The Mirror

Luka Vuskovic is set to arrive at Tottenham this summer after they struck a deal to sign the Croatian wonderkid from Hajduk Split in September 2023

Thomas Frank is set to cast an eye over 18-year-old Tottenham centre-back Luka Vuskovic in pre-season despite widespread loan interest in the Croatian. Spurs agreed a reported £12million package deal with Hajduk Split for the teenager, then 16, in September 2023 and they're understood to have pipped Manchester City and PSG to his signature.

The towering defender starred on loan in Belgium last season with KVC Westerlo, scoring an impressive seven goals from the back, having also previously flourished in Poland during a six-month spell with Radomiak Radom in 2024.

Now a series of top-flight clubs from Germany, France and Belgium including Hamburg and Club Brugge have contacted his representatives to register an early interest in signing Vuskovic on loan for the 2025-26 season, should he become available.

However, Tottenham are in no immediate rush to make a decision over his future and they're yet to rule out Vuskovic potentially staying put as part of their first-team squad for the forthcoming campaign.

Earlier this week, he was handed his senior international debut by Croatia when he was a late substitute in a 5-1 World Cup qualification win over Czechia.

Spurs believe they have a major talent on their hands but they intend to manage his development carefully in a bid to ensure he fulfils his potential in north London.

Speaking earlier this month, Vuskovic was full of praise for the Europa League winners and shared his excitement about joining the club, stating: “First of all, I’m looking forward to feeling that level and seeing where I am in relation to the players who just won the Europa League so that I know what I need to work on the most.

“After that, I’ll see in agreement with the club which is the smartest next step. The club has proven to be careful and wise in making decisions so far. Belgium has proven to be an ideal league at this stage of my career, and I think it is otherwise a great development league because it gives a lot of opportunities to young players."

Belgian side Westerlo have also made no secret of the fact they're keen to forge a partnership with Tottenham to sign more players on loan from Spurs in the future, though their chances of landing Vuskovic for another year look very slim. Alfie Devine also gained valuable senior experience with the Jupiler Pro League outfit, netting six goals in 30 top-flight appearances.

In the past six weeks, even before the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, Spurs held a series of meetings with the representatives or their loanees to review their progress.

New boss Frank has a proven track record for utilising and developing talent both at Brentford and Brondby, having also previously coached Denmark at various youth levels.

Thomas Frank was named as Tottenham Hotspur's new head coach earlier this week and the first signing of the Dane's tenure is close to being agreed after fresh transfer talks

Mathys Tel is poised to become the first signing of the Thomas Frank era at Tottenham, with the Frenchman in advanced talks to make his loan move from Bayern Munich permanent.

Tel, 20, joined Spurs on loan in the January transfer window in a deal with an option for €50million (£42.5m). The versatile forward scored three times in 20 appearances, though the manager who signed him, Ange Postecoglou, is no longer at the helm.

Tottenham's decision to replace the Australian with Frank has had no bearing on a permanent move, though, with the club and Bayern now close to an agreement.

As outlined by Sky Sport Germany, Tottenham are set to pay around €35m (£30m) to keep Tel after negotiating fresh terms with the German giants, with Frank keen on retaining the forward's services.

And it's claimed that the France Under-21 star is also happy to make the switch permanent after getting a taste of life in the Premier League over the last six months.

Max Eberl, the Bayern sporting director, confirmed that talks over a deal were ongoing with Tottenham earlier this week amid talk that an agreement was close.

"Mathys was at Tottenham for six months. He wanted to play in the U21 European championship with France, and we allowed him to," he said, per Abendzeitung München. "We’re talking to Tottenham, that’s no secret. We’ll see how that pans out."

Frank is expected to be backed in the transfer market after signing a three-year contract to become the club's new head coach with more additions likely.

Mirror Football revealed that the Dane would love to take Bryan Mbeumo with him to Tottenham despite interest in the Cameroon international from Manchester United.

Spurs have since launched a £70m bid - consisting of £65m with a further £5m in add-ons - in a bid to gazump United, though it's understood that Old Trafford remains Mbeumo's preferred destination.

Spurs have also been linked with Yoane Wissa after prising Frank away from Brentford. The DR Congo and Mbeumo racked up 38 Premier League goals between them for the Bees last season and would instantly boost Tottenham's firepower.

Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo is also of interest to Spurs; the Ghana international has other top-flight suitors including Manchester United and is said to be valued by the Cherries at around £70m.

