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Tottenham have agreed their next summer signing as Thomas Frank moulds his squad

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Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal for their next signing of the summer with Japan international Kota Takai to join the North London club from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale.

The deal is worth £5m for the 20-year-old centre-back, with the player poised to be part of Thomas Frank’s first-team squad next season.

That is all according to BBC Sport who say Takai will be among Spurs’ central defensive options alongside Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin. The player has two caps for Japan and made his international debut last year against China.

The 20-year-old hails from Yokohama and has been with Kawasaki Frontale since 2011 before making his senior debut for the club in 2022.

Kota Takai deal is a club record sale for Kawasaki Frontale

The £5m agreement almost doubles Kawasaki Frontale’s previous club record sale - which stood at around £2.6m. That was when Kaoru Mitoma left the J-League side for Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer of 2021. They also sold Brazilian Renatinho to the Chinese Super League for the same price back in 2015.

Some other players now plying their trade in Great Britain have come from Kawasaki. That includes Celtic ace Reo Hatate and Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka, who played a key role in the Whites’ promotion to the Premier League last campaign. He left Frontale for Fortuna Düsseldorf before making his way to Elland Road.

Takai has some big names in front of him at Spurs as he looks to become a regular in North London. The deal will provide Frank with some much-needed depth as Tottenham compete on four fronts next season after they qualified for the Champions League.

Thomas Frank excited to work with Spurs squad

Speaking about his plans last week for the Tottenham squad, Frank said: “It’s a very talented squad, a very good squad and I’m very excited to start working with them.

"Of course, when you follow the Premier League, you see the other teams, you see Tottenham - you’ve seen some fantastic performances from the team over the last years. So, I think there’s big potential.

"But, of course, I’m looking from the outside, so I’m looking forward to getting to know them, to be around them, to feel them, understand them, work with them on the training pitch. That’s where you really get the big understanding, understand the relationships between players and how you can get the best out of them.

"I’ve got an idea already, my head is spinning [with] how can we play, how do I put them together, but I’m looking forward to that."

READ NEXT - Jose Mourinho loved "quality" player Tottenham are now trying to re-sign as 'offer being prepared'

Spurs are casting their net far and wide for new talent with an Argentina wonderkid said to be on their radar now.

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Every football club’s dream is to find the next Lionel Messi or discover the teenage Cristiano Ronaldo before they make their big break and Tottenham Hotspur are no different.

There is more money than ever before at the top end of world football and competition has never been fiercer in the hunt for talent as Spurs are learning in their attempts to sign Bryan Mbeumo as well as their interest in Xavi Simons.

Clubs in Europe have switched on to the top five leagues scouring the second tier looking for bargains as they also look for a slice of the Champions League pie having had their opportunities to reach the promised land made even harder in recent years.

Spurs consider move for Argentina wonderkid Ian Subiabre

Another market that has also become more expensive is the South American one with Spurs having to dig deep if they want to sign Ian Subiabre according to River Noticias, who claim a “formal enquiry” has been made for a player Chelsea have already withdrawn their interest for due to the demands being made.

The 18-year old winger is an exciting prospect having broken into River Plate’s senior squad but has only played 290 minutes and scored one goal in 12 appearances. A £23m release clause is one that could either be a master-stroke or money down the drain given how unpredictable talented teenagers can be.

There is always an element of the unknown with signing players from South America, but if Subiabre was English and playing in the Championship, Spurs probably wouldn’t think twice about spending a similar amount of money on a promising prospect. At one stage in their respective careers clubs have taken a gamble on teenagers who became greats someone, eventually, with take the punt on Subiabre.

What type of player is Subiabre?

In Subiabre’s own words though, the best is yet to come, as an interview with River Plate’s club media shows where he sees his future and who he compares himself to: “I'm a powerful, high-scoring striker. And strong in one-on-one situations,” Subiabre claimed.

“I like to drop back to link up with my teammates and provide assists. I can also play on the right or left wing.”

