The Mirror

PSG 2-2 TOTTENHAM (PSG win 4-3 on penalties) - PSG were dead and buried in the game before late goals from Kang-in lee and Goncalo Ramos turned the tables against a Spurs side who had been 2-0 up

Welcome to Tottenham, Thomas Frank. Just when you began to warm to the prospect of the Europa League winners being a different animal under the Dane, you were reminded that nothing is ever straightforward when Spurs are concerned.

They led 2-0 with just five minutes to play and had made the Champions League winners look ordinary for the best part of an hour.

Yet somehow, they came away scratching their heads after losing on penalties and fumbling the chance to win a second European trophy in just four months.

Goals from Micky van de Ven and newly-appointed captain Cristian Romero had put Tottenham ahead before Lee Kang-in pulled one back and fellow sub Goncalo Ramos then wrestled back the game in the dying embers to send the tie to spot-kicks.

When Vitinha missed from 12-yards, you thought Spurs' luck was in but Van de Ven and Mathys Tel both fluffed their lines as PSG's continental dominance continued.

There was no fairytale story for Udine-born Guglielmo Vicario either, who did not get close to any other Parisian penalty as Nuno Mendes slammed in the winner.

At one point, it looked like Daniel Levy was set to miss the kind of triumph he has long craved as he was in the United States helping move his daughter into university.

He best head back to north London very soon if he wants to win the Premier League and Champions League as recently stated because it's clear to see Frank still needs several more new signings.

It was a brutally harsh lesson for Spurs but will also still provide Frank's dressing room with encouragement that they can trade blows with just about any team on their day ahead of their return to Europe's elite club competition.

Ange Postecoglou was frequently scrutinised for not having a Plan B but new boss Frank was bold and sprung a surprise to nullify PSG's attacking threat.

Six days after shipping four goals to Bayern Munich in Germany, the Dane pivoted to a 5-3-2 formation - the same system that brought him great joy at Brentford during their debut Premier League season.

PSG, who obliterated Inter Milan 5-0 in May's one-sided Champions League final, suddenly did not look so fluid or dangerous.

Instead, it was organised and energetic Spurs that posed the biggest threat as Pedro Porro, Pape Matar Sarr and Mohammed Kudus led the charge on the counter-attack.

Lucas Chevalier - the £34.5million goalkeeper tasked with replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma following his shock axe engineered by Enrique - was called into action to tip Richarlison's deflected strike over the crossbar.

The Frenchman then displayed stunning reflexes to push Joao Palhinha's effort onto the crossbar before Van de Ven fired in on 39 minutes.

Frank's new dead-ball coach Andreas Georgson has had an instant impact in N17 and he added another goal to his tally when Romero snuck in at the back post from a free-kick and headed past the unconvincing Chevalier.

At that point, Enrique's decision to exile Donnarumma had looked all the more baffling, though there was a brief moment of salvation when Chevalier later kept out Van de Ven's penalty.

It's a bitter pill for Tottenham to swallow ahead of Saturday's Premier League opener against Burnley but they cannot let it impact their season given they're yet to even kick a ball domestically.

Another slice of history was well and truly within their grasp but somehow, they let it slip away from them as PSG displayed once again why they're the game's mentality monsters as they added yet another impressive English scalp to their resume after beating Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal in last season's Champions League.

Ahead of the UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening, former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has been spotted in public

Ange Postecoglou has hardly been seen in public since his sacking by Tottenham Hotspur after last season came to an end. Just weeks after winning Spurs their first major trophy in 17 years as the north Londoners beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final, the manager was dismissed.

Prior to the European glory in May, Postecoglou's men endured a miserable Premier League campaign which was fraught with issues throughout as Spurs finished way down in 17th place, just one spot above the relegation zone.

A positive start to his reign in 2023 saw the 59-year-old collect multiple Manager of the Month awards, while Tottenham went on an unbeaten run in the Premier League all the way through to November.

However, injury issues began to plague Spurs and they narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Champions League under Postecoglou, finishing fifth in the 2023/24 campaign. Things went from bad to worse in the manager's second year, where the club won just 11 games across the entire season.