Tottenham announced the sacking of Ange Postecoglou last week, despite the Australian guiding the club to the Europa League trophy, with Brentford boss Thomas Frank quickly unveiled as his successor

Ange Postecoglou has been offered an immediate return to management after being sacked by Tottenham, with reports claiming Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli have "made contact" with the Australian.

Postecoglou was axed by Spurs chief Daniel Levy last week despite guiding the club to the Europa League trophy, their first piece of silverware for 17 years.

However, the former Celtic boss was under huge pressure after also overseeing Tottenham's worst ever Premier League finish of 17th, with the team losing 22 games. That was the most by any Premier League side without being relegated.

As a result, it seemed likely the Spurs hierarchy would swing the axe before an official announcement came at the start of this month. Thomas Frank was duly appointed as his replacement this week.

Attentions will now turn to where Postecoglou will end up next after bringing an attractive playing style to Spurs and ultimately the trophy they craved - coming through on his promise that he "always wins in his second season".

According to the Athletic, Saudi outfit Al-Ahli have reached out to Postecoglou as they line up their next manager, given that current boss Matthias Jaissle has turned down a number of contract extensions.

The club are now preparing for his successor and have placed Postecoglou on their shortlist alongside ex-Barcelona boss Xavi in the event that Jaissle departs.

But the report says talks are "moving quickly" with Postecoglou, who has just returned from a holiday in Greece following the end of a turbulent campaign.

Al-Ahli find themselves in a similarly complicated situation as Postecoglou was in at Spurs, given that Jaissle has just won the AFC Champions League and is popular with fans. Moving to the Middle East club would see him manage stars like Edouard Mendy, Franck Kessie, Riyad Mahrez Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney.

Postecoglou will feel hard done by to have lost his job at Spurs given he ended the club's lengthy trophy drought, but the club insisted they could not be ruled by emotion as they explained the reasons for his dismissal.

A club statement announcing his sacking said: "We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club. Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.

"However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph."

Manchester United and Tottenham are both battling hard to sign Bryan Mbeumo, who has attracted interest from clubs across the country after scoring 20 Premier League goals in 2024/25

Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford's dazzling Cameroonian forward, has become one of the most talked-about names of the summer as the transfer window gathers momentum. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a breakout Premier League campaign - showcasing a potent mix of creativity, clinical finishing and tireless energy that's cemented his status as one of the division's standout performers outside the traditional 'big six.'

Since arriving from Troyes in 2019, Mbeumo has been a quietly consistent presence for the Bees. But in 2024/25, he's shifted gears - racking up an impressive 20 goals and nine assists across 42 appearances. With numbers like those, it was only a matter of time before top clubs came calling. Now, they are.

With Manchester United and Tottenham locked in a fierce tug-of-war for his signature, speculation over his future is reaching fever pitch. Mbeumo offers both clubs a unique mix of flair and versatility, but where will he end up?

With a bidding war on the cards and his former Brentford boss Thomas Frank now at Spurs, the plot thickens. Here, Mirror Football runs through all the latest details of this increasingly dramatic transfer saga.

Tottenham's hijack

The Red Devils thought they had Mbeumo in the bag. Reports suggested the Cameroon international was keen on a move to Old Trafford, and with Matheus Cunha already secured, United felt they had the luxury of time to finalise the rest of their summer business - or so they thought.

Their opening bid of £50m (£40m plus £10m in add-ons) was promptly rejected by Brentford. A few days later, United returned with an improved offer of £55m (£45m plus £10m in add-ons), but the Bees remained firm, valuing their star man closer to £70m.

While United hesitated, Tottenham seized their chance. They swooped in with a superior offer - reportedly £65m plus £5m in add-ons - and instantly changed the complexion of the race. Their ace in the hole? Newly appointed manager Frank, who helped nurture Mbeumo into a Premier League gem in West London.

That existing relationship could prove decisive, and now, what once looked like a straightforward deal for United is teetering. Tottenham have emerged as serious rivals for his signature - and suddenly, it's they who look to have the momentum in the situation.

Mbeumo's U-turn

Just days ago, Mbeumo seemed destined for United. It's understood he'd 'given priority' to the Manchester club, reportedly over other English suitors such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle. The Red Devils' project, despite no European football next season, appealed to Mbeumo, who was sold not only on Ruben Amorim's vision after talks in May, but also by the prospect of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Despite their rejected bids, United were expected to strike an agreement with Brentford sooner or later. But Frank's arrival at Tottenham has flipped the script. Reports indicate that while Mbeumo's first choice remains United, he's increasingly leaning toward a move to Spurs, swayed by the chance to reunite with the manager who knows him best.

