Upamecano transfer blow
French outlet Soccerlink have reported that Arsenal and Tottenham have suffered setbacks in their bids to sign RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.
The 21-year-old has impressed for the Bundesliga title challengers this season, and has received wider attention after featuring in the back-to-back wins over Jose Mourinho’s Spurs in the Champions League.
It’s likely that Upamecano leaves Leipzig this summer, but the report suggests that his first choice if to stay in Germany and move to their rivals Bayern Munich.
The report states that the France under-21s international has knocked back interest from Barcelona in his bid to sign for the Bavarian club, with an agreement in principle already in place.
Lloris lifts lid on relationship with Mourinho
Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris has given a revealing new interview with French Eurosport, in which he’s provided insight into his dealings with Jose Mourinho.
The World Cup winner famously got on well with Mauricio Pochettino, but maintains he’s developed a strong bond with his successor.
"He's great,” he said. “He's a character. So of course, through the media, you can have preconceived ideas, but when you get in touch with him on a daily basis, inside a training centre. I think it's a privilege.
"He's coached so many great teams, so many great players. He's got a lot of experience and a lot of trophies in his cupboard.
"When you're a player, I think it's a chance to be at his side because there's so much to learn."
Ndombele's standing at Tottenham
Rumours have emerged linking Tanguy Ndombele to Barcelona, with defenders Samuel Umtiti and Nelson Semedo said to be heading in the other direction as part of a swap deal.
The club’s £63 million record signing has endured a frustrating debut season in North London, struggling for form and fitness.
There have been suggestions that Spurs might look to cut their losses on the midfielder, who received heavy criticism in a match against Burnley last month, with Mourinho hauling him off at half-time.
But Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold has the inside track on how Mourinho personally believes that Ndombele has all the attributes to become at success at the club, and he’s determined to keep him at the club.
