The Mirror

Tottenham Hotspur sacked Ange Postecoglou after his second season in charge of the club and are pushing to appoint Brentford boss Thomas Frank as the new coach in the coming days

Tottenham are nearing an agreement with Brentford over Thomas Frank and could appoint the Bees boss as their new head coach in time for the weekend. Spurs quickly turned to Frank as their preferred candidate after sacking Ange Postecoglou last week.

The north Londoners parted ways with the Australian coach despite winning the Europa League after a sub-par 17th place finish in the Premier League. And Daniel Levy looks to have taken a change in tact by looking to appoint Frank, who is deemed as a more pragmatic option.

The move is set to cost Tottenham £10million but Frank could be confirmed as the club's new boss within the next 48 hours such is the positive feelings around negotiations, according to the BBC. There is will from both parties to get a deal finalised quickly.

It is said new Spurs chief Vinai Venkatesham, previously of Arsenal, has been a key figure in the process alongside Levy. Venkatesham only started work at the club just over a week ago.

And the positive talks are set to be tied up soon. Having said that, the £10m compensation cost could rise depending on how many members of backroom staff Frank looks to bring with him to north London.

One such figure Spurs already said to be in talks over is assistant Justin Cochrane. Discussions are underway over Frank's backroom team with Cochrane's arrival particularly apt after he started his coaching career with the Europa League winners.

Cochrane was previously touted as being in contention to succeed Frank at Brentford. Frank himself moved up from an assistant role under Dean Smith to take the job.

The 51-year-old Dane is already thinking about the new squad that awaits him and set out a task for his future employers. Frank would like to see Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo join him across London.

The Cameroon international, who scored 20 goals in 2024/25, is a target for Manchester United. The 25-year-old has already indicated his willingness to make the move to Old Trafford with a significant pay increase.

Brentford want to bring in £60m for the signature of their star, who has also drawn interest from Newcastle United. And perhaps Frank's exit could provide a complicating factor.

Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster reckons the forward will be better served following his coach across London.

"I would say that if you want to be part of something that's going to make you a better footballer and work hard and be part of a team, then go to Spurs with Thomas Frank," the ex-Wrexham shot-stopper said on his Fozcast podcast.

"If you are happy picking up your wages knowing that there's going to be an awful lot more pressure, a lot more eyes on you, a lot more judgement and failure is just part of what they do, then you'd go to Manchester United."

'It's been really, really poor!' - Man Utd kicked while they're down by Leeds United legend

Stuart Dallas has given his opinion of Manchester United after the club suffered a record-low 15th-place finish in the Premier League and missed out on the Europa League title to Tottenham

Stuart Dallas has said that Manchester United have been "really, really poor" this season, as the Red Devils lick their wounds from a devastating 2024/25 campaign. New boss Ruben Amorim was unable to turn the tide at Old Trafford after taking over from Erik ten Hag in November, guiding the club to a record-low 15th-place finish in the Premier League standings.

While the Red Devils looked to save an otherwise catastrophic campaign via better performances in Europe, a 1-0 loss to a similarly struggling Tottenham Hotspur in last month's Europa League final only served as further embarrassment for the once-titans of English football.

And now Dallas, who made a name for himself with Leeds United between 2015 and 2024, has given his synopsis as to what is going on at Old Trafford at present. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football at the Leeds American Golf for the #RifeDontMiss putting challenge, he said: "It's mad as well to think that, isn't it?

"The two clubs together are so far down the league. Spurs have obviously been decimated with injuries. It's been really, really difficult for them.

"Their style of play, on their day when it clicks, they're a really, really good team. You can see what their DNA is, but Man Utd, on the other hand, I'm still yet to be convinced of what their actual DNA is. I don't see any change from a couple of things, but in general it's been really, really poor for them."

Dallas also pondered whether a Europa League title was enough to argue that Spurs have had a successful season, given that the Lilywhites finished two places lower than United in the Premier League standings. He added: "It's mad to think that they were both European finalists as well and Spurs have obviously come out on top.

"I don't know, is it a successful season for Tottenham? They've won the European Cup and they've got Champions League football. It's bragging rights over Arsenal.

"Arsenal have obviously had a fantastic season. They've come second, but they haven't won a Cup and they're in the Champions League. Spurs have won a Cup and are in the Champions League."

Spurs are currently on the hunt for a new manager in the wake of parting ways with Ange Postecoglou earlier this month, with Brentford boss Thomas Frank looking increasingly likely to take tenure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for 2025/26. Manchester United, meanwhile, are currently undergoing major revamps to their current squad with hopes that a summer transfer window and a full pre-season campaign can be a game-changer for Amorim.

