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Gareth Bale has delivered a level-headed verdict on Tottenham’s chances ahead of the new season, urging caution despite the club’s recent European success and promising transfer activity.

Every Tottenham Hotspur supporter out there remains ecstatic about the club’s recent triumph on the continental stage and would do anything to see their club lift more silverware.

Club chairman Daniel Levy has made an ambitious claim about his goals for the future, stating that he wants to see Spurs win both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Tottenham are starting to show some ambition this window under new boss Thomas Frank, signing Mohammed Kudus and triggering Morgan Gibbs-White’s release clause, although that move has currently been put on hold.

Gareth Bale opens up on his expectations for Tottenham this season

Louis Saha has made a bold claim about Tottenham’s chances in the Premier League next season, stating that the Lilywhites could be involved in a six-horse title race.

The former Manchester United and Everton man believes that Spurs’ Europa League win last season could spur them on to greater things in the 2025/26 campaign.

Gareth Bale, however, has taken a more cautious approach when speaking about what he expects from the Lilywhites next season.

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The former Spurs man believes that, given the appointment of a new boss, it is difficult to predict what next season holds for Tottenham.

Bale told ESPN (2:16): “I do not know, because with a new manager comes new signings, a new way of playing. So it is a bit of the unknown.

“I think everyone is still happy from last season and probably not really thinking about this season yet, but I think the new manager has obviously a proven record of how he plays football. I think it is definitely the way that Tottenham like to play.

“Again, it is kind of the unknown. Who does he sign? Who does he bring in? Yes, it is an unknown, but I think it, hopefully, it is potentially exciting times, because this team now has got that winning feeling.

“They know what it is like to get over the line, and hopefully that keeps giving them the motivation to want to win more.”

Spurs’ winning mentality could define the Thomas Frank era

Of course, winning a piece of silverware last season has done this squad of Spurs players a lot of good. As Gareth Bale says, Tottenham now have a bit of know-how on how to get over the line in finals, which is a great bonus.

Ledley King even stated that no feeling tops that of winning a trophy as a professional footballer. These Spurs players now have the chance to leave a mark early on in Frank’s reign when they take to the field on August 13 to face Paris Saint-Germain.

Tottenham are interested in Burnley’s Maxime Esteve, but the Clarets’ demands might prove to be a major stumbling block this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have long shown interest in Burnley’s Maxime Esteve, with reports claiming that the Lilywhites even put in a late bid in the region of €24 million (£20.7m) for the Burnley centre-back during the winter window.

A few days ago, reports surfaced stating that Tottenham retain interest in Esteve and that contact has been established with newly promoted Burnley over a move for the 23-year-old centre-back.

Esteve did impress last season, as he was named Burnley’s player of the season, and was also named in the 2024/25 Championship Team of the Season, after having kept 30 clean sheets with the Clarets.

Tottenham face steep £50m fee for Maxime Esteve

Football Insider has now provided a further update on Spurs’ pursuit of Esteve, stating that Burnley are expected to demand a substantial fee for their in-demand centre-back.

It is understood that Scott Parker’s side are in no desperate need to sell their key player, as he has four years left on his current contract, with all negotiating cards believed to be in the hands of the former Championship side.

It is also claimed that it would be surprising if Burnley were to sell Esteve this summer; however, a deal could happen if an offer that is too good to turn down were made.

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Pete O’Rourke said: “He is a good player, Esteve – I am not surprised that clubs are looking at him.

“Everton showed a lot of interest in him as well, now Tottenham are being mentioned as contenders for his signature if he leaves Burnley this summer.

“Spurs did try to sign him in the January window when he was doing so well; Burnley do not want to lose Esteve, and they have put a £50 million price tag on his head.

“I do not think Spurs would go near that level to try and sign Esteve, but Burnley are in a really strong position to negotiate here.

“He is under contract until 2029 and they can demand a substantial fee because of his contract – that price tag will probably scare off most clubs.

“I would be massively surprised if Burnley were to cash in on him in this window, unless it is an offer that is too good to turn down.”

Spurs centre-back depth makes Maxime Esteve move unlikely

Fabrizio Romano has since poured cold water on reports linking Tottenham with a move for Esteve, with the transfer expert reporting that Spurs have not made contact with Burnley over a move for the 23-year-old.

