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Tottenham contract offer "very, very good" but target could snub Spurs for Premier League rivals

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Tottenham contract offer "very, very good" but target could snub Spurs for Premier League rivals - LondonWorld
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Tottenham Hotspur are looking to add more signings before the transfer window closes

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It has been a good start to life under Thomas Frank for Tottenham Hotspur and the club are looking to hand the manager further players to bolster his squad before the transfer window shuts.

Spurs lost the Super Cup final to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties but showed encouraging signs in that game and kicked off their Premier League campaign with a 3-0 win over Burnley. Up next is the small matter of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Tottenham are hoping to get a deal done for Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze done before the transfer deadline but he is not the only man from Selhurst Park eyed by Spurs this summer.

Marc Guehi has been the subject of interest from North London. A £70m bid was made in late January while Newcastle United had four bids rejected last summer and have been linked again this window.

Spurs made ‘very, very good offer’ to Marc Guehi

According to Spurs insider Paul O’Keefe, the North London side have made the 25-year-old a ‘very good offer’ on personal terms this window to Guehi. However, Guehi only wants to move to Liverpool. The reigning Premier League champions reportedly agreed personal terms with the player last week.

Speaking on the Last Word On Spurs podcast, O’Keefe said: “The word within Palace is that it’s basically Liverpool or bust. He (a Palace source) did say the offer from Spurs on personal terms was very, very good. But it might be case with Marc that if he doesn’t get his Liverpool move, he’ll stay this season, see it out and leave on a free.

“If you think about it logically, we offered £70 million for Guehi and the club were prepared to accept that fee but the player’s camp said it’s too late in the window, we don’t have time to access their offer and are not interested. Now, because of that, Palace have lost probably £40 million because if Palace sell him it’s likely to reach £30 million.”

Thomas Frank delighted with long-term deal for Romero

One defender who certainly will be at Spurs this season is Cristian Romero, who penned a new long-term contract at Spurs on Monday. He had been linked with Atletico Madrid ahead of the summer but that interest has never really intensified.

Romero was named as captain by Frank following the departure of So Heung-min and is delighted to see the player sign a new contract.

"Of course, extremely happy," said Thomas. "He's a very important player for us, just been named captain so that speaks for itself.

"For me, he's one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and, to have him locked down long-term, every fan, me, staff, should be extremely happy.

"It also shows he's committed to the journey we're on and the future and the bits we're building together. Very happy."

"I always thought he was one of the better centre-backs," he added. "Then you realise that when you get to work with him closely for the past six weeks, you get to know the person a little bit and also clearly his strength and development areas.

"What he can bring on the ball: he's extremely composed, finds the right passes, his aggression in duels and commitment and willingness to win for the team, is defending in the box is extremely good and then he's also a set piece threat."

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Tottenham confirm major coup in Thomas Frank masterstroke - opinion

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Tottenham confirm major coup in Thomas Frank masterstroke - opinion - LondonWorld
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Thomas Frank must be given credit for contract news coming from Tottenham Hotspur.

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has signed a new four-year deal with the club in what is a major boost to Thomas Frank and credit to the new manager.

Prior to the Europa League triumph and departure of Ange Postecoglou, the 27-year-old looked ready to quit the club. Romero had dropped hints at a potential exit, hinting at a desire to keep “growing and also going to new places to keep improving”. He added that he’d love to play in La Liga.

With reports that Atletico Madrid were monitoring a transfer, those comments were pretty incendiary and it seemed just a question of when and not if the player left. An emotional parting message to Postecoglou also hinted at a disapproval at the club’s decision to sack the manager.

Cristian Romero linked with Atletico Madrid transfer

Romero wrote: “Ange,thank you for these two incredible seasons. You’re a fantastic coach, but above all, a great person who deserves the best.

“From day one you paved the way despite the many obstacles that always existed and always will exist. Beyond everything, we won a trophy and went down in the history of this beautiful club, which is the only thing that matters. I wish you the best because you deserve the best, and thank you for everything.”

In July, Spurs were linked with the likes of Maxime Esteve, Marc Guehi and Japhet Tanganga. Frank himself also couldn’t promise that the player would stay. When asked about the defender earlier this summer, he said: "Right now he’s here, that’s what I’m focusing on. As long as players are here, I’m training them, I’m playing with them.”