The Red Devils have already struck a £62.5million deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha in the first of two windows, as they continue to look to sign Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo. United reportedly saw their initial £55m bid for Mebeumo rejected, but reports suggest that the club are still keen on landing the talent this summer.

Elsewhere, the club are also currently linked with the likes of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and Barcelona shot stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. On the flip side, the club recently announced that Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are among the stars on their way out the doors of Old Trafford as their contracts expire.

Dallas was speaking exclusively to Mirror Football at the second #RifeDontMiss Challenge, celebrating the launch of the new RIFE Black Edition putters. To register for the final qualifier and be in with a chance of winning £50,000, sign up here.

Bryan Mbeumo isn't short of options this summer as Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United chase his signature, with an ex-United player now weighing in on what the forward should do

Bryan Mbeumo has been urged to pick a move to Tottenham over Manchester United as the battle for his signature heats up. United are hoping to make the in-demand Brentford forward their next summer signing in a deal worth £60million after already capturing Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

However, Tottenham are understood to be attempting to lure Mbeumo to north London instead. Brentford boss Thomas Frank is expected to be appointed to replace Ange Postecoglou at Spurs next week.

And it's understood that the Dane is eager to take Mbeumo with him, despite United holding extensive talks with the 25-year-old over a switch to Old Trafford. The Cameroon international now has a big decision to make, with the Red Devils ready to offer him a more lucrative deal, but Spurs holding the advantage of Champions League football and the potential of continuing to work with Frank.

A former United goalkeeper has now weighed in on what Mbeumo's next move should be, and has surprisingly encouraged him to pick Tottenham. Ben Foster, who played for United between 2005 and 2010, believes Spurs have more potential for success under Frank next season and will help him to develop as a player.

"I would say that if you want to be part of something that's going to make you a better footballer and work hard and be part of a team, then go to Spurs with Thomas Frank," the ex-Wrexham shot-stopper said on his Fozcast podcast.

"If you are happy picking up your wages knowing that there's going to be an awful lot more pressure, a lot more eyes on you, a lot more judgement and failure is just part of what they do, then you'd go to Manchester United."

Mbeumo has caught the eye of a number of Premier League teams after bagging 20 league goals over the past season. His seven assists were also important in helping Brentford finish in the top half, and a previous bid to sign him by Newcastle was rejected back in January.

United have so far made two bids for Mbeumo, who is said to be open to a move, despite the club's poor start to life under Ruben Amorim. But a deal has yet to be struck with Brentford, potentially allowing Spurs to steal a march on their rivals.

Foster has backed Mbeumo to have a big impact regardless of where he plays next season. The former England international made his prediction after praising his attitude.

"I'm not questioning Bryan Mbeumo about his ability, about his mentality or about what he's like as a person," Foster said. "There's nothing to show me that I should have any worries about it. Whoever he goes and plays for, I think he would improve them and he gets into the starting line-up.

"He's got a proven record of being fit and scoring goals. He could get into pretty much all of the 20 Premier League teams and I think he starts, that's how good I think Bryan Mbeumo is."

Mbeumo has a year left on his contract at Brentford with the option of an extra year. United's offer is said to be worth around £150,000-a-week for the player, rising to £200,000-a-week with add-ons, while Spurs are prepared to give him a basic package of around £130,000-a-week.

Tottenham are closing in on the appointment of Thomas Frank but are set to raid the Dane’s former club Brentford for both his backroom staff and some players this summer

Tottenham are in talks to bring in Thomas Frank's assistant Justin Cochrane as part of a mega raid on Brentford. The North London side are closing in on the Dane’s appointment as their new head coach.

He will move to Tottenham as part of a £10million deal that will see him replace Ange Postecoglou after his sacking last week. But Spurs aren’t quite finished there, with Frank keen to bring colleagues and players in from his former club.

According to Sky Sports, talks are ongoing regarding Frank’s backroom staff which includes assistant coach Cochrane. It was previously thought that Cochrane would be in contention to potentially replace Frank at Brentford but that now appears unlikely.

Ironically, Cochrane started his coaching career with Tottenham and then moved through the age groups with the FA. Speaking about that move, he said : “I was ready for that next challenge. It was difficult leaving Tottenham because I enjoyed it, it was very close to home, and it was a good place to work.

"But the opportunity to work for England with some of the best young talents, and with some of the coaches at the time, who were fantastic... I felt it was an opportunity for me to learn again, experience some new things, and it really helped me develop as a coach and a person.”

