Wales defender Joe Rodon has secured a season-long loan move from Tottenham to Rennes, with a permanent option included.

The 24-year-old leaves Antonio Conte's side in search of more regular opportunities ahead of Wales' World Cup campaign, which will be the nation's first since 1958.

Rodon made just 10 appearances for Spurs last season, including in the Conference League against Rennes, amid fierce competition for first-team football – and the signing of Clement Lenglet from Barcelona pushed him further down the pecking order.

Opportunities should be more forthcoming with the Ligue 1 side, who hold a clause to make the deal permanent next year for a reported fee of £17million.

The former Swansea City defender is a key part of Rob Page's international set-up, forging a partnership with Spurs' Ben Davies at the heart of Wales' backline and earning 28 caps to date.

Wales sealed their spot in Qatar with a play-off victory against Ukraine and will be in Group B alongside England, Iran and the United States.

A transfer to Rennes will also offer the opportunity of European football, with a fourth-placed finish in Ligue 1 last season securing a spot in the Europa League.

Rennes technical director Florian Maurice said Rodon had "no hesitation" about joining.

"He's a real central defender who likes to defend, he has that aggressive side that we need to allow us to be even more effective defensively," Maurice said.

"He is an international, a starter with Wales and will certainly be called up to play in the World Cup in November."

Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma is enjoying playing for Antonio Conte, describing the Italian as "crazy, like me".

The Mali international made his first start for Spurs in their final pre-season friendly against Roma in Haifa, Israel on Saturday, which the Serie A side won 1-0 through a Roger Ibanez header.

Bissouma joined Tottenham from Brighton and Hove Albion for a reported fee of £25million in June, and he told the club's website he believes Conte will push the north London side onto the next level.

"I'm very happy to be with [Conte] and this club," he said after the Roma game. "He's living football and I like that. I like a coach like him, and I know he can push the team higher and the players as well.

"We are trying to do what he wants, and every training [session] is not easier, but we are working [hard].

"I like him because he's crazy, like me. But good crazy, because he's crazy of football."

Meanwhile, Conte saw the positives despite defeat to former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, although Tottenham's head coach was unhappy with the manor in which his team conceded from a set piece.

"For sure, it was a very tough game, but I think it's good in this way, because in one week, we have to start the season," he said. 

"It's positive to have this type of test, a tough test, and to understand if we want to try to be competitive and try to get a win in every game, we have to continue to go strong in every situation.

"The players know we don't want to lose, even in a friendly game. Tonight, we lost due to a detail, because we conceded a goal from a corner, and we have to pay more attention, because if you want to go to another level, you have to take care of the details."

Antonio Conte wants to stay at Tottenham for "many years" as he builds to make the club a force both domestically and in Europe.

Conte has made a big impact since he replaced Nuno Espirito Santo as Spurs head coach in November 2021, guiding the club back into the Champions League with a fourth-placed Premier League finish last season.

The Italian has been backed in the transfer market ahead of the 2022-23 season, bringing in the likes of Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence.

Conte is only under contract until next June, but the former Italy boss says he wants to remain with the London club long term.

He said ahead of Spurs' final pre-season game against Roma on Saturday: "As I've said before, our project, our plan is to try to become competitive, more than the past.

"But you know very well that in football you build something important in one day, one month, one year you have to go step by step and try to increase the quality, increase the number of players in your squad.

"Don't forget that when a team stays in the top four and plays European games you need to face four competitions in the best possible way.

"To do this you need a good squad with good quality. We are trying to do this, but we have just started this process. Last season I think we worked very well to reach a place in the Champions League.

"At the same time I think we exploited problems, like [Manchester] United's problems. Also, in the last three games Arsenal were four points up on us and for this reason we have to continue with the club to build with the players, to continue to improve them.

"They have a lot of space for improvement. This is a young team and we can work for many years together to improve and fight with the best teams in England and in Europe."

Spurs will come up against their former boss Jose Mourinho in this weekend's friendly with Europa Conference League winners Roma at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa, and Conte believes there are comparisons to be drawn between the two clubs.

He said: "I think I'm seeing a similar situation between Roma and Tottenham because both clubs want to build, to go step by step to fight against a team that in the past dominated in Italy, Juventus and also one season Inter Milan.

"For us, [Manchester] City, Liverpool, Chelsea and United, it's a good comparison because we have the same target."