A great run to the Europa League final was the only shining light for the fans. Despite winning the trophy – which was the first European triumph since 1984 and Spurs' first taste of siverware since 2008 – Postecoglou was handed his marching orders in June.

Things aren't all bad, it seems, for Postecoglou; he banked over £7million after chairman Daniel Levy decided his time at Spurs was up, and in recent days he was pictured out in public, eating a fancy steak with a celebrity chef.

As his former team take on Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup final, Mirror Football has tracked down what Postecoglou has been up to since his spell with Spurs ended, along with where he could be heading next.

Tottenham payout & Europa League bonus

Postecoglou signed a four-year deal to become Spurs manager in 2023, leaving behind Scottish champions Celtic after winning a domestic treble with the club. But, after just two seasons in charge of the Premier League outfit, Levy was forced to spend big to sack him.

Altogether, the Spurs chairman paid out almost £4m to Postecoglou, as per ESPN, as part of a severance package to relieve him of his duties at the club. This wasn't all though; the ex-manager also received £3.1m as a bonus for winning the Europa League, taking his payout from Tottenham to over £7m.

So, after 101 games in charge, with a win rate of 46.5% and a European trophy under his arm, Postecoglou departed Spurs with millions in the bank. Many believed that the Europa League win would just about save his job, but the club allowed the squad to celebrate before breaking the news to both fans and the team.

In a statement released to fans 16 days after the Europa League final, Tottenham said: "Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties.

"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."

Life away from football since sacking

Now, it looks like this hefty payout to Postecoglou has paid dividends, as he was finally spotted dining at Sta Kala Kathoumena on the Greek island of Paros. A video uploaded by celebrity chef Stefanos Saratsis has emerged on TikTok, in which Ange can be seen enjoying a fancy steak meal served up by the online personality.

The chef is seen slicing up a huge slab of meat before feeding Postecoglou a piece of the steak and awaiting his approval.

Comments flooded in expressing excitement at the former Spurs manager's first public appearance since his sacking in June, with one writing: "Geez, it’s been a while since we’ve seen Ange smile like that!"

Another said: "And thats the taste of a decent payout from Spurs. Maybe he’ll come and get them out of the championship next season," while a third joked: "See he's enjoying that £4mill he got from getting sacked."

MLS interest as next club rumours ramp up

Many will be wondering where big Ange will end up next, after successful spells in Scotland, Australia, Japan and – for a time – England. But it looks like a potential reunion with Son could be on the horizon, as Major League Soccer look to be sniffing around the Greek-Australian gaffer.

Earlier in June, BBC Sport reported that MLS side Los Angeles FC are considering a move for Postecoglou as current boss Steve Cherundolo is set to depart for Germany. The regular season ends in October for the American league, so LAFC may be planning to make a move for the ex-Spurs man by this point.

They will also have an extra trick up their sleeve, after former Tottenham icon Son joined the MLS side on a two-year deal this summer, with an option of a further two years. A potential link-up between the duo could be on the cards in the near future; but LAFC aren't the only team interested in Postecoglou.

Reports suggest that the 59-year-old has been linked with a job in the Saudi Pro League at Al Ahli, who recently won the Asian Champions League under current boss Matthias Jaissle.

How to watch Tottenham vs PSG UEFA Super Cup: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time

Europa League champions Tottenham Hotspur take on the winners of the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain, in the Italian city of Udine on Wednesday, with the UEFA Super Cup up for grabs

Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain are set to do battle for the UEFA Super Cup nearly three months after their European trophy successes. Spurs ended a 17-year trophy drought with Europa League victory over Manchester United in May.

Now under the guidance of Thomas Frank, Tottenham will be looking to add another accolade to their cabinet on Wednesday after their triumph in Bilbao, but the Champions League winners stand in their way.

Luis Enrique's PSG demolished Inter Milan in their final and carried plenty of momentum into the Club World Cup this summer, where Chelsea bested them in the showpiece. The French champions will face another English opponent in Udine, and Mirror Football brings you all you need to know ahead of the Super Cup, including timings and how to watch live.

When is the UEFA Super Cup?