“Julián Álvarez is an extraordinary player. For me, he's an example. He works hard in training and displays tremendous quality in matches,” Subiabre said of his role model.

“He has skill, he's a goalscorer, and he's constantly pressing. And he understands the game perfectly.”

Spurs do need extra attacking options and it may be that Subiabre could be signed without the pressure of having to be a first choice player every week. There would also be the option to loan the Argentina youth cap back to River Plate to continue his development and to give him time to learn English before crossing the Atlantic.

Football is a small world, Spurs will know why Chelsea pulled out of the deal, but don’t seem to have been put off despite the well reported release clause.

Tottenham have been handed a boost in their reported bid to land a Premier League star.

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Tottenham have been handed a boost amid their reported interest in a Premier League star this summer. Spurs are in need of new recruits this summer as they prepare for a season of Champions League football. Thomas Frank will be the man in charge heading into the new season, and it will be interesting to see how much control he has over recruitment.

Recruitment will be significant, though, with the Tottenham chiefs well aware of the amount of depth required heading into the new season. The attack is a particular area in need of address, and one player who has been heavily linked with a move to North London is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Eze has been one of Palace’s star players in recent times, and not only did he score the goal to win the FA Cup, but he was an instrumental part of their whole season again last term. The former QPR star has shown quality that indicates he would thrive playing in the top level of European football, and there are inevitable links with big clubs.

Eze has a release clause worth around £60million, and that may be enough to put off many clubs, particularly with Palace unwilling to sell for any less. The Eagles have received a financial boost by qualifying for the Europa League, and unless Marc Guehi signs a new contract, it looks likely they will have to sell him and get around £60million for their troubles.

Palace don’t need to sell, but chairman Steve Parish is also a very realistic businessman, and he has previously vowed to do right by players who have earned their opportunity at the big time, as he did with Michael Olise. The decision over whether to move will belong to Eze, should his release clause be met, but if he does want to move, it appears Parish and Palace will be accommodating.

The Boot Room report that Parish is willing to accept the release clause being paid in instalments despite the fact it is not contractually required. It’s claimed Palace will accept between £25million and £30million upfront and between £30million and £35million paid in another instalment. There is also an £8million performance-related bonus that also must be agreed, as per Eze’s contract. That could give Tottenham the leeway they need as they look to also strengthen other areas this summer.

What has been said about Eze’s future

Eze hasn’t said much about his future, but he seems to be taking things day by day ahead of next season. He said in late May when asked about his form and potential transfer links: “I feel like I’ve got the freedom to play, to do my thing. I’m just happy to be enjoying my football. I’m not really too bothered about that. I’m just focusing on the present. I want to continue enjoying it and contributing to the team as much as I can. I’m improving every game.”

Palace’s grip on Eze will have been strengthened by their European qualification, and at 26 years of age, he may feel as though his big move will still be on the table after next season.

Tottenham could be set to miss out on one of their reported attacking transfer targets.

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Tottenham look set to miss out on one of their reported transfer targets, and to a Premier League rival, no less. Spurs are hoping to make a number of big signings this summer as they bid to get Champions League-ready following their Europa League title win last season.

Spurs need much more depth, as was made clear by the impact injuries had on their season last term, and they are particularly in the market for attackers, with Timo Werner departing after his loan spell, while Heung-min Son is getting no younger.

After the appointment of Frank, Tottenham were expected to be in for Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroon international had a superb season of last, scoring 20 times, and Brentford are likely to sell him this summer as he looks to step up to the next level.

But it looks as though Manchester United have stolen a march in the race to land Mbeumo, with Sky Sports now reporting that he is likely to move to Old Trafford. Journalist Mick McAdam said: “At the moment, it feels like he’s headed to Old Trafford. We know that there were a number of sides that were interested in Bryan Mbeumo. His contract is running down, hence why Manchester United are seeing this as an opportunity.

“We know there’s interest from Tottenham as well, but it looks like he’s heading to Old Trafford. They’re just preparing a second offer which they hope will get Mbeumo.” That could be a big blow for Spurs as they look to bring in another goalscorer this summer.