Thomas Frank coup as Spurs confirm new contract

It’s therefore quite the turn of events to see Romero sign a new four-year deal and extend his stay at Spurs until 2029. That’s credit to the work Frank has done to prove to the player that he can benefit from playing under him and in the manager’s plans for the club.

Keeping the World Cup winner is just as big a coup as a marquee signing, such as £55 million man Mohammed Kudus. Frank’s work to persuade Romero to stay is all the more important given that Son Heung-min left the club to join LAFC.

To have lost the experience of those two huge players could have been detrimental in helping oversee the transition to Frank’s management this season. Speaking about the player over the weekend, Frank said: "I think when you name a captain it’s because you think he’s the best that can help the team no matter what, now and also in the future. It’s not really linked with the contract situation. Of course he’s a very good player so I want him to stay longer.

"I would say I’ve worked with him now closely for more than five weeks. I’ve seen a very, very committed player who’s trained very well. The staff have said to me they’ve never seen him train that well. He’s in a very good place. I see a player that will want to lead the team and push the team."

In other news, Tottenham 'seriously considering' £60m bid for La Liga winger after Everton, Bournemouth and West Ham offers.

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Tottenham 'seriously considering' £60m bid for 'dangerous' La Liga ace

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing an improved bid for an in-demand La Liga winner

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Tottenham Hotspur kicked off their Premier League season in perfect fashion with a 3-0 win over newly-promoted Burnley in North London on Saturday afternoon.

Richarlison scored in each half - with his second goal a stunning overhead kick on the hour mark - before Brennan Johnson sealed the win with a goal 25 minutes from the end of the game. A clean sheet also marked a positive in Thomas Frank’s second competitive game in charge at Spurs.

New signing Mohammed Kudus got off to a flying start in front of the Tottenham faifthful with two assists as Spurs now prepare for an intriguing clash against Manchester City this coming weekend.

Pep Guardiola’s side got their season off to flyer with a 4-0 win at Wolves. Spurs are looking to further strengthen their squad ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline and reports in Spain indicate they could be about to make a big move to add more threat to their attack.

Tottenham ‘seriously considering’ £60m offer for Takefusa Kubo

According to reports in Spain from Fichajes, Spurs are “seriously considering making the financial commitment” it would take to sign Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad. The outlet reports: “Real Sociedad won't consider his departure for less than €70 million (£60m), an amount that reflects both his sporting value and his future potential.”

It was reported by the same outlet last week that West Ham United, Spurs, Everton and Bournemouth had ‘expressed’ a willingness to match the player’s release clause but all four clubs made initial offers for the player at around the £34m mark. None of which have been accepted.

The 24-year-old Japan international has already been capped 44 times by his country and has been with Real Sociedad since 2022. He arrived in Europe with Real Madrid but spent most of his time out on loan at various other Spanish clubs. He has played over 100 times for Sociedad.

Tottenham ‘definitely in the market’ for more signings

Speaking after Saturday’s win over Burnley, Frank said of the club’s transfer business: "We are definitely in the market. I said it before, Daniel and Johan and Vinai are working relentlessly to try to do their best to improve the squad, but we only want to improve the squad if we can't get players in that can improve squad. I want to keep it like is."

Spurs have been linked with Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze but Frank was not drawn on specific speculation. He added: "I have that nice principle that I would like to speak about the players that are in-house and all the other speculations I don't want to speak too much about that."

Frank also insisted he has always been a fan of Richarlison following the forward’s two goals on Saturday. He said: "Yes, I always liked Richarlison. I always thought he was good when he played for Everton and when he came to Tottenham we know he struggled with some injuries.

“He was unlucky also. So, we're very aware that we need to build him and protect him, because we can't say we just did as he played two games back-to-back. He did well in both and then we're out of the woods, that we need to prove over a little bit longer time, but the first signs are good."

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Win': Tottenham and West Ham sent enticing £20m transfer message

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'It's Win-Win': Tottenham and West Ham sent enticing £20m transfer message by Championship manager - LondonWorld
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Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards has provided an update over the future of Hayden Hackney.

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Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham have been sent an enticing ‘come and get him’ message by Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards over the future of in-demand midfielder Hayden Hackney.

Boro romped to a 3-0 victory away from home at Millwall on Saturday, with the 23-year-old opening the scoring after 49 minutes. Hackney continues to play and impress for the Championship side even as rumours swirl over his future.

