The Mirror

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.

Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a Tottenham return as they eye a new manager but the USA boss insists the timing is not right for him to head back to north London

Mauricio Pochettino says a return to Tottenham is "not realistic" amid talk of a move back to north London as the club seek a successor to Ange Postecoglou - who was sacked on Friday.

Europa League glory was not enough to save the former Celtic boss and the search has begun for a new manager. Thomas Frank is the leading candidate but Pochettino too has been linked with a move back to Tottenham, where he spent five years.

Despite not winning a trophy the Argentine has been the most successful manager in the club's recent history, especially in terms of Premier League performance. He consistently had them in the top four and achieved a second place finish in 2017.

He is now leading the USA with their home World Cup just over a year out and Pochettino insists any thought of a Tottenham return is not feasible right now.

The 53-year-old said: “After I left in 2019, every time that I was free, and the place of the position of the manager or head coach in Tottenham Hotspur, my name is appearing on the list. If you have seen the rumours, I think there are 100 coaches in the list. I think, don’t be worried about that.

“If something happened, for sure you will see, but we cannot talk about this type of thing, because I think today, it’s not real. It’s not realistic. Look at where I am, where we are. And the thing is, the answer is so clear, no? But we’re talking about it because it’s my club, like Newells or Espanyol.”

Tottenham have identified Frank as the man they want and the Dane appears equally as interesting in filling the vacancy. He's seen his stock rise throughout his time at Brentford and may feel the time is right to pursue a new challenge in the capital.

Pochettino meanwhile has just seen his American side beaten 2-1 by Turkey in Connecticut. It was the team's third successive defeat which leaves the Argentine with five wins and four losses from nine matches in charge. The United States will host the World Cup for the first time since 1994 next summer.

The Argentine, who was sacked by Tottenham just months after leading them to the Champions League final, has since held jobs at PSG and Chelsea.

Thomas Frank is keen to become the next Tottenham manager and wants them to rival Manchester United for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo - who is likely to be on the move

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has told his club that he wants to move on to take up the vacancy at Tottenham - who have made the Dane their No 1 target after sacking Ange Postecoglou.

Daniel Levy axed the Australian on Friday and has wasted no time in going after his successor. Frank has performed impressively over in west London, guiding the Bees from the Championship to the Premier League before establishing them as a top flight club.

He is now ready for his next challenge and sees the Tottenham job as the ideal opportunity. Talks have already begun about moving across the capital, but Frank has made it clear he wants to bring one of his leading lights with him.

Bryan Mbeumo is linked with a £60million switch to Manchester United, who have now submitted two bids for the Cameroon frontman, but Frank wants Tottenham to swoop in and win the race for his signature.

It would be a statement of intent from the Danish manager, who can use the lure of Champions League football in negotiations. Mbeumo has just enjoyed his best season to date in front of goal and is expected to move on.

Tottenham's failure to replace Ange Postecoglou has already seen them miss out on two midfielders and now they want to get a deal for the Aussie's successor in place to avoid missing out on further targets. The Bees head coach is thought to have a good relationship with Spurs technical director and compatriot Johan Lange, who is expected to remain at the club.

Spurs have already missed out in the market with England international Angel Gomes, a player Tottenham had been pursuing, choosing to join Marseille on a free transfer once he left Lille.

Meanwhile, Real Betis' American star Johnny Cardoso has agreed to join Atletico Madrid, providing a deal can be struck. Tottenham did have an option to land Cardoso but he wasn't willing to wait around whilst the north Londoners mulled over their options.

Frank will be tasked with improving on Tottenham's worst ever Premier League showing. Their European form covered for poor domestic results and they became the first club to lose 22 times but avoid relegation such was their decline.

Tottenham are prioritising the appointment of their new head coach but there is recognition that they must now act quickly following a slow start to their summer transfer business

Tottenham's hesitance over the future of Ange Postecoglou has already seen them miss out on two midfielders and now they want to get a deal for the Aussie's successor in place to avoid missing out on further targets. Daniel Levy had spent the past two weeks deliberating whether to stick or twist in the aftermath of Spurs' Europa League triumph in Bilbao before finally pulling the trigger on Postecoglou on Friday.

Thomas Frank is considered the clear frontrunner to replace the 59-year-old and while Brentford are yet to receive a formal approach for the Dane, positive talks have already taken place with Frank.

Fulham's Marco Silva remains another name of interest but barring a significant U-turn, it looks as though Spurs will push ahead with a swoop for Frank, whose Brentford contract contains a significant buy-out clause.

The Bees head coach is thought to have a good relationship with Spurs technical director and compatriot Johan Lange, who is expected to remain at the club and he'll also be tasked with overseeing transfer business alongside the likely returning Fabio Paratici.

Spurs have already lost key ground in the market, England international Angel Gomes, a player Tottenham had been pursuing, has opted to join Marseille on a free transfer after also snubbing West Ham.

Gomes' contract with Lille is set to expire at the end of the month but he now looks poised to remain in France after warming to the idea of working with Roberto De Zerbi.

Meanwhile, Real Betis' American maestro Johnny Cardoso has agreed to join Atletico Madrid, providing a club-to-club deal can be struck.