The Super Cup will be held on Wednesday, August 13, in the northwestern Italian city of Udine. It will be hosted at the Bluenergy Stadium, home of Serie A side Udinese.

The match will get underway at 8:00pm UK time, with over 25,000 fans in attendance. TV and streaming coverage will begin one hour prior at 7:00pm.

The competition's winners will receive approximately £4.3million in prize money, while the losing party will take home a sum of £3.4m.

How to watch the UEFA Super Cup

TNT Sports and Discovery+ will be broadcasting the clash live on Wednesday, and fans must subscribe to tune in to the action. Subscriptions begin at £30.99 per month.

If watching on TV, the match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1, , with those streaming online or via other platforms able to watch via Discovery+.

What have the managers said ahead of the UEFA Super Cup?

Thomas Frank, speaking to UEFA: "We're playing in a final; it's fantastic. Hopefully we can use some of the experience we have from the last final that the team played against Manchester United.

"[Paris] are the best team in Europe. They won the treble and it looks like they are extremely strong in all 11 starting positions. It's a fantastic challenge to have in the first game but, of course, we believe in ourselves.

"We're going to a final and there will be one objective – try to win it. We don't see it as a test; we see it as two good teams against each other, and we want to win."

Luis Enrique, speaking to UEFA: "The aim for this upcoming season is to improve. In terms of titles, it's going to be harder because there are more to play for.

"But in footballing terms, I think we'll improve as a team, both in attack and defence. I believe we can still identify phases of the game to get better in.

"In terms of titles, we want to be ready to go for all of them. Of course, we all believe that we can win all of them and repeat this feat again this year, which would mean going down in history in true style, and that gives us special motivation."

What is the UEFA Super Cup?

The competition was established in 1972, after Dutch journalist Anton Witkamp proposed a match to decide who was the best club side in Europe.

Ajax and Rangers contested the inaugural match over 50 years ago, but UEFA didn't recognise the competition until the following year.

It was initially played between the European Cup winners and the victors of the Cup Winners' Cup. When the latter was discontinued, it became a clash between the Champions League and Europa League winners.

Gianluigi Donnarumma has confirmed he will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer after a heated contract dispute, and the Italian is good enough to change the upcoming Premier League season

Instead of facing Tottenham in the Super Cup in his homeland tonight, the best shot-stopping goalkeeper in Europe is up for sale.

And the signing of the giant Gianluigi Donnarumma by Chelsea or Manchester City would boost their Premier League title hopes or make Manchester United genuine Champions League candidates. The 6ft 5in stopper, with the wingspan of a 747, will have that size of impact at his next club.

The Italian captain - who announced he will be leaving PSG on Tuesday - first tormented English fans by saving spot kicks from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka in the Euro 2020 final penalty shootout.

And the former Milan keeper, still only 26, caused heartbreak for Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal fans as he inspired Paris Saint-Germain to their first Champions League trophy.

But only 73 days after the French club’s triumph over Inter Milan - and only five days after he was the only goalkeeper named in the Ballon D’Or shortlist - Donnarumma’s career at PSG is over in ruthless fashion.

While the Champions League winners flew to Udine to face the Europa Cup winners yesterday, the Italy goalkeeper trained alone at the back at the Campus PSG while the club awaits offers for his signature.

Last season’s all-action hero, popular with his fellow players and fans, will not play for the Qatari-owned club again. At least Marie Antoinette had a trial before she was guillotined in Paris.

Donnarumma is out of contract next summer and year-long negotiations to agree a new deal have now stopped. He signed on a free transfer from Milan in 2021 on a gross salary of €10m (£8.64m). After tax breaks and bonuses, his current net annual salary has been £6.5m.

PSG are now offering players lower basic wages with more performance-related bonuses and Donarumma refused the effective pay cut despite his desire to remain in the City of Light.

There was a similar standoff with Kylian Mbappe two summers ago when he refused to sign a new deal and he was excluded from a summer tour to Asia. He was reintegrated back into the group after giving up millions of Euros in bonuses and then used less after Christmas when it was clear he was still leaving for Real Madrid.

