Daily Mail

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on Brentford’s Thomas Frank.

Mail Sport understands that Spurs have made a formal approach for the Dane – and that an unveiling could take place in the coming days.

Frank has a release clause thought to be around £10m, but those with knowledge of the situation believe it is heading towards a positive conclusion and that Frank will soon be announced as successor to Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked on Friday.

Negotiations have now started, with chairman Daniel Levy representing Tottenham and Phil Giles, Brentford’s director of football, in talks. Aside from the release fee, discussions are also likely to focus on Frank’s backroom staff, and the level of compensation needed to allow them to follow him from west to north London.

The Bees will demand suitable recompense for a manager whom has been with the club for close to a decade and who has overseen a period of remarkable success.

Frank arrived at the club in 2016 as assistant head coach and was appointed manager in 2018. In his first full season in charge he led them to the play-off final and followed it up with promotion to the Premier League. Over the past four years he has firmly established Brentford as a top-flight club.

Frank guided the Bees to tenth place last season and has a long-standing relationship with Spurs' technical director Johan Lange, with whom he once shared an office at Danish club Lyngby. Lange is leading the search for Postecoglou’s successor.

A large number of assistants - Mile Jedinak, Nick Montgomery and Sergio Raimundo - exited on the back of the Australian’s departure, paving the way for Frank to bring in his own backroom team.

Meanwhile, Spurs are unlikely to enter the race for Brentford forward Bryan Mbuemo, who has been closely linked to a move to Manchester United. Reports had claimed Tottenham were looking to hi-jack the deal, but sources have disclosed such a prospect is ‘highly unlikely’.

Postecoglou was sacked by Spurs on Friday despite winning the Europa League

Bissouma has now shared a text exchange between himself and Postecoglou

LISTEN: Was 'Fergie Time' real? Veteran Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg reveals all on the first episode of the Mail's brand-new football podcast Whistleblowers

Yves Bissouma has posted on social media the private messages he shared with Ange Postecoglou after the Aussie manager was sacked by Tottenham last week.

Postecoglou was relieved of his duties on Friday, just 16 days after leading Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years as they beat Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Many of the Tottenham squad - including captain Son Heung-min and James Maddison - were quick to post emotional messages of gratitude to Postecoglou, and Bissouma has now revealed his own text exchange with his former manager on Snapchat.

The conversation begins with Postecoglou writing: 'Hi Biss. Sorry I missed your call. I am very proud of you. It was an honour to share a dressing room with you and appreciate how much you believed in what we were trying to achieve.

'I wish you only the best for the future. I will always be following. Much love from my family to yours.'

Bissouma replied: 'Thank you gaffer and thank you really much for everything on and off the pitch I'll always be grateful. The way you believed me and trusted me was incredible.

'I'm gonna miss you but it's football life. Got a lot to be said but I think you know what I'm thinking about you already so I'm just wishing you all the best for the future and may God protect you and your family. #bigboss love.'

The exchange ended with Postecoglou responding: 'Always by your side Biss'.

The heartfelt farewell message from Bissouma indicates how popular Postecoglou was with his players who are reportedly furious with the decision to sack him.

Spurs finished down in 17th and suffered 22 league defeats in the 2024-25 season, but many felt Postecoglou deserved a chance to put their domestic form right after their Europa League triumph in Bilbao.

However, chairman Daniel Levy opted to axe Postecoglou, and the search to find his successor is gathering pace.

Mail Sport understands that the north London club are closing in on appointing Brentford boss Thomas Frank as their new manager after positive talks.

Spurs will have to pay a hefty compensation fee for the Dane, but appear ready to finalise a deal as they look to move on from Postecoglou quickly.

Robbie Williams divided north London on Friday night by trolling Arsenal fans with a pro-Tottenham joke while performing at the Emirates Stadium.

Former Take That band member Williams — who is now better known as a solo artist — supports Port Vale, having grown up in Stoke-on-Trent.

But the 51-year-old also has a soft spot for Spurs.

He showed this back in 2023 after James Black, a lifelong Spurs supporter who performs live music on matchdays at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, reworked the chorus of Robbie's 1997 mega-hit 'Angels' to create an ode to Ange Postecoglou.

It went viral on social media and caught the attention of Robbie himself, who joined Black to record a special version, which the popstar shared via Instagram.

During that video, after singing 'I'm Loving Big Ange Instead', Williams quipped: 'I guess I'm a Spurs fan now then.'

In response to this, Tottenham sent Williams and his wife Ayda personalised Spurs shirts with their names on the back.

Postecoglou famously went on to win the UEFA Europa League in his penultimate game as Tottenham manager last month.

Despite ending Tottenham's 17-year wait for a trophy and sealing a spot in next season's Champions League in the process, the Australian was sacked on Friday.

