Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy and his plans for the summer window have taken another turn, with the Spurs chief attempting to back new manager Thomas Frank ahead of his debut season in the dugout.
Spurs kickstarted their recruitment drive with a £30 million permanent deal for Mathys Tel, and followed that up by agreeing a J League record £5 million deal for promising Kawasaki Frontale defender Kota Takai.
The plan for Takai, according to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, is for him to compete for a place in the senior matchday squad, and Tottenham are apparently hopeful that he can replicate the likes of Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr as young players who've staked their claim in the starting eleven.
Frontale have now confirmed the 20-year-old's exit, with Takai looking set to become a new Spurs player after July 5, even if they didn't explicitly mention Tottenham.
"We would like to inform you that Kota Takai will be leaving the team at the end of the activity on Saturday, July 5, in order to complete the necessary procedures and preparations for a transfer to an overseas club," read a club statement.
"We will notify you further regarding future plans as soon as they are officially decided.
"After the match against Kashima Antlers in the 23rd round of the J1 League on Saturday, July 5, Kota Takai will be giving a speech to the supporters. In addition, Takai will not be participating in the Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday, July 6."
According to recent reports, Takai could well be followed by West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus, if all goes to plan.
Fabrizio Romano says that talks are underway between all parties for the Ghana international, and he's apparently open to making the switch across London.
Now, GiveMeSport have shared an intriguing update on the matter.
Daniel Levy holds talks with David Sullivan over signing Mohammed Kudus
GMS report that Levy has personally held talks with West Ham chairman David Sullivan over the signing of Kudus.
Levy apparently contacted his Hammers counterpart to discuss a deal for the ex-Ajax sensation, with Tottenham starting negotiations at £50 million for Kudus as they attempt to seal a quick deal ahead of rival suitors.
Spurs are wary of the competition for Kudus and have decided to move early for him. The 24-year-old, meanwhile, is actively seeking an exit from the London Stadium, but as things stand, West Ham are insistent that any offer made up to this point is unacceptable.
The Lilywhites will need to meet their capital rivals in the middle, even if West Ham are under some pressure to sell so they can begin their own summer transfer plans.
Kudus endured a mixed 2024/2025 when compared to his electric debut campaign in east London, but teammate Aaron Cresswell has perhaps already explained exactly why Tottenham are very keen.
"I've just trained with him and you don't want to go anywhere near him," Cresswell told the Iron Cast.
"I'm up against him all the time and I'm like: 'Mo, go on over to the left!'
"He's a top, top talent and I think we haven't seen the best of him yet. I won't go near him in training because I know if I'm going to try to knock him off the ball, I had better make sure he's not looking and doesn't see me coming.
"You just can't get near him. He's so strong, so quick, so sharp."