Hackney picked up five goals and three assists for Middlesbrough last season and went on to turn heads with the England under-21 side this summer as they tasted Euros triumph. Hackney is a product of the Boro academy and has never left the club, apart from a brief loan stay at Scunthorpe United.

Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham linked with Middlesbrough midfielder

It had been widely reported that Ipswich Town had seen a £20 million bid for Hackney accepted by Boro but that move has not gone through with the player supposedly biding his time for a potential Premier League suitor.

Tottenham Hotspur had been named as frontrunners by GiveMeSport with West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham all reported as interested outfits by Sky Sports in July. Hackney is believed to be wanting a promise of first team game time when it comes to choosing his next venture.

Speaking after the player impressed against Boro, Rob Edwards insisted that he was happy at the club but teased that the club remains open to a sale. He said: “I’ve said it before, it’s win-win either way. But I’m not really thinking about it right now. I see him as being here and a big part of this group. It’s win-win either way. His performance today was excellent and he got the goal. I think he loves this club.”

Hackney turns in ‘excellent’ performance against Millwall

In relation to his performance against Millwall, Edwards said: “I thought Hayden was excellent today. Loads of energy, loads of quality and a real desire and passion. He won a lot of duels and his running was really good. That’s the best he’s looked for us since coming back from his success over the summer with the national team.

“He’s a winner and he’s proven that, being part of a really successful team. You can see it out there, he loves the club. He’s been extremely professional throughout and he loves the club. I couldn’t be happier with him. The way I see things right now, he’s here with us and that’s all there is to it right now.

“He loves the place, and I think his performance showed that. It’s been hard for him over these last couple of weeks. I’ll always check in with him, but players will quite often just give you the ‘I’m alright Rob’, because they don’t want to tell me the truth. So I’m constantly checking in with him because he’s had a lot going on. I think what I, and everyone, has got to do is judge him on performances. His work ethic and desire was all there for everyone to see today.”

In other news, Tottenham dealt fresh £55m transfer blow by Premier League rival.

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Eberechi Eze stirs Tottenham links with emotional Crystal Palace gesture

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Eberechi Eze stirs Tottenham links with emotional Crystal Palace gesture at Chelsea - opinion - LondonWorld
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Tottenham Hotspur continue to push to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze following an injury to James Maddison.

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Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze held his hands to his heart as he was applauded by travelling fans at Stamford Bridge on Sunday following the 0-0 draw with Chelsea.

The England international was almost the difference maker in the match, having blasted a free-kick through the Blues defence and past Robert Sanchez in the first half. However, VAR chimed in to rule that goal out due to an interference from Eagles teammate Marc Guehi.

All eyes were on Eze on Sunday amid rampant rumours of an imminent switch to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. It had been speculated that the 27-year-old would not make the matchday squad against Chelsea due to transfer talk.

Eberechi Eze shares emotional moment with Crystal Palace fans

In the end, Eze did travel to Stamford Bridge and started the game for Crystal Palace too. The player had played the full 90 minutes in the FA Community Shield win over Liverpool last weekend.

Eze was taken off by Oliver Glasner in the 83rd minute and received rapturous applause from the away end. As he walked off, Eze turned around and stopped in his tracks to face the supporters with intention, applauding back.

As the full-time whistle blew, Eze took his time shaking hands with the Chelsea players, engaging in a long chat with England teammate Cole Palmer while his Crystal Palace colleagues thanked their fans.

Only when the vast majority of Crystal Palace players had left the pitch did Eze make his way over to the Crystal Palace faithful to share an emotional moment. The fans cheered and sang a rendition of ‘Eze’s on fire’ as the player looked on. In what some may say is a parting message, he then clasped his hands to his heart and walked off the pitch.

Spurs pushing for Eagles £55m transfer

The Crystal Palace star did have a £68 million release clause in his Crystal Palace contract but that has now expired. That does not rule out an exit with Spurs said to have agreed personal terms with the player and a new £55 million fee plus add-ons touted by The Guardian.

Arsenal had also been linked with the player but have since splurged on several marquee first team signings and are now likely to have to sell before they can buy again. Tottenham Hotspur’s only significant outlays have come in Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel with Thomas Frank needing a new midfielder following a serious injury to James Maddison.