His dismissal was largely due to Tottenham's dreadful domestic form, which resulted in their lowest Premier League finish ever.

But although Spurs finished 17th — just one place above the relegation zone — many people have claimed that they actually enjoyed a more successful season than fierce rivals Arsenal, who came second in the Premier League after losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Spurs have now won four major UEFA men's titles in their 142-year history — three more than the Gunners, who lifted the Cup Winners' Cup in 1994.

Williams cheekily referenced this at the home of Arsenal on Friday.

He began the set-up to his joke by asking fans in the crowd to cheer if they supported Arsenal. He then encouraged those who did not support the Gunners to boo.

Next, Williams asked the crowd a question: 'How far away are Arsenal from a European trophy?'

He gleefully answered that question himself by declaring: 'Four f****** miles!' — the approximate distance between the Emirates and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Williams was quick to gesture that he was only kidding, urging any Arsenal supporters not to take his joke to heart.

But many Gunners fans hit back via social media, where they were keen to point out that Arsenal were the current holders of the UEFA Women's Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur sacked men's head coach Ange Postecoglou on Friday

On Sunday, Spurs women's head coach Robert Vilahamn also lost his job

LISTEN: Was 'Fergie Time' real? Veteran Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg reveals all on the first episode of the Mail's brand-new football podcast Whistleblowers

Tottenham women's head coach Robert Vilahamn has left the club after two years in charge, less than 48 hours after men's head coach Ange Postecoglou was seen to the door.

Vilahamn, who joined the club at the same time as Postecoglou, leaves after a disappointing second season in charge where Tottenham finished just one spot above the WSL relegation zone in 11th.

'There have been some special moments during Robert's tenure, including reaching the FA Cup final for the first time,' Andy Rogers, Tottenham Women's managing director, said.

'However, results and performances this season have not been to the level we would expect and now is the right time to make a change.

'We should like to thank Robert for his professionalism and efforts over the past two seasons, and we wish him well for the future.'

The 42-year-old Swedish coach joined Tottenham from BK Hacken and led them to a top-six WSL finish and the club's first ever FA Cup final – which they lost to Manchester United – in his first season in charge.

But this season Tottenham's performances suffered a dip, particularly towards the end of the season, and they finished the season with just five wins in their 22 total games, the last coming against the now relegated Crystal Palace in January.

When Vilahamn joined in 2023, he spoke about wanting to emulate Postecoglou's style of play and create a 'Tottenham identity' which runs through both teams.

He was handed a three-year contract extension last July, but only relegated Palace conceded more goals than his side in a disappointing season.

United States men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has poured cold water on rumors that he could return to Tottenham to replace Ange Postecoglou.

On Friday, the Premier League giants announced they had sacked the Australian, despite him breaking a 17-year title drought for the club with Europa League success against Manchester United.

Answering a question from the Daily Mail after a 2-1 loss to Turkey in Connecticut, Pochettino indicated that the rumors were not realistic and that his name was one of many linked with the job.

'I think, since I left in 2019, my name has always been on the list [of rumors],' Pochettino said in the press conference.

'I've seen the rumors, we are 100 coaches on the list. Don't be worried about that. If something happens [in the future], you for sure will see, but I am so happy in this moment and we cannot talk about this type of thing.

'Today it's not realistic, look where I am, look where we are. The answer is so clear.'

While not an outright denial, it does indicate Pochettino's happiness with the USMNT - especially after a press conference where the manager praised his squad's performance in spite of the defeat to a full-strength Turkish side.

Pochettino is set to play one more tune-up game (Tuesday night in Nashville against Switzerland) before embarking on a journey through the Gold Cup - CONCACAF's premier international competition.

The Argentine was officially hired back in October 2024 at an event in New York City, making him the most well-renowned coaching hire in the history of the men's national team.

However, results have been inconsistent. Under Pochettino, the USMNT has won five matches and lost four, including both games in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Pochettino is highly regarded amongst many Spurs fans, having brought them to the 2019 Champions League final.

Since departing for other clubs, Pochettino has always been rumored to potentially return to White Hart Lane.

Those rumors have spiked back up again following Postecoglou's departure. Other betting favorites for the job include Brentford's Thomas Frank, Fulham's Marco Silva, and Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner.

Man United's £55m opening offer for Bryan Mbeumo was rejected by Brentford

Tottenham Hotspur are now also interested in signing the 25-year-old forward

LISTEN: Was 'Fergie Time' real? Veteran Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg reveals all on the first episode of the Mail's brand-new football podcast Whistleblowers

Manchester United are continuing to work on a possible deal to bring Bryan Mbeumo to Old Trafford but could face competition from a Premier League rival.

United offered Brentford £55million for the 25-year-old earlier this week, but the bid was rejected.

A second offer is believed to be imminent, but United risk being foiled by a familiar foe. That is because Tottenham Hotspur — who beat United in last month's Europa League final, thus denying Ruben Amorim's team a place in next season's Champions League — are also keen on Mbeumo.

