The Sun

TOTTENHAM have announced that the ‘Bill Nicholson Gates’ will be reinstalled in front of their stadium ahead of next season.

The gates were a famous feature of Spurs' old White Hart Lane home but were removed in 2015 when construction work began on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The gates become synonymous with Nicholson, who guided Spurs to a league and FA Cup double in 1961, following a photograph of the late manager standing between them, taken by Peter Robinson in the 1970s.

Fans have been hoping to see the iconic black and gold wrought iron gates brought out of storage, ever since Tottenham moved into their new glitzy home in 2019.

But they won't have much longer to wait to see them take their place outside the stadium once again following an update from the club's Fan Advisory Board (FAB) meeting that was held on Tuesday.

The gates will be given a new home within Paxton17, close to the ticket office on the Tottenham High Road.

The meeting was attended by club representatives, including new chief executive officer Vinai Venkatesham.

Work is under way to have the gates in place for Spurs’ opening Premier League match of the season at home to Burnley on August 16.

As with any new stadium, the club has been trying to underline connections between it and the old home.

The gates were one of the most recognisable and distinctive sights at the old ground, outside the car park in front of the main entrance facing the High Road.

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Chairman Daniel Levy said: “The Bill Nicholson Gates are such a significant part of our club’s heritage and I am extremely proud they will be returning home this summer.

“We were never going to rush into a decision as to where they should be reinstated, given the huge amount of works that have taken place in the area over recent years.

“We look forward to welcoming fans back to the stadium for the coming season - as well as Bill’s family members and former players - to see the gates and feel that close connection between our Club and its rich history.”

Another key point from the meeting is that the club and FAB are working together to create a revamped Tottenham Hall of Fame.

RICHARLISON is set to leave the Premier League as he looks to reset his career overseas, SunSport can reveal.

The injury-stricken Brazilian will be allowed to leave Tottenham after new manager Thomas Frank gave the green light for his exit.

And although the 28-year-old striker has been linked with a return to Everton, sources close to the Merseyside club say David Moyes has rejected the chance to sign him.

The Toffees are believed to be focusing on other targets as they look towards life at their new stadium.

Newcastle star Callum Wilson is on their radar and is seen as a replacement for the departing Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Moyes also believes that hitman Beto can be a big player for him next season.

It means Richarlison, who endured a frustrating season last term, is expected to head to Turkey and sign for Galatasaray.

They’ve also been chasing Victor Osimhen, but with that deal looking difficult to get over the line, their attention has now switched back to the Brazil international - who could be available for just £20million.

Another option would be a loan deal - although Spurs are believed to prefer the idea of a permanent switch.

They’re ready to cut their losses on a player who has endured a frustrating time in North London.

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Since joining for £50m in 2022, he’s managed a mere 20 goals and 10 assists in 90 appearances, with injuries keeping him sidelined for over 30 matches in 2024-25.

His latest campaign was a rollercoaster as he only made 15 Premier League starts which saw just four goals scored, plus a single Europa League strike.

It has been widely reported that Richarlison is keen to remain in Europe despite interest from Saudi Arabia.

Spurs fans will be divided over the news.

He is popular among many - but his lack of game time and inability to stay injury free has led many supporters to grow frustrated.

Tottenham will need a strong squad next season as they juggle Premier League and Champions League football.

GERMAN wonderkid Nelson Weiper is on the radar of THREE Premier League clubs.

The 20-year-old Mainz ace is turning heads around Europe following his form and his performances at the Under-21 European Championship.

He appeared in six matches and netted four goals during the tournament in Slovakia, two behind Bayern Munich-linked team-mate Nick Woltemade.

His aerial prowess was on display against England in Saturday’s final, where he scored a great header in first-half injury time to get his nation back in the game.

The goal didn’t stop England from going on to win the match after Jonathan Rowe became the young Three Lions super sub in extra time.

But SunSport understands scouts from Tottenham, Brentford and West Ham are now closely monitoring Weiper.

All three think he could be a strong addition to their squad and are poised to move this summer.

Since debuting for Mainz in October 2022, Weiper has built a steady foundation, playing 37 times in the Bundesliga and scoring five goals, combining size, strength and smart movement.

His qualities as a target man, strong in the air, adept at hold-up play, capable of drop‑offs and linking with team-mates, mean he could be a perfect fit for the Premier League.

The player is likely cost around £12million, with Mainz expected to push for add-on clauses in any deal to ensure they receive more cash if he goes on to play for the senior national team.