The Mbeumo and Frank connection

Mbeumo said of Frank while speaking to Sky Sports recently: “He's done so much for me. He literally trusted me from the start [at Brentford] and he developed the team so well. He developed me as a human and a player so much as well. I can only wish him all the best and I'm sure he's going to do well. He knows everything; he's really smart and knows what he wants to bring the team, how he wants them to play. He's been fantastic for Brentford."

On the transfer speculation surrounding him, the forward added: “It (transfer speculation) is a bit new for me I would say! I think it can be the life of a footballer and you need to accept it. It’s been my best season so far in the Premier League. And even collectively, I think we did play very good games. I think we’ve been unlucky to chase the Europe spot, but I think it’s been a fantastic season.”

Frank has also been full of praise for Mbeumo in the past, saying during the season: “All praise due the two of them (Mbeumo and Wissa) for the hard work, how much they push, and then of course to my staff, and then I think a little bit to the way we play. I'm very happy that he's shining. It's a duo, of course, him and Wissa. Wissa is fantastic. He has scored actually more open-play goals than Brian still. But Brian is the penalty taker, unbelievable at penalties, assists, work ethic, an unbelievable player."

Tottenham are said to be interested in a reported Chelsea target as they look to bolster their attack.

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Tottenham are said to be interested in a Chelsea target as they look to strengthen this summer. Thomas Frank has a big summer ahead after taking the job that was vacated by the sacking of Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs have put their faith in the Dane after his hugely impressive spell at Brentford, but a big job awaits Frank after his step up. Tottenham will be in the Champions League next season, and they will also be expecting to qualify for Europe through the Premier League after their worst-ever Premier League campaign.

New signings are a must for a squad that was all too thin last season, and it will be interesting to see what kind of players Frank wants. Attackers will be a priority given the Dane’s style of attacking football, and the latest attacker to be linked is Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho is all-but certain to leave Old Trafford this summer and he has been heavily linked with Chelsea.

But with Chelsea looking likely to prioritise Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, Garnacho could be available to Tottenham or others. Sébastien Vidal is now reporting that Spurs are a genuine option, while reports elsewhere have suggested that he could be affordable. It’s claimed United have dropped Garnacho’s asking price from £70million to £40million.

Garnacho will want to be playing Champions League football next season and he wants to be a regular starter. Tottenham should be able to offer that, currently light for options in the front line, although Brentford’s Bryn Mbeumo looks as though he could be an option this summer.

Garnacho fallout

Garnacho appeared to fall out with United boss Ruben Amorim in the back-end of last season. The winger said after he was left on the bench for much of the Europa League final against Tottenham: “Up until the final I played every round helping the team, and today I play 20 minutes, I don't know. The final will influence [my decision] but the whole season, the situation of the club. I'm going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens afterwards."

Amorim said in response to those comments: “How many times have we had this conversation, and it was the opposite? Some players come in, like Mason Mount, against Bilbao and changed the game. So now it is easy to say. Who missed the big opportunity in the first half against Bilbao? Yeah [Garnacho]. Of course, now it is easy for us to talk about a lot of views."

Speaking a week later, Amorim refused to confirm whether Garnacho would remain hin his plans. He said; “I will speak with my players but the focus is the last game. I don't know what is going to happen but we have a plan. We were prepared for both situations, with Champions League and without. We have an idea of the type of squad we want but we still have the last game. We have time to address all these situations.”

Since then, BBC Sport have reported that the winger is not in Amorim’s plans and that he has been told he can leave this summer.

Tottenham are said to be interested in a Premier League attacker.

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Tottenham are said to be interested in signing one of the most in-form Premier League forwards as Thomas Frank looks to get his new squad Champions League-ready. Spurs need to improve in almost every department ahead of the new season having had a disastrous Premier League campaign of last.

Ange Postecoglou did lead Tottenham to a Europa League title and Champions League qualification, but that wasn’t enough to save his job. Frank will be expected to challenge for a top four finish next season while also overseeing a respectable Champions League run, but the club know he is going to need help in the way of new signings.

