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Tottenham Hotspur may "abandon" their pursuit of Micky van de Ven due to issues surrounding the player's price tag at Wolfsburg, according to Ben Jacobs.

Is Van de Ven joining Spurs?

The arrival of Ange Postecoglou in north London has shifted the mood around Hotspur Way.

There is a new and growing optimism around the club and its supporters as Tottenham prepare for a new era under the Australian coach, one which has been buoyed by several summer signings already in James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario.

Postecoglou's charisma and attitude has endeared him to players and fans wherever he has been, most recently at Celtic, and the 57-year-old will be hoping that the good feeling around Spurs can last well into the new season.

However, if Spurs defend like they did last season, those warm fuzzy feelings will disappear pretty quickly.

Postecoglou's most difficult challenge will be transforming a backline low on confidence and quality and in dire need of reinvigoration. Bringing in a top-quality centre-back would be a great start and a couple of the Bundesliga's finest young prospects have already been linked.

Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen has been considered the priority target, but talks have reportedly advanced for Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven.

According to journalist Jacobs, however, a deal for the latter could yet be abandoned due to the Dutchman's high valuation, with Spurs looking for a potentially more economical solution to their centre-back problem.

Speaking on The Football Terrace, Jacobs said: "I think Tottenham are looking for a centre-back, we've known this for quite some time. Micky van de Ven is one player that they've been considering and exploring, and price has been a little bit of an issue there.

"So, we know this is a key area because Ange Postecoglou is intent effectively on having ball-playing centre-backs and defenders more generally, but Spurs will abandon their pursuit of Micky van de Ven because of the fact that ultimately price is a problem and they're still looking for value in the market.

"So, that leads the towards, perhaps, Edmond Tapsoba, another one that's been on the list for quite some time. And he's a top target, I think it's fair to say, and the valuation there is somehwere in the region of £40m, some would say £45m. So, they're going to be ones to watch over the coming weeks."

Tapsoba's greater experience at senior level may influence Spurs' decision, with Postecoglou perhaps viewing the Burkina Faso international as a more first-team ready addition.

Jacobs didn't rule out the possibility of Van de Ven still making a move to the Lilywhites from Germany, but it certainly contradicts aforementioned claims that a deal is at a very advanced stage.

How good is Van de Ven?

The 22-year-old arrived at Wolfsburg from Volendam in his home country back in 2021, but only made five appearances in his first season with Die Wolfe as he adjusted to life in the Bundesliga.

Last year was the youngster's breakthrough campaign, featuring 36 times in all competitions and helping Wolfsburg to an eighth-placed finish, missing out on European football to Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt on the final day of the season.

Van de Ven is quick, something perfectly exemplified by a recent clip circulating on social media, and stands at 6ft3 – a formidable combination.

The fact that he is left-footed makes him an even more desirable asset due to the scarcity of top-tier centre-backs who thrive on the left-hand side of defence, while he is also comfortable playing at left-back or as one of three centre-backs in a back five.

Boasting an 87.7% pass accuracy in the league last season, he also ranked in the top 11% for successful take-ons and progressive carries per 90 compared to other Bundesliga centre-backs, showcasing his technical strengths.

If Postecoglou wants a ball-playing, modern centre-back, then he need not look much further than Van de Ven.

Watch more of The Football Terrace HERE!

Wolverhampton Wanderers may revisit a target from the past, as Chilean winger Daniel Osorio could become available this summer.

The teenager was linked to Wolves during last summer’s window, with Sport Witness relaying news that suggested the teenager was all but a player at Molineux.

Fast forward to this transfer window, and the 19-year-old is once again circulating in news regarding the Midlands club, with the Express and Star linking the teen with a move back in May.

The saga doesn’t quite end there, with Molineux News relaying reports from Chile that the youngster is likely to be sold this summer, due to a dip in form at Universidad de Chile.