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Weiper is another one of Mainz's young superstars, along with Brajan Gruda, who recently moved to Brighton for £30m last summer, making 21 league appearances for the Seagulls.

He was untouchable in the youth leagues in Germany and has been rewarded with minutes in the Bundesliga.

Sky Germany reported last month how several clubs have been monitoring Weiper.

The striker reportedly caught the eye of Cesc Fabregas' Serie A side Como, who are weighing up a potential bid.

A clause in Weiper's contract would enable Mainz to extend the player’s contract until 2026.

And it's believed Die Nullfünfer's boss, Christian Heidel, doesn't want to sell the youngster and would prefer to keep him.

TOTTENHAM are interested in making their first signing from West Ham in 14 years.

SunSport understands Spurs are keen on Hammers star Mohammed Kudus this summer.

Kudus, 24, arrived at the London Stadium in 2023 from Ajax for a fee of £35million.

West Ham beat competition from Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea to snare the Ghanaian star's signature.

However, the club are open to cashing in on the attacker in order to fund their own summer rebuild for manager Graham Potter.

The Europa League winners are said to be open to breaking their "unofficial transfer embargo" to sign Kudus.

Should a transfer go through, he would be the first player to move directly to Spurs since Scott Parker in 2011.

The former England international joined the Hammers' rivals after their relegation to the Championship.

Parker was a shining light at Upton Park that season as he was named the PFA Players' Player of the Year despite the club finishing bottom.

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Kudus is said to be open to the controversial transfer and has a release clause of £85m.

A move would see him return to Champions League football and play under Thomas Frank.

West Ham have yet to receive an official bid for Kudus and Spurs could face competition from Chelsea and Newcastle.

Kudus starred for the Hammers in his debut season in the Premier League.

He scored 14 goals and assisted six more across all competitions as the club finished 9th and reached the Europa League quarter-finals.

Last season, he failed to continue his electrifying performances as West Ham slumped to a 14th-placed finish.

He could only muster five goals and four assists in 35 appearances in all competitions.

Kudus has recently changed agents to the renowned sports management firm ROOF amid speculation over his future.

West Ham are yet to add to their squad this summer despite the exits of long-serving players Aaron Cresswell, Vladimir Coufal and Lukas Fabianski.

There is still uncertainty over the future of Michail Antonio with his contract set to expire.

The club's Premier League record goalscorer has not played for the club since his horror car crash in December.

But he has made his return to the pitch as he appeared for Jamaica in the 1-0 Gold Cup loss to Guatemala earlier this month.

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SHEFFIELD UNITED are ready to pay a stunning £6million for Ashley Phillips — if Tottenham change their minds.

The Blades want the centre-half, 20, who spent the season on loan at Stoke.

But they have been rebuffed as new Spurs boss Thomas Frank wants to include him.

Phillips joined Tottenham from Blackburn for a fee of £2m in 2023 after just 14 senior appearances.

But the England Under-20s star is yet to play for Tottenham's first-team.

He went on loan to Plymouth Argyle for the 2023/24 season and won their Young Player of the Year award.

And last season he caught the eye with Stoke and helped them avoid relegation by two points.

Phillips is of interest to Sheffield United, who SunSport exclusively revealed have axed top scouts in favour of an Anglo-American AI talent spotting company to find new players.

Tottenham's £6m valuation of Phillips is similar to the price tag they have put on midfield magician Alfie Devine, 20.

Spurs are yet to decide on his future after his spell on loan at Westerlo in Belgium.

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Meanwhile, Sheffield United are hope to bring back midfielder Tommy Doyle from Wolves on loan but face a fight with Birmingham.

Ruben Selles is now in charge at Bramall Lane after Chris Wilder was sacked.

BRYAN MBEUMO should be a Manchester United player by the end of next week.

Despite Brentford rejecting a second bid of £62.5million on Friday, the transfer is still expected be approved after Tuesday as United enter a new financial year when PSR resets on June 30.

That allows the Cameroon international's fee to be included in the club’s accounts at the end of next season.

Mbeumo, 25, will sign a five-year contract worth around £180,000 a week.

But, contrary to reports, the Red Devils have not set a date for his medical just yet.

Mbeumo has informed Brentford and Tottenham of his decision to join United, according to The Athletic.

The winger enjoyed a standout season, scoring a career-best 20 Premier League goals and providing seven assists to help Brentford secure a top-half finish - only Mo Salah, Alexander Isak andErling Haaland notched more.