Cochrane has also held roles with AFC Wimbledon and Manchester United. The former defender arrived at Brentford in June 2022, while he was also confirmed as a member of Thomas Tuchel's England coaching staff earlier this year.

Speaking about his time with Brentford, he added: "I had the ppportunity to work with Thomas, the opportunity to work in the Premier League with a progressive club, and I just wanted to learn again. It's another new challenge. saw it as more learning, working with good people, working in a good environment.

“I spent time working with the AFC Wimbledon first team in League One, but I wanted to test myself in the Premier League. There were some manager offers from League One clubs and some assistant coach roles at other Premier League clubs.

Will Thomas Frank be a good appointment for Spurs? Share your thoughts in the comments below

"But, in the end, it was an easy decision. It wasn’t easy to leave Manchester United, but I wanted to go from working with youth players to working with the first team. I did 14 years with youth players at a good level, so to go to Brentford in a first-team environment, I felt like that was the next step for me as a coach.

“Once I had my mind set on Brentford, I'd met Thomas a few times and I'd met Phil, I just felt like it was the right fit; there were some good people to continue learning from, and it's been brilliant so far.”

Cochrane and Frank could potentially be joined at Tottenham by forward Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroon international is in the middle of a transfer tug of war between Manchester United and the North London side.

However, Frank isn't expected to have the only say on recruitment when he arrives at his new club. Technical Director Johan Lange - who has helped spearhead the approach for Frank - and former director Fabio Paratici are the two anticipated to be leading Spurs in the summer window.

Tottenham are pushing to land Thomas Frank as their next manager with Daniel Levy looking to see if he can reduced the financial package Brentford are demanding

Tottenham hope to appoint Thomas Frank as their new boss before the end of the week. Spurs have now made contact with Brentford but have yet to make a formal offer to bring in Frank after sacking Ange Postecoglou last Friday.

Frank has a release clause in excess of £10m written into his contract at Brentford and the Dane is believed to be keen on making the switch to become the next Spurs boss.

It is still rare for clubs to pay big “transfer fees” for managers and Tottenham have already made enquiries and laid the groundwork to bring in Frank. Tottenham boss Daniel Levy may try and negotiate on the fee but there is no reason for Brentford to reduce their demands because they inserted the figure when Frank signed his current five year deal in 2022.

Frank also had a “gentleman’s agreement” to stay at Brentford for another year but that will be wiped out if Spurs do pay the compensation with the 51-year-old ready to make his next career step.

Dane Frank took over at Brentford in 2018 and guided them into the Premier League and establishing them as a top-flight club on a small budget. That has made him one of the most sought-after managers in the top flight and he has previously been linked with the likes of Manchester United while several German clubs have also looked at him.

Frank has a big staff of coaches and analysts and the compensation figure may rise depending on how many he can take with him to Tottenham. But Tottenham are now moving heavily in the direction of being able to get Frank in the coming days and Brentford are braced for a formal approach.

The timing is still uncertain but Tottenham will be keen to get a new manager in place to plan for pre-season, the transfer window and also getting ready for the next Premier League campaign. They sacked Postecoglou even after the Aussie led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years with the Europa League which also got them a passport into the Champions League.

But Postecoglou’s reign came to an end because Tottenham lost 22 games in the Premier League last season and there has also been a big shake-up behind the scenes with chief football officer Scott Munn also likely to go. It is understood that the new manager will have funds to spend after the qualification for the Champions League and Spurs will prioritise midfield as a key area to strengthen.

Brentford finished 10th in the Premier League this season, seven places and 18 points above Spurs. That made Frank their No1 target as a manager who is a respected coach, he develops young talent and they moved for him ahead of Fulham ’s Marco Silva who was also on their shortlist.

Thomas Frank is closing in on becoming the new Tottenham Hotspur manager, and he can rely on the support of a familiar face when he takes the job

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the appointment of Thomas Frank as their new manager, with the role of Spurs technical director Johan Lange instrumental in the move.

Spurs sacked Ange Postecoglou on Friday, despite Europa League success, and quickly set their sights on Frank – who has gained admirers for his work over an impressive seven-year period at Brentford.

After positive discussions over the weekend, there is a growing confidence that Frank will be the man to replace Postecoglou.

Frank’s current deal at Brentford runs until the summer of 2027 and contains a release clause reported to be in the region of £10million, as revealed by Mirror Football on Friday.

Brentford are expected to hold out for Frank’s release clause but, while an official approach from Tottenham is yet to occur, the Danish coach is expected to make the move across London.

The 51-year-old would take over a Spurs side which won the Europa League last month but finished 17th in the Premier League.