With a reported price tag of £7.5m and West Ham United also circling the winger, it could be now or never to finally bring the Chilean to Molineux.

What could Dario Osorio offer to Wolves?

Having sold Nathan Collins to Brentford and Ruben Neves to Al-Hilal, Wolves will be eyeing signings to balance the departure and arrival ratio, with Joao Moutinho, Diego Costa and Adama Traore departing at the expiration of their contracts.

In Traore's departure, Julen Lopetegui will lose some firepower in his attack, with the Spaniard averaging in the top 5% of wingers in the Premier League last season in terms of successful take-ons, averaging 2.95 per 90, via FBref.

Despite being a threat 1v1, Traore has lacked in the final third in situations where ultimately Wolves were crying out for him to deliver.

The Old Gold ended the campaign scoring just 31 goals in 38 games, cementing themselves as the league’s lowest-scorers.

In a total of 157 appearances in the Premier League for Wolves, the Spaniard netted just ten goals, via Transfermarkt, highlighting that his threat can indeed be replenished on the flank following his exit.

Lopetegui could find himself with an adequate heir to the former Barcelona man in Osorio, who shone last season in Chile.

Hailed as a “talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Osorio has shown glimpses of the player he could be, hence interest from the English top tier.

Last campaign in the Primera Division, the "flamboyant" teenager – as dubbed by scout Jacek Kulig – scored seven goals in just 16 starts for Universidad de Chile, deployed as a left-footed right-winger.

The youngster's energy in the final third is something that Lopetegui could benefit greatly from, as well as signifying that he could add more in front of goal than the player he could replace in Traore.

While his seven goals were impressive for a player of just 18 at the time, the Hijuelas-born gem acted as a live wire whenever in possession, as supported by his numbers.

As per Sofascore, the teenager averaged one successful dribble per game, as well as 1.4 shots, despite averaging just 58 minutes per game.

Another element that the Chilean could bring to Lopetegui’s attack in addition to his threat on the ball, is his distribution and eye for a creative pass, as highlighted through his average of 1.1 key passes per game last season, with Traore averaging 0.7 this term.

With West Ham also circling the teenager, Wolves must act fast if they are to finally end the saga between Osorio and Molineux.

Manchester United have not accepted "a more flexible offer" from Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS, and any potential deal that sees the Glazer maintain their position at United would need the board's support, claims journalist Ben Jacobs.

Manchester takeover news – What's the latest?

Another week passes, and yet the potential sale of one of the biggest sports teams in the world still seems no closer than it did a few weeks ago.

It has been seven months since the Glazers first announced they were looking for outside investment for the club, news that was celebrated almost like a title win by many fans of the club who have long opposed the American families' ownership of their football club.

Yet, over half a year later, they are still firmly in control.

There have been three rounds of bidding for the Red Devils, which have left Ratcliffe's INEOS-supported bid and the Qatari bid fronted by Sheikh Jassim as the two most serious parties.

While it is hard to genuinely gauge the feelings of such a massive and international fan base, Ratcliffe's offer to buy just 51% of the club and allow the Glazers to keep a stake of around 20% is unlikely to sit well with much of the support.

What has journalist Ben Jacobs said about the Manchester United takeover?

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "INEOS, with a more flexible offer for control of the football club, have never at the point we're recording this anyway been put in exclusivity, nor have they obviously completed a deal for the football club.

"And the reason for that is because even if the Glazers like the offer on the table that could allow Joel and Avram to stay, it's still got to get board approval."

What other sports teams does Jim Ratcliffe own?

Should Ratcliffe and INEOS get their way this summer and become the majority owners of United, it'll be the British Billionaires' fifth sports organisation and his third football club for which he will be the majority owner.

The first football team he purchased was the Swiss super league outfit FC Lausanne-Sport. He bought the team back in 2017, and things immediately went wrong, with the side being relegated in his first year of ownership, coming back up the following year.

The second side in his stable of European football teams is the slightly more prestigious Ligue 1 side, Nice.