Bayern Munich's Julian Nagelsmann has no problem with being accused of "ignorance" by Joan Laporta as the Barcelona president "has to represent his club."

Nagelsmann questioned Barca's spending spree after they signed Robert Lewandowski from Bayern this month for a fee that could rise to €50million.

Barca had to let Lionel Messi leave a year ago due to their financial crisis, but they have also signed Raphinha and Jules Kounde for big fees ahead of the 2022-23 season, while bringing in Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie on free transfers.

Bayern head coach Nagelsmann stated that Barca are "the only club in the world that can buy players without money" after Lewandowski's switch to Spain.

Laporta responded by stating that Nagelsmann was being ignorant, adding that rival clubs should mind their own business.

Questioned about Laporta's comments ahead of Bayern's DFL-Supercup showdown with RB Leipzig, Nagelsmann told reporters: "It's good that he expresses himself, I would do that too.

"It was just a question from a fan point of view. I have no problem with Laporta speaking out, he has to represent his club."

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte also recently suggested Nagelsmann had been "disrespectful" by expressing his admiration for Harry Kane amid reports the Bundesliga champions could make a move for the England captain.

Nagelsmann says he has a good relationship with Conte, however, as he defended himself for giving honest answers.

He said: "I'll always give my opinion in the future. I don't write down all my answers before the press conference.

"It's coming spontaneously, that's maybe not always the smartest thing. I don't have a problem with Conte or Laporta responding back, that's part of the game.

"It wasn't a dramatic statement, I have a good relationship with Conte."

Tottenham have reportedly entered the race for 23-year-old Roma attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, with Juventus also heavily linked to the Italy international.

Zaniolo missed the entire 2020-21 season after suffering the second torn ACL of his career, but he made a successful return this past campaign, totalling 42 club appearances, including five goals and four assists in 10 Conference League fixtures.

The man with nine senior international caps has been linked with Juventus for some time now, but with the club yet to make any breakthrough, they could face competition from the Premier League.

TOP STORY – TOTTENHAM LOOK TO SWOOP IN FOR JUVENTUS TARGET

According to Tuttosport, Juventus and Roma have been holding discussions about different constructions of a deal for Zaniolo, including an iteration that would make it a loan this season with an option to buy after. The report mentions his price tag is believed to be between £30million and £40million.

With Tottenham set to play Roma in a friendly on Saturday, it is said to be an opportunity for the two clubs to sit down and discuss the possibility of a move.

Reports have claimed Spurs are willing to include Giovani Lo Celso in their bid, with the English club said to value the Argentinian at £17million.

ROUND-UP

– L'Equipe is reporting that Marseille are investigating a potential move for Inter's Alexis Sanchez.

– Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea have yet to receive an acceptable offer for 20-year-old striker Armando Broja after turning down a £30million bid from West Ham, and that he may be competing for first-team minutes this season.

– Fabrizio Romano is also reporting that Everton have approached Paris Saint-Germain about bringing 32-year-old Idrissa Gueye back to the club after he left in 2019.

– According to 90min, West Ham are in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt about 29-year-old wing-back Filip Kostic after having their first bid turned down.

– Ajax, Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen are tracking 18-year-old forward Giovani, playing for Palmeiras in the Brazilian top division, according to ESPN Brasil.

Former Arsenal player and manager Terry Neill has passed away at the age of 80, the club has confirmed.

Neill made 275 appearances for Arsenal between 1960 and 1970, and was made captain at the age of 20.

The midfielder, who was also a player-manager for Hull City, received 44 caps for Northern Ireland before retiring from playing in 1973.

Neill went on to manage Tottenham in 1974, before moving back to their north London rivals two years later.

Arsenal reached three consecutive FA Cup finals on his watch from 1978, winning the 1979 final in a dramatic 3-2 success against Manchester United.

Neill also guided Arsenal to the 1980 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final, which they lost to Valencia on penalties.

He left after seven seasons in charge at Highbury in December 1983, his last role in management, though he did work for Arsenal TV as a pundit in later years.

Tottenham youngster Troy Parrott has extended his contract with Antonio Conte's team until 2025 before heading to Preston North End on a season-long loan.

Promising 20-year-old forward Parrott scored nine goals as he helped League One side MK Dons to a third-place finish as a loanee last season, and will now make the step up to the Championship with Preston.

Parrott already has 15 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland, and scored the most recent of his four international goals against Scotland in June.

