It isn't beyond the realms of possibility that Tottenham could green-light a shock departure this summer, amid the uncertainty surrounding club captain Son Heung-min's future.
Thomas Frank has worked with Son extensively during pre-season, despite his credible links with a move away from N17 before deadline day on September 1, and the Dane continues to play down speculation by suggesting Son is key to his plans.
“I think everyone knows that Son has been one of the best players at Tottenham in the past 10 years. I think he’s been hugely successful from the left wing," said Frank in a recent press conference.
“I also think he’s had some fantastic games down the middle as a number nine. So it’s important to have players who can play in more than one position, and it’s about having your best players on the pitch and available.
“So the thing about Sonny is that he will always score goals, and it’s just about getting him in those situations.”
However, MLS side Los Angeles FC are lurking in the background, as they offer Son a move to the States with personal terms reportedly close to being agreed (GiveMeSport).
Star defender Romero was regularly linked with a high-profile move to Atletico Madrid all summer too. However, reports of the Argentine's potential move to La Liga have died down, especially after Diego Simeone's side completed a deal for David Hancko from Feyenoord.
Right now, Son is their most likely high-profile departure alongside Yves Bissouma, with the South Korea international poised to hold crunch talks over his future once Spurs return from their pre-season tour of Asia (GMS).
However, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, the 33-year-old and Bissouma could even be joined by playmaker James Maddison.
Tottenham could green-light "surprise" James Maddison exit
As per the reporter, speaking on We Are Tottenham TV this week, Tottenham could green-light a "surprise" exit for Maddison if the right offer comes in, even if they're not actively pushing to sell.
“There could be a slight surprise possibility that James Maddison is a player they would listen to offers for, without necessarily forcing him out of the door,” Jacobs said.
“What happened last season was that Maddison was in and out, he lacked fitness at times and consistency even when he was fit. I don’t think it’s unthinkable that they would listen to offers at the right price, but it’s not a case of trying to force him out or transfer list him, it’s not their plan that he will leave, but there could be consideration to offers at the right price.”
The 28-year-old, despite suffering from his fair share of fitness problems (something he had in common with almost the entire Tottenham squad last season), still managed 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions and put in some crucial performances.
Letting Maddison leave, especially given their need for more creativity going forward, would be a bold move to say the least.
Any offer would need to be a handsome one, and ex-Spurs scout Bryan King believes Daniel Levy would only entertain bids at a minimum of £50 million, potentially up to £60m.
"They will want at least £50m. I would say anywhere between £50-60million would be accepted," King told Tottenham News in April.
"Maddison has had some positive moments at Tottenham and got himself into the England team. However, he has also lost his place in the England team due to his inconsistency.”