Poor domestic form during the 2024-25 season accounted for Postecoglou’s job as the Spurs board were forced to make “one of the toughest decisions” they have had to make in dismissing the head coach who ended a 17-year trophy drought.

“It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond,” a club statement on Friday read.

Frank will be teaming up again with Spurs technical director Lange, who shared an office with him when they worked together at Danish club Lyngby.

Lange has been leading Tottenham's search to appoint a successor to Postecoglou, and will oversee the club's transfer business this summer alongside Fabio Paratici, who is acting as a consultant to Spurs and will return to club in a full-time role once his worldwide football ban has been lifted.

Frank will be expected to bring some of his staff with him from Brentford, with Spurs having dismissed Postecoglou's coaches Mile Jedinak, Nick Montgomery and Sergio Raimundo along with the Australian.

Chief Football officer Scott Munn was also sacked on Friday as Spurs made sweeping changes to their football structure after their disastrous Premier League campaign.

Mirror Football understands that Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is top of Brentford's list of potential candidates to replace Frank in west London.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank looks set to take over at Tottenham after reportedly agreeing terms with the club to replace the recently sacked Ange Postecoglou

Thomas Frank has reportedly agreed to join Tottenham, with the Brentford boss set to replace Ange Postecoglou. Postecoglou was sacked by Spurs on Friday, just 16 days after leading the club to their first trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League.

Despite that triumph, Tottenham's struggles in the league proved impossible for chairman Daniel Levy to ignore and he made the call to axe Postecoglou. Spurs finished just one place above the relegation zone last season, suffering 22 defeats in 38 games.

"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," the club said in a statement. "However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place.

"Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign.

"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. It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond."

Frank immediately emerged as a leading contender for the vacancy and the Sun are now reporting that he is close to becoming Tottenham's new manager. It is claimed that Frank has agreed to join and Levy now needs to agree a compensation package with Brentford.

Frank took over at Brentford in 2018 and has established the Bees in the top-flight after guiding them to promotion in 2021. As a result, the Dane has consistently been linked with vacancies at other clubs and was among the contenders for the Manchester United job last year.

When asked about the links with United, Frank told the Sports Agents podcast : "I am probably at one of the best clubs in the world. End of discussion. In terms of alignment, leadership, culture, everything. Why should I ever leave this place?

"Things can happen and you can want new inspiration, maybe you find another inspiration at your club and you stay. For sure, if I ever got the offer to go to a big club and I decided to go there, it would probably not make my life better.

"I think we all know that. Maybe it is a challenge you need to try. It is not something I am thinking about. I have sacrificed a lot throughout my life to reach where I am now. I missed my children’s birthdays for five years in a row.

"I have been working 60, 70 hours a week for the last 30 years. You don't know how it would be if you walked into another job. Maybe it will be even better than it is here?

"I don't know that and I am just looking at the exposure on certain managers. I don't think that is part of the football they love. I am happy here. What will happen in the future will happen and we will take it from there."

Thomas Frank has quickly emerged as Tottenham's top target to replace Ange Postecoglou, but their pursuit of the Brentford boss could be more difficult than anticipated

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will have to pay the full £10m to land top managerial target Thomas Frank. It remains unusual for a club to have to pay a player-style transfer fee but Brentford inserted the buy-out clause which starts at £10m for their highly-rated manager.

Chelsea set a Premier League record when they paid £21m compensation to land Graham Potter from Brighton in 2022. But, despite clubs routinely spending big on players, they are always reluctant to land arguably the most important employee of all: the manager.

Brentford have no reason to compromise on the figure while Frank also shook hands on staying for another year but that agreement would disappear if the fee is met in full. Levy has a reputation for driving a hard bargain but is unlikely to get any wriggle room this time.

Tottenham have had a major clear out after sacking Ange Postecoglou on Friday, including the Aussie’s backroom staff while there has been a cull on members of the club hierarchy.

Technical director Johan Lange has been a notable survivor - and that is because he has strong links and a good relationship to fellow Dane Frank. It is now on Lange to land Frank as he has championed the Brentford boss to Levy and other members of the Tottenham board.

Tottenham have yet to make a formal approach for Frank and other options remain a possibility, including Fulham boss Marco Silva whose buy-out is less - around £6m - and he also only has one year left on his deal at Craven Cottage.

But Frank is their No1 and, while nothing is imminent, Tottenham are likely to step up their pursuit in the coming days. They see him as an ideal candidate for his style of football, he builds and improves players and will also have to scope to improve the squad ahead of a return to the Champions League.