This time PSG have already signed Donnarumma’s replacement. Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year Lucas Chevalier joined this weekend in a €55m deal from Lille, the former club of PSG director of football Luis Campos. And the 23-year-old was bought with the backing of Luis Enrique and guaranteed he will be No.1.

The PSG announcement welcoming the signing of Chevalier claimed he is: “Comfortable on his line, in one-on-one situations, and in the air, he also has excellent distribution skills”.

It was interpreted by the Italian media and Donnarumma’s camp as a dig at the Azzurri keeper’s ability with his feet. Former Milan keeper Christian Abbiati told Gazzetta dello Sport: "There's something crazy about all this. I would say he won more than half the Champions League for them. And yet, from what I hear, it seems he's bad with his feet.

"We can say that there are many players better with their feet than him, but from there to replacing a goalkeeper who has put a Champions League title in your trophy cabinet! In Europe he's made unbelievable saves, saves that few would have been capable of making.

“Someone of his calibre will certainly land on his feet and go to another big club, although it's a shame he has to end like this. I wish him the best because he deserves it."

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has put his foot down and made a big call ahead of his side's match against Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup on Wednesday night

Thomas Frank has drawn a line in the sand at Tottenham by leaving Yves Bissouma at home for their Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain.

Spurs take on PSG in Udine on Wednesday night when they will have the opportunity to add another piece of silverware to their collection after winning the Europa League. It will be the first competitive game in charge for Frank, who arrived from Brentford to replace Ange Postecoglou.

And the Dane has made his expectations clear by punishing Bissouma for poor time keeping. At a press conference in Udine, Frank was asked for an update on Dominic Solanke, Destiny Udogie and Radu Dragusin, who have been carrying injuries but have joined the squad in Italy.

“The players that have that little bit longer, the longer terms are here for backing the team and being part of the group,” he replied.

“Dom is the positive one, he's available for selection tomorrow, so that's very good. Destiny is closer and getting closer to training with the group. So those are two big ones, and then Bissouma has not travelled with the team because of disciplinary reasons.”

Asked to explain further, Frank added: “He has been late several times and now this latest time was one too many. With everything, you need to give your players a lot of love but also have demands and there also need to be consequences and this time there was a consequence for that.

“For me, there has been a consequence and that is for this trip. I will follow up on that when I come home. I will park it for now because there is a relatively important game tomorrow.”

It is not the first time that Bissouma has been disciplined during his time at Tottenham – and this instance could prove costly, with just a year left on his contract and with Joao Palhinha having arrived on loan from Bayern Munich.

The 28-year-old Mali international was suspended by the club for the first game of the last season after a video appeared on social media that appeared to show him inhaling nitrous oxide.

"I want to apologise for these videos," he said at the time. "This was a severe lack of judgment. I understand how serious this is and the health risks involved, and I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously."

The midfielder was criticised by Postecoglou in March after being substituted in a 2-0 defeat by Fulham. Asked to explain his decision to withdraw Bissouma, Postecoglou said he allowed “games to drift him by.”

He joined Spurs from Brighton for £30million in June 2022 and has made 100 appearances for the club, scoring twice. Bissouma was an important player under Postecoglou’s management, making 44 appearances last season as Spurs finished a lowly 17th in the Premier League.

Tottenham have tried to steal a march on Arsenal in the race to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze - and they have one factor in their favour in the summer transfer window

Tottenham have launched an attempt to beat Arsenal to the signing of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Confirmation that Palace won’t play in the Europa League this season after the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld UEFA’s ruling has left the club vulnerable to approaches for their star players. Attacking midfielder Eze and captain Marc Guehi now look likely to depart in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool have opened talks over the signing of Guehi and Eze is the subject of interest from north London rivals Spurs and Arsenal. Guehi’s current contract expires next summer and Eze has a release clause in his deal which has encouraged Spurs.

Eze has a £68million release clause written into his contract with the Eagles that is set to expire on Friday. Arsenal have courted him all summer, but after spending over £200m on new players, need to sell players before bidding for Eze.

