Spurs Web

As Morgan Gibbs-White’s move to Tottenham Hotspur hangs in the balance, the midfielder is currently not training with Nottingham Forest, and a new report has shed light on why that is.

Spurs activated Morgan Gibbs-White’s £60m release clause on Thursday but the transfer has ground to a halt over the last few days.

This is because Nottingham Forest are alleging that Spurs made an ‘illegal approach’ to Gibbs-White without asking their permission and they are also unhappy that the midfielder’s confidential release clause has been leaked.

Gibbs-White has not been spotted training with Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad, and it has now been revealed why that is.

Gibbs-White is not on strike at Nottingham Forest

Mohammed Kudus showed up late for training twice at West Ham last week to pressure them into selling to Spurs, and some Tottenham Hotspur fans would be hoping that Gibbs-White is doing something similar.

However, The Athletic have now made it clear that the England international’s absence from training has nothing to do with his proposed move to N17.

The outlet says that the players who were on international duty are not expected to report back in training at Forest until later this week.

MORE SPURS STORIES

With Gibbs-White featuring for England in their World Cup qualifiers last month, he was always not going to be part of the first group of Forest players who returned to training last week.

Tottenham expect Morgan Gibbs-White deal to go through

Various outlets have claimed that Tottenham remain confident that Morgan Gibbs-White will be a Spurs player come the end of the window.

Several experts believe that Gibbs-White’s proposed move to Spurs is still on course to go through and that this move by Forest to complain to the Premier League is only likely to cause a temporary delay.

However, the fear for Tottenham would be that the hold-up could cause other clubs to potentially enter the race and turn the midfielder’s head.

Rio Ferdinand has now delivered his honest verdict on Thomas Frank’s Tottenham chances, stating he will be surprised if the Dane does not adapt.

Tottenham Hotspur are now preparing for life under new head coach Thomas Frank, with the first pre-season game just less than ten days away.

Frank has now met up with his new group of players, after it was revealed that 19 Tottenham stars have returned to first-team training this summer.

The Dane is currently shaping his Spurs squad, following the two signings he has made as Tottenham boss, after completing the arrivals of Mathys Tel and Kota Takai.

Rio Ferdinand backs Thomas Frank to adapt at Tottenham

The start of the Premier League season is now just a few weeks away, and Frank and his backroom staff will be hoping to start the campaign strongly.

Several former players have offered support to Frank, including Jermain Defoe. While other players have expressed their belief that the Dane is well-equipped to thrive in North London.

Former England international Steven Caulker has also backed Frank to succeed at Tottenham, with the former Spurs man describing the Dane as a brilliant manager.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Now, Rio Ferdinand has also offered an honest assessment of Thomas Frank’s chances of success at Tottenham, with the former Manchester United defender stating that he would be surprised if Frank fails to adapt to life at a big club.

He said: “I really want them (Tottenham) to do well because I have been lucky enough to share a couple of dinners with Thomas Frank and he was super impressive, albeit at Brentford,” Ferdinand told talkSPORT. “No disrespect, but the expectations are very different at that football club.

“He seemed like a very calm, assured, confident guy. I’ll be very surprised if he does not adapt to his new surroundings and remain successful there.

Asked what success might look like for Frank and Spurs next season, Ferdinand replied: “I do not know? They have got no big egos and superstars at the football club that he has to deal with, that would have been the only concern.

“I think there is a group of players whose ears are open and they want to learn and be consistent. I’ll be surprised if he does not deliver that at least.”

Thomas Frank’s record and strengths could benefit Spurs

Thomas Frank did impress at Brentford during his time there, with the Dane delivering two top-half finishes in his last three seasons.

Last campaign, the Dane had Brentford finish in tenth place, seven spots above Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, who ended the season in seventeenth – their worst-ever league finish.

Frank arrives with a reputation for tactical flexibility and a willingness to adapt, which could suit this Tottenham side well, especially as they prepare to compete in multiple competitions with a clear pressure to deliver.

Mohammed Kudus is now a Tottenham Hotspur player, and as a result, one current winger could be pushed out of the squad this summer.

The lack of depth in the Tottenham first-team squad was brought to light last season, after an unprecedented campaign riddled with injuries. However, there was no lack of options on the wings when most players were available.