A number of players have been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, including Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, but the latest links suggest an AFC Bournemouth star is now on the list of targets. Antonio Semenyo is on Tottenham’s wishlist, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, but they want to reduce the Cherries’ asking price of £70million.

Spurs have a number of areas to strengthen this summer, and £70million is going to be too much to pay for one player. Semenyo was superb last season, scoring 13 and provided seven assists in 42 appearances across all competitions last season. The 25-year-old is under contract until 2029 having arrived in 2023 on a £10.5million move from Bristol City.

What Semenyo has said

Speaking to The Athletic just ahead of the last winter window, Semenyo said of the transfer links surrounding him: “I do hear it. But I try not to take too much notice. It is so early in the season and that can all fade away in a split second. It is great to hear they are interested — I don’t know how true that is — but I just want to focus on my game, continue doing what I’m doing, causing problems, scoring goals, getting assists. That’s the main thing. If that does come we will deal with that then but at this moment in time it is just about staying focused on what the goal and the plan is this year.”

Speaking about his ability and one of his biggest strengths as a player, he added: “A lot of people think I’m left-footed but I’m right-footed. It makes it tougher for them. If they think I’m left-footed I will go on the right side and if they think I’m right-footed I will go on the left.

“My mum and dad every day when I was a kid used to throw stuff on the floor to me and I would kick it with both feet. I remember my mum was like, ‘Why is he so good at kicking with both feet?’. And my dad was like, ‘You just wait until he is older, it is going to be unbelievable’ — and that is what it has turned out to be. I am just so thankful for what they did.”

Thomas Frank is reported to have given the green light to Tottenham Hotspur interest in the West Ham forward.

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West Ham could break an ‘unofficial transfer embargo’ with Tottenham Hotspur this summer should their London rivals lodge a serious bid for Mohammed Kudus.

Thomas Frank is working on his rebuild at Spurs, having taken over from Ange Postecoglou in north London. The club are said to be admirers of Kudus, who has been placed in the shop window by West Ham after an underwhelming campaign last time out.

The Ghana international managed just five goals and three assists last season but is still said to have suitors in the Premier League. Arsenal have been credited with interest in recent months and now Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as contenders.

Tottenham Hotspur interest in West Ham winger

Hammers News carry the latest on those links and suggest that a Kudus move to Spurs could happen, despite West Ham usually refusing to do business with the team. The last players to move between the two sides were David Bentley and Scott Parker in 2011.

West Ham are said to have blacklisted Tottenham Hotspur after Daniel Levy pulled out of a deal to sent Emmanuel Adebayor to the Hammers in 2015. The outlet puts a lack of business since then down to an ‘unofficial transfer embargo’.

However, with West Ham having to sell before they buy this summer, that unofficial embargo could be lifted if Spurs lodge a bid for Kudus. Hammers News cites a ‘top transfer insider’ who claims that Levy wants to bid £50 million for Kudus, but West Ham will not accept less than £65 million. If that asking price is met, the outlet reports that the Hammers ‘would’ sell to Spurs.

West Ham paid £38 million to bring Kudus to the Premier League from Ajax in 2023. The player has another three years on his contract at the London Stadium, with the club holding the option of a further 12 months.

Graham Potter backs Kudus to bounce back

Speaking towards the end of the season, Potter confronted Kudus’ struggle for form and said: “I think Mo has had probably a season that, from his perspective, would be a little bit disappointing, not because of his lack of effort or anything like that, but sometimes these things happen.

“Speaking personally, he’s been great with us in terms of how he’s worked every day, fantastic. He has built his fitness up, built his condition up to the point where he can sustain things a lot better now.

“Football can go like that sometimes. You can have a little spell when it doesn’t quite happen for you in front of goal or your final pass just doesn’t quite get there. It doesn’t take much to turn that round.

“How he contributed, for example, against Arsenal in our win there, even though he didn’t score or assist, he was a top, top player in that game and massively helped us. So the numbers say something, but there’s also the [other] aspects of his performance that have been really, really good.”