To compare, United's highest goalscorers Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo scored just eight goals in the league last season.

Additionally, only two Prem players covered more distance or attempted more sprints last term, making Mbeumo one of the hardest grafters in the league.

Boss Ruben Amorim wants him signed in time for the start of pre-season training on July 7.

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Mbeumo is under contract at Brentford until June 2026 and they have an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months, with likes of Arsenal, Newcastle and Spurs previously linked.

An opening low-ball offer from United worth £45million plus £10m in add-ons fell some way short of Brentford’s valuation.

A second proposal at £55m and £7.5m of bonuses was also rejected — but talks continue as the 20-time English champions attempt to find a compromise.

Admiration for Mbeumo at Spurs increased after Thomas Frank moved from Brentford to replaced sacked Ange Postecoglou.

But the talented winger notified Frank and Brentford that should he depart the Gtech Community Stadium now, it will be for Old Trafford.

Reports of Spurs submitting a bid have been denied in North London and they are no longer pursuing the situation

SunSport has reached out to Tottenham for comment.

This comes weeks after reports claimed Mbeumo chose United over title challengers and Champions League qualifiers Arsenal.

The Brentford ace returned from a lengthy injury he sustained in the 2023-24 and proved his fitness, featuring in all 38 league games.

An international colleague of United goalkeeper Andre Onana, Mbeumo is likely to miss four weeks of the 2025-26 campaign because of Cameroon's participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Mbeumo joined Brentford from French club Troyes in 2019, when the Bees were still in the Championship.

He has scored 70 goals in 242 appearances in all competitions, helping the West London club earn promotion to the top flight in 2021.

Funds are said to be available for United to secure the Mbeumo without requiring sales in advance.

Nonetheless, United hope to sell Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tom Heaton, 39, has signed a new one-year deal at United, taking him into his 20th pro season.

Amorim's side have already announced the£62.5million signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

ARSENAL'S never-ending hunt for a world-class striker is in turmoil as deals for Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres stall.

The Gunners were confident of doing their business quickly this summer after months of preparation by boss Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta.

But inflated asking prices and broken gentlemen's agreements have derailed those plans and left Arsenal frustrated.

Sesko believed he would be allowed to leave RB Leipzig for around £60million, while SunSport understands Gyokeres was told £59m would be enough to seal his own exit.

But those price-tags have gone up, leaving Arsenal debating whether they represent value for money.

While the players' camps are also growing restless, knowing the Gunners can only sign one of them.

So what next? Will Arsenal keep waiting in the hope of fees eventually going down? Or turn to other targets, like Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike?

Whatever they decide, with pre-season looming and the fixtures already out, Arteta will be desperate for them to move quickly to avoid another nearly season.

TOTTENHAM have mocked Sir Alex Ferguson in the release of their latest clothing range.

Spurs have launched a new "Europa League winners 2025" line.

It features a range of merchandise including T-shirts, hoodies, caps, magazines, programmes, photos, scarves and even footballs.

Some of the T-shirts and hoodies feature the iconic line once said by Ferguson: "Lads, it's Tottenham."

Spurs beat Manchester United in the final to win the Europa League, so decided to poke fun at the legendary boss.

The jibe is also a reference to the T-shirts United had made before the final took place, ready for if they won.

The United shirts also read: "Lads, it's Tottenham," and featured the Europa League trophy as well as the date of the final.

Fergie uttered the famous phrase during a match between Tottenham and United in 2001.

The Red Devils trailed 3-0 at half-time before going on to win 5-3 after Ferguson reminded them at the break: "Lads, it's Tottenham."

The phrase has stuck ever since with rival fans often using it as a stick to beat Spurs supporters with.

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However Paul Scholes, who played in that 5-3 win, believes it is a derogatory remark.

He said at the final last month: “I think it’s a bit derogatory to speak about such a great football club like that.

“We knew that most of the time we had the beating of Tottenham. We were always confident against them.

“I know there’s a lot said of, ‘It’s only Tottenham’ and that should be enough to win a game. But it isn’t. You’re playing against a very good team of footballers.

“They’ve had the upper hand against United, we’ve lost the last three. It’s not quite ‘just Tottenham’ any more.”

AS references go, keeping Cristiano Ronaldo quiet is not a bad one.

That is exactly what Kota Takai, the exciting Japanese centre-back set to be Tottenham’s second signing of the Thomas Frank era, managed in April.

