Tottenham are poised to land Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu for £15million.

It has been a summer of uncertainty so far in North London after Spurs took several weeks to hire Nuno Espirito Santo as their new boss, while doubts remain over the future of talisman Harry Kane.

But things could soon be looking up with highly-rated Japanese international Tomiyasu, 22, set for a switch to the capital.

The Athletic report the player has also attracted the attention of Manchester United but Tottenham are close to finalising terms. 

Two-footed and versatile, Tomiyasu can operate at centre-back or right-back and is also capable of playing in a back three.

Tottenham's new director of football Fabio Paratici spent 11 years at Juventus and the deal appears to be the first case of him utilising his vast Serie A knowledge.

Loggerheads over Lingard

Senior figures at Manchester United are struggling to agree on the future of midfielder Jesse Lingard.

After falling out of favour at Old Trafford, Lingard, 28, enjoyed a hugely successful loan stint at West Ham during the second half of 2020-21.

The Hammers have made no secret of their desire to secure his services permanently this summer. 

But the Express report the Londoners cannot afford United's £30m asking price.

And even if an appropriate bid is made, it appears last season's Premier League runners-up may still not accept it.  

It is thought that non-football officials are keen to tie Lingard down to a new contract at his boyhood club and protect his value, while those involved in the game would rather allow him to move on.

The England international, 28, only has one year remaining on his current deal, meaning a switch remains a distinct possibility in the coming weeks.

In other news

New Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann has revealed his first conversation with star striker Robert Lewandowski centred around the Pole’s future at the club.

Lewandowski, 32, still has two years remaining on his contract at the Allianz Arena but the Daily Mail say Manchester City are monitoring his situation after having a £100m bid for Kane rejected. 

Liverpool are contemplating a move for Inter Milan and Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella — but may have to pay as much as £60m to land their man.

Barella, 24, helped the Nerazzurri to a first Serie A title in 11 years before playing a starring role in his nation’s Euro 2020 triumph and is high on Jurgen Klopp's wanted list, according to La Repubblica.

Rafael Benitez is hoping to make Kalidou Koulibaly his first signing as Everton boss, with Calciomercato reporting an opening offer has been submitted.

Senegalese defender Koulibaly, 30, has long been linked with a Premier League move and previously worked with Benitiez at Napoli, making the Toffees frontrunners for his signature.