This summer presents a new era at Tottenham Hotspur, after Thomas Frank was appointed as their new boss after agreeing a £10m compensation package with Brentford.
The Dane takes the reins from Ange Postecoglou after the Aussie was handed his marching orders by owner Daniel Levy despite ending their 17-year wait for a trophy in the Europa League final.
It presents a fresh opportunity for the club to take the next step in their ambitions of mounting a charge for the Premier League title, with Frank the next man to try his luck in North London.
However, if he is to be a success in the role, he will need new additions this summer to help him in his quest, with quality and depth needed in key areas of the pitch.
Numerous players have already emerged on their radar in recent weeks, but additions can only be made if Levy hands Frank the funds needed to change their fortunes on the pitch.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Bryan Mbeumo is a player who’s been firmly on their radar since the Dane’s appointment, potentially having a reunion with his former boss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.
However, if they’re going to complete a deal for the 25-year-old attacker, they will have to fork out a pretty penny for his signature, with the Bees demanding £70m to part ways with him this window.
The hierarchy already appear to be making moves elsewhere, with work being done to secure a deal for Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.
The report states that Spurs have sent scouts to watch the Colombian international at the Club World Cup, starring in his first game against Porto - completing more dribbles than any player on the pitch.
It also claims that the 25-year-old has a £85m release clause within his current contract, with the hierarchy confident he can transfer his skillset across to England and emulate one player’s success.
Why Rios could become Frank’s own version of Dembele
Not many supporters would’ve envisaged the impact Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembélé would have at Tottenham after his £15m switch from Fulham back in 2012.
However, such a deal would be one of the best deals in the club’s history, going on to make 250 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring on ten occasions - but it was his talent in other areas that caught the eye.
He became a monster in and out of possession, often effortlessly gliding past the opposition, and being a commanding presence that was virtually impossible to dispossess.
Dembélé also thrived out of possession, handing the club a perfect box-to-box option, with numerous former players labelling him as the best player they’ve ever featured alongside.
However, after his subsequent departure to join Guangzhou City back in January 2019, the side has often lacked that presence, something which Rios could offer Frank in North London next season.
When comparing his stats from this season to those of Dembélé at Spurs, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas - highlighting why he could be the man to fill the void.
Rios, who’s been labelled “one of the best midfielders” by one Brazilian analyst, has registered more goals and assists, along with more passes into the opposition box per 90, showcasing the threat he poses when driving with the ball.
Described as a "ball-carrying machine" by data analyst Ben Mattinson, he also matched Dembélé for take-ons completed, whilst drawing more fouls, offering a constant nuisance to opposition players, something which Frank’s side need in the middle of the mark.
The Colombian’s talents don’t end there, winning more aerials and tackles per 90, handing the side a defensive presence that has often been missing in North London, with Rios the perfect option for the Lilywhites.
Whilst he has an £85m release clause in his current deal, it’s likely the 25-year-old will be available for a significantly lower fee, with Spurs needing to pursue a move for his signature.
If he can get anywhere near the levels produced by the Belgian at the club, he would be another sensational addition and one that could fire the club up the table in 2025/26.