Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has played a key role in helping to facilitate some Spurs transfer deals since his arrival in N17, with the Dane now believed to be a huge admirer of one player across the continent.
Thomas Frank "key" to Tottenham agreeing Xavi Simons deal
The Lilywhites' statement summer signing was their £52 million move for playmaker Xavi Simons.
Tottenham hijacked Chelsea's once-advanced move to sign the Dutchman on a potential seven-year contract which could be worth a grand total of £125 million (Paul O'Keefe) - putting their spectacularly failed deals for Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White behind them.
Super agent Ali Barat, speaking to RMC Sport this week, revealed that Frank played a very major role in convincing the 22-year-old to join Tottenham over their London rivals.
“Xavi has a very strong mentality and a big personality. Tottenham and Chelsea are both fantastic clubs with solid projects, and there was genuine interest from both sides," Barat said.
“But Chelsea was always clear with us; they had certain constraints that made it difficult to move forward in discussions.
“So, when discussions with Tottenham began, it became clear that this would be a project that would be a perfect fit for Xavi, and I think the discussion he had with Thomas Frank was really key to Xavi’s decision.”
Speaking after Tottenham's surprise 2-0 win away to Man City, fellow summer signing Joao Palhinha, who's enjoyed an impressive start to life back in London overall, also revealed that Frank "pushed" for him to make a Premier League return.
“The coach pushed me to come here, and he showed me the project he has here at Tottenham,” Palhinha said.
“The club is such a great club. I am really glad to be back in the Premier League again. Like the last time I was here, I am so happy. Now, I want to enjoy this top club and top atmosphere again.”
Now, according to reports from Spain, Frank has his eyes on yet another player.
Tottenham plan Morten Hjulmand bid amid Thomas Frank belief
As per one Spanish media source, that man is Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand.
The Denmark international is currently in fine form for Rui Borges' side, starting all five of their Primeira Liga matches so far this season and averaging a very impressive 92.9 per cent passing accuracy (WhoScored).
After becoming a star for the current Portuguese champions since his move there over two years ago, in a deal worth an initial £15.5 million, Hjulmand's value has skyrocketed.
His contract includes a £68 million release clause, but Tottenham are planning to test the water with a £52 million bid for Hjulmand.
Frank apparently believes he could be a "key" signing for the club, and with Yves Bissouma very likely to leave in 2026, Hjulmand could come as the Mali international's perfect replacement.
Sporting realise that the 26-year-old could be tempted by Spurs' "irresistible" offer of an opportunity to play English football, and there is apparent concern that this season could be the midfielder's last in Portugal.