Chelsea 'begin fresh talks' with Premier League star as Tottenham 'enter race' for Brazilian

The heat is being turned up in pre-season as clubs prepare to jet off around the world. Players will now be stepping up their fitness efforts, while those working behind the scenes will be working hard to wrap up new signings over the coming weeks.

Both Chelsea and Tottenham have made strong starts to the window, but it’s expected the bulk of their incomings are still to arrive. With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding both clubs.

Murillo latest

Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo this summer. According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, the Blues have ‘held new talks’ with Forest over a possible deal, reportedly reaching out to get a concrete asking price.

Murillo is still only 22 years of age, and he is already one of the highest rated young defenders in the Premier League. Former Forest boss Steve Cooper said of the defender: “If Murillo is doing that at 21, when he’s learning the language and he’s not long in the country, then the signs are good. He’s a really good boy, we’re really enjoying working with him. We held him back a little bit when he first came over, we knew we were signing a talent anyway but then to see him in training, it was just a matter of time of trying to pick the right moment to put him in."

Pereira chase

Tottenham are said to be interested in battling Chelsea for the signing of Fulham star Andreas Pereira. The Brazilian was impressive and consistent last summer, featuring in all but one of the Cottagers’ Premier League games.

Globo now say Chelsea, Spurs and Villa are all interested in a deal, with £35million mentioned as the likely fee. Fulham paid just £10million to sign the Brazilian from Manchester United.

Gray on first outing

New Tottenham signing Archie Gray has been speaking after his appearance at centre-back in the 5-1 pre-season friendly win over Hearts. Spurs cruised past their Scottish opposition as they look to get more minutes in the legs and to improve their fitness on the grass.

"Another good feel of playing the football and ultimately getting the minutes in the legs," Gray said after the game. "They're a good team, we came up [with Leeds] last year and it's a really good stadium and it's an enjoyable game - but mostly really important to just, like I said, get the minutes in the legs.

"Obviously I wasn't expecting to play centre-back but honestly I'm just really grateful for the opportunity to play and learn different positions," the teenager added, reflecting on the new role he was asked to carry out by Australian boss Postecoglou. I said this last year in an interview - I don't really care where I play, I'm 18 years-old and I need to learn the game." Gray will be hoping to compete for a spot in Ange Postecoglou’s squad over the course of pre-season having impressed in the Championship with Leeds United last term.