That plays into the hands of Tottenham, who have funds available and have now opened talks with Palace. Spurs missed out on signing Morgan Gibbs-White, who ended up signing a new deal with Nottingham Forest after their approach, and have just lost James Maddison to a serious knee injury.

Manager Thomas Frank is desperate to add creative quality to his squad, which has also been depleted by the departure of Son Heung-min to LAFC. Tottenham are working on a deal for Eze, but do not plan on paying his £68m release clause.

They will be buoyed by Arsenal’s inability to compete, with the Gunners unable to offload unwanted players yet. Mikel Arteta’s side need to find buyers for the likes of Leandro Trossard, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Karl Hein, having only generated a mere £8.57m through player sales after flogging left-back Nuno Tavares to Lazio and Marquinhos to Cruzeiro.

However, it remains to be seen whether Eze will be willing to change his mind, having previously made it clear he prefers a move to Arsenal. Like Arsenal, Spurs can offer Champions League football, after winning the Europa League last season, and Frank can also offer more regular starts given lesser competition for places.

One thing is certain: Palace have faced up to their financial reality, with the lack of Europa League football costing them an estimated £20m. They know that now might be the best time to cash in on Eze and they will also be able to find a replacement before the window closes on September 1.

Speaking after the Eagles’ Community Shield win vs Liverpool, Palace chairman Steve Parrish said: “Players come and go in football clubs, you know, I mean, it's a life cycle isn't it? Hopefully they're still here. That's what I'd like but we'll see.”

Tottenham Hotspur are currently searching the market for more summer additions, and one of their targets has already won over Cristiano Ronaldo with his performances

Cristiano Ronaldo once hailed Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Savinho as the best young player in world football, snubbing Lamine Yamal in the process. The Manchester City forward has now surprisingly emerged on Thomas Frank's radar.

The 21-year-old was a beacon of hope in an otherwise lacklustre season for the Citizens after his move from Troyes in the summer of 2024. Pep Guardiola entrusted the Brazilian with 21 Premier League starts in his debut season and despite his inconsistent final product, he proved to be a threat on both flanks for the former Barcelona boss.

In his 48 appearances across all competitions, Savinho managed to net three goals and provide 13 assists for City. However, Spurs have now initiated discussions over a potential deal.

This news might also surprise Ronaldo, as the Manchester United icon overlooked Yamal and voted for Savinho for the 2024 Kopa Award, which recognises the best young talent, at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. The football legend's choice differed from fellow Ballon d'Or winners Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo's former rival Messi cast his votes for Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Garnacho, while Modric also favoured Yamal as his top pick but chose Arda Guler and Joao Neves in second and third, while Benzema selected Yamal, Guler and Garnacho.

Ultimately, Yamal claimed the accolade following his sensational breakthrough during Spain's victorious Euro 2024 run. However, one of the ceremony's major talking points was Ronaldo positioning Savinho ahead of Yamal, naming the Barcelona sensation as his runner-up choice, with Guler completing his top three.

The selection demonstrates just how highly Ronaldo regards him, while also hinting Spurs could secure one of the summer's shrewdest acquisitions should they finalise a deal for the South American talent. The north London outfit have already brought in Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuscovic and Kota Takai, alongside securing Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich.

Guardiola similarly backed Savinho for stardom during the recent Club World Cup. Nevertheless, their time working together could be drawing to a close, as the attacker is reportedly prepared to relocate to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should both clubs reach an agreement on terms.

Given Guardiola's latest observations regarding Savinho's capabilities, City might find themselves ruing his departure should he indeed exit the Etihad. Following the winger's strike in City's 5-2 triumph over Juventus, Guardiola said: "He is a player with incredible potential. We cannot forget he's so young.

"He needs to make the final third more decisive in aspects like the goal he has done in the last game. He has to do it more. The last goal is more and more complicated and difficult to score than the previous ones - one against ones, the 'keeper, that maybe last season he missed.

"The moment he will make this step, which will come in a natural way because he has incredible individual quality, when it arrives for his commitment to say I want to do it, I want to be decisive, I want to score goals and make more assists, he will become an extraordinary player.

"He can play on both sides, right and left, he's so fast, he understands tactically the movements he has, so that's why he can play with us."