In other news, West Ham 2025/26 Premier League fixtures: Full 38-game schedule as Hammers start v Sunderland.

Mikel Arteta, Thomas Frank and Marco Silva will be pleased with one aspect of the Premier League fixture calendar for next season.

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Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham are all set to face a Liverpool side without danger man Mohamed Salah this season with the Premier League fixtures confirmed for the 2025/26 campaign.

The Africa Cup of Nations returns later this year and will see a wave of Premier League stars from the continent jet off from league duty to represent their nations. The most famous of those players is the Reds’ Egyptian king Salah.

The 33-year-old remains prolific for Liverpool and signed a new contract with the club in April. He’s set to lead the line for Arne Slot’s side again next year, having bagged 29 league goals and picked up 18 assists last season. In total, over his 301 Premier League appearances, Salah has scored 186 goals and managed 113 assists.

Mohamed Salah record against Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham

Salah has enjoyed success against London clubs. The forward has 16 goals against Spurs during his career, the most he has bagged against any team, those finishes coming across 24 appearances. He has 11 goals in 18 outings against Arsenal and four in 10 matches against Fulham.

Last season, Salah scored in both league matches against Tottenham Hotspur, bagging two goals and two assists in December and then a single goal in April. He also picked up a goal and assist in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. The winger didn’t score in either match against Fulham during the 2024/25 season but was on target in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in October.

Egypt have safely qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this year. Egypt begin the tournament on December 22 against Zimbabwe in Agadir but Salah will likely fly out at least a week prior, unless Liverpool do a deal to keep him longer.

Africa Cup of Nations 2025 dates

If that deal isn’t done, Salah will miss Liverpool’s trip to Tottenham on December 20. He’ll then be absent against Wolves on December 27 and the visit of Leeds United to Anfield at the end of December.

If Egypt make it through the group stage - and, given they are one of the favourites to win the tournament, they likely will - Salah will then miss matches in January. Liverpool first face Fulham on January 3 and then are up against Arsenal on January 7. The Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals are on January 9 and 10.

The Premier League then pauses for the FA Cup third round, which Salah could also miss, before Liverpool return to action against Burnley on January 17. Salah could also be absent against the Clarets with the Africa Cup of Nations final scheduled for January 18.

Arsenal, Fulham and Spurs will also be missing key players during those weeks. Should he sign a contract extension, that would include Gunners man Thomas Partey. For Spurs, it could be Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma. At Fulham, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi.

In other news, Tottenham can guarantee Burnley win with £60m transfer - opinion.

Thomas Frank and Spurs could do with a helping hand from a familiar friend against Burnley once again.

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Tottenham Hotspur will begin the Premier League campaign by hosting newly promoted Burnley as Thomas Frank looks to get his tenure off to a winning start.

Spurs are of course in competitive action before that clash with the Clarets, taking on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, but the meeting with Burnley will be the first fixture that Frank is truly expected to win. Scott Parker’s side impressed in the Championship last season but it remains to be seen whether that foundation of defensive stability translates a division higher.

While a favourable fixture on paper, it does put pressure on former Brentford boss Frank. A home defeat to a side expected to be battling relegation would be a dreadful start to the 2025/26 season. To ensure victory, Tottenham Hotspur must push to sign Bryan Mbeumo before August 16.

Tottenham Hotspur must sign Bryan Mbeumo in time for Burnley clash

Spurs have been linked with a swoop for the Bees man this summer and those rumours have gathered pace since Frank was appointed. Last week, Sky Sports reported that the north London outfit had held initial discussions with Brentford over a transfer, which is expected to cost £60 million. Since then, transfer specialist Rudy Galetti has suggested that Spurs have ‘cooled’ their interest with Manchester United frontrunners.

Tottenham Hotspur must reignite that interest, especially with an absolutely must win fixture against Burnley up first. Frank has faced Burnley four times in his managerial career, winning two games and losing two.

