The Sun

TOTTENHAM have qualified for the Uefa–Conmebol Club Challenge by winning the Europa League.

But due to a hectic schedule, the North Londoners may not have time to play it.

Spurs ended their 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League last month.

Their triumph will see them enter the Uefa Super Cup in August.

Tottenham - led by a new manager - will head to Udine in Italy to face Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain on August 13 in a bid to earn more silverware.

While the Super Cup is a well-known competition, previously won by several English clubs including Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, not so much is known about the Uefa–Conmebol Club Challenge.

The revamped competition was launched two years ago as a follow-up to the previous Supercopa Euroamericana.

It sees the Europa League winners go up against the champions of its South American counterpart, the Copa Sudamericana.

In 2023, perennial Europa League winners Sevilla fittingly lifted its inaugural edition following a penalty shootout win over Independiente del Valle at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

The game did not take place last year, as Atalanta and Ecuadorian side Liga de Quito could not arrange a date.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK

This year's Copa Sudamericana winners were Argentine side Racing Club.

Their club president is former Inter Milan star Diego Milito, who reportedly wants to set up a date with Spurs.

Reports in Argentina suggest that a game could be put on in their country or the US.

But according to Football.London, Uefa chiefs feel that it will be difficult to find a slot in which to fit the game.

Tottenham have already confirmed three pre-season friendlies set to take place in three different countries.

The Lilywhites will face rivals Arsenal in a controversial "friendly" match in Hong Kong on July 31.

They will then head to South Korea, where they will battle Newcastle United in Seoul.

From there they will head to Munich for their third pre-season friendly with Bayern since Harry Kane's move to Bavaria, which will take place on August 7.

Thomas Frank is likely to be the man in the Spurs dugout, following Ange Postecoglou's sacking last Friday.

SunSport revealed last night that the Dane has agreed to take over following talks over the weekend.

Frank, 51, wants to leave Brentford for Tottenham, while taking members of his backroom staff with him.

Spurs are currently advancing in talks over the Bees' compensation package.

ANGE-BALL is dead and buried, a cold-blooded decision that has divided the Tottenham fanbase.

The departure of Ange Postecoglou brought a mix of bewilderment and anger from some, with many feeling his axe was unnecessary.

Plenty of Spurs supporters are unsure about what lead candidate Thomas Frank will bring if he is the next man through the revolving door.

The club’s fans always want their team to reflect the attacking principles — the “Glory, Glory” “To Dare is to Do” football — articulated by their 1960-61 Double-winning icons, captain Danny Blanchflower and boss Bill Nicholson.

That is why defensively-minded Nuno Espirito Santo, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte never quite fitted in.

And it is why Dane Frank — currently at Brentford — actually ticks more boxes than any alternative.

His Bees were promoted to the Premier League in 2021 playing free-flowing, attractive football.

But Frank realised he could not play that way in the top flight with the squad and resources at his disposal.

Not until they established themselves. It meant Frank had to get his recruitment and his tactics right — also showing a willingness to adapt alongside solid analysis and smart thinking.

He showed the same passion and desire as Bees fans, who loved watching his side evolve.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK

But the Gtech hierarchy knew this moment would come.

That a big club would knock on the door and Frank would be ready to walk through, seeking a stage that lets him play the football he REALLY wants to play.

Football that comes straight off the N17 wish-list.

Quizzed by SunSport recently Frank, 51, said: “For many, years, I’ve been most attracted to more offensive football.

“I always looked a little bit at the Ajax team, the total football idea.

“Then it was Barcelona, the first Dream Team under Johan Cruyff, which of course also had Michael Laudrup, another Danish player, at the heart of it.

“So I watched all those games, incredible — and then of course Pep Guardiola took them to another level.

“I was also inspired by watching what Jurgen Klopp did at Liverpool.

“They were the most difficult team to play against from a defensive side because they attacked from all angles.

'FANTASTIC FOOTBALL'

“Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal as well. I liked that, with Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg, Robert Pires. That was some fantastic football as well.

“I got that inspiration and tried to merge it into my own blueprint.

“Hopefully, you can be a great entertainer and a great winner at the same time.

“Ultimately it is all about winning, no doubt. But you can’t achieve anything big without being solid at the back.”

Frank has the intelligence and depth to deal with pressure and crises — and would not blow up a club like Spurs in the way Conte did in 2023 — nor turn on the fans as Postecoglou did too frequently.

Proof of that came with Frank’s brilliant handling of the Ivan Toney gambling case.

After the striker was charged with betting offences in November 2022 he scored ten goals in 19 Prem games before the striker’s eight-month FA ban was confirmed.

Frank knew his job was to be a counsellor as well as a manager.

Not just before the ban, but during and after.

He said at the time: “He’s made mistakes, but we need to be there and help him.

“We all make mistakes. Who are we to judge, especially in football?

“Ivan is a footballer, but he’s also a human being. We need to do everything we can to support him.”

Yet in Toney’s absence Frank unleashed Yoanne Wissa alongside Mbeumo — they scored 39 Prem goals between them last term.

Ange’s legacy is a first Spurs trophy in 17 years.

It provides a platform that Frank is ready to build on.

It is the role he has waited for all his career. And it gives him the chance to turn his ambitions into reality.

THOMAS FRANK has agreed to become the new Tottenham manager.

SunSport understands that following talks over the weekend, the Brentford boss is close to becoming Ange Postecoglou's replacement.

Frank, 51, wants to make the switch across London which will end his near-seven year spell with the Bees.

It is now down to Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to settle on a compensation package with G-Tech stadium chiefs.

Tottenham brutally sacked Postecoglou on Friday despite the Aussie ending their 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League last month.

And Levy is moving quickly to appoint the Dane, who guided Brentford to a 10th place Premier League finish this season.

