Daily Mail

David Pleat has left Tottenham in a clear-out of old-style scouts at the team

Pleat previously managed Spurs in several capacities during his time at the club

Technical director Johan Lange is focused on a data-driven scouting strategy

David Pleat's long association with Tottenham Hotspur has reached an end as the club's technical director Johan Lange continues his purge on the old-style scouts.

Lange has now cleared out virtually all the 'eyes-in-the-stand' scouts from Spurs in favour of a recruitment strategy dominated by data and agents just as he did at Aston Villa.

Pleat, aged 79, has been employed as a consultant scout since 2010 and was key to the signing of Dele Alli from Milton Keynes Dons.

It will be the last of various roles in which he has served the North London club. He was appointed manager in 1986 and returned as director of football for more than six years, during which time he had three spells as caretaker boss.

His first involvement in a coaching capacity at the club in May, 1986, saw Pleat guide Spurs to a third place finish in the old First Division and an FA Cup final before leaving a year later.

'I should like to thank David for his contribution over so many years and in so many ways,' said Spurs chairman Daniel Levy in a club statement.

He had, and continues to have, an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game and players.

'I know he will continue to enjoy watching our games at all levels.'

'He had, and continues to have, an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game and players.'

Pleat hailed his time at Spurs as a 'huge part' of his life in a short statement where he said farewell after his exit from the club was confirmed ahead of the new Premier League season.

“Football is my life and continues to be. Spurs has been a huge part of that. However the game and its methods change and it’s time for me to now step back from my scouting role,' he said.

'I look forward to watching the Club have great success in the coming years. I hope to continue my association with the game,' added Pleat.

In May, Tottenham cleared out several other scouts including senior scout Ian Broomfield.

David Pleat's long association with Tottenham Hotspur has reached an end as the club's technical director Johan Lange continues his purge on the old-style scouts.

Lange has now cleared out virtually all the 'eyes-in-the-stand' scouts from Spurs in favour of a recruitment strategy dominated by data and agents just as he did at Aston Villa.

Pleat, aged 79, has been employed as a consultant scout since 2010 and was key to the signing of Dele Alli from Milton Keynes Dons.

It will be the last of various roles in which he has served the North London club. He was appointed manager in 1986 and returned as director of football for more than six years, during which time he had three spells as caretaker boss.

His first involvement in a coaching capacity at the club in May, 1986, saw Pleat guide Spurs to a third place finish in the old First Division and an FA Cup final before leaving a year later.

'I should like to thank David for his contribution over so many years and in so many ways,' said Spurs chairman Daniel Levy in a club statement.

He had, and continues to have, an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game and players.

'I know he will continue to enjoy watching our games at all levels.'

'He had, and continues to have, an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game and players.'

Pleat hailed his time at Spurs as a 'huge part' of his life in a short statement where he said farewell after his exit from the club was confirmed ahead of the new Premier League season.

“Football is my life and continues to be. Spurs has been a huge part of that. However the game and its methods change and it’s time for me to now step back from my scouting role,' he said.

'I look forward to watching the Club have great success in the coming years. I hope to continue my association with the game,' added Pleat.

In May, Tottenham cleared out several other scouts including senior scout Ian Broomfield.

Tottenham are expecting to sign 18-year-old Yang Min-hyuk from Gangwon FC

Winger Yang, who has been compared to Son Heung-min, will arrive in January

He is set to play against Spurs next week for a K League XI in an exhibition game

Tottenham are finalising terms for winger Yang Min-hyuk from Gangwon FC.

The 18-year old will join Spurs in January pending his medical in South Korea.

Yang has been widely compared to Tottenham's current South Korean star and captain Son Heung-min.

Yang, dubbed by many as the 'next Son', has shone in the K League in 2024 and won the Young Player of the Month award in April, May and June.

The teenager has started all 24 of Gangwon's league games so far this season, producing seven goals and three assists.

Yang is set to become the third Korean player in the history of the Tottenham men's team.

The first was left back Lee Young-pyo, who represented Spurs 93 times between 2005 and 2008.

But Tottenham's most famous Korean player past or present is undoubtably Son, who has scored 162 goals in 408 games since his arrival in 2015.

Like Yang, Son's natural position is as a wide attacking player but he was used more centrally last season following Harry Kane's move from Spurs to Bayern Munich.

The current K League campaign will end on November 24.