Newcastle — who will join Spurs in the Champions League after finishing fifth in the Premier League — have also expressed interest in Mbeumo. But Mbeumo made it clear to Newcastle that he would rather move to Old Trafford.

It is understood that the salary on offer at United will be higher than what Spurs will put forward should their interest be formalised.

However, Spurs may have a trump card because they are also plotting a move for Brentford manager Thomas Frank this summer.

Frank is the current favourite to replace Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked earlier this week — just 16 days after Tottenham won their first trophy in 17 years.

Mbeumo has an excellent relationship with Frank, who signed him from Troyes in the French second division in 2019.

Since joining for a £5.8m transfer fee, Mbeumo has scored 70 goals in 242 games for Brentford, including 42 in 136 Premier League matches.

Brentford finished 14 points above United — and 18 clear of Spurs — in the league last season.

Some are already saying that, whoever the new Tottenham manager is, the first thing he will receive when he pitches up at the club’s state-of-the-art training ground is a hospital pass.

Social media has been abuzz with emotional testimonies from Spurs players about how much Ange Postecoglou meant to them. Good luck to the new guy, trying to win over a bunch of disaffected, disillusioned, mourning millionaires.

That, actually, is one of the many arguments for making Thomas Frank the next Spurs boss. Frank is probably the best man-manager in the Premier League and the most emotionally intelligent.

If he walked into the club and found players still simmering with loyalty to his fallen predecessor, Frank would have no problem accommodating those feelings. He is secure enough in himself and his abilities to acknowledge the debt he owes to others.

It might be just what Spurs need. Because what they need, most of all, is not to allow the oceans of positivity they gained from winning the Europa League to ebb away in a sour feeling of loss over the firing of Postecoglou. They need to take that positivity and harness it.

‘We stand on the shoulders of others,’ Frank said when I spoke to him at Brentford’s training ground last month, ‘and we build on foundations they have built for us. We need to acknowledge that every single time.

‘It’s all about the ego. So how fragile is it or how big is it? Some people need reassurance all the time and to say, “The reason I’m so good is because of me and has nothing to do with these top players and good staff”. It depends who you are.

‘So you need to believe in your own skill set, but be humble enough to know there’s a lot of hard work and you’re not the only one and all that. So I’m confident in myself and what I’m capable of doing. Also humble enough to know I can do nothing alone. No one can.’

Frank and I played a couple of sets of padel at Brentford’s Osterley facility. Me and my pal John against him and assistant first-team coach Kevin O’Connor. I would not say it was a pleasure losing 6-0, 6-0 to them but it was an education.

It was a reminder that, for all they are often patronised, Brentford are no longer a small club. Spurs would be a step up but it would not be a leap.

It was a reminder, too, that Frank has a talent for building a successful culture and improving it one step after another. He is a clever, innovative coach who led Brentford to 10th in the Premier League with the second-lowest wage bill in the top flight.

But he also has highly rated coaches like O’Connor around him and created an environment where his players, signed for their character as well as their ability, feel valued and generally achieve far in excess of what is expected of them.

Frank’s Brentford sides operate on a high-pressing, high-energy model but when they attack, they do so with verve, speed and fluidity. Frank was especially proud that three of his players scored more than 10 league goals last season.

Maybe there is a perception he is too nice. I don’t share that, and not just because I was one half of a geriatric pairing taken apart on a court by somebody so competitive he would have seen losing a single game as a defeat.

‘Look, if you ask whether I’m tough,’ Frank (left) said that day, ‘I think I’m extremely resilient. And I think we’ve all got a dark side. I’ve got five per cent dark side in me. Even my wife says that. You need that dark side, to have an edge and I have an edge. I’m extremely competitive, very determined, and you don’t survive in this business if you’re not tough.’

It is surprising Frank has not been recruited to coach at a Champions League level already. Spurs have work to do to repair the damage done by Postecoglou’s departure. Frank deserves the chance to be the man to do it.

Tottenham are expected to make a formal approach to Brentford manager Thomas Frank this week with the Dane keen to bring his backroom staff with him.

Brentford had been mulling over promoting from within should Frank depart, with coach Justin Cochrane a candidate, but they are considering an approach for Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna.

Spurs sacked Ange Postecoglou on Friday but Mail Sport understands that he is already the target for another Premier League club.

Spurs also relieved his assistants Mile Jedinak, Nick Montgomery and Sergio Raimundo of their duties with Matt Wells and goalkeeping coach Rob Burch staying. Though that could change depending on who arrives.

If Spurs fail to reach agreement over Frank's estimated £9million compensation, Fulham's Marco Silva and Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner are considered alternative options. However, Spurs hope their sporting director Johan Lange, a former colleague of Frank at Danish side Lyngby, can exert some influence.