Towering defender Takai was lining up for J-League outfit Kawasaki Frontale against Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the semi-final of the AFC Champions League elite.

It is Asia’s version of the Champions League and the most prestigious competition in that part of the world.

Having seen off Didier Drogba’s old Chinese team Shanghai Shenhua in the last 16 and Qatari side Al-Sadd, via extra-time, in the quarters, it was Al Nassr’s formidable front three of Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Jhon Duran up next in the last four.

But 20-year-old Takai handled the task well, with only Mane of the trio netting as Kawasaki came through 3-2 in Jeddah.

It was not how the script was supposed to go.

This was meant to be the triumphant pay-off from Al-Nassr’s massive expenditure in recent years and their first final appearance in 30 years.

But instead it was Takai and Co who went through to the showpiece three days later, with Ronaldo looking visibly shocked at full-time having missed a late chance.

Kawasaki went on to lose the final three days later to Ivan Toney’s Al-Ahli, Saudi Pro League rivals to Al-Nassr.

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Yet Takai’s exploits had been enough to capture the attention of Spurs technical director Johan Lange and his staff.

Standing at 6ft 4ins tall, the aggressive young centre-back who can play on the right or left side in the middle of defence is due to join Spurs next month.

A £5million fee has been agreed with Kawasaki which is a record fee for a Japanese player from the J-League.

Most Spurs fans will understandably never have heard of Takai, but the expectation at this point is that he is coming to be part of the first-team squad this term rather than be loaned out.

Frank and his coaching staff will, of course, assess him over the summer and make a final judgment call on that.

Spurs are stacked at centre-back, after all - with six already at the club and Croatian teen sensation Luka Vuskovic joining this summer too - even though there is Champions League football to come this term.

But Takai’s relative experience at such a tender age has given Spurs confidence he can be involved from the off.

The Yokohama-born defender already has four appearances for Japan, all coming in World Cup qualifiers, and has 78 senior matches under his belt already.

Takai, who turns 21 in September, was pivotal to Kawasaki clinching the Japanese Super Cup last year and was named the league’s Young Player of the Year.

Those feats have convinced the Spurs hierarchy that Takai can join the club’s burgeoning group of young talent that includes Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and the first signing of the summer, Mathys Tel.

Takai’s favoured shirt number is said to be No2 which Spurs have had available ever since Irish full-back Matt Doherty left the club two years ago.

If and when the youngster makes his Premier League bow, he will become the 16th Japanese player to do so, following in the footsteps of Kaoru Mitoma, Shinji Kagawa and Junichi Inamoto.

His capture continues Spurs’ recruitment from the Far East of late, following last year’s signing of South Korean starlet Yang Min-Hyeok, who went on loan to QPR in the second half of the season.

Of course, Spurs have had the most famous Asian player in recent times starring for them over the last decade in Son Heung-min, though he could leave the club this summer.

If Takai can have even a fifth of the impact skipper Son has had at Spurs, then the North Londoners will consider him one hell of a bargain.

TOTTENHAM have agreed a £5million deal to sign Japan international Kota Takai.

The 6ft 4ins centre-back is set to arrive in N17 next month and will be part of Thomas Frank’s first-team squad.

The move from Kawasaki Frontale will make Takai the most expensive Japanese player to be signed from the J-League.

The defender, 20, already has two senior caps for Japan, making his debut a year ago in a 7-0 World Cup qualifier win against China.

If and when Takai features in the Premier League, he will become the 16th Japanese player to do so, following in the footsteps of the likes of Kaoru Mitoma, Shinji Kagawa and Junichi Inamoto.

Takai will follow Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel through the door in North London.

The Frenchman, also 20, spent the second half of last season on loan at Spurs and scored twice in 13 Premier League appearances.

He was judged to have done enough for the club to trigger their option to buy him.

The club had the option to purchase Tel for £45m but negotiated the final fee down to £30m.

But new manager Frank is not done yet in revamping the Europa League winners.

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The Dane was appointed as the successor to Ange Postecoglou despite the Aussie ending the club's 17-year trophy drought.

Frank, 51, has received another boost as SunSport exclusively revealed top target Eberechi Eze is interested in a move to Spurs.

The Crystal Palace star is a wanted man this summer with other clubs also keen on his signature.

Eze netted 14 times last season as he fired the Eagles to the FA Cup trophy and qualification to the Europa League.

Frank has also been linked with a reunion with Bees star Bryan Mbeumo.

However, the Cameroonian is a top target for Manchester United, who have lodged a second offer in excess of £60m.