experience that Shahar, already a 31-time Bosnia and Herzegovina international, while he made 43 appearances across all competitions last season alone.

Dedic played a key role under José Mourinho last season, with Benfica going unbeaten, and he played a big role in a good Champions League run that saw Benfica reach to the knockouts by beating Real Madrid in their last game, and that was despite them losing their ifrst four league phase games.

Decic’s 2025/26 league performances

• Appearances: 24
• Tackles: 1.5 per game
• Interceptions: 0.7 per game
• Clearances: 1.5 per game
• Key passes: 0.6 per game
• Assists: 4

Dedic a player who plays with ‘intensity’

via Reuters

Mourinho saw Dedic as a vital part of his starting XI last season. He once said: “His intensity, his irreverence, the way he attacks defences, the way he imposes a more aggressive rhythm on the team are important.”

Meanwhile, at Newcastle, Jaissle is acutely aware of the shortcomings he has within his squad. He said after a pre-season defeat to Everton this week: “You all see the matches. You are also smart enough to see the needs in the squad.

“I will be always consistent with my approach. We handle these things internally. We are aware of what we need. Let’s see now. There is still some time.”