Tottenham's willingness to meet Brentford's valuation, coupled with Frank's promise of a starring role in their Champions League campaign, has Mbeumo rethinking his future. While United aren't out of the race yet, Spurs' aggressive push has put them in a commanding position, leaving fans on both sides chewing their nails.

Mbeumo breaks silence

Amid the transfer whirlwind, Mbeumo has stayed tight-lipped - until now. The Brentford star recently took to Instagram to address the elephant in the room: Frank's departure to Tottenham.

After the move was confirmed, he uploaded a post with multiple photos of him and Frank together, captioning it with two prayer emojis. The post, while dripping with gratitude, sent fans into a frenzy, with many reading it as a subtle nod to his hopes of a potential Spurs switch.

However, Mbeumo's social media activity doesn't explicitly commit to any club, keeping the saga deliciously open-ended.

What's next?

If Mbeumo's online signals are enigmatic, his impact on the pitch is anything but. It's no surprise, then, that both United and Tottenham are pushing hard - ready to splash significant cash to secure Mbeumo's signature.

Where things begin to diverge, however, is on the wage front. United are reportedly prepared to offer a package worth around £160,000 per week. Tottenham, on the other hand, are offering closer to £130,000 per week - still substantial, but a figure that would push the upper limits of their current wage structure.

As negotiations intensify, the forward's next destination remains one of the summer's most captivating subplots. Whether it's under the bright lights of Old Trafford or alongside familiar faces in North London, one thing is clear: wherever Mbeumo lands, he has every chance of becoming a major success.

A player in his prime, with momentum at his back and suitors at his feet, ready to light up an elite stage. The only question left is: who gets to call him theirs?

Another Wolves exit on the cards

After bidding farewell to Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, you'd have thought Wolves' bruising summer was over. But not quite, according to reports in Portugal.

According to Correio de Manha, Benfica are targeting manager Vitor Pereira as a potential replacement for Bruno Lage. Rui Costa is apparently very interested in going in a different direction and sees Pereira as an ideal option.

It is suggested that Pereira would be interested in a move to a club challenging for Champions League places.

Liverpool receive Alisson offer

On the topic of Galatasaray, Liverpool might have to fight off interest from the Turkish giants when it comes to one of their stars.

As per Sky in Germany, Galatasaray submitted a 'concrete enquiry' for Alisson Becker. It is suggested that he turned down a move in order to stay at Anfield.

Galatasaray have not been afraid to splash the cash this summer having signed Leroy Sane on a mega contract.

Martinez waiting for Man Utd move

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez is reportedly waiting for a move to Manchester United despite being in talks with another club.

As per TyC Sports, Galatasaray have launched talks with Villa to find out the conditions of a deal. They reportedly want to sign him as a replacement for Fernando Muslera.

Further reports suggest that Old Trafford is Martinez's preferred destination should he leave Villa.

Gyokeres turns down Man Utd

A stunning development in Viktor Gyokeres' future now, with the Sporting Lisbon forward seemingly picking his next club.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, the Swedish forward has turned down a switch to Old Trafford. His agents have reportedly informed United chiefs.

And as it stands, Arsenal are now in the driving seat when it comes to a deal.

Williams 'desperate' for Barcelona move

Nico Williams has been targeted by Bayern Munich and Arsenal this summer - but it appears that he has his heart set on a move to Barcelona.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish wideman is 'desperate' to become a Barcelona player. And his representatives have relayed this information to the Catalan giants.

Further reports have suggested that Hansi Flick has already spoken personally with Williams.

Real back out of Zubimendi deal

Real Madrid have decided to move on from Martin Zubimendi, in a major boost to Arsenal's hopes of signing the midfielder. The Gunners have been attempting to complete their move for the Spaniard all summer but it was derailed by late interest from Madrid.

But according to AS, Madrid have now decided to ditch their attempts to hijack the deal. Los Blancos believe that Zubimendi is 'escaping their orbit' and have already begun the process of considering alternative options.

Liverpool's huge summer spend racks up

Liverpool have agreed a whopping £116m deal for German ace Florian Wirtz which could shatter the British transfer record. Wirtz, 22, will complete a move to Anfield next week after the Reds finalised a deal with Bayer Leverkusen - and their summer spending isn't complete, with Kop bosses prepared to smash the £220m barrier.

The club's spending this summer is set to go north of £220m as they look to land Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, who are holding out for £45m.