Providing the latest on the Eze transfer saga before kick-off, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano wrote: “Eberechi Eze starts today and same expected to happen for Marc Guehi, clear plan by Oliver Glasner. Negotiations for Eze to Tottenham remain advanced but deal not sealed yet, so Glasner wants to trust Eberechi. Talks also continue for Guehi to Liverpool but also not done.”

In other news, Chelsea Player Ratings: 'Terrier' 8/10 but 'passenger' 5 against Crystal Palace.

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Tottenham dealt fresh £55m transfer blow by Premier League rival

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Spurs are not as far forward in a transfer negotiation as reports had suggested on Saturday.

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Tottenham Hotspur have had their hopes of landing an imminent transfer for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze dealt a fresh blow on Sunday afternoon.

The England international has emerged as a top target for Spurs and reports on Saturday suggested that a deal was so close to completion that Eze would not feature in the Crystal Palace squad to take on Chelsea.

The attacking midfielder played the full 90 minutes in the FA Community Shield triumph over Liverpool last weekend, which Oliver Glasner’s side won on penalties.

Tottenham Hotspur push for Crystal Palace transfer

Eze has been linked with a move to both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal this summer but it appears to be the former side who are frontrunners. The Gunners have invested heavily in their side already this summer and are now widely thought to be in a position where they need to sell-to-buy.

Spurs have been more frugal with just £55 million man Mohammed Kudus through the door as a marquee signing, as well as the loan move of Mathys Tel being made permanent.

Amid reports of a potential absence on Sunday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano had claimed: “Eberechi Eze has informed Crystal Palace earlier this weeks about his desire to join Tottenham. Talks progressing as Eze already said yes to Spurs project, ready to make his move this month. Nothing done yet but Eze hopes for #THFC move asap.”

Eberechi Eze included in Eagles XI at Chelsea

Romano then added: “No guarantee yet on Eberechi Eze out of Crystal Palace squad for Chelsea game. Negotiations advancing with Tottenham, agreement done with the player who has informed Palace of his desire…but not a done deal yet; so Glasner and his staff will decide on Sunday morning.”

While Tottenham Hotspur supporters may have had built up hopes of an imminent announcement, Eze has now been confirmed in the Crystal Palace matchday squad. Not only has the player travelled to Stamford Bridge, but he has been named in the starting XI by Glasner.

Eze still has another two years left on his Crystal Palace contract, meaning that the club is not pressured to sanction an exit this summer. The forward did have a £68 million release clause in his contract this summer but that was not activated by Spurs or any potential suitor.

The Guardian claim that a deal is now looking likely to cost £55 million plus add-ons. However, as he continues to play for Crystal Palace, any heroics at Chelsea could push that fee up for Spurs.

In other news, Tottenham star has rubbed salt into West Ham wounds today - opinion.

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Tottenham star has rubbed salt into West Ham wounds today - opinion

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Graham Potter has a very big mountain to climb at West Ham following defeat to Sunderland.

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West Ham endured a nightmare start to the Premier League season as they were blown away by newly promoted Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, the hosts romping to a 3-0 win.

While it will be the weekend’s most head-turning result, it was perhaps not too hard to predict. The Hammers have been quiet in the transfer window, even after a thoroughly underwhelming campaign last time out.

El Hadji Malick Diouf arriving from Slavia Prague for £19 million is the most exciting piece of business but he is far from proven in the Premier League. Callum Wilson in, but is famously injury prone, and Kyle Walker-Peters has all the feel of a squad player.

West Ham struggle against newly promoted Sunderland

If little changes, it’s hard to expect much to change. Potter has had a full pre-season to work with his squad but there was a worrying apathy about the showing against Sunderland.

West Ham not only need new blood in their squad fast, but they appear to need a rocket sent to them. The struggles on Saturday were made even harder to take by what was going on at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Where West Ham struggled against the newcomers, Spurs eased past Burnley and recorded their own 3-0 win. Richarlison bagged a brace with Brennan Johnson also on the scoresheet, but it was a man with two assists who also caught the eye.

That was former Hammer Mohammed Kudus. The 25-year-old set up both of Richarlison’s goals in his 85 minutes on the pitch and earned plaudits for his performance.

Assigning him an 8/10 for his showing, Football.London said: “Picked out Richarlison for an early assist on his home debut with a low cross and then did so again with the ball for his second. Another strong display from the Ghana international with some good defensive work as well.”

Mohammed Kudus rubs salt into West Ham wounds

It rubs salt into West Ham wounds. The club pocketed £55 million for selling Kudus but have spent little of that on new recruits who could have made an impact this weekend in the same way Kudus did.