Fulham manager Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola have been in the running but Frank is expected to become the fourth permanent Tottenham boss in the last four years.

Frank joined Brentford in 2018 and after promotion to the top-flight less than three years later, he has made them an established Prem club.

The Dane already wants to bring Bryan Mbeumo, 25, with him to North London with Spurs trying to hijack Manchester United's proposed deal for the Cameroonian winger.

Although that could cost Levy up to £70million with a possible £10m deal for Frank, plus £60m for Mbuemo's services.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK

That would test Tottenham's financial power, especially as Mbeumo is thought to be demanding around £250,000 per week in wages, which would make him the club's highest-paid player.

But Spurs' victory over United in Bilbao does mean they can offer him Champions League football.

Frank will also be tasked with a significant improvement in the Premier League following Tottenham's worst ever finish.

Despite Postecoglou's European success, he oversaw a club-record 22 Prem defeats, which resulted in them coming 17th.

ROBBIE WILLIAMS bravely took aim at Arsenal's lack of European success during his gig at the Emirates Stadium last night.

The former Take That singer performed at the Gunners' ground as part of his international tour on Friday and Saturday.

While entertaining the fans packed into the ground, Williams couldn't help but take a cheeky dig at Arsenal - teasing them for the success of local rivals Tottenham.

Joking about Tottenham's Europa League glory this season, and Arsenal's failure to win a European trophy since the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup, Williams asked: "How far are Arsenal from a European trophy?".

Only to reply: "Four f*****g miles".

Tottenham fans were absolutely loving the tongue-in-cheek jibe, which was met with a huge cheer inside the stadium.

On social media, one fan wrote: "I always liked Robbie".

While another added: "No way I've just seen Robbie Williams bantering Arsenal on their own turf".

Arsenal fans were quick to point out that Williams was only right with his assessment of the men's team, after Arsenal Women won the Champions League this season.

One wrote: "Literally won the UWCL two weeks ago, my friend..."

CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

And a second posted: "I think, Robbie, you’ll find you’re actually stood in the home of a team that has two Champions League trophies…"

Spurs fans are already fond of Williams after they nicked his hit song 'Angels' to create a chant for now sacked manager Ange Postecoglou.

And Williams even posted a video of himself belting out the tune with the Tottenham lyrics back in 2023, declaring: "Guess I'm a Spurs fan now".

In reality Williams is a diehard Port Vale fan, regularly attending the club's games.

It read: "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.

"The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.

"Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.

"That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.

"There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

"We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.

"I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.

"I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.

"It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.

"And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.

"A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.

“We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.”

ENGLAND UNDER-21 star Hayden Hackney is on managerless Tottenham’s transfer radar.

The Middlesbrough midfielder, 22, looks set to leave his boyhood club after their failure to win Championship promotion.

The £20m-rated ace has already proven he can cut it against the big boys of the Premier League with stand-out cup displays against both Chelsea and Aston Villa last season.

Now he hopes to catch the eye at this month’s U21 European Championship in Slovakia.

A host of clubs have been monitoring Hackney for several months, including Portuguese giants Porto who had a measly £9m bid rejected in January.

German side Stuttgart are also keen as are Crystal Palace, but Sun Sport understands that Spurs’ scouts have also been running the rule over Hackney.

Tottenham talent spotters will also be out in Slovakia to watch the action closely and, if Hackney shines for Lee Carsley’s side, they could give the green light for the club move despite not yet appointing a replacement for axed Ange Postecoglou.

Middlesbrough are in no rush to sell their home-grown star and could even squeeze a couple more million onto his price tag depending on how he performs at the Euros.

They are also searching for a new manager in their own right following the decision to dismiss Michael Carrick on Wednesday.

And despite still having some money in the bank from selling Emmanuel Latte Lath in January, cashing in on Hackney would help them add to any incoming coach’s transfer kitty.

BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS

England kick-off their Euro campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday.

They then face Slovenia three days later and finish the group stage against Germany on Wednesday 18 June.

All of England's matches are being broadcast live on Channel 4.

TOTTENHAM want Bryan Mbeumo to join with Thomas Frank — in a £70million double raid on Brentford.

Spurs have made Bees boss Frank their first choice to replace axed Ange Postecoglou and want to tie up a swoop quickly.

And the Europa League winners are trying to hijack Manchester United’s move for attacker Mbeumo — with hopes that landing Frank could help sway a deal.

Frank, 51, is open to the move across London and a £10m compensation package to land the Dane and his staff will not be a problem.

Spurs technical director Johan Lange, who worked with Frank at Danish club Lyngby, will play a key role in negotiations.

Then Tottenham can join the Mbeumo chase seriously and hope that being able to offer Champions League action will give them another edge.

United are edging towards a £60m deal and Spurs have cash to match that.

It would be a huge test of Tottenham’s spending power as United prepare to offer huge wages on top of the fee for the Cameroon international, 25.

Meanwhile, Brentford are already homing in on Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna to succeed Frank.

CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

But McKenna signed a massive new deal at Ipswich a year ago and his compensation clause is understood to be a similar figure to Frank’s.

The lure of a second crack at the Premier League is bound to appeal to the Northern Irishman, who was relegated after leading Ipswich to Prem promotion for the first time in 22 years.

It read: "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.

"The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.

"Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.

"That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.

"There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

"We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.

"I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.

"I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.

"It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.

"And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.

"A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.

“We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.”

It read: "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.

"The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.

"Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.

"That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.

"There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

"We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.

"I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.

"I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.

"It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.

"And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.

"A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.

“We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.”

It read: "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.

"The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.

"Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.

"That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.

"There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

"We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.

"I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.

"I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.

"It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.

"And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.

"A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.

“We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.”