Thomas Frank will be the latest Tottenham Hotspur boss tasked with the responsibility of making the club Premier League title challengers in 2025/26, after taking the reins following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal.
Whilst only being in the role for a matter of weeks, he’s already seen the challenges he faces in the role, with the Dane already embroiled in a saga over the addition of Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.
A deal for his signature appeared to all be in order, after the Lilywhites decided to pull the trigger and activate the £60m release clause within his deal at the City Ground.
However, this is Spurs we’re talking about, and nothing ever comes easy - resulting in a missed opportunity after the player remarkably signed a new deal, in a move spearheaded by Reds' owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Being unable to land the star will undoubtedly leave a sour taste in the hierarchy’s mouth, but ultimately, the show goes on, with other targets now being considered to help strengthen the squad this summer.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
In an attempt to forget about the failed move for Gibbs-White, the Spurs board have since turned their attention to a potential deal for Liverpool star Harvey Elliott.
It’s been reported that the Lilywhites have made an approach to the 22-year-old’s representatives over a move to North London, with Arne Slot’s side demanding £40m for his signature.
However, he’s not the only Englishman currently on their radar, with want-away Manchester City star Jack Grealish another name being considered, according to GIVEMESPORT.
Their report claims that enquiries have already been made for the 29-year-old forward, who joined Pep Guardiola’s side for a then-English record £100m back in the summer of 2021.
The article also goes on to state that the player himself would be keen on a move to North London this summer, subsequently leading West Ham United in the race for his signature.
A move could cost £40m if previous reports are to be believed.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Gibbs-White
Given the addition of Mohammed Kudus already this summer, along with the offer for Gibbs-White, it’s evident the Spurs hierarchy are targeting Premier League-proven options for Frank’s side.
The Englishman has been key in Forest’s remarkable rise in England’s top-flight, notching 15 combined goals and assists last season, subsequently securing European football for the first time in 30 years.
Such a season saw him make his senior England international debut, making £60m an excellent deal had they managed to get it over the line before Marinakis’ intervention.
However, the Premier League is a ruthless division, with other sides able to completely bypass you if you rest on your laurels - something which the Lilywhites aren’t currently guilty of.
Their disappointment will be undeniable, but it could prove to be a blessing in disguise if they manage to pull off a deal for Grealish in the coming months.
There’s no denying his move to the Etihad has halted his progression; only starting seven league outings last season after falling down Guardiola’s pecking order.
However, he managed to outperform Gibbs-White in multiple key areas last season, handing Frank a proven winner and arguably a better option given his trophy collection and experience in major European competitions.
Grealish, who has previously been dubbed a “monster” by Joe Cole, showcased his excellent ball-carrying ability last campaign, completing more progressive carries, with the vast majority being into the opposition’s box.
Such figures would massively bolster Frank’s side, as would the 29-year-old’s tally of key passes per 90, bettering Gibbs-White in such a department, able to provide a creative threat off the left or in central areas.
He also has the end product at the end of his mazy runs with the ball, completing more crosses per 90, having the talent to provide others in forward areas to improve their own goalscoring tallies.
It’s unclear whether a move for Grealish would be a temporary or permanent one this summer, but they could massively take advantage of his lack of game time with the Citizens.
The former Villa star has showcased he’s still capable of outperforming a £60m star despite his lack of action, potentially playing a huge role in any success endured during the Frank era.