The two coached together at Lyngby, and are said to have maintained a good relationship.

Meanwhile, Cochrane, who is head of coaching at Brentford and part of Thomas Tuchel's England staff, was a former youth team coach at Spurs and his knowledge of the club could prove helpful if Frank makes the switch.

In a further shake-up, Spurs are expected to hand Fabio Paratici a greater role alongside Lange later this summer following the departure of chief football officer Scott Munn. Spurs have also sacked Robert Vilahamn as women’s team head coach after they just avoided relegation.

James Maddison has become the latest Tottenham Hotspur player to pay tribute to Ange Postecoglou following the manager's sacking, posting a heartfelt message nearly 24 hours after the news was confirmed.

Maddison took to social media shortly before 4pm on Saturday to thank Postecoglou for his faith and leadership during their time together at Spurs, describing the Australian as a man with 'great morals' and a winning mentality.

The creative midfielder, who was signed by Postecoglou in the summer of 2023 and almost immediately named as one of the club's vice-captains, joined a growing list of team-mates who have publicly thanked the outgoing boss after he was ruthlessly dismissed by the club on Friday.

In a post addressed to 'Gaffer', Maddison wrote: 'Firstly, thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club that I now call my home. Your instant belief in me to not only sign me but make me the club's vice captain & part of the leadership group from the get go is something I'll always be thankful for.

'Secondly for the Europa league campaign that started in our stadium on gameweek one and finished perfectly with that special night in Bilbao. You led us to victory and we're European champions and in this club's history books because of you and your winning mentality.

'Lastly and most importantly is how you are as a man and a person. Your unwavering self belief and strong mindset is infectious and a massive reason in why you were the man to end this club's 17 year drought for a trophy.

'A family man with great morals & I have honestly learnt so much from you. More than you will probably ever know. 'All the very best. Madders'.

Maddison's tribute followed messages from several Spurs stars, including club captain Son Heung-min, who shared his own post around 8am on Saturday morning.

'Gaffer. You've changed the trajectory of this club,' Son wrote on Instagram. 'You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did.

'You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it's had in decades. We will have those memories for life.

'You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It's been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close, I am a better player and a better person because of you.

'Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate.'

The flood of tributes had begun soon after Tottenham confirmed Postecoglou's dismissal on Friday afternoon, just 16 days after he led the club to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final — ending a 17-year wait for major silverware and securing Champions League qualification.

Tottenham issued a 368-word statement thanking Postecoglou for his service but claimed the board had 'unanimously' agreed that a change of manager was the best way forward following a dismal domestic campaign that saw Spurs finish 17th in the Premier League.

Among the first players to react was Pedro Porro, who posted: 'Thank you for everything, boss… Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club's history and for that, you'll always be celebrated.'

Richarlison wrote: 'Mister, massive thanks for helping me out and believing in me during one of the trickiest periods of my career and my life… We've made history!'

Dominic Solanke said: 'Won't ever forget the convo we had before I signed and we achieved a dream!'

Guglielmo Vicario — another member of the leadership group — added: 'You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I'll always look up to.'

Centre-back Micky van de Ven summed up the general feeling as he wrote: 'Many ups and downs in the last two years but you kept believing in us… forever grateful.'

Postecoglou himself released a parting statement, reflecting on his two years at the club with pride.

The statement read: 'When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride.

'The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.

'That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

'We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.

'I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.

'It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.

'And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.

'We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.'

Three members of Ange Postecoglou's backroom staff are set to follow him out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Spurs confirmed on Friday afternoon that Postecoglou would not be returning for a third season, with the 59-year-old sacked just 16 days after overseeing a famous victory against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final.

That win ended Tottenham's 17-year wait for a major trophy and secured a place in the next edition of the Champions League.

But it was not enough to save Postecoglou, who also oversaw a 17th place finish in the Premier League — the club's lowest ever.

Postecoglou's departure was communicated by the club via a 368-word statement. That statement did not mention whether or not any other staff members were also leaving.

But according to The Telegraph, Spurs chiefs have decided to axe Postecoglou's assistant coaches Mile Jedinak, Nick Montgomery and Sergio Raimundo.

Meanwhile, Ryan Mason — who also worked as an assistant coach under Postecoglou — left Spurs earlier in the week to take the vacant manager's job at West Bromwich Albion.

Senior coach Matt Wells and goalkeeping coach Rob Burch are said to have remained with Spurs for now, although that could change after Postecoglou's replacement is announced.

That replacement is likely to be current Brentford boss Thomas Frank but he is not the only man in the frame.

Brentford do not want to lose Frank and will demand significant compensation, believed to be in the region of £10million, if he leaves for Spurs.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is expected to step up his search for a new manager in the coming days, with Marco Silva and Scott Parker also in the frame.