With 15 rounds of fixtures remaining this season, Gangwon are currently placed fourth - just three points behind leaders Pohang Steelers.

Yang is likely to play against Ange Postecoglou's Spurs before he joins them.

That is because he has been selected to represent the K League in an all-star team that will take on Tottenham in an exhibition game in Seoul on Wednesday.

Tottenham have confirmed the departure of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg with the midfielder sealing a loan move to Marseille that will become permanent.

As reported by Mail Sport, the Ligue 1 club were closing in on agreeing a deal on Saturday evening after making an offer of £13.5million.

Hojbjerg had also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid and Fulham but is believed to have been keen to work under new Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Discussions advanced quickly and the initial loan will see the 28-year-old spend the upcoming season in France before his transfer is made permanent.

Hojbjerg landed in Marseille on Sunday night and was greeted by supporters.

Denmark international Hojbjerg made 184 appearances during his four-year spell at Spurs, scoring 10 goals. He previously played for Bayern Munich and Southampton.

He had entered the last year of his contract, however, and would therefore have been available to leave on a free transfer in 2025 had an extension not been agreed.

Spurs have strengthened Ange Postecoglou's midfield this summer with Archie Gray joining from Leeds and Lucas Bergvall arriving from Djurgardens in Sweden.

The club statement wished Hojbjerg 'all the best for the future'.

Hojbjerg was part of the Denmark side that were knocked out of Euro 2024 by hosts Germany in the last-16 and has been capped 81 times by his country to date.

Marseille have looked to splash the cash since appointing De Zerbi.

Mason Greenwood joined from Manchester United in a controversial deal worth around £30m while midfielder Ismael Kone completed a move from Watford.

The club are also working on a deal to sign striker Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal.

Tottenham Hotspur have handed new shirt numbers to two fan-favourites

Manager Ange Postecoglou has fielded a youthful squad so far in pre-season

Tottenham Hotspur have handed new squad numbers to two of the club's most promising talents, ahead of their pre-season tour to Asia.

Spurs have already played two friendlies since their pre-season began earlier in July, with two victories courtesy of 7-2 thumping of SPL team Hearts, and a 2-0 win over Championship side, QPR.

Manager Ange Postecogolou has since picked his squad for Spurs' summer tour of Japan and South Korea, and will be taking 31 players – including a clutch of their exciting young talent.

Players to make the squad include forwards Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear, and midfielders Luca Bergvall and Archie Gray, will feature, as well as established first-team talent, such as Son Hueng-min, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

And it's two first-team regulars and fan-favourites that have been given new squad numbers ahead of the trip, in recognition of their growing seniority within the team.

Posted on X, Spurs' official account revealed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been given the No. 1 jersey, trading it for the No. 13 he wore last season.

It's a change that signifies the Italian international's firm grip on the role, having all but sealed his place as first-choice shot-stopper with a string of incredible performances across the season.

The 27-year-old joined Tottenham at the beginning of the 2023-24 season, having been signed on a five-year contract from Serie A side, Empoli, in a deal reportedly worth an initial £17.2million.

There were questions whether the relatively unknown keeper would handle the pressures of the Premier League – not least of which because he was filling the gloves of former team captain, Hugo Lloris.

Vicario's No. 13 will not be travelling far, either. In fact, it will remain in the first team, as it's been handed to left-back, Destiny Udogie. Udogie received his favoured No. 13, in exchange for No. 38.

The second Italian international in the team, Udogie has become a firm fan-favourite for his ownership of a position the club has sorely been lacking in. Like his compatriot Vicario, Udogie had been playing in Serie A, where he joined the club from Udinese.

Tottenham signed the talented 21-year-old on a five-year-deal for a reported £16.8million, back in 2022. Only 20 at the time, Udogie was loaned back to Udinese for the 2022-23 season.

Since making his debut for Spurs, the youngster has impressed with his pace, range of passing and ball-carrying ability. Udogie has suffered with injuries through the season, with his absence been keenly felt in a number of important games.

Tottenham Hotspur have handed new squad numbers to two of the club's most promising talents, ahead of their pre-season tour to Asia.

Spurs have already played two friendlies since their pre-season began earlier in July, with two victories courtesy of 7-2 thumping of SPL team Hearts, and a 2-0 win over Championship side, QPR.