Spurs currently have about eight centre-backs in their team at the moment, including the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Kota Takai, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Luka Vuskovic and Ashley Phillips.

While Spurs were credited with interest back in January, that interest sprang from an injury crisis that left the Lilywhites thin at the back.

Tottenham are interested in a Joao Palhinha transfer this summer, but they would have to beat a host of Premier League rivals to land the Portuguese’s signature.

We reported a few days ago that Tottenham Hotspur have shown interest in Bayern Munich’s midfield destroyer Joao Palhinha.

The Portuguese international’s future has been uncertain this summer, having suffered for minutes in his first season in the Bundesliga under head coach Vincent Kompany, managing just 667 minutes in 17 Bundesliga games.

Tottenham are looking to add more depth to their midfield, and it is claimed that Palhinha is one of several holding midfielders being considered by the Lilywhites.

Tottenham among clubs interested in Joao Palhinha transfer

CaughtOffside have now confirmed what we already know, stating that Tottenham are amongst a host of clubs interested in the Bayern Munich man.

However, it is stated that the Lilywhites are not the only ones interested in the 29-year-old midfielder, as Manchester United are also in the race to land the Portugal international.

It is also understood that Man United have already made initial enquiries for Palhinha and that the Red Devils are maintaining communication with Bayern as they juggle several transfer priorities.

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Spurs have been handed a major early boost in their pursuit of the Bayern midfielder, as it is reported that Ruben Amorim’s side’s initial proposal of a loan deal has since been rejected by Bayern Munich.

Spurs face competition as Bayern reject loan proposal

It is explained by the publication that the German champions are only considering permanent offers and are said to value Palhinha at €30-35 million (around £25-30 million), which is well below the €51 million (£43.3 million) they paid to Fulham just last summer.

West Ham United are also credited with an interest in Palhinha, and it is stated that they are on the verge of entering formal negotiations, having tracked the player’s availability in recent weeks.

His former club, Fulham, are said to be interested in a reunion; however, concerns over the Portuguese’s salary demands and injury record look to be a stumbling block.

Meanwhile, Brighton and Aston Villa are reported to have expressed interest, adding more intrigue to this transfer saga, as Palhinha himself is keen to move back to England.

Dejan Kulusevski has been a key figure for Tottenham Hotspur, but with Morgan Gibbs-White on the verge of joining, questions are being asked about the Swede’s long-term future in North London.

Every Tottenham Hotspur fan will be hoping the Morgan Gibbs-White deal gets over the line, following Spurs’ decision to trigger the midfielder’s release clause.

The Nottingham Forest playmaker was scheduled to undergo his medical with Tottenham on Friday, 11 July, but the move was suddenly placed on hold due to Forest lodging a formal complaint to the Premier League regarding the deal.

Despite the legal challenge from Forest, multiple outlets have stated that Tottenham remain confident the move for Morgan Gibbs-White will be finalised, with the club firmly believing there was no wrongdoing in their approach to sign the England international.

Tottenham transfer for Morgan Gibbs-White will not impact Dejan Kulusevski

Journalist Alasdair Gold, speaking during a Q&A with Tottenham fans, has now shared his thoughts on whether the potential arrival of Morgan Gibbs-White could spell the end for Dejan Kulusevski at the club.

The football.london reporter believes that Gibbs-White’s signing would have no bearing on Kulusevski’s place in the Spurs squad, and insists that new head coach Thomas Frank would value the Swede’s attributes.

Gold was asked: ‘Kulusevski has been a key player, but say the MGW signing goes through, can you see him leaving?’

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The journalist replied via football.london: “I am a big Dejan Kulusevski fan, and I think Thomas Frank will love him as well. He has got a lot of the tools the Dane admires with his creativity, power and work rate as well as his winning mindset.

“He will be able to use him across the three behind the striker, as a deeper midfielder or even as a support striker at times. First, the Swede must get fully back in the swing of things after his patella surgery and that could take a little while.”

Injuries to Kulusevski and James Maddison mean Spurs need Morgan Gibbs-White

Kulusevski is expected to return from injury during the spring, which means he will miss the opening stages of the campaign.

James Maddison is also currently sidelined and is in a race against time to be fit for the start of the season in August.