Jeremie Frimpong has already been signed from Leverkusen for £29.5m. Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is arriving from Valencia for around £30m after spending last season on loan with the La Liga club.

Gyokeres saga turns messy

The situation surrounding Viktor Gyokeres is really starting to spiral as he pushes to leave Sporting Lisbon. Gyokeres scored 54 goals in 52 games in all competitions for Sporting this season, but is now keen to move on and test himself in the Premier League.

The Sweden international snubbed a move to Saudi Arabia and Al Hilal this week, which would’ve earned him in the region of £500k-per-week. Both Man United - where former mentor Ruben Amorim - and Arsenal are pursuing a new No.9 this summer, and Gyokeres is keen to join either.

As he does so, the fallout in Portugal is getting increasingly bitter. It has been claimed that Gyokeres is willing to go on strike to force a move away from Sporting after suggestions they’ve been increasing their asking price in talks with potential buyers, having, it’s claimed by the Gyokeres camp, to sell him for a set fee.

Tottenham table £70m Mbeumo bid amid Man Utd interest

Spurs have launched a £70million bid to hijack Man United’s move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo. The north Londoners’ offer is worth £65million plus £5million in add-ons, £10million more than United’s.

As revealed by Mirror Football last week, new Spurs boss Thomas Frank wants to take 25-year-old Mbeumo with him to north London. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy wants to deliver the Cameroon international as a statement signing for Ange Postecoglu’s successor.

But United remain the preferred destination for Mbeumo, who scored 20 Premier League goals for Brentford over the past season.

Bryan Mbeumo responds immediately as Tottenham trump Man Utd with huge transfer offer

Bryan Mbeumo is keen to leave Brentford this summer after a standout season for the Bees and is a wanted man, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur - where Thomas Frank is the new head coach - both very keen

So where will it be for Bryan Mbeumo? The Brentford star finds himself as, arguably, the Premier League's most wanted man.

A long-time Newcastle United target, the Brentford forward, fresh from a 20-goal season in the top flight, won't be heading to St James' Park. According to those close to Newcastle, it's because they baulked at the Bees' transfer demands, but more particularly the Cameroon international's salary demands. Those close to the player claim he wasn't interested in a move to the North East.

Instead, the No.1 choice has been Manchester United, who have made him their top target after tying up a deal for Wolves star Matheus Cunha. Offers have been made, but United have fallen short of Brentford's demands, a first offer of £45million up front with £10m in add-ons rejected, before a second bid was also turned down.

But now Mbeumo has seen Tottenham hijack United's move, with new Spurs boss Thomas Frank pushing for a reunion with a player he knows so well. As exclusively revealed by Mirror Football on Friday night, the North London club have made a big-money move to get Mbeumo.

Spurs have launched a £70m bid, worth £65m plus £5m in add-ons. All told, it's £10m more than United's last offer, with more guaranteed.

It's understood Mbeumo still prefers to join United. Certainly they have the edge when it comes to wages, as the salary on offer at Old Trafford is between £150,000-£175,000-a-week with bonuses taking Mbeumo’s expected package to £200,000-a-week.

Spurs would have to break their strict wage structure to match that, with Mbeumo expected to earn around £130,000-£140,000-a-week. Bonuses would still see it fall short of the cash he would pick up at United.

But as Spurs were making their move on Friday afternoon - and before it hit the public domain - Mbeumo himself stoked the transfer rumour flame on social media, amid suggestions he's reconsidering his options. Until then, Mbeumo hadn't reacted to Frank's departure as Brentford boss, but the 25-year-old duly used his Instagram account to do just that, sharing Brentford's post confirming Frank's exit - almost 24 hours later - captioning it with two prayer emojis.

Let's just say it's open to interpretation what they meant. Thank you? Please take me with you? Ultimately the proof will be in the pudding.

Intriguingly, Frank was candid about his desire to continue working with Mbeumo while still Brentford boss, comments that speak volumes about his thoughts of the player.

"I'm the head coach. I want my best players to stay forever" he said. "I know that Bryan is very happy being here at Brentford, he's thriving, doing well and playing fantastic. What happens in the future? I don't know.

"I've said many times, we are a selling club. But at the same time, we have to reinforce that there are 10 clubs in the world that aren't selling clubs. So, of course, if the right price - and that's going to be expensive - is coming, then I'm sure the club will be open for it.

"But I'm very happy he's here, and I'm convinced that Bryan will still be happy playing football here."