Manager Ange Postecogolou has since picked his squad for Spurs' summer tour of Japan and South Korea, and will be taking 31 players – including a clutch of their exciting young talent.

Players to make the squad include forwards Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear, and midfielders Luca Bergvall and Archie Gray, will feature, as well as established first-team talent, such as Son Hueng-min, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

And it's two first-team regulars and fan-favourites that have been given new squad numbers ahead of the trip, in recognition of their growing seniority within the team.

Posted on X, Spurs' official account revealed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been given the No. 1 jersey, trading it for the No. 13 he wore last season.

It's a change that signifies the Italian international's firm grip on the role, having all but sealed his place as first-choice shot-stopper with a string of incredible performances across the season.

The 27-year-old joined Tottenham at the beginning of the 2023-24 season, having been signed on a five-year contract from Serie A side, Empoli, in a deal reportedly worth an initial £17.2million.

There were questions whether the relatively unknown keeper would handle the pressures of the Premier League – not least of which because he was filling the gloves of former team captain, Hugo Lloris.

Vicario's No. 13 will not be travelling far, either. In fact, it will remain in the first team, as it's been handed to left-back, Destiny Udogie. Udogie received his favoured No. 13, in exchange for No. 38.

The second Italian international in the team, Udogie has become a firm fan-favourite for his ownership of a position the club has sorely been lacking in. Like his compatriot Vicario, Udogie had been playing in Serie A, where he joined the club from Udinese.

Tottenham signed the talented 21-year-old on a five-year-deal for a reported £16.8million, back in 2022. Only 20 at the time, Udogie was loaned back to Udinese for the 2022-23 season.

Since making his debut for Spurs, the youngster has impressed with his pace, range of passing and ball-carrying ability. Udogie has suffered with injuries through the season, with his absence been keenly felt in a number of important games.

Tottenham Hotspur have handed new shirt numbers to two fan-favourites

Manager Ange Postecoglou has fielded a youthful squad so far in pre-season

Tottenham Hotspur have handed new squad numbers to two of the club's most promising talents, ahead of their pre-season tour to Asia.

Spurs have already played two friendlies since their pre-season began earlier in July, with two victories courtesy of 7-2 thumping of SPL team Hearts, and a 2-0 win over Championship side, QPR.

Manager Ange Postecogolou has since picked his squad for Spurs' summer tour of Japan and South Korea, and will be taking 31 players – including a clutch of their exciting young talent.

Players to make the squad include forwards Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear, and midfielders Luca Bergvall and Archie Gray, will feature, as well as established first-team talent, such as Son Hueng-min, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

And it's two first-team regulars and fan-favourites that have been given new squad numbers ahead of the trip, in recognition of their growing seniority within the team.

Posted on X, Spurs' official account revealed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been given the No. 1 jersey, trading it for the No. 13 he wore last season.

It's a change that signifies the Italian international's firm grip on the role, having all but sealed his place as first-choice shot-stopper with a string of incredible performances across the season.

The 27-year-old joined Tottenham at the beginning of the 2023-24 season, having been signed on a five-year contract from Serie A side, Empoli, in a deal reportedly worth an initial £17.2million.

There were questions whether the relatively unknown keeper would handle the pressures of the Premier League – not least of which because he was filling the gloves of former team captain, Hugo Lloris.

Vicario's No. 13 will not be travelling far, either. In fact, it will remain in the first team, as it's been handed to left-back, Destiny Udogie. Udogie received his favoured No. 13, in exchange for No. 38.

The second Italian international in the team, Udogie has become a firm fan-favourite for his ownership of a position the club has sorely been lacking in. Like his compatriot Vicario, Udogie had been playing in Serie A, where he joined the club from Udinese.

Tottenham signed the talented 21-year-old on a five-year-deal for a reported £16.8million, back in 2022. Only 20 at the time, Udogie was loaned back to Udinese for the 2022-23 season.

Since making his debut for Spurs, the youngster has impressed with his pace, range of passing and ball-carrying ability. Udogie has suffered with injuries through the season, with his absence been keenly felt in a number of important games.

A pair of stars were conspicuous in their absence as Tottenham jetted off on a pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea

In a video shared on the club's social media, captain Son Heung-min joked the wind was messing up his hair as he prepared to board the plane.

Spurs will play three friendlies during their two-week tour of the Far East, beginning with a visit to J1 League champions Vissel Kobe at Japan's National Stadium on Saturday.