What’s more, it hints at a bigger problem at the London Stadium. Kudus’ character was questioned at times last season amid disciplinary issues and barren patches. Yet, under the new management of Thomas Frank, he looked reborn.

Against Burnley, the Ghana international looked about as good as he ever has done. The bit between his teeth, his performance oozed a flair and excitement that was devoid from West Ham. Hammers fans have every right to be infuriated by the situation.

In other news, 'Here We Go': West Ham and Crystal Palace to lose £25m transfer race to Premier League rival.

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Tottenham sent Richarlison warning after Burnley brace heroics

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Thomas Frank was helped to a first Premier League win as Tottenham Hotspur boss by Richarlison.

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Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has warned the club that they will have to take the ‘rough with the smooth’ when it comes to striker Richarlison this season, following his heroics against Burnley.

The Brazilian has been linked with an exit from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at points this summer, with former club Everton said to be sniffing around at one point. It had looked as if Dominic Solanke would be the first choice target man under Thomas Frank.

However, Richarlison was given the starting berth against Burnley on the opening weekend of the Premier League season as Solanke works his way back to full fitness. The 28-year-old did not disappoint and put in a head-turning performance.

Richarlison bags brace but labelled ‘scruffy’

Richarlison netted in the 10th minute and the 60th minute of the 3-0 win, the second goal a stunning volley which has been touted as a goal of the season contender. The player only manager four league goals last season and is already halfway to bettering that tally.

Sherwood was on punditry duties on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday and heaped praise on Richarlison, but warned that the player would blow hot and cold this season. When asked if the Spurs performance warranted the one-sided score, he said: “I would have to say, yes. They huffed and puffed a little bit Burnley but they’ve not had any clear cut chances. They don’t look clinical enough and don’t look like they have the quality in the final third.

“Tottenham have been clinical with their chances. You’ll never find a scruffier player than Richarlison and I mean that in the nicest way. He does some spectacular things but the next time he’s got an easy ball up to him and he lets the defender come through in. You take the rough with the smooth with Richarlison, he’s been so effective today. He’s come off the field now, Tottenham were in cruise control.”

Tottenham striker links up with summer signing

Frank’s side bounced back from UEFA Super Cup defeat against Paris Saint-Germain with the win and are next in action against Manchester City next weekend before welcoming AFC Bournemouth at home at the end of the month.

Richarlison was also praised by former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on the BBC with the former player noting the combination between the striker and new signing Mohammed Kudus.

He said: “It was comfortable in the end for Tottenham. There were moments where they weren't sharp enough and didn't have enough energy. The half-time talk did the job from Thomas Frank because they were a different side in the second half. They deservedly furthered their lead, the third was a brilliant team move. Richarlison's combinations with Kudus were the highlights of today. It's a good start to a new campaign under a new manager.”

In other news, Tottenham starting XI with Eberechi Eze as Crystal Palace 'braced' for bid.

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up v Burnley with £55m man and 'phenomenal' striker

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Tottenham predicted line-up v Burnley with £55m man, 'phenomenal' striker and new midfielder - LondonWorld
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Thomas Frank has big decisions to make for his starting XI ahead of beginning the Premier League campaign against Burnley.

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Tottenham Hotspur kick off their Premier League campaign against Burnley on Saturday and Thomas Frank is looking to bounce back from midweek UEFA Super Cup defeat.

For 85 minutes, it looked as if Spurs would get the better of the French giants and add a piece of silverware to the cabinet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, before a late capitulation and penalty defeat.

Speaking ahead of Burnley, Frank said: “Every game has its own challenges. The challenge tomorrow, of course, can we get enough tempo in the game? Can we play quick enough? How do we break down the low block of a 5-4-1? That’s the focus, let’s keep the tempo, keep the intensity, make sure we put pressure on them.”

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI to face Burnley

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Djed Spence

Spurs were porous under Ange Postecoglou last season and that will need to change in order to avoid another underwhelming campaign this time around. However, there’s been little new blood at the back with Thomas Frank likely to deploy a familiar looking back four in front of Vicario.

There had been talk of Romero quitting the club this summer with Atletico Madrid linked, but he now looks set to play a big role as captain. Porro has been handed a busy role by the new manager while Van de Ven will look to bounce back from his penalty heartbreak midweek.