Having come through the ranks at Tottenham, Parrott has made just four senior appearances for the club – two in the Premier League – as he struggles to break into a star-studded frontline, which has been boosted by the arrivals of Ivan Perisic and Richarlison this transfer window.

Son Heung-min admitted Harry Kane "spends more time with me than his wife" as he set his sights on furthering the duo's goalscoring record this season.

The Tottenham duo set a new all-time high for Premier League goal combinations last term with 41, eclipsing the long-time record held by Chelsea pair Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.

Under highly-decorated coach Antonio Conte, and with some new signings under their belt, Spurs are being widely tipped to do well in 2022-23.

In the last two transfer windows, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison have arrived to bolster the attack, but Son is keen to continue working closely with Kane - and the South Korea international admits his bond with his team-mate is one driven by a shared desire to grow further.

"I saw Kane's interview where he said that he spends more time with me than his wife," Son told GQ Korea. "That's really the fact, though. I also spend more time on the field with Kane than I do with my parents at home.

"We are really close. We understand each other really well, and we also know how the other is off the pitch. Kane and I both know what the other likes. It's really special.

"We have already made 41 goals together. What Kane and I really have in common is that we both have a lot of greed and have the strong will to always improve. Even beyond football skills, our mindsets are similar.

"I want to continue the record that I have set with a team-mate like this, although our record will be broken one day.

"Even when we're training, if one of us makes an assist for the other's goal, we joke around saying, 'Hey, it's our 42nd goal now?'"

Tottenham's Premier League campaign gets underway on August 6 at home to Southampton.

Ben Davies has signed a new contract with Tottenham, keeping him at the club until 2025.

The 29-year-old was one of seven signings upon Mauricio Pochettino's hire as Spurs manager in 2014, and has gone on to make 271 appearances for the club in all competitions.

With Davies coming into his ninth season with Spurs, it has been another busy transfer window for the North London club, who can count Richarlison, Yves Bissouma and Ivan Perisic among their six signings ahead of the new campaign.

The Wales international revealed Tottenham's upward trajectory and ambition under Antonio Conte made the decision to extend an even easier one, especially in a World Cup year.

"I'm delighted to sign my new contract," he told the club's website. "After last season and the summer this club has had, there's no more exciting time than right now to be at this club.

"I was enjoying my football and when the opportunity came from the club to extend my contract, I was more than happy to do so. I've had some really enjoyable times here, it really feels like home now.

"It's an exciting season for both club and country. It'll be a bit strange, stopping mid-season for that tournament, but I can't wait. It's been a long time since Wales have been there and we've given everything to get there, so you just have to enjoy it."

Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni has claimed he never considered leaving the Nerazzurri despite being linked with a Premier League move, as he professed his hope Milan Skriniar would also remain at San Siro.

Meanwhile, Bastoni claimed the loan signing of Romelu Lukaku can help Inter compete for silverware on both domestic and European fronts, but warned old rivals Juventus will put up a stern challenge next season.

Bastoni had been linked with both Tottenham and Chelsea after a fine 2021-22 season with the Serie A runners-up, making 31 league appearances as he nailed down a regular spot in Simone Inzaghi's backline.

In June, however, Bastoni's agent Tullio Tinti claimed he would "100 per cent" remain at San Siro, and the defender has now revealed a move never crossed his mind.

"I never had the slightest doubt of leaving Inter, here I have everything I need to feel good and express myself at my best," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I am great with my teammates, with the club, I love Milan and so why go elsewhere? For many years [I hope to be] with this shirt and, in the meantime, I hope to still win a lot.

"The fact that the club wants to keep me means a lot. Here I have everything to feel good, I never thought about leaving."

Bastoni's defensive partner Skriniar has also been liked with an exit, with Paris Saint-Germain rumoured to be interested in the Slovakia international.

But Bastoni believes the presence of Skriniar, as well as that of the returning Lukaku – who scored 24 goals as Inter won the Scudetto in 2020-21 – will be crucial in the Nerazzurri's pursuit of silverware.

"[I hope] my friend Skriniar stays here with us, it would be a shame if he left us," Bastoni added. "Lukaku? He is the same [as his previous spell], now let us win."

Inter are likely to face stern competition in their bid to regain the Serie A title, both from champions Milan and Massimiliano Allegri's Juve.