The arrival of Morgan Gibbs-White should help ease the load on both players, who have both struggled to stay fit. The versatility of the 25-year-old should also be appealing to Thomas Frank, with Gibbs-White capable of playing across midfield or in a more advanced role.

Kota Takai was given a huge boost on Tuesday morning as Tottenham Hotspur gear up to play their first pre-season friendly under Thomas Frank.

Several Tottenham Hotspur players have already begun work under the new head coach, Thomas Frank, ahead of the club’s friendly against Reading this weekend, marking the start of what is a transitional summer for Spurs.

The first batch of 19 players reported for training on 6 July, with a further 12 joining four days later, as preparations intensified ahead of the 2025/26 campaign under Frank and his coaching staff.

However, one notable absentee from the training pitches had been new signing Kota Takai, who has been in north London since 8 July but was forced to wait on his work permit before getting involved.

Kota Takai receives clearance to train with Tottenham

According to Football.London, the £5 million Japan international, who joined Tottenham from Kawasaki Frontale earlier this month, is now eligible to begin full training.

It is understood that the 20-year-old centre-back received his work permit on Tuesday morning, 15 July, which now allows him to begin work as a Spurs player under Thomas Frank.

Takai, having made the move from Japan, needed to await approval under post-Brexit regulations before being cleared to participate in first-team training at Hotspur Way.

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Spurs debut on the cards for Takai against Reading

With the Japan international now part of Tottenham’s pre-season preparations, there is a belief that he could be one of three players in line to make their debut against Reading on Saturday.

Tottenham are set to play their first game under Thomas Frank at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, and summer arrivals Kota Takai, Mohammed Kudus and Luka Vuskovic are all expected to be involved.

Frank is also scheduled to speak to the media on Friday, where he will likely be quizzed on his new signings and the ongoing transfer saga involving Morgan Gibbs-White.

Tottenham fans are growing increasingly restless over the Morgan Gibbs-White transfer saga, with many now urging the club to walk away and prioritise alternative targets instead.

Tottenham Hotspur fans are still waiting for their club to secure their fifth signing of the summer window, after it was delayed by Nottingham Forest following the legal action they took against Spurs.

It has been very well documented that Tottenham triggered the release clause of Morgan Gibbs-White last week on July 10, with a medical set for July 11; however, an angry Nottingham Forest hierarchy has been working to prevent the transfer from going through.

Just yesterday, it was reported that Forest has finally filed legal complaints against Spurs. Still, it is believed that Tottenham remain convinced that they will complete a deal for Gibbs-White.

Tottenham fans grow frustrated with Morgan Gibbs-White transfer delays

Fresh reports from Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports have now revealed that Nottingham Forest are adamant Morgan Gibbs-White is going nowhere, but have not yet made a formal complaint to the Premier League regarding Tottenham.

It is instead stated that Forest have been trying for a year to convince Gibbs-White to sign a new contract that includes a significant wage increase and the removal of his release clause, but the player has stood firm and refused. Spurs are now reported to be taking a brief watch at the matter.

Tottenham fans have now been left frustrated with all the back and forth that has ensued in their pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White.

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One fan said: “You can be as ‘adamant’ as you like; if there is a release clause and it is met, then the player can leave lol.”

Another added: “Yeah ok, so if this was true and they have not complained, then the release clause would be successfully triggered and he would be a Spurs player because Forest have not contested it to the Premier League. What a load of rubbish.”

A third fan commented: “If this were true MGW should be a Tottenham player.” A supporter questioned: “So they have not even complained what is stopping the deal then?” A fourth fan suggested Tottenham move on from the deal: “Honestly, just move on this is going to ruin our window.”

Another fan demanded Tottenham look at alternative targets, saying: “Just forget about it and go get Xavi Simons and a 6.”

One added: “Dragging on. We have other business we have to get done.” Another suggested Tottenham report Forest to the Premier League: “We should complain to the Premier League wtf.” While another chimed in: “We paid the release clause, they cannot just keep him hostage.”

Spurs may be forced to consider alternative transfer targets

The frustration from Spurs fans is very much understandable, as a deal that was expected to have been completed since last week continues to drag on.

It has been reported that Tottenham still have other transfer targets in midfield and should they finalise the Morgan Gibbs-White situation, they are expected to sign another midfielder.