Last summer, Spurs negotiated a £21million first-option clause - that can only be triggered during a two-week window - on USMNT starlet Cardoso when selling Giovani Lo Celso to Betis. But it now looks as though Atletico will pounce and conclude a deal at a higher price for the highly-rated 23-year-old, who is not willing to wait around for Tottenham.

Names of continued interest are the likes of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who has a £68m buy-out clause (worth £60m + £8m in add-ons) that becomes active this summer, and Eagles skipper Marc Guehi while the Europa League winners were also tracking Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo has intimated that he wants to join Manchester United, who have had a £55m bid rejected and it remains to be seen if Tottenham-linked Frank could potentially swing the balance and convince his current player to join him in north London, if he lands the job.

Ultimately, until Spurs know who their new manager is going to be - he will have a clear say on targets - it's difficult to envisage them splashing out on mega-money deals. Business will also likely be shaped by potential outgoings with Cristian Romero and captain Heung-min Son among those that could yet seek to pursue new challenges.

Inevitably, they would need to be replaced with quality. Spurs remain keen on signing Mathys Tel on a permanent basis but they want to negotiate with Bayern Munich and won't be triggering their mooted £45m buy-option.

Manchester United are determined to make Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo their second signing of the summer but they could face competition from one of their Premier League rivals

Thomas Frank has told Spurs he wants them to rival Manchester United for £60million Bryan Mbeumo. Frank is set to be confirmed as Ange Postecoglou’s successor next week and is keen to take Brentford’s in-demand forward with him to north London.

Mbeumo would represent a statement signing for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy who could trump United’s bid with Champions League football. Although United remain favourites for the 25-year-old’s signature, Mbeumo now has a decision as to whether to follow his head or his heart.

The Cameroon international bagged 20 league goals over the past season to attract the attention of United and Newcastle with the Magpies’ January move for him rejected.

Only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland outscored him in the top flight last term, while his seven assists were also key in helping Brentford to a top-half finish.

United have made two bids for him with the player, as things stand, open to a move and undeterred by their poor first season under Ruben Amorim. Mbeumo has a year left on his contract with an option for an extra year.

But United, who have held extensive talks with his representatives for some time, have yet to agree a deal with Brentford, leaving the door open for Spurs to make their move. The offer on the table at Old Trafford is around £150,000-a-week with add-ons taking the package up to £200,000-a-week.

Spurs would offer Mbeumo around £130,000-a-week and although bonuses would still leave them short of the United package, the north Londoners would still have the pull of Champions League football and Frank - who turned Mbeumo into one of the most feared forwards in the top flight.

Mbeumo’s hot streak last season ended fears that the Bees would struggle after seeing star striker Ivan Toney leave for Saudi Arabia on Transfer deadline day in August.

Would Bryan Mbeumo be a good signing for Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Speaking about Mbeumo's future earlier this month, Frank said: "It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. Really a lot. Then it is clear that it is impossible to replace him one for one. It cannot be done. There is a reason why he costs x number of million pounds, and we do not have x number of million pounds to buy for."

He added: "I would say that I would be surprised if a lot of big clubs don't look at him. I would be surprised with what he has to offer.

"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 sacked manager Ange Postecoglou just 16 days after winning the Europa League and James Maddison has shared a tribute to the Australian on social media

James Maddison has paid a touching tribute to Ange Postecoglou after he was sacked as Tottenham manager, despite winning the Europa League. Postecoglou spent two seasons in charge of Spurs, guiding them to a fifth placed finish in his first Premier League campaign.

However, their league form was awful last season as Tottenham finished just one place above the relegation zone and suffered 22 defeats. They did beat Manchester United in the Europa League final, though, to win their first piece of silverware since 2008 and qualify for next season's Champions League.

Despite that victory, Spurs decided to axe Postecoglou and are now looking for a new manager. The likes of Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola are among the candidates who could replace him.

It remains to be seen who ultimately becomes Spurs' next manager, but a number of players have penned emotional farewell messages to Postecoglou. Maddison, who was one of Postecoglou's first signings at the club, wrote on social media: "Gaffer, where to start. Firstly, thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club that I now call my home.

"Your instant belief in me to not only sign me but make me the clubs vice captain & part of the leadership group from the get go is something I’ll always be thankful for.

"Secondly for the Europa league campaign that started in our stadium on gameweek one and finished perfectly with that special night in Bilbao. You led us to victory and we’re European champions and in this clubs history books because of you and your winning mentality.

"Lastly and most importantly is how you are as a man and a person. Your unwavering self belief and strong mindset is infectious and a massive reason in why you were the man to end this clubs 17 year drought for a trophy.

"A family man with great morales & I have honestly learnt so much from you. More than you will probably ever know. All the very best. Madders".

Club captain Son Heung-min also shared a similar message on social media, branding Postecoglou a "Tottenham Hotspur legend forever". He wrote: "Gaffer. You've changed the trajectory of this club.

"You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did. You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it's had in decades. We will have those memories for life.

"You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It's been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close, I am a better player and a better person because of you. Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate."