Football League World

Kieran McKenna news: Ipswich Town await Thomas Frank to Spurs developments amid £10m claims, "massive concern" raised at Portman Road

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Kieran McKenna news: Ipswich Town await Thomas Frank to Spurs developments amid £10m claims, "massive concern" raised at Portman Road - Football League World
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Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town future has become the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks following their relegation from the Premier League.

The Northern Irishman has been a huge part of their rise from League One to the top flight, overseeing back-to-back promotions in 2023 and 2024.

However, a difficult year in the first division has seen them finish 19th and sent straight back down to the Championship.

McKenna signed a new contract last summer to keep him at Portman Road until 2028, but his time at the Suffolk outfit could yet come to an end much sooner than that.

Here we look at all the latest news surrounding the Ipswich boss…

Brentford interest in Kieran McKenna

According to TBR Football, Brentford are lining up a move to appoint McKenna as their next manager to replace Thomas Frank (pictured above).

The Dane is seen as a likely appointment by Tottenham Hotspur, with the Bees now set to begin work on finding his replacement.

The London outfit finished 10th in the Premier League table last season, and are now preparing for their fifth consecutive campaign in the top flight.

However, this could be their first year back at this level without Frank in the dugout, with their sights set on bringing in McKenna for the task.

It’s believed the Bees are impressed by the Northern Irishman and view him as a potential successor to the 51-year-old.

However, no formal approach has yet been made, with Frank still officially in charge at Brentford.

Tottenham Hotspur agree Thomas Frank compensation

Spurs are searching for a new manager following the decision to part ways with Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian delivered a first trophy since 2008 with a Europa League triumph, but a disappointing league season saw the team finish 17th in the table.

This has led to an approach for Frank as his replacement, although compensation will need to be paid in order to secure his arrival.

It has been reported by Fabrizio Romano that a deal of around £10 million has been finalised, bringing the Dane one step closer to taking over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It’s understood that an agreement has been reached with Frank to bring him and his coaching staff to the London outfit ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Lee Hendrie’s Ipswich concern

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Lee Hendrie has expressed his concern over Ipswich potentially losing McKenna to Brentford.

He believes that the prospect of managing in the Premier League will be tempting for the Tractor Boys’ manager, and that the London club are a particularly exciting project to join.

"All of the top managers want to be [in the Premier League] and they want to take clubs further on," said Hendrie.

"Brentford is a very good football club, and still will be even if Thomas Frank leaves, so yes, I think it would be a massive concern for Ipswich if that happens.

"They will need to have a backup plan for someone to come in and take the club back to where it should be, because it wouldn't surprise me if this does happen, but ultimately, that is only if the Spurs job becomes available.

Update emerges on Wrexham AFC interest in Ben Davies after big Spurs decision

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Update emerges on Wrexham AFC interest in Ben Davies after big Spurs decision - Football League World
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Wrexham still want to sign Ben Davies despite Tottenham Hotspur handing the defender a contract extension.

The pursuit of Premier League players is high on the Red Dragons' agenda. A number of top flight players have been connected with a move to the Racecourse this summer following the Welsh side's promotion to the Championship, their third successive jump up the English footballing pyramid.

Tom Cairney, Tommy Doyle, Christian Eriksen, Danny Ings and Danny Ward are just a small collection of elite-level talents that the Hollywood-owned club are reportedly pursuing this summer.

Wrexham will be able to offer big wages to these players, especially compared to most clubs that come up from League One, but they are reportedly willing to pay transfer fees for certain targets, one of them being Davies.

Wrexham persist with Ben Davies interest despite contract blow

Football League World exclusively reported that Wrexham wanted to bring the Welsh international back to his homeland as his deal with Spurs was running down.

The Europa League champions have since announced that a one-year extension on the 32-year-old's contract has been activated. He would have been available as a free agent this summer had Spurs not opted into this option, but, according to the Daily Mail, Wrexham's interest in Davies hasn't taken a hit.

They are still reportedly willing to go after the Welsh captain and pay a transfer fee in order to get him. A deal of this type for the defender won't come quickly, though, as per the Mail, as it is dependent on Tottenham securing a replacement option, with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite being eyed.

A deal for Everton's 22-year-old centre-half is reported to be a very difficult one to do, as per Fraser Fletcher. If Spurs don't land him, or another Davies-type signing this summer, it could scupper Wrexham's chances of signing the national team skipper.

Ben Davies and all of his qualities will come at a premium for Wrexham

He led his country in a barn-burning match against Belgium on Monday night. Wales found themselves 3-1 down at half-time and got the game back to level-pegging, only for Kevin De Bruyne to score a late winner to crush Cymru hearts.

This level of experience at both the continental and international level that Davies has will be hard for Wrexham to get from any of their other transfer targets. Unfortunately, his expertise will come at a price. On top of whatever fee Spurs demand for him, the 32-year-old is estimated to be on £80,000 per week by Capology.

Brentford set to land Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town blow as Spurs hone in on Thomas Frank

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Brentford set to land Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town blow as Spurs hone in on Thomas Frank - Football League World
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Brentford are preparing to make a formal move for Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna.

The Bees are expecting Tottenham Hotspur to trigger Thomas Frank’s release clause following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal.

As a result, they have already profiled the Ipswich boss as the ideal successor to take over at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Brentford ready to make formal approach for Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna

McKenna has been in charge of the Tractor Boys since December 2021, but his residency at Portman Road may soon be up.

According to a report from Football Insider on Saturday, Brentford have already outlined the 39-year-old as they prepare for Frank’s departure.

It is believed that the Bees have been exploring a move for McKenna behind the scenes and are now prepared to approach the manager formally.

Despite suffering relegation from the Premier League with Ipswich, the Northern Irish coach is rated highly by Brentford’s recruitment team.

Following the Tractor Boys’ promotion to the top-flight in 2024, McKenna penned a four-year deal at Portman Road that would keep him there until the 2027/28 campaign.

Therefore, Brentford will have to agree on a compensation package with Ipswich to secure the manager’s services.

The timing of the deal depends upon when Tottenham move for Frank. The higher-ups in Suffolk will hope this process can be accelerated so they can prepare for their summer, which will now include appointing a new head coach.

Ipswich bracing for bittersweet breakup with Kieran McKenna

McKenna’s departure this summer always seemed a possibility if certain roles elsewhere became available.

His youthful profile and impressive leadership of Ipswich would have made the manager an ideal candidate for a number of clubs.

Ultimately, the 39-year-old will surely be relieved to potentially get another shot at Premier League management, especially after having his hands somewhat tied with the Tractor Boys last term.

However, a huge part of McKenna will still be disappointed not to reclaim Ipswich’s status in the top-flight.

He guided the club from League One to the most competitive division in the world after back-to-back promotions between 2022/23 and 2023/24, and wouldn’t have wanted the partnership to end following a relegation.

Career progression obviously comes first for the Northern Irishman, who will relish the opportunity to get to show his managerial prowess in a more competitive outfit next term.

That said, there is an element of unfinished business surrounding McKenna's relationship with Ipswich.

The Tractor Boys can’t afford to dwell on the situation, however, and need to turn their focus to who will lead the club forward as they aim to achieve promotion from the Championship next season.

Swansea City will be kicking themselves if Wrexham AFC seal shock Tottenham deal

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After 11 years at Tottenham Hotspur, Ben Davies faces an uncertain future with his contract in North London set to expire this summer.

While Spurs hold the option of extending the Welshman's deal by a further 12 months, an option they're expected to take up as per Football London, they could still look to move the 32-year-old on this summer, with a number of clubs undoubtedly keeping tabs on the situation.

Newly-promoted Premier League side Leeds United are a side that have previously been linked with Davies, while ambitious Championship outfit Wrexham are plotting a move to sign the defender, as per a Football League World exclusive.

Usually a player of Davies' calibre would be well out of reach for a club who have just won promotion from League One, but Wrexham's rapid rise through the leagues, coupled with their ambition and financial backing, could make them an attractive prospect.

However, Swansea City supporters will also be watching on with interest this summer, with Davies coming through the ranks in SA1 before his Spurs move, and they'll surely be hoping a move to The Racecourse doesn't materialise.

Swansea City will be kicking themselves if Ben Davies seals Wrexham move

While Davies only had two seasons of first-team football at Swansea, he's certainly well thought of amongst the Jack Army, and many have hoped he would return to the Swansea.com Stadium to see out his playing days.

At 32, Davies still has plenty of life left yet, and not even the most optimistic of Swansea supporters would expect the defender to make a return to the club this summer, but seeing him linked with a fellow Championship club in Wrexham will concern the Jack Army.

If the Spurs man was ever going to return to the Championship and particularly a Welsh club, you'd have assumed it would be with Swansea, and it would be a real blow for supporters to see one of their own move to Wrexham.

It leaves the Swans in a difficult situation. They'd obviously love to sign a player with Davies' quality this summer, but they can't compete with some of the offers the 32-year-old will receive, and Wrexham will almost certainly be able to offer him a more appealing financial package than Swansea could.

In an ideal world from Swansea's perspective, Davies would stay at Spurs or even join a club abroad this summer, before returning to SA1 in the coming years to finish his career.

Seeing Davies play for one of Swansea's divisional rivals would be a blow, and they'll hope they won't have to face their academy product wearing a Wrexham shirt next season.

Ben Davies is still capable of playing at the highest level

Despite Wrexham being keen to sign him, Davies may feel that he's still got a number of years in the top-flight left, whether that be with Spurs or elsewhere.

The 32-year-old made 28 appearances for Spurs last season despite a period out injured, and while he may not be the first name on the teamsheet, he's more than capable of being a useful squad player for a club of Spurs' stature.

Davies has shown on the international stage recently that he's a class act, and while Wrexham are hugely ambitious, it would be a surprise to see him dropping down to the Championship.

Ultimately, Davies would be a huge coup for any Championship side, and if he chooses to leave Spurs this summer, he won't be short of attractive options both at home and abroad.

Davies may well return to Swansea at one point, but this summer is almost certainly too soon, and the Jack Army will hope he remains playing top-flight football rather than seal a move to Wrexham.

Exclusive: Emile Heskey urges West Brom to seal deal for "hungry" Tottenham striker

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Exclusive: Emile Heskey urges West Brom to seal deal for "hungry" Tottenham striker - Football League World
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Former England international Emile Heskey believes West Brom should make a move for Tottenham Hotspur forward Dane Scarlett now Ryan Mason has taken the hotseat at The Hawthorns.

West Brom announced the appointment of Mason this week after a six-week search for Tony Mowbray’s successor, with the Baggies going for a complete change in their coaching profile.

The Baggies suffered disappointment this season as they missed out on a play-off place, and Mason will have to deal with the expectation and pressure of delivering success in his first ever full-time managerial role.

After revealing to have lost £33.9m over the course of the 2023/24 season, West Brom will have to cut their cloth accordingly and remain shrewd in the summer transfer window.

Many are expecting the former Tottenham Hotspur coach to use his links at Spurs to recruit players, and Heskey was asked whether he expects some of their youngsters to make the switch to B71.

Emile Heskey backs West Brom to complete Dane Scarlett summer swoop

Speaking exclusively to Football League World (via Poker Scout), Emile Heskey believes Ryan Mason will be looking to raid Tottenham Hotspur for some additions, and backed former Oxford United loanee Dane Scarlett to link up with the former Hull City midfielder in the West Midlands.

Heskey said: “It would be silly for him not to (sign players from Spurs). One that jumps out is Dane Scarlett. Somebody like that would be fantastic because you’re getting a player who really should be playing first-team football and somebody who’s hungry because he’s playing for the England U21s.

“You’re getting a player who, throughout his progression, has scored goals, so he knows where the net is, which is fantastic for that level of team.

“West Brom is a funny team as they used to be a team who yo-yo’d between the Premier League and the Championship, always ended up getting back up, staying up for a bit, then coming down, but always knowing they were going to come back up at some point.

“They need to establish themselves again, and they’ve got a young manager, so it’ll be interesting to see what he can get out of the squad and then what he can bring in. He has got to establish what he has right now and then see where he can plug the gaps because he’s got good pedigree from the Spurs' youth setup.”

Dane Scarlett wouldn’t be first choice in the West Brom striker pecking order

Dane Scarlett showed what he could do in flashes while on loan at Oxford United, scoring four times from 20 appearances, including a last-minute equaliser against the Baggies.

The frontman was recalled from the Kassam Stadium and only featured three times in the Premier League before requiring groin surgery, with Scarlett expected to make a return later this month and be ready for pre-season.

It would be a case of Albion easing him back into action if he joined, while Scarlett isn't expected to be preferred ahead of the likes of Josh Maja or Daryl Dike if they have an injury-free season.

Albion will require another striker for depth if Maja and Dike end up on the treatment table, so it appears a move for Scarlett wouldn’t be in the best interests of his career, unless Ryan Mason shows immense faith in the 21-year-old.

Forget Jamie Donley: Ryan Mason should make a different Spurs wonderkid his first West Brom signing

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Forget Jamie Donley: Ryan Mason should make a different Spurs wonderkid his first West Brom signing - Football League World
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West Bromwich Albion will hope that their recent appointment of Ryan Mason can propel the Baggies back into promotion contention next season, and they are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window.

There has already been a bit of upheaval with the departures of Semi Ajayi, John Swift and Grady Diangana, and Albion are on the hunt for something of a rebuild with the nucleus of a strong and exciting squad.

Last month, before Mason’s appointment, West Brom had been linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Jamie Donley, who has enjoyed an extremely impressive loan stint at Leyton Orient in League One this season.

Mason’s connections to Spurs, having been a coach there for a few years following his playing career where he came through the academy in North London, mean that there are likely to be rumours of Tottenham youngsters heading to The Hawthorns throughout this summer.

However, following the fairly underwhelming loan of Will Lankshear last year and despite links to Donley following his impressive season, one man that West Brom should plot an ambitious swoop for would be Mikey Moore.

Mikey Moore would be a coup for West Brom

Now, this one would be an ambitious move but, with Mason now in West Bromwich, it would also be a deal that could work extremely well for all parties.

It would help Spurs develop Moore, with him becoming a regular for a likely strong side in the Championship, and West Brom bringing in someone who should become one of the most exciting players in the division.

The 17-year-old Southwark-born attacker made his Spurs debut in the 2023/24 campaign, but has gone on to make 19 appearances for the UEFA Europa League winners across all competitions in the 2024/25 season.

He has notched just one goal in those 19 games, but has often lit up the pitch when he has been granted minutes by Ange Postecoglou, and, for his age, looks an extremely exciting talent.

The England U19 international, who has scored ten goals in 12 caps for the U17 side, could find a route into the first-team even more difficult at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season, with UEFA Champions League football unlikely to allow whoever is in charge to rotate or experiment too much.

Spurs have a deep squad, and particularly in attack, with Moore having had to compete with the likes of Richarlison, Son Heung-min, Mathys Tel, Timo Werner, Dominic Solanke, Dane Scarlett, Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski in the final third this season.

It wouldn’t be a shock to see Premier League suitors for Moore, but if he was to go out on loan and if West Brom were able to prize him to the Championship, then it would be an extremely impressive signing.

Baggies should favour Mikey Moore deal over Jamie Donley - he could be ideal Tom Fellows replacement

Jamie Donley has enjoyed an excellent spell at Brisbane Road this season with Orient, as they missed out on an unlikely promotion to the Championship by losing the League One play-off final to Charlton Athletic.

He does play a different position to Moore, with Donley more of a ‘number ten’, whilst Moore gets deployed out-wide, so it wouldn’t be a bad thing, or necessarily a surprising thing, at all to see both head to join Mason.

However, if it was to be one or the other, then the excitement level for Moore would likely be higher, with no real understanding of just what his ceiling could be.

If Tom Fellows was to depart this summer, with Everton said to have been interested in the past, then Moore would be an ideal replacement for the England U21 international.

Brentford plotting Ipswich Town raid in event of Tottenham, Thomas Frank swoop

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Brentford are looking at Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna as a Thomas Frank replacement option in case he moves to Tottenham Hotspur.

A relegation straight back to the Championship wasn't what McKenna and the Tractor Boys had in mind for the 2024/25 campaign, but the odds were always stacked against them. Their drop was confirmed with four games to go after a 3-0 loss to Newcastle United.

It's becoming harder and harder for newly promoted clubs to stay afloat in the top flight. One of the last teams to do it was Brentford, who have way overperformed the expectations that were put on them and are now heading into a fifth-straight Premier League campaign next time out.

A lot of their success can be put down to smart recruitment, but also the work of their Danish manager. Frank, despite his brilliant performances, hasn't been recruited heavily by first division alumni up until now.

He has emerged as a strong candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou, who may be pushed overboard by Spurs after his Europa League final win over Manchester United.

Brentford see Kieran McKenna as a Thomas Frank replacement option

If Frank does head for north London, the Bees have Ipswich's boss down as a potential target, according to Football Insider. McKenna is seen as a strong option to take over from the 51-year-old at the GTech Community Stadium.

Town's relegation hasn't done much damage at all to the Northern Irishman's reputation. He led the East Anglian club to back-to-back promotions in order to reach the Premier League, using many of the same players he used in the third tier at the summit of English football.

His ability to get the absolute most out of his players would fit in line with what Frank has done so far in his six-plus-year stint with Brentford.

Premier League move may prove too tempting for Kieran McKenna this time

McKenna's name was on the lips of Premier League clubs before Ipswich's official return to the first division. Crystal Palace were heavily linked with the former Manchester United coach before they brought in Oliver Glasner.

The Red Devils and Chelsea also thought about appointing McKenna before he signed a new deal to extend his stay at Portman Road until the summer of 2028.

Ipswich may find it tough to hold onto their crown jewel this time around. Previously, they had the prospect, and then the guarantee, of Premier League football to use to convince the 39-year-old to stick around.

Now they are on their way back down the pyramid, and, even though the Tractor Boys are one of the favourites to go back up again, McKenna won't be able to coach them in the top flight for at least another season.

The temptation of a well-run, established Premier League machine like Brentford may be too tough for him to turn down.

Leeds United eyeing shock transfer for Tottenham's Yves Bissouma

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Leeds United eyeing Tottenham transfer raid - It's not Manor Solomon - Football League World
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Leeds United have been linked with a shock move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma ahead of the summer transfer window, in which Daniel Farke is expected to be backed with a competitive and sizeable transfer kitty in excess of £100 million.

According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, Leeds are on the search for additional midfield options after achieving promotion to the Premier League as champions under Daniel Farke and could eye Bissouma's signature.

The Whites were a force of nature for much of the 2024/25 Championship campaign, ultimately lifting the league title with 100 points at the second attempt following their play-off final defeat to Southampton in the club's first season back in the second-tier.

They will, however, recognise the significance of strong investment in order to bridge the ever-widening gap between English football's top two divisions, which has seen each of the last six promoted sides relegated straight back down with a whimper.

Leeds are intent on bucking that trend, and are reportedly set to arm Farke with more than £100 million in a bid to re-establish themselves back in the top-flight. As ever, a number of players have already been linked with a switch to Elland Road, such as Sheffield United star Gus Hamer, 24/25 loan sensation Manor Solomon and goalkeeping duo Nick Pope and James Trafford.

The latest player potentially in line to move to West Yorkshire this summer, it would seem, is Bissouma, in a somewhat surprising recent development.

Leeds United linked with Tottenham Hotspur's Yves Bissouma

Bissouma could be on his way out of Spurs following a disappointing campaign in North London, which saw the midfielder start on just 16 occasions in the Premier League as Ange Postecoglou's side finished all the way down in 17th position.

He did, however, play the full 90 minutes of Spurs' recent 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final, securing Champions League football for the upcoming campaign.

Bissouma, who joined Spurs in an initial £25 million deal from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer of 2022, may still be deemed surplus to requirements at the club as a rigorous post-season assessment takes place, and that has seen him linked with a move to Leeds.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ben Jacobs has described the Whites as "one to watch" in the potential race for Bissouma's signature.

Jacobs said: "He wants to stay in the Premier League. I'm told Leeds are another one to watch.

"They're looking to add another midfielder. It will all come down to finances and wages for them too."

The 28-year-old has made 100 appearances for Spurs across all competitions in his three seasons with the club, and has played 191 times in the domestic top-flight overall if you include his previous stay at Brighton.

Bissouma's Premier League experience, which usurps that of anybody else in Farke's squad, is likely to appeal to Leeds, who would perhaps find a notable boost to their ambitions of surviving the first season back in the big time with the addition of the 37-cap Mali international.

Yves Bissouma's Tottenham Hotspur contract and salary amid Leeds United transfer interest

Bissouma could arrive as a relatively cost-effective acquisition, at least in terms of the base transfer fee, owing to his contract situation with Spurs.

Just one year remains on the four-year deal he penned to sign from Brighton back in 2022, and it doesn't seem likely that a new contract will appear on the table after struggling to establish himself as a consistent starter over the last twelve months.

As per Capology estimates, that contract currently sees Bissouma take home a weekly wage of £55,000. Should Bissouma complete a move to Leeds while remaining on his present salary, he would be the club's third-highest estimated earner behind Patrick Bamford and Junior Firpo, the latter of whom is poised to leave next month.

"I keep hearing" - Update dropped as Spurs push to sign Southampton FC star

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"I keep hearing" - Update dropped as Spurs push to sign Southampton FC star Tyler Dibing - Football League World
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Tottenham Hotspur feel that Tyler Dibling would want to join them should they submit a bid for the Southampton starlet, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The hope at St Mary's is that they will be able to reach another summer of nine-figure sales, emulating the last time they were relegated to the Championship, and that's just from their top English commodities.

It had been reported that they valued Dibling, 19, who has been linked with a number of the Premier League's biggest establishments, at £100 million, which, if met, would make up chairman Dragan Solak's sales hopes in one go. It has since been reported, however, by the Daily Echo that the Saints would want something in the region of half of that bank-breaking amount.

Spurs are one of the teams that have shown keen interest in the midfielder. They had a bid worth £35 million rejected by Southampton for Dibling in January, according to Football Insider. They still feel confident in their abilities to sign the prospect, but there are some question marks hanging over the deal.

Tottenham consider £40 million Tyler Dibling move

According to Jacobs, Spurs would be willing to pay around what they did for James Maddison after he was relegated with Leicester City in 2023 (£40 million). And while they do see Dibling's high ceiling, there is a bit of concern over his lack of playing time towards the end of last season which could prevent them from taking the plunge with the teenager.

"Tyler Dibling is the one that I keep hearing too in terms of a versatile attacker," said the journalist on the Last Word on Spurs podcast. "For him on the right side, Southampton have this public grandstanding £100 million number. But that's not my understanding.