Now, Frank is preparing to be happy elsewhere. The question is whether Mbeumo will be happy with him.

Tottenham make Bryan Mbeumo transfer bid - worth MUCH MORE than Man Utd offer

Manchester United have been leading the race to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford this summer, but unable to agree a deal with the Bees, the door is open for new Spurs boss Thomas Frank to reunite with his star man

Spurs have launched a £70million bid to hijack Manchester United’s move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo. The north Londoners’ offer is worth £65million plus £5million in add-ons, £10million more than United’s.

As revealed by Mirror Football last week, new Spurs boss Thomas Frank wants to take 25-year-old Mbeumo with him to north London. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy wants to deliver the Cameroon international as a statement signing for Ange Postecoglu’s successor.

But United remain the preferred destination for Mbeumo, who scored 20 Premier League goals for Brentford over the past season.

Frank wants to try and tempt him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the prospect of a reunion and Champions League football. The Dane worked with Mbeumo since his arrival at Brentford from Troyes in 2019.

United have already made two bids for Mbeumo, the most recent of which was a £60million package worth £55million plus £5million in add-ons last week. Brentford refused to accept it, leaving the door open for Spurs to come in with what could now be a decisive offer.

As things stand, it is unlikely United will pay more for Mbeumo than the £60million package they have already splashed out for their marquee signing, Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha.

While that could yet change, Brentford feel they are within their rights to stick to their £70million valuation for Mbeumo who was outscored by just three players last season, Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland. Mbeumo’s seven assists were also key in helping the west Londoners to a top-half finish.

The area where United could yet maintain the edge is wages. The money on offer at Old Trafford is between £150,000-£175,000-a-week with bonuses taking Mbeumo’s expected package to £200,000-a-week.

Spurs would have to break their strict wage structure to match that, with Mbeumo expected to earn around £130,000-£140,000-a-week. Bonuses would still see it fall short of the cash he would pick up at United.

Mbeumo’s superb form last season for Brentford ended fears that the club would struggle after seeing star striker Ivan Toney leave for Saudi Arabia on Transfer deadline day a year ago.

Mbeumo has a year left on his contract with an option for an extra year. But the Bees are resigned to the fact that he feels he has reached the end of his time at the GTech Stadium and is ready to move on.

Thomas Frank was confirmed as the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night, electing to swap London rivals Brentford for the Europa League winners after seven years at the helm of the Bees

Thomas Frank insists Brentford will always have “a big piece of my heart” as he begins life in charge of Premier League rivals Tottenham. Spurs announced Frank as their new head coach on Thursday night on a three-year deal.

It ended Frank’s time at Brentford, where he won 136 of his 317 matches across a seven-year spell, with the Danish coach able to lead the club into the Premier League for the first time in 2021 via Championship play-off success at Wembley. He will now be handed cash and the keys to the kingdom in north London, in a bid to vastly improve on last season's 17th place finish in the Premier League, which ultimately led to Ange Postecoglou's exit.

In an emotional message posted on Brentford’s official club website on Friday, Frank said: “The time has come for me to move on. But, even as I leave, I know I have left a big piece of my heart at Brentford, not just at the football club but with the community and, of course, the incredible and loyal supporters.

“I want to extend my profound gratitude to the club for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and for everyone involved who made the journey such a memorable one. For my family and I, it has been a privilege to be allowed to be part of such a special community – it’s an experience and adventure that we will cherish for life. So, thank you.

“Whatever we have achieved, we have achieved together, and our success is built on unity, spirit, courage and ambition at every level of the club and amongst the fans.

“Everybody has contributed, and every contribution has been invaluable. I am not just leaving a football club, I am saying goodbye to friends whose support through good and bad times I will carry with me always.

“I would like to say a special word of thanks to Matthew Benham. His trust and friendship have meant so much and the fact he gave me a chance in English football means I will always owe him a debt of gratitude. Thank you, Matt.

“So, while this is a goodbye, I hope the relationships I have built with everybody will be lasting ones and, of course, we will meet again in the wonderful world of football. Thank you, Thomas.”

Spurs announced on Friday they would visit Luton for a pre-season friendly on July 26.

Further fixtures in addition to Tottenham’s tour of Asia towards the end of July are still to be announced, but Frank’s first fixture in charge will currently be at Kenilworth Road.

Tottenham Hotspur have hired former Brentford boss Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou's replacement following his dismissal - despite the Australian winning the Europa League and securing a Champions League spot

Thomas Frank will be given big money to spend this summer to help rebuild Tottenham. Tottenham are already among the Premier League's big spenders but desperately need signings to revive their fortunes and boost their Champions League campaign.