INEOS took control of the French club in 2019, and since then, things have gone okay for the club, finishing fifth in 2020, ninth in 2021, fifth again in 2022 and finally ninth again last year.

The 70-year-old businessman also owns the sailing team Ineos Britannia and the cycling team Ineos Grenadiers which has competed in the Tour de France.

If the lifelong United fan really wants to add the historic club to that list and win the fans onside, he might want to reconsider the offer to keep the Glazers onboard.

Michael Beale made two January signings for Glasgow Rangers only a mere six weeks into the job, luring Todd Cantwell, and Nicolas Raskin to Ibrox.

They have both been inspired moves, especially the Englishman, as he has been rejuvenated since arriving in Glasgow.

Across just 20 matches during the second half of last season, Cantwell registered 11 goal contributions – six goals and five assists – showcasing his attacking qualities which looked certain to turn him into an England international during his spell at Norwich City.

It is a great start for the 25-year-old, but the onus will be on him to keep up this momentum next season and with Rangers signing a few attacking players during the transfer window, he could link up with a number of different options.

One striker who could allow Cantwell to flourish even more than he has is Lawrence Shankland, with the Gers seemingly interested in a move for the Hearts' frontman this summer according to TEAMtalk.

Could Rangers sign Lawrence Shankland this summer?

With Sam Lammers joining the Light Blues from Atalanta and Cyriel Dessers edging closer to a move, Beale is going the right way about replacing recently departed players Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos.

Shankland could be another exciting option for the club, especially with his stunning form for the Gorgie outfit last term.

The £3k-per-week Scot netted 28 goals across all competitions during 2023/24, while also grabbing four assists and by creating five big chances and making one key pass per game, it indicates that he can also link up well with others around him.

This could be a big bonus for Cantwell, who instead of creating opportunities for Shankland, the feeling could certainly be reciprocated, thus making him more unplayable than he already has been for the Light Blues.

The 6 foot hitman was lauded by journalist Joel Sked last year, who said: “Lawrence Shankland has been different class for Hearts. So much more to his game than goals. His ability to drop in, act as that focal point and link player, his awareness and the way he creates space for himself. All so good and so vital.”

With just two years left on his current contract, Beale could perhaps test the resolve of Hearts with a bid during the transfer window and if he lures him to Ibrox, him and Cantwell could form a scary duo when played together that’s for sure.

Sandro Tonali is eager to make a move to Newcastle United this summer as a deal for the AC Milan midfielder edges closer to completion.

What's the latest on Tonali to Newcastle?

It was announced earlier this week by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano that a deal for Tonali was all but complete, and the 23-year-old will most likely arrive at St. James' Park for approximately £60m on a six-year contract.

While it would be easy to think the transfer had been finalised, that is not the case just yet, and both sides need to come to some further agreements before a deal is completed.

However, speaking on Sky Sports News, journalist Paul Gilmour has reassured Toon supporters that the Italian is eager to make the move to the Premier League.

"Well, we know that personal terms are not expected to be a problem for Tonali to Newcastle, so the player is keen on the move. And the fact that that won't be a problem, it's really positive from a Newcastle point of view"

"The one thing I will say is that the two clubs are still negotiating that final payment structure, but they are getting closer and closer to a deal being agreed for Sandro Tonali."

This comes as great news for Newcastle fans who are excited about their first 'marquee' signing of the summer. The Italian is likely to be joined by a couple more newcomers as the Magpies begin their ascent to the upper echelons of English football.

What kind of player is Tonali?

Unlike most footballers at the moment, Tonali is still playing in a season that feels like it will never end. Currently captaining Italy's U21s at the European Championship in Georgia and Romania, the midfielder impressed in his side's 2-1 defeat to France in the opening match of the group stage, and will be hoping for a better result against Norway and Switzerland in the next few days.

