Tottenham backed to 'beat Fulham' to transfer as Chelsea 'monitor' pricey Premier League star

Chelsea and Tottenham are still grafting away in the USA and South Korea respectively, with both clubs ramping up their preparations for the new season. In the meantime, club bosses from both clubs will be continuing their efforts to land new signings with time running out before the start of the new season.

The Blues have made some shrewd signings so far, but they are still expected to make a big splash with a striker signing. Tottenham have also added a couple of key pieces, but they need a dangerous winger. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the two London clubs.

Murillo latest

Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo. Reports say the Blues are ‘still monitoring’ the defender and that they already know how much they will have to pay to complete a deal.

Speaking earlier this summer, Murillo said on the Benja Me Mucho podcast: “I don’t know if it’s £70m, but I know there was a buzz of interest. So, I don’t know exactly how much the amount is, but I know there was interest. I had the dream of playing in the Premier League and I had that thought. I thought: ‘I’ll go to Nottingham Forest, have a good year and then I’ll go to a big club’. I had that in my head.”

He added: “I’d choose Manchester City but it would be more difficult for me to be a regular starter given the players they have in their squad. There’s City, Arsenal as well, who are fighting for the Premier League title. I wouldn’t discard Liverpool either, it would be a good opportunity for me to show my football in a big club. We don’t know anything for certain, the window opened last month so I’m going to return to Nottingham Forest for pre-season. There might be some discussions on whether I’ll stay or not so there’s a lot of things to happen still but I’m relaxed.”

Since then, Murillo has backtracked on his earlier comments, admitting that a Forest stay could be best for his development. “I need regular game-time and really feel that with Forest I’m in the best place for my career,” he said.

“Staying here for another season will enable me to mature as a player and eventually become better prepared if the chance ever comes to play at another level one day. Of course I want to eventually play in the Champions League. When I was growing up I’d play video games and play with all those teams. Whenever I hear that classic music before the games it moves me, and it would be a dream to play in that competition. But I’ve been focusing on my work here 100 per cent and I just want to do my best. Forest is a massive club in its own right and I feel good here.”

Lukaku has ‘decided’

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with recent reports suggesting Aston Villa could rival Napoli. But more a more recent report from Corriere dello Sport suggests Napoli don’t need to be worried.

The report claims Lukaku has firmly decided on joining Napoli and that he will not consider joining any other club at this point. The question now is whether Chelsea and Napoli can strike a deal.

McTominay claim

Tottenham have been backed to beat London rivals Fulham to the signing of Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay should they pursue a deal.

“They are well off what Manchester United have been asking for McTominay, which is £40m, which I’d be surprised if they get in the current marketplace,” transfer journalist Duncan Castles said on The Transfers Podcast.

“I think one to note here is that Tottenham are also strongly interested in McTominay and ultimately should be able to outbid Fulham for the player as well as having a higher status and being able to offer European football. I think in all likelihood we will see McTominay move to another Premier League club in this transfer window.”