The Bianconeri have had a busy transfer window after finishing fourth last term, acquiring the likes of Paul Pogba, Angel Di Maria and Gleison Bremer, and the 23-year-old expects Allegri's team to fare much better this time around.

"We have grown, but keep an eye on Juventus," he warned. "The Bianconeri are a battleship, but we are no less."

Antonio Conte has suggested Bayern Munich have been "a bit disrespectful" by refusing to rule out a move for Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

Kane, who has two years remaining on his Spurs contract, is reportedly being lined up as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski at the Allianz Arena following the prolific Poland captain's switch to Barcelona.

Bayern head coach Nagelsmann has expressed his admiration for the England skipper, but says he knows Kane may be too expensive.

The Bavarian giants' CEO Oliver Kahn had denied that the club are interested in buying Kane during this transfer window, but refused to rule out a move for the 28-year-old further down the line.

Speaking after his talisman Kane netted twice as Tottenham came from behind to beat Rangers 2-1 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, Conte made it clear he was not impressed with Bayern.

"For sure, I'm a coach that doesn't speak about players from another team," the Italian said.

"The situation is very clear at Tottenham and Harry is a very important part of the project. [They are] only rumours, but I don't like to talk about players from another club.

"If I want to do something, I don't do it through the media. Maybe, that's a bit disrespectful for the other club."

Kane has scored five times in three games during pre-season, with Tottenham unbeaten after their 6-3 victory over a K-League XI and 1-1 draw with Sevilla.

The London club complete their preparations for the Premier League campaign against their former boss Jose Mourinho's Roma side next weekend, and Conte is pleased with the shape his squad are in.

"I'm happy because the [Rangers] game wasn't a friendly game; it was a real game," he added.

"The last game they played against West Ham, they won 3-1, and you know the fitness of Rangers is higher. But despite this, I think that we played with a good intensity, a good pressure and a good quality.

"For sure, we can improve because we conceded a goal that we can avoid, but I'm delighted with the attitude and the will and desire that the players are showing me in this pre-season. I'm very happy."

Julian Nagelsmann believes Harry Kane would "score a lot of goals in the Bundesliga", but admitted the England captain may too expensive for Bayern Munich.

Kane, who has two years remaining on his contract with Tottenham, is reportedly being lined up as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski at the Allianz Arena following the Poland captain's switch to Barcelona.

Spurs' talisman scored twice on Saturday as Antonio Conte's men came from behind to beat Rangers 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at Ibrox.

The three-time Premier League golden boot winner has netted 248 times in 386 appearances for the London club, who he joined as an 11-year-old.

Speaking ahead of Bayern's pre-season friendly against Manchester City, who Kane almost joined a year ago, head coach Nagelsmann expressed his admiration for the England skipper but knows it would be a big ask to bring him to the Bundesliga.

"He's very expensive, that's the problem - but [a] brilliant player, one of two or three who can play as a centre forward [as well as a] number 10," he said. "He's very strong, brilliant with [his] head and both feet.

"It's possible that he would score a lot of goals in the Bundesliga. But it will be tough, I think, for Bayern Munich. We will see what will happen in the future."

Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn had denied that the club are interested in buying Kane during this transfer window, but refused to rule out a move for the 28-year-old further down the line.

"He's under contract with Tottenham," Kahn added. "Sure, [he's] an absolute top striker, but that's all a dream of the future.

"Now, we have to look at getting the squad together for the current season. Let's see what else happens."

Bayern Munich have reportedly enquired with Tottenham about the availability of star England striker Harry Kane – and it is said that the Premier League side have not made him untouchable.

The Bundesliga champions are on the hunt for a replacement up front after losing club legend Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona, and the report from BILD claims they view the 28-year-old as a viable option long-term.

Kane has two years remaining on his contract, but if negotiations over an extension begin to trend in a direction that indicates he may leave, the club could have no choice but to cash in before potentially losing him for free.

TOP STORY – BAYERN VIEW KANE AS IDEAL LEWANDWOSKI REPLACEMENT

Kane has emerged as England's best striker in recent years, racking up 50 international goals from 73 senior caps, while also putting together eight straight seasons with at least 24 goals in club competitions.

Tottenham's number nine would undoubtedly command a monstrous transfer fee – likely upwards of £100million – but with Antonio Conte's side competing in the Champions League this season, and with aspirations of conquering the Premier League, they may decide they prefer the player over the money.

