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Ex-Arsenal chief gets influential role as truth behind Daniel Levy's Tottenham exit ermerges

Long-serving Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has confirmed his departure from the club, having spent nearly a quarter of a century in charge at the Premier League club

Daniel Levy's Tottenham exit is part of a set of wider changes from the club's ownership which are only just beginning to take hold. Levy was the longest-serving chairman in the Premier League, but confirmed on Thursday he was stepping away after nearly 25 years.

Levy, 63, joined Spurs' board in 2000 and took over as chairman from Alan Sugar. He has overseen the hiring and firing of several managers in that time, most recently dismissing Ange Postecoglou and appointing Thomas Frank.

According to football.london, the move is part of a wider plan from owners the Lewis family to take the club in a new direction. It comes not long after the appointment of former Arsenal exec Vinai Venkatesham as Spurs' new CEO, while other recent changes have taken place behind the scenes.

The same publication reports that in the years since long-term owner Joe Lewis stepped back from his role, his children and grandchildren have been more active in backing the club. This has led to the appointment of Venkatesham, who held a number of Arsenal roles - including CEO - before leaving in 2024.

Spurs also have a new non-executive chairman in place in the form of Peter Charrington. However, football.london reports that he will oversee the big picture rather than emulating Levy's more hands-on approach.

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees," Levy said upon the confirmation of his exit. "We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community. I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

“I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”

When Levy took over during the 2000-01 season, Spurs were languishing in mid-table under the management of George Graham. The new chairman replaced Graham with club legend Glenn Hoddle in April 2001, reaching the League Cup final the following season, but it was not until 2008 when the London club won their first trophy of the Levy era.

The wait for trophy number two went on even longer, though. After overseeing a move into a new stadium, Levy saw Spurs suffer a painful Champions League final defeat against Liverpool in 2019 and a narrow League Cup final loss against Manchester City two years later.

Spurs finally got their trophy in 2025, beating Manchester United in the Europa League final. That wasn't enough for manager Postecoglou to stay at the helm, but Levy leaves with a new boss installed as the team returns to the Champions League.

There were moments when Spurs' transfer window looked like becoming a disaster but Thomas Frank's side's late business demonstrated it's not over until it's over

Tottenham spent much of the summer being the laughing stock of the transfer window. But, now the window has finally shut, it is Spurs boss Thomas Frank who is entitled to have the last laugh.

After missing out on the likes of Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White and Bryan Mbeumo, it looks like it was going to be a summer of frustration. Tottenham saw Eze go to bitter rivals Arsenal, Gibbs-White opted to stay at Nottingham Forest and Mbeumo chose Manchester United ahead of Spurs.

But if you look at the end result after spending in excess of £170m, they have emerged with a much stronger squad, proven internationals and better options in key areas. And just to put the cherry on the cake, they also did their own piece of gazumping by signing Holland international Xavi Simons for £51m from RB Leipzig from under Chelsea's noses.

If Arsenal can do it, then so can Tottenham. And the reality is that Tottenham have greater depth, an ambitious new manager in Frank and also the rewards of playing in the Champions League this season.

They did also recoup £45m by cashing in on Son Heung-min, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bryan Gil which means their net spend was £125m. The figures actually mean that Tottenham are the fourth biggest net spenders in the Premier League in the past five years, behind only Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

It is hard to criticise chairman Daniel Levy on the outlay - it is just they have not tended to spend the money wisely. That is something they have been determined to change this summer and it has been done with joined up thinking between Frank, technical director Johan Lange, Levy, new chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and other members of the recruitment and scouting team.

Last season ended on a high for Tottenham as Ange Postecoglou’s parting gift was the Europa League. But the reason why they lost 22 games and conceded 65 goals in the Premier League was not just a leaky defence.

You had to be pretty naive not to see Tottenham were crying out for a midfield anchorman and the season-long deal - for just over £4m in a loan fee - for Joao Palhinha is astonishing business. That might just be one of the best deals of the summer as they recruited the Portugal international from Bayern Munich knowing full well he was sensational and so consistent for Fulham. They also have an option to buy him next summer for just £27m.

They spent £55m on Mohammed Kudus from West Ham and Frank’s influence has been obvious as now Tottenham do not just have a quality wide player but also one that works very hard. Simons has been destined for Chelsea all summer and yet, with no deal done, Tottenham swooped and his quality as a No10 is a perfect fit after they lost James Maddison for most of the season with a knee injury.

They probably did not have that position in their sights until Maddison got injured but they pressed the button on Simons and they have international quality. They spent £5m on Kota Takai as one for the future, turned Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso into permanent deals - then saved perhaps the most eye-catching for last.

When Randal Kolo Muani became available late on in the window, Tottenham were quick to do a deal with Paris Saint Germain for bargain money. All in all, it leaves Tottenham with better attacking options, experience and quality in midfield and a squad which looks markedly stronger at the end of the window. And that, as any manager or sporting director will testify, is the biggest aim of all.

Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence has earned his first senior England call-up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia and could make his debut

Djed Spence is set to create his own piece of history by becoming the first Muslim to play for England. Tottenham defender Spence, 25, has revealed his pride in being a trailblazer and also how his faith has helped him overcome even the hardest times in his career.

The Football Association will also recognise it as a point in time for the first openly Muslim player to represent the senior England team ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier with Andorra at Villa Park. Spence said: “It’s a blessing, it’s amazing.

"I did see something like that. I was surprised, really, first ever. It’s just amazing. I don’t have the words really.

“I think it shows if I can do it, you can do it. Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it, man.

“It’s definitely a big deal to play for England, 100 per cent. I don’t really feel the pressure for certain things. I just play football with a smile on my face, be happy, and the rest will take care of itself.”

Spence has endured a rollercoaster career which has taken him from Middlesbrough to Nottingham Forest onto Tottenham and then loan spells with Rennes, Leeds and Genoa. It would be fair to say there have been bumps in the road on his journey - not least with highly critical remarks from ex-Spurs boss Antonio Conte and former Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock - but his religion has carried him through.

Spence said: “First things first, God is the greatest. I pray a lot, I give gratitude to God. It’s a big thing for me, my faith.

“In the toughest moments of my life, the darkest moments, i’ve always believed that God has always been by my side. When I’m winning, when I’m in a good moment, I promote God as well because he’s always been by my side.”

Spence joined Tottenham in 2022 and, despite only really establishing himself last season under Ange Postecoglou, the fans have always backed him. His energy, drive and determination from both full back positions have made him a firm favourite and the supporters have called for him to play even when he was not starting.

That makes him smile along with the support of his three older sisters, his dad Simon and his No1 fan, mum Aisha who used to drive him everywhere as a kid trying to break through. Now Spence is reaping the rewards and he also says that his mentality and determination have carried him through.

Spence said: “I wouldn’t say a tough journey, but it’s been a long journey. There have been good times and bad times, but I think when you believe in yourself and trust in God, everything will align with itself. Without a strong mentality, you won’t make it to the top. I definitely think I have got a strong mentality, especially to fight through challenges.

“Sometimes in football when things go bad, they go really bad. I was out on loan, playing, then I stopped playing and then got injured before the under-21s Euros… and they won it. I would have loved that. So I would probably say that was a point in my career where it was really tough.

"It has always been my plan to make it to the senior team. It might not have been in my vision so close ahead. It’s a blessing.”

While Conte was the lowest point at Tottenham, it was Postecoglou who helped him win the Europa League and he celebrated with his now traditional picture of himself smoking a cigar. Spence is also very positive about new Spurs boss Thomas Frank.

Spence added: “I feel I’m getting better day by day. I feel I’m improving and that’s down to me staying focused, being a sponge and listening to my coaches and the staff.

“Just that willing to learn. I want to be the best in my position and to do that you’ve got to keep working hard and keep taking on advice. You’ve got to do everything to the maximum.

“Ange Postecoglou made me a champion, so I always have gratitude to him for that. And he was a good manager, good guy. I don't really have anything else to say really about it. Gave me my opportunity, which I'm grateful for. I've respect for him.

“Thomas Frank is amazing, man. He’s been amazing to me, fills me with confidence, very open and just a down to earth manager. I think he’s going to be amazing for the club.”

Antonio Conte shattered Djed Spence's confidence shortly after Tottenham signed him in the summer of 2022, but now the full-back is shining and has been called up by England

Djed Spence has accused former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte of “shattering his confidence.”

Tottenham defender Spence launched a stinging attack on Conte and revealed he keeps a “mental note” of all the managers who have doubted him in his career.

Napoli boss Conte made it clear that Spence was not his signing when Spurs bought him back in the summer of 2022 as the Italian said: “Spence is an investment of the club. The club wanted to do it. The club decided to buy him.”

Spence did not start a single Premier League game under Conte before being farmed out on loan to French club Rennes just five months later.

Full back Spence, 25, who has now won his first senior England call-up, said: “I would probably say the biggest hurdle is when I signed for Tottenham and I didn’t necessarily feel the love straight away, with the manager and everything.

“I was on such a high going into the club. When I went there, I was on a high, and then I almost came crashing down because of comments from the manager and not playing. I was in a difficult space then.

“I am buzzing, I am going to sign for Tottenham. So to hear comments like that wasn’t nice. It does shatter your confidence a bit.

“But, you know, I am a fighter. So, whatever I do I will try to do my best in everything I can. Fast forward, I am here now, so I am happy.

“I wouldn't say I particularly have a list or anything, but I do have a mental note of people who doubted me, for sure, and it does feel good to prove them wrong.

“Obviously, at the time it wasn't nice but I feel like I don't put my energy into certain things like that. I just focus, do what I need to do. I've got a good family behind me that keeps me focused.”

Tottenham name Champions League squad as £30m summer signing among six players left out

Tottenham have confirmed a 22-man squad for the Champions League group stage with the likes of James Maddison and Yves Bissouma missing out on the competition

Mathys Tel is among six players who have been left out of Tottenham's Champions League squad for the first half of the 2025/26 season.

The club had to submit their 25-man squad for the league phase to UEFA by 11pm on Tuesday, September 2, ahead of their return to Europe's top competition later this month.

Tottenham has previously faced challenges with their European squad due to differing rules from those in the Premier League. The issue lies in a shortage of club-trained players and an excess of more than the required four association-trained players and the permitted 17 non-homegrown players.

This has led to previous managers having to exclude players from a European squad. The situation has worsened this season, with a total of six players being dropped by Thomas Frank for the league phase.

The players left out are Radu Dragusin, Kota Takai, Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Tel, who joined Spurs in a £30m permanent deal this summer having spent the second half of last season on loan. Maddison is expected to miss the bulk of the season with an ACL injury, while Kulusevski is also currently sidelined.

Unfortunately, Tottenham are not in a position to name a full 25-man squad for the Champions League due to a lack of club-trained players. Brandon Austin is the only player in that category, leaving three spots unfilled, reports Football London.

This puts them in a difficult situation where they can only name a 22-man squad instead of the usual 25.

A revised squad list can be submitted for the knockout round, allowing a maximum of three changes for the remaining matches in the tournament. In last season's Europa League, Djed Spence was added to the Tottenham squad for the knockout phase after being left out for the initial part of the competition, with manager Ange Postecoglou regrettably having to make cuts.

In this season's Champions League, Spurs are set to face Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt, AS Monaco, FC Copenhagen, PSG, Slavia Prague, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt. Here is Tottenham's squad for the league phase:.

Goalkeepers: Guglielmo Vicario, Antonin Kinsky, Brandon Austin.

Defenders: Kevin Danso, Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Ben Davies, Micky van de Ven.

Midfielders: Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur.

Strikers: Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani.

Arsenal have agreed a deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie and the Ecuador international has previously been compared to a Tottenham Hotspur star

Arsenal are set to seal a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie, who was previously likened to Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero. Hincapie has spent four years at Leverkusen but is expected to become Arsenal’s eighth signing of the summer.

The Gunners have agreed an initial loan deal with an option to buy the 23-year-old for £45million, despite reportedly having a £50m release clause. He is viewed as Arsenal’s replacement for Jakub Kiwior ahead of his proposed move to Porto.

Hincapie previously admitted that his brother had compared him to Spurs defender Romero, though the Ecuador international attempted to model his game on other top stars. Here is a closer look at Hincapie’s career so far.

Early years and move to Bayer Leverkusen

Hincapie left home as a 10-year-old to pursue his football career, attending his club CS Norte America’s boarding school in Guayaquil. He later joined Independiente del Valle, where he won the U20 Copa Libertadores and made three first team appearances before earning a move to Argentinian side Talleres.

He featured on 22 occasions for Talleres during his sole year in Argentina. Hincapie subsequently made his Ecuador debut during the 2021 Copa America, with his performances capturing Leverkusen’s attention.

Hincapie, who can operate at centre-back and left-back, has played 166 games for the German side. He made 26 league appearances as Leverkusen won their first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024, as well as helping the club win the DFB-Pokal and reach the Europa League final.

Cristian Romero comparison and role models

It is easy to understand why Hincapie’s brother drew parallels between his sibling and Spurs defender Romero, who has developed a reputation for his ill-discipline. Since arriving in Germany four years ago, Hincapie has been suspended on 10 occasions, picking up nine yellows and one red card across 45 games last term.

Spurs star Romero was once branded “absolutely mad” by Gary Neville after being booked for a reckless challenge on Callum Wilson during a win over Newcastle in December 2023. "He's mad, him, honestly," Neville told Sky Sports. "Absolutely mad. I think it's a red card at first look. He's crazy, Romero. He always has to tackle. Slowing players down doesn't come into his head."

However, two other players were Hincapie’s role models. During his early years in Ecuador, he studied videos of Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos and Barcelona legend Carles Puyol.

"I watched the videos so I wouldn't get bored on the bus, and that's when I realised that I really liked Puyol,” Hincapie told Scouted Football, as reported by Bundesliga.com. “He had a special way of playing, perhaps less technical than Ramos, but he was a leader and captain. One of the best centre-backs I've ever seen."

Piero Hincapie’s family values

Hincapie has stressed the importance of his family, who provided guidance as he moved from Ecuador to Argentina. He then weighed up his decision to join Leverkusen amid interest from several clubs, with his eldest brother also joining him in Germany.

"I had different offers from Europe and I considered them all carefully. I spoke to my family, to myself, to God – and I opted for Bayer 04,” Hincapie explained to Leverkusen’s club website. “I have great respect for the country and the language and my family had always emphasised that a lot of Latinos play here – and some of them for many years. That was an important reason. Because if they stay here for a long time then they must feel at home."

The defender has previously praised his parents for his and his siblings’ upbringing. However, Hincapie quickly recognised the financial responsibility that came with being a top-flight footballer.

"I'm suddenly earning much more money for our circumstances,” Hincapie admitted. “That's not so important to me because I just want to play football. But now I have the chance to help my family.

“Of course, I allow myself something as well but the most important thing for me is to be able to give something back to my parents and everybody else and that I can ensure that they have a comfortable life. My nanna's income isn't enough to live on. When everybody is looked after then I can also allow myself a couple of expensive things.”

Defender Matt Doherty joined Atletico Madrid from Tottenham in 2023, but the north London side didn't receive any fee for the Irishman, as a little-known FIFA rule saw his contract terminated

Tottenham hoped to loan defender Matt Doherty to Atletico Madrid on deadline day two years ago, but a FIFA rule meant his contract had to be terminated. The Irishman cost Spurs £14.7million when they signed him from Wolves in 2020.

Doherty, who thrived at Molineux as a right-sided wingback, was snapped up by Tottenham, then managed by Jose Mourinho, for roughly £15m five years ago and swiftly developed into a moderate squad player.

Three years after he penned his initial Spurs deal, Pedro Porro's imminent arrival from Sporting CP meant the defender was surplus to requirements. After making 71 appearances, scoring three goals and providing nine assists, his days in north London seemed numbered, and Atletico showed an interest.

On January deadline day in 2023, Doherty looked set to make a temporary move to Spain, with no buy-option included, but a FIFA rule threw a spanner in the works. Clubs were only allowed to loan out a maximum of eight senior players. Since this quota had already been filled, Doherty's deal was terminated before signing with Atletico on a free.

In 2022, FIFA announced new regulations that would cap the number of international loans in and out of football clubs. Clubs were limited to eight loan exits, with any club-trained players or players under the age of 21 exempt.

This rule is still in place today. However, the figure has been cut from eight individuals to six, and it still only applies to those who are over 21 or not club-trained.

This new rule scuppered Doherty's prospective move to the Spanish capital, as Spurs had already loaned out Harry Winks, Tanguy Ndombele, Bryan Gil, Joe Rodon, Sergio Reguilon, Giovani Lo Celso, Djed Spence, and Destiny Udogie at the time of his planned exit.

To sign for Diego Simone's side, Doherty had to move permanently, and the only solution was to terminate his deal. Antonio Conte's team did just that, and he landed in La Liga on a free.

Doherty's time in Spain was incredibly short. He played just twice for Atletico before becoming a free agent again the following summer. From there, Doherty returned to the Premier League with his former side, Wolves, signing a three-year deal.

The club's former sporting director, Matt Hobbs, stated upon Doherty's return: "We're really happy Matt's back and he's one the manager really wanted when he knew he was available.

"After Spurs and Atletico Madrid, he's hungry to prove himself again, and will add strength in depth to the full-back area, providing competition and making us better in those positions.

"He knows the club and what it means to play here – he's been successful at Wolves before and knows what the fans want," continued Hobbs, who only left the club this summer.

"For us, it's another homegrown player, but one who can share his knowledge and the required standards across the group, so he will be able to slot back in no problem."

Just over three years after his last appearance, Doherty was reintroduced to the Wolves faithful during an EFL Cup tie against Blackpool in August 2023. The 33-year-old remains at Molineux to this day, with his current deal expiring in 2026.

Finally, Xavi Simons has completed his move to the Premier League. But instead of Chelsea, it's Tottenham Hotspur where the Netherlands international has pitched up.

The Dutch star has completed a £52million move to Spurs, signing a five-year deal with the option of a further two years. New Spurs boss Thomas Frank has been keen to sign a new No.10 following the serious injury to James Maddison during the summer. He now has his man, and is suitably delighted.

"I am really pleased we have brought Xavi in - he is a great addition to the squad," says Frank. "He is still young, however he already has good experience and, over the past few years, has played a lot of games at the top level. Xavi has proven his ability to get goals and assists, both from the No.10 position and left-wing. He also has a great eye for his team-mates in terms of unlocking defences, and I know he will come in and be part of a good team that is already working hard together."

Spurs' new No.7 said: "I'm really happy and can't wait to get going. I've been dreaming of this for a long time. It's a great club and when I met the head coach I knew straight away that this was the right place for me.

"I will bring flair to the team but also hard work and discipline. I want to do everything I can to win, for the team and also for the fans."

Spurs have started the season with back-to-back Premier League wins to give ex-Brentford boss Frank the ideal start to the new campaign, but injuries have caused problems with Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski both out. Eberechi Eze had been targeted, but ultimately moved to Arsenal instead after the Morgan Gibbs-White affair which left the club ultimately looking foolish.

For much of the summer, Simons, admired by the club's new coaching staff and the transfer hierarchy, had appeared out of reach. He wanted to leave RBL but Chelsea were in pole position. However, the Blues have been chasing both he and Alejandro Garnacho, with the Manchester United outcast now heading to Stamford Bridge after an initial £40m deal was agreed between the two clubs.

A medical was undertaken on Thursday, with Spurs operating cautiously so as not to stir interest from other rivals, and on Friday the deal was sealed.

Xavi Simons has been linked with Chelsea for weeks but Tottenham have now secured a deal for the RB Leipzig star with the two London sides long involved in transfer battles

Tottenham may have looked a laughing stock when London rivals Arsenal swooped in to land Eberechi Eze. Now it is Tottenham themselves doing the swooping at Chelsea's expense.

Xavi Simons has been tipped to leave RB Leizpig all summer and it appeared as though he was destined to end up at Stamford Bridge. But whilst the Blues dilly dallied Tottenham have made a late play and look to have secured the Dutchman.

Simons has been one of the most impressive performers for the German side following his move to Leipzig from PSG. Now Tottenham look like they will bolster their ranks by landing the 22-year-old for £51million.

He will bolster a frontline that has also had Mohamed Kudus added to it. Chelsea have managed to agree a deal for Alejandro Garnacho, who is on course to join from Manchester United for £40m.

But whilst they were negotiating for a deal to land the Argentine, Tottenham have been able to steal a march and sign Simons, who stands to sign a deal with them until 2030. There had been no long-term indication that those in north London were even tracking the Dutchman.

But after they missed out on Eze, they have acted fast to land a suitable replacement. Simons scored an stunning goal against England in the semi-final of the Euros last summer and has posted some impressive stats whilst in Germany over the past two years, scoring 22 goals and providing 24 assists in 78 games across all competitions.

His age profile and exploits thus far have all the makings of a player who will continue to blossom. Chelsea may live to regret missing out on Simons and so often it has been Tottenham left to wonder how they missed out on a key target. Luis Diaz's late move to Liverpool in 2022 a case in point.

That trend can be dated back to 2013, when Tottenham spent all summer trying to bring Willian to the Premier League. Only for the Brazilian to join Chelsea late in the day, going on to win the Premier League twice across his seven year stint.

On that occasion Tottenham were left fuming that they missed out. Then Blues boss Jose Mourinho made little attempt to hide his delight at hijacking the move after securing the £32m capture of the Anzhi Makhachkala forward.

It owed to then owner Roman Abramovich making a personal call to his fellow Russian oligarch, Suleyman Kerimov, the Anzhi owner. Tottenham had gone as far as to complete Willian's medical, but Mourinho would claim they paid the price for not doing the medical "in secret".

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was adamant that Chelsea did not truly want Willian. Instead their motive was to stop the north Londoners landing a player who would make them stronger.

Andre Villas-Boas, formerly a manager at Stamford Bridge, was looking to create a squad that could challenge Chelsea. The Blues though always maintained they had an interest in Willian and he would go on to be a massive hit and remain a key figure under numerous different managers.

Chelsea and Tottenham have never - and will never - be the best of friends but whilst the Blues won a bitter race for Willian, Tottenham in time may boast they've got their revenge after all.

Tottenham are working to wrap up the arrival of RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons, who has been on Chelsea's attacking shortlist

Tottenham are on the verge of wrapping up the signing of RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons following a secret transfer blitz. The 22-year-old Dutchman, who has looked poised to join Chelsea all summer, has already completed his Spurs medical.

Pending final details, he will sign a long-term contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and finally end Thomas Frank's thirst for a new No.10 after missing out on both Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze.

The Europa League winners are expected to pay around £52million (€60m), though sources at Leipzig are briefing the Bundesliga outfit have also negotiated a sell-on clause.

Spurs have been operating with caution in fear Chelsea would pounce and pip them to Simons' signature as the former Paris Saint-Germain and PSV starlet had already agreed terms with the Blues.

Just a matter of weeks ago, Tottenham are understood to have made a check on Simons' situation via his brother and advisor Faustino but they were told the starlet had already given Chelsea his word.

The turning point came earlier this week when Simons seemingly decided he was not prepared to wait around forever. Enzo Maresca's side also opened talks over a potential swoop for Barcelona's Fermin Lopez, indicating they were also considering a move for the Spaniard and Alejandro Garnacho.

Simons' playing time was likely to be limited at Stamford Bridge while at Tottenham, he is expected to receive assurances of a starting berth at the heart of Frank's new-look frontline.

As of yesterday evening, Chelsea were still deciding whether they were going to bid for the Netherlands international attacking midfielder.

In the meantime, the Blues were also putting plans in place for United winger Garnacho to undergo his medical after striking a £40m deal with the Red Devils which also includes a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

Tottenham are not yet ruling out signing a second forward before Monday's transfer deadline.

The current priority is ensuring they get Simons over the line to avoid any further embarrassment and if all goes to plan, Simons could be in attendance for Saturday's Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

It's unlikely he will be registered in time to face the Cherries - there is a 12pm deadline - given he has not even trained with his new team-mates anyway.

Completion of the deal would represent a major boost for Spurs, who are mindful that Dejan Kulusevski is not scheduled to return imminently following patella surgery.