Tottenham Hotspur are set for a wild summer of change once the current season ends, and are on the brink of being relegated to the Championship to make things even worse.
Spurs sit two points adrift of safety with just four games remaining this season, having defeated Wolves 1-0 this past weekend to claim their first three points of 2026, and their first win under new manager Roberto De Zerbi in the process.
But with their Premier League status still uncertain, a number of clubs are paying close attention to the ongoing situation and now another one of their regular starters is being eyed up for a potential transfer abroad.
Fiorentina Eyeing Djed Spence Transfer
According to Sports Boom, Serie A side Fiorentina are eyeing up a move for Spurs defender Djed Spence this summer, if De Zerbi gives him the green light to depart.
The England international, who previously played in Italy while on loan at Genoa, has been a regular starter for the north London club this season, with his ability to play on both sides making him great competition for Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie.
Fiorentina, who have Fabio Paratici at the helm of their sporting department, believe the 25-year-old could be a top addition to their squad, as they look to rebuild ahead of the new season.
It’s believed that Spence, described as ‘frightening’, could be open to a fresh challenge, especially if Tottenham are relegated, but it remains to be seen how De Zerbi views him in his long-term plans at the club. Despite starting against Wolves, his position in the team isn’t guaranteed, and a summer move hasn’t been ruled out.
Tottenham Must Keep Djed Spence
Spurs know there are going to be huge changes at the club this summer, but that means that any deals that aren’t absolute necessities should probably be kept to a minimum to help keep some stability.
Spence has experience at the highest level, and his versatility will also undoubtedly be a huge plus for De Zerbi, who likes to be tactically flexible and picks teams based on the opponent, rather than having a fixed first-choice lineup.
But with that said, De Zerbi also is known to be ruthless with his demands, and if Spence isn’t up to the standard then he won’t have any qualms about getting rid, so this is an interesting situation to watch develop in the coming weeks.
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are both looking to make significant changes to their squads this summer following disappointing seasons, with the former now targeting a move for FC Koln winger Said El Mala, according to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs.
Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move for the exciting German attacker in recent days, and now they have been joined by Liverpool in the race for the 19-year-old.
The Reds are determined to add to their frontline following the big exit of Mohamed Salah this summer, with a deal already completed to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna out of nowhere.
It was a £34m transfer that shocked Newcastle United too, with the Magpies believing that they were about to sign the Spain international, before Liverpool’s late hijack.
The Merseyside outfit aren’t done there though, as Andoni Iraola looks to add more pace to a frontline that currently includes Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak, Rio Ngumoha, Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitike, although the Frenchman is likely to be unavailable until 2027 because of injury.
Liverpool have identified RB Leipzig wonderkid Yan Diomande as their top target to replace Salah, but they have other targets in mind in case they can’t land the Ivorian.
However, the Reds still need to reach an agreement on a fee with Leipzig, who are determined to keep the Ivory Coast international.
They have already rejected a £87m bid from Liverpool for their winger, with Fabrizio Romano suggesting that a bid north of £100m could be considered.
However, Jacobs has confirmed that the Merseysiders have alternative targets in case they can’t find an agreement, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Koln’s Said El Mala.
Brighton and Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo are the other names on the shortlist.
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Liverpool Eyeing Double Midfielder Deal
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Liverpool are also looking at other areas of the pitch for new arrivals too, including in central midfield.
The Reds are expecting to lose Curtis Jones this summer, with the Englishman continuing to be linked with a move to Serie A, while doubts have been raised over the future of Alexis Mac Allister.
The Merseysiders are considering central midfield options as a result, with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton a player they have big appreciation for, according to GMS sources.
Liverpool have also held meetings over a move for Morocco sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to Fabrizio Romano, with the 18-year-old exploding onto the world scene at the 2026 World Cup after racking up almost 100 senior appearances for Lille.
The UFC is a cut-throat business. Lose a few fights in a row and your time in the company could be over. Fail to get the fans on side or get a reaction from the audience, and you could see your contract terminated.
Much was made of Josh Hokit’s post-fight interview at UFC Freedom 250 after he made a controversial remark about the former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Hokit once again put on a stellar performance and backed up his trash talk with a fourth win in the last six months. Late into the second round, his pressure proved too much for Derrick Lewis, as referee Herb Dean had to step in and bring an end to the ground and pound.
Hokit’s always been a divisive figure, but for many, his actions at UFC Freedom 250 were a step too far. He was afforded the opportunity to fight in front of the White House and controversially used his platform to make an offensive slur about Barack Obama’s wife.
The question now is, will he face any further action?
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Upon receiving the microphone from Joe Rogan, Hokit, like he always does, cut his on-the-nose promo, only this time, he took aim at Michelle Obama.
“Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” he said. The controversial words sparked outrage, with UFC commentator Daniel Cormier very critical of the situation, saying: “It was an unnecessary shot on her. That’s the type of statement that divides. I absolutely hated that.”
For many, the event was a celebration of America’s history, with the White House a perfect backdrop for the occasion. A time to forget about the division that plagues everyday life and enjoy the occasion. However, Hokit’s message seemingly went against this, and as a result, has led to plenty of frustration.
While nothing is confirmed, speculation of Obama suing the fighter was sparked online after the interview, with a potential defamation case in the pipeline. However, there is no evidence to show they could go this route, with no confirmed plans by any representatives or major news organisation.
The former fighter has spoken out about the controversy that took place in front of the White House.
UFC Has Faced Problems Before
This isn’t the first occasion where a UFC fighter has been embroiled in controversy following a poor choice of words.
Back in January 2025, Bryce Mitchell caught the headlines for all the wrong reasons after saying Hitler was a ‘good guy.’ In response to this, UFC President Dana White said they won’t take further action due to freedom of speech. However, he also completely condemned the words, saying: “That’s the problem with the internet and social media. You provide a platform to a lot of dumb and ignorant people.”
Sean Strickland was also in controversy leading up to the UFC Freedom 250 event, as he claimed he wasn’t allowed to attend the event due to his words on Israel. Now, it’s Hokit who is in the firing line, and could he face further consequences? The words were broadcast to millions of people watching the event, and could be seen as unfairly taking aim at Obama’s reputation.
It’s unclear whether they will eventually respond, and what actions they may take, but as things stand, they are opting to ignore the comment and not seek legal action.