Nottingham Forest have now officially written to both Tottenham Hotspur and Morgan Gibbs-White’s agent, putting them on legal notice in what is becoming one of the most contentious transfer sagas of the window.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have already started to grow frustrated with the latest transfer saga involving their club and Nottingham Forest.

Many Spurs supporters would have hoped to already be celebrating another statement signing within just 24 hours, after reports emerged that Tottenham had triggered Morgan Gibbs-White’s release clause and that a medical had been scheduled for Friday, 11 July.

Since then, however, it has been one twist after another, with reports suggesting the deal may now be delayed after Forest chose to cease contact with Tottenham, following what they consider an illegal approach to Gibbs-White.

Nottingham Forest put Tottenham and Morgan Gibbs-White’s agent on legal notice

Regardless, Tottenham remain confident of their innocence in the matter, with reports indicating that the club still believe the deal will go through.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, were said to have submitted a report to the Premier League yesterday, although a newer update has now claimed that no such report has been filed just yet.

According to a new report from Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports, it is understood that Nottingham Forest have now written formally to both Tottenham and Morgan Gibbs-White’s agent, putting them on legal notice.

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It is stated that the Tricky Trees have warned that they are considering legal action over what they view as an illegal approach and a breach of confidentiality.

Forest are reported to be doubling down, with neither club having issued a public comment so far.

Gibbs-White may need to push for his Spurs move

It has emerged that Morgan Gibbs-White may need to force a move to Tottenham by taking legal action himself, since the agreed release clause has already been triggered and Forest are preventing a move.

However, it has not yet come to that, as Gibbs-White continues to maintain a professional relationship with Nottingham Forest, showing up to training as scheduled.

It is understood that Gibbs-White still wants his move to Spurs and has turned down improved contract offers from Forest over the past 12 months. The Midlands club want to remove or increase the release clause in a new deal for the 25-year-old.

Tottenham Hotspur are far from done in the summer transfer market, with a new report shedding light on which positions the Lilywhites want to strengthen if and when they get Morgan Gibbs-White through the door.

Morgan Gibbs-White was expected to become Tottenham’s fourth signing of the summer after the North London club activated the attacking midfielder’s £60m release clause on Thursday.

The move followed Tottenham’s capture of Mohammed Kudus and signalled that the Lilywhites mean business this summer ahead of Thomas Frank’s first season in charge.

It also meant that the North Londoners had already spent over £150m on new signings this summer, and some journalists believe this is evidence that investment from ENIC is now on the way.

Unfortunately for Tottenham, the Gibbs-White deal has descended into a legal stand-off with Nottingham Forest. Most sources seem to think that Forest can only delay the transfer and Gibbs-White will become a Spurs player eventually, but the longer the saga drags out, the more worried fans will become.

Tottenham expected to turn their attention to a central midfielder

The Times claim that Spurs want to make further additions to their squad following the arrival of the Nottingham Forest man.

The club are said to be keen on bringing a central midfielder through the door, but the report does not say if Frank wants an eight or a number six.

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It was reported last week that Tottenham will prioritise signing experienced players this summer and that has certainly been borne out in the club’s transfer activity so far.

However, The Times add that Spurs also want to add at least one more young player to their squad following the arrival of Kota Takai.

Additionally, the report backs up what we have heard from other sources by stating that the Lilywhites also hold an interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.

Why Tottenham will likely go after a number six

It has been claimed by a number of outlets over the last month that Frank is prioritising signing a defensive midfielder this summer.

That makes sense in light of recent reports that Spurs are now trying to find a buyer for Yves Bissouma, who has just a year left on his contract.

There is also uncertainty over the future of Rodrigo Bentancur, who is also in the final year of his contract.

Brentford have issued a firm stance on Yoane Wissa amid growing interest from Tottenham Hotspur, with Thomas Frank eager to reunite with the striker in North London.

Tottenham Hotspur have already raided fellow Premier League side Brentford for a number of their coaching staff, including new head coach Thomas Frank and five other backroom members.

A further sweep was expected by the Lilywhites, who had shown genuine interest in Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo earlier this summer; however, it is now understood that Manchester United are the ones likely to land the 25-year-old wide man.

Over the past few weeks, reports have claimed that Spurs also have eyes on yet another Brentford forward, this time Yoane Wissa, who was a standout performer last season.