Troy Parrott was hailed as the next Harry Kane during his time at Tottenham, but the striker only made four appearances for the first team before leaving for AZ Alkmaar in 2024, where he has thrived

Former Tottenham Hotspur starlet Troy Parrott is living up to his tag as 'the next Harry Kane' in the Netherlands after scoring seven goals in four games for AZ Alkmaar. The 23-year-old left Spurs to join AZ in a £6.7million deal in July 2024, with his former club securing a substantial sell-on clause in the agreement.

Parrott initially joined Tottenham back in 2017 at 15 from Irish team Belvedere, but despite high expectations, he only managed to make four appearances for the senior squad. He even left with some stars warning that Spurs could be making an error in letting him go.

Branded as Ireland's best prospect since ex-Tottenham star Robbie Keane, the forward was also hailed as the next Kane while on the books at Spurs due to the pair's similarities on the pitch.

Although he didn't quite live up to the praise in north London, the Irish forward is now proving his worth in Holland with a series of impressive performances. Parrott was also part of the AZ team that lost to Spurs during their successful Europa League campaign last season.

Parrott has already scored three goals in two matches against Finnish side Ilves Tampere and two against Liechtenstein's Vaduz, both in Europa Conference League qualifying this summer. He also bagged a brace in AZ's 4-1 victory over FC Groningen in the Dutch Eredivisie's opening match at the weekend.

During his time at Spurs, Parrott had five loan spells with Millwall, Ipswich, MK Dons and Preston, experiencing varying levels of success. However, it was a temporary switch to the Eredivisie with Excelsior that truly launched his career.

The forward netted 17 times for the struggling outfit. He has also earned 29 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland, finding the net on five occasions.

But what did he make of those weighty comparisons to Kane? He told The Athletic in April 2022 that he was determined he was going to carve his own path.

"Obviously, I want to be my own player," he said. "But Kane is so good in terms of his finishing, his passing - why wouldn't I try and take little bits from there?"

"But it's not only taking bits from Kane because he plays for Tottenham. It's taking things wherever you can that will make you better. It's not annoying in any way [the comparisons], it's just how it is. When you see him on TV, you don't get to see him going to the gym before training, you don't get to see the way he trains every day.

"That's something everyone should take. There's no downside to having that relentlessness in your game. I look at that and think to be at that level these are the things you need to do."

Spurs are now accelerating their hunt for offensive reinforcements following the exit of club legend Son Heung-Min and the injury to James Maddison, which could potentially rule him out for the bulk of the campaign.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has been busy in the transfer market, securing five new faces for the squad. Permanent deals have been concluded for Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai, while defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha has joined on loan from Bayern Munich.

Rumours are also swirling around a move for Manchester City's winger Savinho, with a transfer to Spurs seemingly gaining traction. Speculation is also rife about potential moves for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze and Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss.

Spurs cleverly included a 20 per cent sell-on clause in the deal that saw Parrott head to AZ. The club are keeping their fingers crossed for a tidy sum from any future sale of Parrott, or even a bargain return to north London - a possibility they might explore in their quest for more goals.

Sky Sports and NOW will broadcast over 215 Premier League matches exclusively live this season

The Spurs legend, 42, was over the moon when the Dane took the job following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou

Jermain Defoe has seen Thomas Frank’s coaching abilities first-hand and believes the new Tottenham boss is set for a memorable first season in the White Hart Lane hotseat.

The Spurs legend, 42, was over the moon when the Dane took the job following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, who oversaw an end to the club’s 17-year trophy drought but also their lowest Premier League finish in 48 years.

Defoe hopes an upturn in domestic fortunes is on the cards and feels Frank is the right man to instil a winning mentality. “It’s a really good appointment,” he said. “I was lucky enough to be invited into Brentford last season by Justin Cochrane, his assistant, to spend the day there.

“I was really impressed by the atmosphere of the club, the connection the players had with the manager, his messages in the training session, everything really.

“It was amazing to be there and see how he did things at the football club. You could see why they were successful and that’s why I was so happy when he got appointed.