The most impressive win against the Clarets managed by Frank came in October 2023 when Brentford picked up a 3-0 win at home. The player of the match that day? Bryan Mbeumo.

The forward scored and assisted in that victory, helping Brentford to an important three points. Mbeumo helped his side bounce back from a disheartening late defeat against Manchester United with an energetic display that epitomised how he can be a matchwinner.

Brentford winger prolific on opening day

Mbeumo teed up Yoane Wissa with a tap-in after 25 minutes and then scored a stunning curled shot in the second half himself. Sky Sports named him Player of the Match and awarded him a close to perfect 9/10 for his performance.

What’s more, the 25-year-old loves to start the season quickly and is the man for a big occasion. Prior to the 2024/25 campaign, there were questions whether the forward could fill the boots left by Ivan Toney but he replied with a goal in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on opening weekend. He also scored in the 2-2 draw with Spurs at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

With Spurs already linked with Mbeumo, it seems a no brainer to ensure that move is pushed through before opening day. Not only would that give Frank and the player chance to recreate that magic against Burnley but, wider, it would allow the forward plenty of time to embed himself at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In other news, Predicted Premier League table after Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham learn fixtures.

Newcastle United are expected to be on their travels for the opening day of the Premier League season.

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Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur find out where they will begin the 2025/26 Premier League campaign on Wednesday morning but some early murmurings will come as a big relief to both north London sides.

The Gunners once again look to go one better than second next year and finally lift the Premier League trophy under Mikel Arteta. Meanwhile, on the other side of north London, Spurs are preparing for a new era under Thomas Frank following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou.

Last year, Arsenal started the season with a 2-0 win over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium and would no doubt love another bottom half side at home next term. For Spurs, it was a 1-1 draw with newly promoted Leicester City.

Newcastle United unlikely to begin Premier League campaign at home

One fixture neither club will want is an away day at St James’ Park. A trip to Newcastle United has become somewhat of a bogey fixture for both teams and the atmosphere on Geordieland for the opening fixture would make the venue almost unplayable for a visitor.

It’s therefore welcome news that the Magpies are set to be on the road for the opening weekend of the Premier League season. While that won’t be confirmed until Wednesday morning, NewcastleWorld reporter Jordan Cronin has explained why the division’s hand may be forced.

He wrote on social media platform X: “NUFC expected to be away from home on the opening weekend of the 25-26 Premier League season. This is due to SAFC needing to play away the weekend after due to the SOL hosting the Women's Rugby WC match between England & USA.

“Premier League notes: ‘We look at whether we have clubs from the same area travelling on the same train lines across the Football League and the Premier League on the same day. We want to avoid having ‘pinch points’ on the rail and road network.

“’Most clubs will have a partner club with whom they cannot clash, such as Manchester United and Manchester City, or Liverpool and Everton. In London it gets a bit more complex and less obvious’.”

Arsenal and Spurs struggle at St James’ Park

Mikel Arteta and Thomas Frank will be relieved by that news. Newcastle United have beaten Arsenal at St James’ Park in the last three of those fixtures with the Gunners getting better of the Tyneside outfit just once in their last five matches.

The Magpies landed a big blow on Arsenal’s title hopes with a 1-0 win in November and a 2-0 victory at the stadium in February knocked Arteta’s side out the Carabao Cup. It was also at St James’ Park where Newcastle United beat the London team 1-0 in November 2023, with a controversial Anthony Gordon goal leaving Arteta fuming with VAR.

Avoiding another trip to St James’ Park so early would be a boost for Arsenal, and that’s the same for Tottenham Hotspur. Newcastle United have beaten Spurs in five of their last six meetings.

Those wins have included drubbings in the North East. Eddie Howe’s men thrashed Spurs 4-0 in April 2024 and 6-1 in April 2023. While Frank will hope that his tenure erases demons of recent years, the manager has only won two of his 10 meetings with Newcastle United and never picked up a win at St James’ Park.

In other news, Arsenal should act immediately to sign 'born winner' available for just £25m - opinion.