The club will then travel to Seoul, South Korea where they will participate in the annual K League All-Star Game before facing former captain Harry Kane when they take on Bayern Munich three days later.

Ange Postecoglou has named a number of youth stars in his squad for the tour including the club's youngest-ever player Alfie Devine.

However, both Bryan Gil and Sergio Reguilon have been left out of the tour as they look to complete moves away from north London this summer.

In his first full campaign at the club without being sent on loan Gil struggled for minutes last season and managed just two Premier League starts.

The Spaniard was repeatedly linked with a move to join Brighton during the January window. LaLiga side Girona are one of the clubs keen on Gil..

Meanwhile his compatriot Reguilon spent the first half of the campaign at Manchester United before returning to Spurs after United activated the break clause in his loan deal.

The former Real Madrid full-back then spent the rest of the season at Brentford and made 16 appearances for the Bees as they finished 16th.

Veteran goalkeeper Fraser Forster has been left out of the tour as he continues his recovery from a foot injury.

Rodrigo Bentancur, Giovani Lo Celso, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are all set to rejoin the squad at a later date after spending much of the summer on international duty.

A pair of stars were conspicuous in their absence as Tottenham jetted off on a pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea

In a video shared on the club's social media, captain Son Heung-min joked the wind was messing up his hair as he prepared to board the plane.

Spurs will play three friendlies during their two-week tour of the Far East, beginning with a visit to J1 League champions Vissel Kobe at Japan's National Stadium on Saturday.

The club will then travel to Seoul, South Korea where they will participate in the annual K League All-Star Game before facing former captain Harry Kane when they take on Bayern Munich three days later.

Ange Postecoglou has named a number of youth stars in his squad for the tour including the club's youngest-ever player Alfie Devine.

However, both Bryan Gil and Sergio Reguilon have been left out of the tour as they look to complete moves away from north London this summer.

In his first full campaign at the club without being sent on loan Gil struggled for minutes last season and managed just two Premier League starts.

The Spaniard was repeatedly linked with a move to join Brighton during the January window. LaLiga side Girona are one of the clubs keen on Gil..

Meanwhile his compatriot Reguilon spent the first half of the campaign at Manchester United before returning to Spurs after United activated the break clause in his loan deal.

The former Real Madrid full-back then spent the rest of the season at Brentford and made 16 appearances for the Bees as they finished 16th.

Veteran goalkeeper Fraser Forster has been left out of the tour as he continues his recovery from a foot injury.

Rodrigo Bentancur, Giovani Lo Celso, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are all set to rejoin the squad at a later date after spending much of the summer on international duty.

Tottenham have been urged to make a move for Manchester United star Marcus Rashford this summer.

Ange Postecoglou's side are looking to build upon their fifth place finish in the Premier League last season.

One former Tottenham player believes that Rashford would be the perfect addition to Postecoglou's squad.

Rashford endured some challenging moments last season and scored just eight goals for United in all competitions.

There was further frustration for the 26-year-old as he was subsequently left out of England's squad for Euro 2024.

However, during the 2022-23 campaign Rashford provided an indication of what he is capable of at his best as he scored 30 goals for United.

Jamie O'Hara, who played 56 games for Tottenham, believes that Postecoglou could get the best out of Rashford.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, O'Hara said: 'I've got a soft spot for Rashford.

'I don't know why because watching him last season frustrated the hell out of me. When he's walking around at Luton and you're thinking come on mate give me more, but he's got star quality.

'He's got the X-factor and if you get a manager who gets the best out of him you're going to get a top player.'

O'Hara added that Rashford has a difficult relationship with Erik ten Hag.

O'Hara said: 'He doesn't get on with Erik ten Hag, that's a problem that they've got to solve.

'You can't have someone on £375,000-a-week just sitting on the bench not doing anything and not featuring and not being involved. He's got to play, you've got to find a way of getting him in the team.

'He makes brilliant runs, but never gets the ball. Would you pay £80m for him? Yes I would, I would love to see him at Tottenham.'

It was previously claimed that Rashford and ten Hag were 'barely on speaking terms' at the end of last season.

Ten Hag was said to be frustrated after Rashford missed training following a night out in Belfast.

In a previous incident Rashford received a warning from ten Hag after he was seen out partying after a defeat to Manchester City.