On the left, Spurs have Heung-min Son and Richarlison, while Mathys Tel was added halfway through last season. The congestion continues on the right flank, with Europa League hero Brennan Johnson, along with the talented Dejan Kulusevski and youngster Wilson Odobert.

However, this clearly is not seen as enough, because Tottenham announced the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham this week. Should Thomas Frank opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, Kudus is most likely to play on the right wing.

The fact that Tottenham Hotspur have three or four options on each wing is reassuring, but it is bad news for one winger returning from a season-long loan.

Manor Solomon may no longer get his Tottenham chance

Manor Solomon was denied the opportunity to ever get going at Spurs, due to a meniscus injury. His long spell on the sidelines was disappointing because he looked bright in pre-season and registered two assists in five Premier League appearances.

Tottenham then decided to sign Odobert, while Solomon was sent on loan to Leeds United in the Championship. His spell there was a success, with Leeds winning the second tier, while the 25-year-old showed he was a great creator and a goal threat too. His 10 goals and 12 assists certainly played a part in his team’s triumph, and he appeared in 39 league matches.

MORE SPURS STORIES

However, Spurs appear to be building a team with no regard for Solomon. This is despite the fact that Solomon wants to stay at Tottenham, while Frank is reportedly interested in seeing what the Israeli international has to offer in pre-season.

Perhaps he will be given a chance to show he can still make it at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the arrival of Kudus indicates his days in North London are numbered. Especially since Solomon is not a homegrown player, so there is no value in keeping him at the club other than if he can find his way into the first team.

How could Manor Solomon find his way into Thomas Frank’s Spurs team?

There seems to be little chance of Solomon ever starting on the right wing, because he will be behind Kudus, Kulusevski and Johnson in the pecking order. However, he usually plays on the left anyway and Tottenham’s options there are not as strong.

Richarlison has been linked with a move away from Tottenham, while Son is past his prime. On top of this, Tel is still fairly new to North London and his performances whilst on loan were not notably impressive.

Solomon does not appear to have a future at Tottenham, but if there is any slight chance of him remaining there after the summer, it will be as a left winger. However, if Spurs do sell Richarlison and replace him with a player of Frank’s choosing, that could seal Solomon’s fate once and for all.

As Tottenham Hotspur sign Mohammed Kudus and attempt to push through a move for Morgan Gibbs-White, a new report has shed light on what Thomas Frank asked of Daniel Levy and Johan Lange this summer.

It is funny how big a difference two days can make. The mood of the Tottenham Hotspur fan base has gone from sheer exasperation to unbridled joy after the Lilywhites secured deals for Kudus and Gibbs-White.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Tottenham without the sobering impact of Nottingham Forest alleging an ‘illegal approach’ from Spurs in the Gibbs-White deal. Fingers crossed, Tottenham can get that move over the line, with sources saying Spurs remain confident and calm.

It marks a big change in Spurs’ transfer policy, with the club having prioritised signing youngsters with potential under Ange Postecoglou.

In fact, Postecoglou himself spoke of the need for Tottenham to add experience to their squad, and it turns out that his successor made the same demand of the club’s hierarchy.

What Thomas Frank wanted from Tottenham this summer

BBC Sport have now revealed that the remit given to the Tottenham recruitment department this summer was to sign players who have Premier League experience.

The outlet says that Frank was of the belief that Tottenham’s squad is packed full of young, exciting players, but it needed more experienced heads.

MORE SPURS STORIES

It is to fix that issue that Levy and Tottenham decision makers have spent big to land both Kudus and Gibbs-White ahead of the Dane’s first season in charge, with both players being proven in the English top-flight.

The report backs up what we have heard from other sources by revealing that the North Londoners also hold an interest in Brentford star Yoane Wissa, which is presented as further evidence of the change in Spurs’ transfer strategy.

Tottenham have not abandoned their policy of signing young guns

Sami Mokbel claimed on the Last Word on Spurs last week that Tottenham’s decision to prioritise experienced players does not mean they will not sign young starlets.

He explained that the club are still very much on the lookout for talented youngsters who can develop into finished products in the future.

That is evidenced by the fact that the club have secured Mathys Tel permanently from Bayern Munich and have also brought Kota Takai through the door.

Jamie Donley had an excellent season at Leyton Orient, but is he ready to be part of the Tottenham Hotspur first-team squad?

Going on to be successful after graduating from the Tottenham academy setup is no easy achievement. Harry Kane learned to thrive in the senior game, but many Spurs youngsters have to make permanent moves away from the club in order to play first-team football.