"That's pretty much just games, and Tottenham's perspective with Dibling is that they are pretty much leading the race and now determining if they want to bid.

"And by that, I mean that they feel the player wants to join Tottenham, but they've not decided yet whether because of the second half of the season he had in the Premier League where he didn't play as much, they actually want to proceed with a bid.

"But if they do, they feel like the player will say yes. And the perspective of Spurs is, this isn't a £100 million deal. This is closer to the number that was paid for James Madison. So maybe 40, 45 million might be good enough."

Southampton will be under no pressure to let Dibling leave

Apart from Kyle Walker-Peters, who has now been linked with south coast rivals Brighton & Hove Albion, all of Southampton's best assets are tied down to long-term deals. Dibling's contract runs until the summer of 2027, giving the club plenty of bargaining power in any negotiations with Spurs or other Premier League sides who might fancy going after the midfielder this summer.

"With respect" - Exclusive: How Don Goodman feels about Wrexham AFC signing Spurs star Ben Davies

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"With respect" - Exclusive: How Don Goodman feels about Wrexham AFC signing Spurs star Ben Davies - Football League World
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Pundit Don Goodman has doubted whether Ben Davies will drop down to the Championship with Wrexham, and may consider better offers as the summer transfer window progresses.

The Welsh outfit have made a return to the second tier for the first time in 43 years and have become the first-ever side to register three consecutive promotions from non-league all the way to the Championship.

Preparations will be getting underway for a crucial summer transfer window, which will be a defining period to where the Red Dragons find themselves come the end of the next campaign.

Talk will brew over whether Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney can help deliver a fourth straight promotion to the top-flight with Phil Parkinson at the helm, but the immediate focus has to be steering clear of the dreaded dropzone.

Wrexham’s summer transfer links have already revolved around players with vast amounts of experience at the top levels of English football, with the likes of Patrick Bamford, Tom Cairney and Jamie Vardy previously rumoured with moves to the Racecourse Ground.

Now, Tottenham defender Ben Davies is the latest name to be thrown into the rumour mill, with the Welshman reportedly entering talks with Wrexham.

Pundit Don Goodman weighs up how likely this move could be and whether he will be wearing a Wrexham shirt come the opening day of the 2025-26 term.

Don Goodman casts doubt over Wrexham move for Ben Davies

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman believes Ben Davies could consider a drop-down to the Championship to earn more game time, but believes he will get more attractive opportunities than Wrexham over the course of the transfer window.

Goodman said: “It seems every player that Wrexham are linked with seems to be the wrong side of 30, but at 32-years-old, and with all that experience, I can understand the appeal of Ben Davies.

“He’s a player that’s looked after himself, so he’s still probably got a few years left. Would he want to drop to the Championship? Maybe.

“He's only started 14 Premier League games last season and 12 the season before, so from his personal perspective, he is now at an age where he needs to be playing football week in and week out, and a club like Wrexham would give him that opportunity.

“It may be a case though, that he may get better offers with respect to Wrexham, so we'll wait and see.”

Ben Davies would be a shrewd addition for Wrexham this summer

Wrexham desperately need players with experience to help them navigate the challenges of a relentless 46-game Championship season, and Ben Davies could be the missing piece to help Wrexham have a resolute defence.

While he may have lost that extra yard of pace, Davies has been an ever-present player in the Premier League and has proven he still has what it takes to play in the top-flight after being a valuable squad player for Ange Postecoglou.

To have a figure of that ilk drop down to the second tier would be a fabulous piece of business, with Davies being able to use his knowhow and excellent ability to read the game to help limit the chances Wrexham concede, which will stand them in great stead of not being sucked into a relegation dogfight.

Whether Wrexham possess the pulling power for someone like the 32-year-old yet remains to be seen, but a return to Wales could be appealing if other moves fail to surface.