Frank is clearly interested in the potential switch having done a superb job at Brentford but his current club also want to keep him and would love him to stay. Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has already ruled himself out of the running, stressing his commitment to current job with the United States.

Pochettino remains a huge fan favourite but there is no chance of him coming back to the club which he led to the Champions League final in 2019.

Pochettino said: “Today it's not realistic. Look where I am. Look where we (his backroom staff) are. The answer is so clear. I think, since I left in 2019, my name has always been on the list [of rumours].

"I've seen the rumours, we are 100 coaches on the list. Don't be worried about that. If something happens [in the future], you for sure will see, but I am so happy in this moment and we cannot talk about this type of thing.”

Meanwhile, Tottenham have exercised the option to extend veteran defender Ben Davies’ contract by another 12 months. Davies, who is 32 and is Spurs' longest-serving player after joining from Swansea City in 2014, will stay at Spurs until at least 2026 and is hoping to reach the World Cup with Wales.

Versatile defender Davies has made 358 appearances in all competitions for Spurs, scoring nine goals and captaining the team 13 times. He is currently with the Wales squad preparing for Monday's World Cup qualifier in Belgium.

Davies has regularly worn the captain's armband for his country in the absence of injured midfielder Aaron Ramsey and led Wales to a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein on Friday.

Tottenham want to rival Manchester United for Bryan Mbeumo if they do land Thomas Frank and they'll need the Cameroon international to turn down a switch an Old Trafford switch

Thomas Frank is keen on a Tottenham switch and wants the north Londoners to land Bryan Mbeumo ahead of Manchester United with Brentford demanding £60million for their forward.

Mbeumo has just enjoyed his best season to date in front of goal and is set for a move as a result. The Bees have already turned down an offer from the Red Devils, who fell short of their valuation as they look to add more firepower.

Now Frank, who has been able to aid Mbueumo's development from a Championship player to a 20-goal top flight star, wants the 25-year-old to follow him across London and has made that demand known to Tottenham.

Even given the state of affairs at Old Trafford, players choosing Tottenham over Manchester has been rare. One man who did though was Gareth Bale when he chose to leave Southampton as a youngster. Both teams were keen on the Welshman, who would go on and become a global star.

Bale later admitted a desire to play every week was a motive in him knocking back United, who were then the dominant force in England.

He said on his Airwayz channel in 2023: "I rejected Manchester United and went to Tottenham. At that time, United were the biggest team in the league, they were winning trophies, they had the biggest players, the best manager. The easiest decision would be to go to Man United and the biggest club. You always want to be at the biggest clubs but I took the approach that I wanted to be playing first-team football."

Mbeumo is likely to be a starter whether he joins Tottenham or United, but Frank may lean on the fact that the north Londoners can offer Champions League football following their Europa League triumph.

Frank has admitted that Mbeumo was likely to move on given the interest in him and Brentford's record of selling for big profits. “It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount,” he said. “It is a lot. Mucho. Really a lot. How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club? And then with seven assists plus his work ethic. And his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player.”

Tottenham have yet to make any major signings this summer and there is talk of Son Heung-min leaving the club after a decade of service. United meanwhile have already spent £62.5m to land Matheus Cunha from Wolves but bringing in more firepower is a priority.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to succeed Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham with the Bees ready to target Ipswich's Kieran McKenna

Brentford will target Kieran McKenna to succeed Thomas Frank with the highly-rated Dane now looking likely to succeed Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham.

Spurs announced on Friday night that Postecoglou had been relieved of his duties just weeks after winning the Europa League. And Mirror Football confirmed that Frank is the north Londoners' No.1 target to replace the Australian as a result of the impressive body of work he has amassed elsewhere in the capital.

If Frank does depart then Brentford are poised to make a play to prise McKenna away from Ipswich Town following their relegation to the Championship.

McKenna, 39, is still regarded as one of England's brightest young coaches despite Ipswich's relegation from the top-flight last term.

And Brentford would represent an opportunity for the Northern Irishman to make an instant return to the Premier League.

McKenna was the subject of interest from some of the Premier League's elite last summer after guiding the Tractor Boys to successive promotions.

But he opted to stay put at Portman Road, penning a contract until 2028 which contains a significant release clause.

Tottenham will also have to pay a significant sum - around £10million - in compensation to extract Frank from his contract with Brentford after the club inserted a big buy-out clause when he signed his most recent deal in 2022.

Frank has garnered a reputation as one of the finest coaches in the Premier League since guiding Brentford to promotion and has attracted admiring glances from a whole host of clubs over the past 12 months.

Mirror Football understands Frank is keen on taking the job and, as revealed on Sunday, has informed them of his desire to join Spurs.