Last season was a clear example that showing potential does not guarantee chances. Take the Europa League game against Elfsborg as an example. Neither Heung-min Son nor Richarlison was able to make an impact, but Dane Scarlett got a goal and an assist, while Mikey Moore and Damola Ajayi joined him on the scoresheet.

Since then, Ajayi has not made a single appearance for Tottenham, while Scarlett has only been brought off the bench three times. Even Moore often found himself on the bench for the full duration of matches, despite his obvious talent and promise.

Instead of trusting their own young players, Spurs have opted to bring in new ones from elsewhere. The likes of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray have made plenty of starts, allowing them the opportunity to show how capable they are in the Premier League.

Tottenham should keep Jamie Donley next season

This issue of Tottenham failing to give their academy players a proper number of chances in the Tottenham first-team squad is frustrating and ought not to be the case with one of their most promising prospects – Jamie Donley.

The 20-year-old had a great season at Leyton Orient. From winning the man of the match award in the FA Cup against Manchester City, to being named as the Leyton Orient player of the year, it was a campaign to remember. Donley’s performances also earned him an international call-up and he has since made three appearances for Northern Ireland.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Donley registered an impressive eight goals and 10 assists for Leyton Orient in League One, and loaning him to a Championship club next season would have some benefits. However, what could be even better is if he is given the chance to play at the very highest level.

One club players like the great Ledley King will cease to exist at Tottenham because the locally trained youngsters are shipped off on loan and eventually sold. This must change under Thomas Frank, and who better to give an opportunity than Donley?

Spurs will need every squad player to contribute

Tottenham once again face a busy season ahead, as they prepare to compete in four competitions, as well as the UEFA Super Cup. In order to give their best in each tournament, utilising their whole squad will be essential.

Even if Donley does not make regular appearances in the Premier League, he should at least be allowed some minutes, particularly against the division’s weaker teams. As well as this, there are two domestic cup competitions where he could be given an opportunity.

The Champions League could also be useful in helping Donley develop. He may not play if Spurs come up against the likes of PSG and Real Madrid, but there will likely be one or two fixtures in the league phase that Tottenham should be winning comfortably. Now is the time to integrate Donley into the first-team squad and let him show what he can offer.

Thomas Frank has been working with Luka Vuskovic for less than a week at Hotspur Way, but according to journalist Nicolo Schira, the new Tottenham boss has already decided on the centre-back’s future.

Vuskovic had to wait two years to link up with the Tottenham squad since Brexit regulations did not allow him to arrive in North London until he turned 18.

However, in the meantime, the centre-back’s stock has continued to grow out on loan, with the teenager having an exceptional campaign at Belgian side Westerlo last term and winning his first senior cap for his country earlier this summer.

It has been reported over recent weeks that a host of clubs around Europe want to take Vuskovic on loan, but several sources have also claimed that Thomas Frank is keen to take a closer look at the Croat defender.

Tottenham have made a decision on Luka Vuskvoic

Just a few days ago, The Sun’s Tom Barclay claimed that Vuskovic could be part of Tottenham’s first-team plans if he impresses in pre-season.

Journalist Nicolo Schira has now suggested that the decision from the Lilywhites regarding the 18-year-old may have already been made.

He took to social media to claim that several clubs have enquired about the Croatian international, but Tottenham Hotspur want to keep him as a part of their first-team plans for the upcoming campaign.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Vuskovic has a clear preference for a loan destination

It will be interesting to see what Frank decides regarding the 18-year-old, as he is certainly not short of centre-backs, particularly after the arrival of Kota Takai.

Reports over recent weeks have indicated that the Bundesliga will be Vuskovic’s likely destination if Spurs decide to loan him out.

Radu Dragusin has not been good enough for Tottenham Hotspur, but Thomas Frank could be the key to unlocking his future at the club.

Radu Dragusin was recently named in our top five worst Tottenham signings of the decade article. Anyone to have had the misfortune of witnessing his performances since he made the move to England will understand why.

The Romanian centre-back was a bizarre signing because he clearly did not suit Ange Postecoglou’s style of play. His ability on the ball appears limited, and he has often been caught out in possession.