They have got Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo on their hit-list after his stand-out season on the South Coast. Spurs are unlikely to be the only suitors for Semenyo but his pace, creativity and threat has made him one of the Premier League’s most promising players.

Bryan Mbeumo was a firm favourite with Frank at Brentford but Manchester United believe they are in the driving seat. They are prepared to back the Dane heavily in the transfer market but there are still unlikely to be superstar signings because they have shied away of spending £100m-plus on a player.

But they are ready to strengthen the squad and bring in new faces but there will also be departures with Richarlison likely to go as his £60m move has proved to be another underwhelming transfer for Spurs.

His former club Everton are one of several clubs linked with a cut-price move for the Brazilian.

Frank's arrival at Spurs comes as Tottenham have filed High Court proceedings against Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe’s company Ineos over a terminated sponsorship agreement. Court records show Spurs filed a commercial claim at the High Court against Ineos Automotive on Thursday, though no documents are available.

Chemicals firm Ineos agreed a five-year deal with Spurs in 2022 – before Ratcliffe bought a stake in United – for Ineos Grenadier to become the London team’s official 4×4 vehicle partner.

Ineos said in a statement: “Ineos Automotive has been a partner of Tottenham Hotspur since 2022, expanding on a partnership agreement that Ineos Group had in place with the club since 2020. We have a contractual right to terminate our partnership contract and in December 2024 exercised that right.”

Spurs declined to comment.

In March it was announced Ineos had reached a settlement with New Zealand Rugby in relation to a sponsorship deal. The previous month, NZR had said it had launched legal proceedings against Ineos after alleging that the first instalment of 2025 sponsorship money due under a six-year agreement struck in 2021 had not been paid.

The Dane's former club was beaten by Ange Postecoglou's side in a Premier League game back in February and Frank was full of praise for several Tottenham stars, including full-back Pedro Porro

Thomas Frank has delivered a glowing assessment of the squad he is inheriting as the new Tottenham Hotspur manager. Frank has signed a three-year deal with Spurs, replacing Ange Postecoglou, even though the Aussie won the Europa league, the club’s first trophy in 17 years.

And Frank clearly believes Postecoglou is leaving him a good set of players, despite the fact Spurs suffered a staggering TWENTY-TWO defeats in the Premier League, finishing 17th. One of Spurs’ rare Premier League victories came at Frank’s former club, Brentford, in February and after the 2-0 loss, the Dane spoke positively about the Postecoglou’s squad.

And Frank even compared one of his new players to Real Madrid new boy Trent Alexander-Arnold, saying: “I know they haven’t had their best season but look at their line-up. Just take their front three - I think a lot of clubs would have taken them any day.

“Their midfield? (Dejan) Kulusevski, (Rodrigo) Bentancur, (Yves) Bissouma. That’s a very, very, very, very good Premier League midfield.

“And then I know they haven’t had a centre-back but maybe (Archie) Gray and Ben Davies played their best defensive game of the season (against Brentford). They were great.

“(Pedro) Porro is fantastic at right-back. He’s got Trent-ish offensive qualities. And Spence has done very well.”

Daniel Levy’s appointment of 51-year-old Frank was confirmed after it was agreed he could bring his Brentford backroom staff. It means a complete coaching reset at Spurs with the highly-regarded Justin Cochrane arriving as a first-team assistant coach, alongside Chris Haslam, who is also head of performance.

Joe Newton has joined as an analyst while Andreas Georgson - who worked with Frank before moving to Arsenal in 2020 - is also linking up with his old boss as an assistant coach. It is also assumed Levy has promised Frank considerable backing in the summer transfer market.

It is understood the new manager would like to hijack Manchester United’s move for Bryan Mbeumo. Other names to be linked with Spurs include Crystal Palace gems, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, but Frank would face considerable competition if it looked as though either - or both - of those would be open to leaving Selhurst Park.

In conjunction with Tottenham technical director Johan Lange, Frank will also have to make key decisions on outgoings, with Son Heung-Min thought to be considering an exit. Cristian Romero is attracting significant interest from Spanish clubs, Atletico Madrid in particular.

And he might have to reassure Bissouma of his future. The Malian midfielder was only a fringe operator under Postecoglou.

In their extensive talks, a detailed transfer plan will have been worked out by Levy and Frank but it is clear the new boss thinks he already has a squad that should be finishing a lot higher than on place above the relegation zone.