“The club have made some good signings and I’m really looking forward to the season.” Spurs’ build-up has been hampered by an ACL injury to James Maddison and the departure of Son Heung-min, who sits two places above Defoe in the club’s all-time goalscorers list.

But Defoe hopes there is fresh talent waiting in the wings ready to step up. "Some players are difficult to replace – when Harry (Kane) went, you were thinking ‘how are we going to replace him’,” he said.

“People like Harry and Sonny are unique footballers. Son will go down as a club legend and will be missed on and off the pitch, he’s a good guy and a good captain who led by example.

“But it’s football. Players move on and clubs have to try and move on to get that next one through the door.

“It would be nice if it was someone from the academy, producing players, and if not hopefully we can do some more business.”

Defoe was speaking as part was speaking at a KP Snacks event in Charlton Park, helping to celebrate their achievement of installing 100 all-weather, grassroots community cricket pitches across England and Wales as part of their Everyone In campaign.

He has not played the sport since his schooldays but relished taking part and seeing the opportunities on offer for children in the capital.

“It’s an amazing campaign and it’s really good to be involved,” he said. “This is pitch number 100, so it was only right that I picked the bat up and hit a six.

“To see families come out, the pros come out, and see that connection with the community is really nice. My grandad loved cricket, I remember being at my nan’s house and my grandad was always watching cricket, with his St Lucian background, supporting the West Indies.

“Years later, I was at West Ham with Shaka Hislop and through Shaka, I met Brian Lara and became friends. It’s a fantastic sport and one I want to go and watch soon.”

KP Snacks, the Official Team Partner of The Hundred, are celebrating the installation of 100 new community cricket pitches across England and Wales as part of their Everyone In campaign. To find out more and search for your nearest pitch, visit: www.everyonein.co.uk/pitchfinder .

Tottenham Hotspur have money to spend under new manager Thomas Frank after selling captain Son Heung-min, and some of it could go towards a raid on Manchester City

Manchester City's busy summer could leave Savinho as the odd man out, and Tottenham Hotspur may be ready to pounce. The Brazilian winger only joined City last summer, but could see his time at the Etihad Stadium come to an early end.

Savinho, 21, scored one league goal in 29 outings last term - eight of those appearances coming from the bench. He was also on target against Club Brugge in the Champions League and in the 5-2 Club World Cup group stage win against Juventus.

Pep Guardiola's side have been busy in the transfer market since missing out on silverware last season. Rayan Cherki is the most likely to take game time from Savinho, while the arrival of Tijjani Reinders and return of Rodri could allow Guardiola to change things up with his formation.

Jack Grealish already appears to be suffering from the competition for places, with a move for the £100m man anticipated. According to reports on the continent, though, Spurs may yet take advantage of the situation to bring Savinho to North London.

Spurs have already strengthened in the final third this window, with new boss Thomas Frank overseeing a £55million move for Mohammed Kudus. James Maddison's ACL injury means more depth could be needed, though, and Savinho would reportedly be open to joining the club.

It appears a lot has changed since January, when Guardiola praised Savino for the spark he provided in the must-win game against Brugge. "He was unbelievable," the manager said of the Brazilian after City came from behind to beat the Belgian side..

"He changed the game and after five or ten minutes had won two or three corners. Our crowd reacted and we had the chances."

Spurs have strengthened with the signing of Kudus from West Ham and a permanent deal for Mathys Tel, who joins after a spell on loan from Bayern Munich. Maddison will be a big loss, though, with the former Leicester star set to miss the bulk of the season after knee surgery.

“I think it’s disappointing but also devastating for me and mainly for Madders that he’s out of the team,” Frank said. “We will miss him and no doubt he will miss playing football.”

Kevin Danso joined Tel in completing a permanent move after a successful loan, with Kota Takai and Luka Vuskovic among the other new arrivals. Joao Palhinha has also joined on loan from Bayern, while captain Son Heung-min is the highest-profile star to leave North London after completing a move to Los Angeles FC.

Spurs will begin their Premier League campaign on Saturday, hosting newly promoted Burnley. They are also back in the Champions League this season thanks to their victory in the Europa League final back in May.