Traditionally a defensive midfielder, Tonali can play further up the pitch, sometimes operating as a number eight for Milan. The former Brescia man featured in 48 games at club level last season, helping I Rossoneri to the Champions League semi-final in an otherwise disappointing campaign.

Compared to other midfielders in Serie A last term, Tonali ranked in the top 6% for assists, averaging one approximately every five games. He also ranked in the top 25% for both progressive carries and progressive passes per 90, as well as the top 5% for key passes, highlighting his ability to be influential in more attacking spaces.

A strong tackler who reads the game well in defensive situations, the only area Tonali needs to drastically improve is his passing. While statistics don't tell the whole story, the Italian's passing accuracy (just 75.7%) ranked in the bottom 21% of Serie A midfielders last season.

Arsenal have 'serious' interest in bringing Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz to the Emirates Stadium in the summer window, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Kai Havertz?

As per The Daily Mail, Arsenal have opened discussions over a move for Havertz; however, he is likely to become more of a priority once the Gunners conclude a deal to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

The report adds that the Germany international would be keen on a move across London, though Chelsea want around £70 million to sanction a Stamford Bridge exit for the £150k-a-week ace.

Real Madrid are also keen on Havertz as a potential replacement for their departed legend Karim Benzema and it is said that Chelsea would be open to selling the versatile 25-year-old, who has two years left on his deal in west London, according to The Guardian.

Chelsea look to have already started contingency plans in the event that Havertz does leave, as they have identified Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson as a striker target.

Havertz joined Chelsea back in 2020 for a fee in the region of £75.8 million from Bayer Leverkusen and has spent three years on the books at Stamford Bridge, as per Sky Sports.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Gunners have had a bid rejected already.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has indeed confirmed that Arsenal's interest in Havertz this window is genuine.

Jacobs told FFC: "Well, the interest in Kai Havertz from Arsenal is serious and Mikel Arteta really feels that he can get the best out of the player. Chelsea's valuation is very high, though it's around £75 million pounds and Arsenal feel that a deal can be struck for lower."

Would Kai Havertz be a good signing for Arsenal?

Havertz has extreme talent; however, securing a move away from Chelsea may be the best option for the 24-year-old as he looks to deliver on promise showed earlier in his career.

In 2022/23, Havertz made 47 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, registering nine goals and one assist in total, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored shows that Havertz can lead the line instinctively despite not being a natural striker by trade, as the former Bayer Leverkusen man averaged around two shots and 1.1 key passes per match in the Premier League during the campaign.

One area of concern for Arsenal fans will be trying to figure out where Havertz functions best on the field positionally. In an interview from last year quoted by The Mirror, Havertz commented on which role he favours, stating: "Everyone asks this question and after three years, everyone should know by now what I can do – that I'm flexible up front and I can play a lot of different positions. Of course, sometimes it's good to play in different positions and sometimes it's bad, but in general, I'm an offensive player. I like to be in the box, I like to score goals, I like to arrive in the box often and I don't care if I'm there as a No.9 or a No.10. If I'm in the box, I'm there to score goals – and that's it."

Looking forward, Arteta will have a plan to maximise his capabilities as he aims to close in on bringing the Aachen-born star to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Glasgow Rangers target Sam Lammers is expected to imminently fly over for a medical to complete his move to the Scottish Premiership, according to reports.

Who is Sam Lammers?

Lammers is a striker who is currently contracted to Atalanta, but having only ever made 19 senior first-team appearances, he’s spent the majority of his career out on loan. He's carried out temporary spells with Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Empoli and most recently Sampdoria during his time at the Gewiss Stadium.

The Light Blues were credited with an interest in the 26-year-old last month and reports later claimed that Michael Beale was set to step up his pursuit and was preparing to make a move after not only being impressed but being alerted to the centre-forward's availability in the Serie A.

If the following update is to be believed, a deal could be completed in the coming days.

Are Rangers signing Lammers?

