Tottenham interested in £30.5m defensive talent as player's absence explained

Tottenham were in double friendly action on Saturday, and they will now jet off to Asia for their pre-season tour, which begins with a date with Arsenal. Thomas Frank will want to see his men step up their fitness work over the coming weeks, while he will also want more additions added to his squad following the early signing of Mohamed Kudus.

Spurs are expected to spend significantly this summer, and they likely need to as they prepare for a Champions League and Premier League campaign. As Tottenham prepare to head East, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding North London.

Leoni interest

Tottenham are said to be interested in a deal to sign young Parma defender Giovanni Leoni this summer. According to CaughtOffside, the Italy under-19s international has caught the eye of many around Europe this summer after an impressive campaign.

The report claims Parma are looking for offers between £30.5-35million, and Spurs are said to be looking to sign a centre-back to add depth to their defence. Leoni, who is only 18 years of age, is also said to be attracting interest from elsewhere in Serie A, as well as Marseille. Leoni has made 17 league appearances for Parma so far after joining from Sampdoria in 2024.

Bentancur exit

Tottenham drew 2-2 with Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, which was their second pre-season friendly and last ahead of a trip to Asia for a North London derby with Arsenal, albeit a ‘friendly’ one.

One Among the talking were Heung-min Son starting amid ongoing speculation over his future, with the club legend reportedly receiving an approach from LAFC this week. Elsewhere, Rodrigo Bentancur was absent, and according to Football.London, the midfielder was in the starting XI until about 30 minutes before kick-off, but he withdrew due to illness.

Spurs split their squad between two friendlies on Saturday, and explaining that decision, Frank said: "We wanted an extra game in our schedule to give as many players as many match minutes as possible, in order to put them in the best position, physically. We will play two even, strong teams and they will play between 60 and 75 minutes, maybe more. By the end of Saturday, 22 players will have played a lot of match minutes and they will be in a very good place before we go on tour."

Moore could leave on loan deal

Tottenham are said to be willing to allow Mikey Moore to leave the club on a season-long loan for the coming season. According to Football Inside, there is already interest from the likes of Birmingham City and West Brom in a loan deal, and Moore is said to want regular football to continue his development.

The report claims Tottenham will ‘reluctantly’ allow Moore’s wish to be granted, and there will likely be an intense competition among second tier clubs for the 17-year-old’s services.

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