Thomas Frank on ‘phenomenal’ Richarlison

Midfielders: Joao Palihinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr

There could be new faces in midfield and in attack. Joao Palhinha was only signed earlier this month and Frank admitted he is going to need some time to get up to pace following his first outing against Bayern Munich. The manager said: “I think it’s natural – there’s been, how can you say, a very short turnaround. He just came back, and he hasn’t played much for a long time. So, getting 45 good minutes into him was positive. He still needs a bit of a build-up.”

However, the former Fulham man could be fast tracked with injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, while Yves Bissouma was left out against Paris Saint-Germain for disciplinary reasons. Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr have emerged as favourites in pre-season.

Forwards: Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert

Spurs paid £55 million to snap up Mohammed Kudus from West Ham and he’s already looking a shoo-in. Dominic Solanke returned from injury against PSG but a starting berth against Burnley could come too soon. Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson will be hoping for a role on the left but Wilson Odobert has seen a good handful of pre-season minutes and appears liked by Frank.

Speaking about Richarlison, Frank said: “I think Richy was really phenomenal (against PSG), his hold up play, his intensity, his pressing, his arriving in the box, some of it was really top, his attitude, top, top, top. I hope to see more of that. Of course, we’re aware of the fitness situation

“ That's something we've monitored closely. That's why, for example, he didn't play the first friendly against Reading, because he didn’t feel he was ready. We’ll do our best to help him. He's very focused, that's the main thing, and hopefully he can keep those levels.”

In other news, Tottenham starting XI with Eberechi Eze as Crystal Palace 'braced' for bid.

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Tottenham starting XI with Eberechi Eze as Crystal Palace 'braced' for bid

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Eberechi Eze could complete a strong new-look Tottenham Hotspur starting XI

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Tottenham Hotspur were hugely unlucky to taste defeat on penalties in their first competitive match under Thomas Frank, as European champions PSG ran out winners in the UEFA Super Cup final in Udine.

Spurs had led 2-0 until the final ten minutes, when quick-fire goals by two PSG substitutes took the showpiece final to a penalty shoot-out which was won by Luis Enrique’s side.

Amidst multiple attacking injuries, Spurs had started in an unfamiliar 5-3-2 formation in an attempt to nullify PSG’s threats, which almost worked perfectly. While this demonstrates Frank’s adaptability in comparison with predecessor Ange Postecoglou right from the jump, it begs the question of how the Lilywhites will line up in the Premier League under their new head coach.

They may still add to the side in attacking areas with the signing of Crystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze, amidst reports that the Eagles are ‘braced’ for a bid from Spurs for their prized asset. With Eze in the side, we had a look at how Spurs could line up if the Palace man moves to N17.

How Tottenham’s defensive unit could line up under Thomas Frank

While it is possible that a back five is used in crunch matches in the Champions League, it is more likely that Frank plays with four at the back in the league so to get more attacking players on the pitch than we saw in the Super Cup final.

Guglielmo Vicario will continue in goal with reliable central defensive partnership Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in front of him. When the pair remain fit they are one of the best defensive duos in the Premier League, but after recent seasons, that remains a big if. Both central defenders netted from set pieces against PSG, demonstrating their threat in both boxes.

In the full-back area, Pedro Porro looks set to start on the right and bomb on to create goals at the other end. Djed Spence will likely begin the season at left-back after an impressive campaign last term, while Destiny Udogie will offer him competition and hope to regain his place in the side once he is fully fit after returning from injury.

How Spurs could look in midfield and attack with Eze

Spurs have signed Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich this summer and the former Fulham man started in midfield against PSG. He could be partnered by Pape Matar Sarr, though Rodrigo Bentancur will offer competition for the pair and there is likely to be rotation.

It is in the attacking positions where an already exciting array of talent could yet reach a new level. Should Eze arrive from Palace, he would slot perfectly into James Maddison’s No.10 spot and may even make it difficult for the playmaker to return to the starting XI when he returns from his ACL injury next year.

With Dejan Kulusevski also out injured, Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson could take up the wide positions either side of Eze. Even this remains up in the air, though, as Spurs have been linked with a left winger and Europa League final match-winner Johnson remained on the bench for the entire 90 minutes against PSG. Up top looks like a more straightforward decision, as Dominic Solanke was fit enough to come off the bench on Wednesday and should return to the side in the place of Richarlison to complete a formidable line-up.

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