According to The Scottish Mail on Sunday (via Rangers News), Lammers is "heading for a medical" and is likely to arrive in Glasgow "within the next 48 hours" to seal his switch to Ibrox. The Teddy Bears are "close" to reaching an agreement, with a deal expected to be finalised "this week".

Steven Gerrard reportedly wanted to sign the attacker back in 2020 when he was in charge, and whilst a move failed to come to fruition at the time, it seems he's finally on his way for a fee of £3.5m.

Rangers will be in the market for a new centre-forward to replace the departing Alfredo Morelos, and whilst Lammers has been lauded an “energetic” player by journalist Josh Bunting in terms of his running power, he’s not prolific enough in the final third so Beale should be looking to add a second forward signing to replace Morelos' goals.

The Dutchman, who has the ability to play with both feet, only scored one goal in 20 appearances at Sampdoria and ranked as Dejan Stankovic’s 10th worst-performing offensive player and 13th overall with a WhoScored match rating of just 6.43, failing to have any kind of positive impact during his time on the road.

Lammers wouldn’t offer any kind of versatility having only operated in his usual role through the middle for the majority of his career, playing three times in attacking midfield and just once out wide on the right wing, via Transfermarkt. The boss would be pretty limited to using him almost exclusively as a number nine, meaning Lammers will have to improve his end product to become a sure starter.

Aston Villa have been linked to a Premier League ace, as Unai Emery aims to sculpt his side to his liking in his first summer window with the club.

The Villans have confirmed European football for next season, making Villa Park a favourable project to linked players, as well as the prospect of having a four-time Europa League-winning manager at the helm.

Despite the thrilling efforts of the squad this campaign, the Spaniard wants to make reinforcements this summer, with the latest link posing as a significant upgrade to Villa’s midfield.

What’s the latest on Youri Tielemans to Aston Villa?

As reported by The Athletic yesterday, Villa have ‘joined the race’ to sign Leicester City gem Youri Tielemans this summer.

The 26-year-old will become a free agent, and will depart the Foxes following no agreement of a contract renewal following the side’s relegation.

The report suggests that Emery desires the potential move to be ‘completed quickly’, due to the Spaniard missing out on signing a midfield target in the January window.

In a follow-up tweet, the Athletic's Gregg Evans detailed that the manager is a "big fan" of the player and the club "will make an approach soon."

What could Youri Tielemans bring to Aston Villa?

Praised as being a “major player” by former Premier League gem Eden Hazard, the midfielder has asserted himself as being one to watch in the league, despite starring in a relatively poor side.

Despite their relegation, the Belgian averaged a match rating of 7.04 this season, contributing to five goals in 31 appearances in the league, assisting two and scoring three himself – as per Sofascore.

At just 26, the midfielder has enjoyed a career nearing 500 appearances in all competitions, representing Anderlecht, Monaco and Leicester where he has scored 69 goals and assisted 60.

The £120k-per-week ace could offer a lot to Emery’s set up, and most prominently become a shining light for 16-goal Ollie Watkins, who could have a creative spark installed to fuel him from midfield.

Villa’s most identifiable creator at present is Emiliano Buendia, who sits at the centre of Emery’s attacking lineup.

The Argentinian averages 5.15 progressive passes per 90 as per FBref, but the threat Tielemans could provide to Watkins is far greater, with the Belgian averaging 6.95 in the same area.

Questioned as being one of the league's ‘best’ midfielders by Opta Analyst journalist Joe Wright, the 26-year-old could be the key to unlocking the further potential of the English striker.

Identified as having strengths in areas of key passing by WhoScored, the Leicester playmaker could thrive in Emery’s system, with the Spaniard lining up in a way that gives his attacking outlet freedom to create in a roaming midfield three.

The system that the 51-year-old has succeeded with at Villa is similar to the formation Tielemans thrived in at Anderlecht, playing central in a midfield trio behind the striker.