Tottenham face battle for Yoane Wissa as Brentford set clear stance

The 28-year-old striker, who will turn 29 later this year, impressed last season after scoring 19 goals in 34 Premier League appearances, making him one of Brentford’s most reliable attacking threats.

Tottenham are reported to be interested in securing Yoane Wissa’s services, and while contact has not been made with Brentford over a move for Wissa by Spurs, club-to-club contact could be expected soon, for the forward Brentford value at £50million.

Football Insider’s chief correspondent, Pete O’Rourke, has now revealed Brentford’s position on a potential sale. The transfer expert believes it is unlikely that both Wissa and Mbeumo will leave this summer, claiming the club will only sanction the departure of one of them.

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O’Rourke stated that losing both of their top scorers in a single window would be extremely difficult for the West London side to recover from. He said: “I cannot see Brentford letting both Mbeumo and Wissa go, they would be huge players to try and replace.”

“They are the main goalscoring duo, so to lose both would be a hammer blow to Keith Andrews and everybody connected to Brentford.

“Thomas Frank is a big admirer of Wissa and would like to be reunited with him at Tottenham, but I just think Brentford will probably dig their heels in and ensure at least one of them stays put.”

While Tottenham Hotspur are strongly linked with Wissa, it is also understood that they have several other striker options lined up this summer.

We reported a few days ago that Spurs are preparing a £22 million bid for Evann Guessand, the Ligue 1 striker who has remained on their radar since the winter transfer window.

Gareth Bale has commented on Tottenham Hotspur finally ending their long trophy drought, hailing their Europa League triumph as a major achievement and a breakthrough moment for the club he still holds dear.

Tottenham Hotspur ended their 17-year wait for silverware by edging Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final held in Bilbao, Spain.

It was a historic evening that will live long in the memory of the Spurs faithful, who have endured years of near misses and frustration on the big stage.

Former club captain Ledley King could not hold back the emotions after witnessing Spurs’ Europa League win, admitting he was moved to tears despite having been part of the Tottenham team that lifted the League Cup back in 2008.

Meanwhile, Aaron Lennon also revealed that he was left jumping off his sofa in celebration while watching Tottenham’s Europa League final game back in May, further highlighting the emotional significance the victory carried for past players and supporters alike.

It turns out, Gareth Bale remains just as much of a fan of his beloved Tottenham Hotspur.

Gareth Bale reacts to famous Tottenham trophy win

Gareth Bale, speaking to ESPN, has now revealed how Tottenham Hotspur’s long-awaited silverware moved him and reaffirmed his deep connection with the club. The former winger, who had two separate spells at Spurs, admitted the victory meant a lot to him.

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The Welshman described the Europa League win as a great moment for the club, pointing out how Tottenham had fallen short on several occasions in the past, notably in the UEFA Champions League final defeat to Liverpool.

He stressed that this recent success finally allowed the team to get the monkey off their back. Bale added that he still has ties with people behind the scenes at the club and reiterated that he was fully behind Tottenham during the final in Bilbao.

He said: “Yeah, I think it is great. First and foremost, for them to actually get that off their back and win that major trophy. They have been so close, so many times, being in the Champions League final against Liverpool, not quite getting across the line.

“They have always been there, or thereabouts, but never have quite got across the line, but now, obviously, they have done that. Hopefully, they can keep reinvesting into the team and keep growing.”

Gareth Bale added: “I think it is such a big club. I never realised until I first moved how big it was, and then everybody seemed to be a Tottenham fan, an amazing club.

“I had an amazing time there, I had an amazing relationship with the fans, and I have a lot of friends still at the club working behind the scenes, and staff.

“I was supporting them in Bilbao and was there watching and very happy to see them lift the trophy. Like I said, hopefully they can win a few more going forward now as well.”

Since retiring from football, Tottenham legend Gareth Bale has explored several interests outside the game, including fully embracing his passion for golf and making occasional appearances as a pundit, as he did during the Europa League final broadcast.

Although the ex-Spurs man has publicly expressed his affection for Tottenham Hotspur, Bale’s attention has recently shifted towards acquiring his hometown club, Cardiff City, as part of his desire to stay involved in football.

While we have previously reported Bale’s interest in club ownership, any real progress on a potential Cardiff City takeover appears to have stalled, with reports suggesting that the current ownership is not interested in selling the Welsh club.