What Bayern's interest does is increase Kane's leverage for his contract negotiations, with it now clear the top teams in the world value him as one of the game's great goalscorers.

ROUND-UP

– The Daily Mail is reporting that Arsenal are offering Bukayo Saka a contract that would double his salary in an effort to fend off interest from rival clubs, including Manchester City.

– According to The Athletic, Chelsea and Tottenham have both made enquiries about Newcastle United forward Allan Saint-Maximin.

– West Ham have agreed to a £30.5m deal for in-demand 23-year-old Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca, according to The Guardian, after Paris Saint-Germain also signalled their interest in the Italian recently.

– Free agent Andrea Belotti desires a move to the Premier League now that his seven-year stint at Torino has come to an end, with The Sun reporting Newcastle United, Everton and West Ham are potential landing spots.  

– Express is reporting Leeds United are reaching advanced stages in their £17m chase of 20-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo.

Antonio Conte says Tottenham have invested the "right money" amid a productive transfer window, but called for "patience" as the club look to compete with the Premier League's heavyweights.

Spurs have brought in six new players for the 2022-23 season, signing Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic, Richarlison, Fraser Forster, Djed Spence and loanee Clement Lenglet.

Richarlison represents the headline purchase for Conte's side, joining from Everton for an initial £50million, while add-ons could take the full figure to a club-record £60m.

Conte has seemingly been granted his wish, having reportedly demanded assurances from chairman Daniel Levy that Tottenham would spend to bolster their squad to compete in Europe and the Premier League.

Though the Italian previously seemed to suggest Spence's arrival was a "club" decision as opposed to his own, Conte hailed Spurs' recruitment drive thus far.

"When you go into the transfer market you try not to waste money but, up until now, I think we invested the right money," he said.

"People have been surprised by the timing but when the vision is clear I feel confident. Fabio [Tottenham managing director Paratici] is helping a lot in this situation."

While delighted with the incomings, Conte insisted he will need time and patience to allow his players to settle and compete in the English top flight and Champions League.

He added: "Then I go to train and try to improve the team and the squad. We are working very well, but it is important to know we need patience.

"We have just started this path and other teams are signing important players and spending a lot of money."

Tottenham are still reportedly in the market for a creative midfielder to play in behind the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski.

But the priority appears to have now shifted to the outgoings, with Japhet Tanganga, Bryan Gil, Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks among those likely to depart.

Amid growing speculation in recent months, Christophe Galtier and Luis Campos' arrivals at Paris Saint-Germain this off-season could mean Neymar's departure.

The Brazilian joined PSG in 2017 for what remains a world-record €222 million fee from Barcelona, but there has been no European silverware to complement nine Ligue 1 titles over the past decade.

Lionel Messi linked up alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe last term but the team's compatibility came under examination in their dramatic Champions League exit, despite winning Ligue 1 comfortably.

TOP STORY – PSG PROPOSED NEYMAR SWAP WITH MAN CITY

PSG proposed an exchange with Manchester City which would have seen Neymar and Bernardo Silva swap clubs earlier this off-season, Le Parisien claims.

The report alleges that the English champions declined the deal, as they are unwilling to let the Portuguese midfielder go.

Relations between Neymar, who is contracted until 2017, and PSG have been slightly testy recently.

Bernardo was linked with a switch to Barcelona earlier in the off-season, having reportedly been eager to leave the club last year.

ROUND-UP

– Chelsea are concerned that target Presnel Kimpembe will decline their approach, the Standard claims. The Blues are in talks with PSG over a £50m deal for Kimpembe.

– The Sun reports that Chelsea have also entered the race to sign Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, amid the latter's talks with Manchester United.

– Calciomercato claims that Tottenham have shown an interest in Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo although they will need to offload players to afford him.

– Spurs are not interested in signing Jesse Lingard according to Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile. Lingard, who left Manchester United recently at the conclusion of his contract, is hoping to decide on his future this week, with West Ham United believed to be his likely destination, while Nottingham Forest are also interested.

– Fabrizio Romano also claims that there is still no agreement between PSG and Inter on a deal for Martin Skriniar. Inter are not willing to sell the Slovakia international for PSG's last bid of €50m.

– Arsenal and Manchester City have agreed to a £32m deal for Ukraine international Oleksandr Zinchenko, reports Sky Sports.

– Football Insider reports that Liverpool have contacted Ajax about signing their Brazil international winger Antony.