Watkins could seek new heights playing in front of the creative ability of the Belgian, who ranked in the top 11% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues this year for expected assists, averaging 0.18 xAG per 90 – as per FBref.

Available as a free agent this summer, Emery must act fast to get a steal in the upcoming window for a player that would thrive in his budding Villa squad.

Manchester United have an interest in David Raya at Brentford – but wouldn't want to pay £40m to sign the player according to Sky Sports.

Will Man United replace De Gea?

Raya has impressed at Brentford this season, with the player featuring in all 38 league games this campaign. He conceded only 46 goals during those outings and it is part of the reason why the Bees were able to seal a ninth-place finish in the Premier League.

Whilst his goals against rate has gone up from the 2021/22 season – from 1.13 to 1.21 – he has also featured in 14 more games this time around and yet the amount has increased substantially. With a save percentage of 77.7% as well, he has ranked amongst the top eight percent in his position in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe for that figure. It shows how capable he is of winning points for his team and keeping the opposition out. He's also adept at stopping aerial balls, with the shot-stopper managing 8.7% of a crosses stopped rate – which puts him in the 93rd percentile.

His showings have now put him on the radar of some of Brentford's league rivals. According to a report from Sky Sports, United do have an interest in the player as a replacement for David De Gea, as do Tottenham for Hugo Lloris.

However, both sides have been quoted a fee of £40m to seal a deal for the goalkeeper and neither of them are too keen to fork out that amount. It means that if Brentford do want to sell him, they may have to reduce their asking price. What may help the suitors however is that the Bees have just signed a new shot-stopper in Mark Flekken from Freiburg.

Is David Raya joining Man United?

It's been a standout season for the goalkeeper and his stats back that up. With an average of 4.05 saves per 90, he ranks within the top one percent in his position in the 'Top Five' big leagues. That shows that if United did add him to their ranks and the opposition did manage to get through on goal, you would bank on Raya being able to produce the goods for example. That would instill a confidence in the Red Devils' defence for definite.

In addition, former professionals have also praised his ability. Michael Owen for example called the player "top-class," showing just how highly regarded he is in the game right now.

If United did decide to stump up the asking price for him then, he would certainly be worth the money.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag holds a "serious interest" in signing Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount this summer, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Will Mason Mount leave Chelsea?

Despite reports at the end of April indicating that Mount would be willing to commit to a new long-term deal at Chelsea, there has seemingly been no progress in that regard, and he could well be on the move this summer, with a number of teams interested.

Football Insider report that Man United are now confident they will win the race for the England international, despite interest from Liverpool, who are said to be keen on agreeing a deal, while Arsenal have also been named as potential suitors.

There is still a chance the 24-year-old remains at Stamford Bridge, as new manager Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear he wants him to stay, however with the Red Devils said to be "pushing", it remains to be seen whether he is willing to extend his stay.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Crook has now claimed that Ten Hag has been a fan of the £80k-per-week Chelsea star for quite some time, which could potentially open the door for a summer move to Old Trafford.

The talkSPORT reporter said: "I think ten Hag has serious interest. I think he's been an admirer of Mount since he played in the Netherlands at Vitesse and the midfield is an area that still needs some surgery."

Should Man United sign Mason Mount?

There may be some understandable concern about Man United making a move for the Englishman, as his 2022-23 campaign was not his best by any stretch, registering just three goals and two assists in 24 Premier League appearances.

That is a considerable drop-off from the previous season, during which he recorded a remarkable 11 goals and ten assists in the top flight, reaching double figures for goals for the first time in his career.

However, the Cobham academy graduate offers a lot more than just attacking contributions, as he has also played a critical goal for Chelsea defensively over the course of the past year, averaging 1.98 tackles per 90, in the 88th percentile compared to his positional peers.

Hailed as a "superstar" by Rob Guest, Mount could be an excellent addition to Ten Hag's squad if he is able to reignite his previous form, and Man United should undoubtedly come forward with an offer this summer.