This was coupled with his lack of comfort playing a high line. Dragusin is not the quickest defender and he looks far better suited to a more traditional defensive role. On the whole, Dragusin’s decision to reject Bayern Munich for Tottenham looks to have been a disastrous move.

Tottenham should keep Radu Dragusin for now

Despite his rough start to life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, there is time for Dragusin to come good. He will be able to undergo a fresh start, with Thomas Frank in charge, as well as the fact that he will be returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines after an ACL injury.

The arrival of his new boss could see him adopt a role more suited to his playing style. Frank still likes to attack and it has been a while since he deployed a back three, but there should be less pressure on Dragusin, both on the ball and out of possession. He should be able to sit deeper and Spurs may not look to play out from the back as much as last season.

On top of the potential for Dragusin to improve, it is difficult to see how selling him now would benefit Tottenham financially. He joined Spurs for just over £20m, but due to his shaky performances and lack of playing time when Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have not been injured, Tottenham could potentially be looking at making a loss on him.

MORE SPURS STORIES

This would be poor business, considering he is only 23 years old and still has five years remaining on his contract. It makes the most sense to give him another chance under Frank to see if he can up his game.

If he fails, he is still contracted to the club for a number of years and is unlikely to lose even more value than what he would currently be sold for.

An argument in favour of Spurs selling Radu Dragusin

It is important to consider both sides of a debate. While there are advantages to keeping Dragusin at Tottenham, there is also a clear negative.

Tottenham recently announced the signing of Kota Takai, while Luka Vuskovic has been a cause for excitement, as he finally linked up with the Tottenham first-team squad.

Keeping Dragusin could mean these new signings are not able to get first-team opportunities. Alternatively, Dragusin may fall behind them in the pecking order and never get the chance to impress under Frank.

However, there is no guarantee that Cristian Romero will remain at Tottenham next season, and if Dragusin continues not to deliver, he can be moved on in January.

He was clearly signed for a reason, so it makes sense to give him a shot in a system where he is more comfortable, then reassess his future in the coming months.

A new report has shed light on what Graham Potter thought of Mohammed Kudus and his lack of effectiveness in one position, which may interest Tottenham fans and Thomas Frank.

Spurs supporters are over the moon with the deal to sign the Ghanaian, not least because West Ham fans are apocalyptic at their club’s decision to sell Kudus to Tottenham.

In his first interview as a Tottenham player, Kudus admitted that it was the size and history of Spurs that attracted him to the club.

Many fans will be expecting the 24-year-old to be used as a wide option by Thomas Frank, particularly given that Morgan Gibbs-White is expected to arrive at Tottenham if Spurs can get over Nottingham Forest’s legal complaints over the deal.

Graham Potter thinks Mohammed Kudus is not capable of playing in one position

The new Tottenham man has played as a number ten and on either flank for club and country over his career, but he has a clear preference.

During his time at West Ham, Kudus made it clear multiple times that he prefers playing centrally, rather than out wide, so that he can affect games more.

The Guardian have now revealed that Graham Potter came to an interesting conclusion about the 24-year-old over the last few months.

MORE SPURS STORIES

According to the outlet, the West Ham boss does not believe Kudus is capable of playing centrally in the Premier League, despite the player’s assertion that he is at his best as a number ten.

Where will Kudus line up in Thomas Frank’s set-up?

We know that Frank likes to employ a dynamic attacking set-up, with attackers often interchanging positions.

There is no doubt that he would have spoken to the Ghanaian before his move to Tottenham, and the former Hammers man would not have greenlit the move unless he was convinced by the Dane’s vision.

Ledley King admits he shed tears as Tottenham finally ended their long wait for silverware, lifting the Europa League trophy on a historic night in Bilbao.

Of course, every football club has that one memory they would cherish ever so dearly. For Liverpool, that night in Istanbul, 2005, for Manchester United fans it is the game against Bayern Munich in 1999, for Manchester City, the night in Istanbul as well, where they clinched their first ever UEFA Champions League trophy.

Tottenham Hotspur, as well, have had such nights in the past, but the most recent one would remain a fond memory for most fans, who had to wait 17 years for a first piece of silverware and four decades to celebrate a European triumph.

The night in Bilbao, Spain. The Johnson toe poke. The celebrations after. The trophy parade. Nothing comes close for many Tottenham fans in terms of footballing memories in the last two decades.

Ledley King reveals emotional reaction to Tottenham win over Manchester United

Spurs legend Ledley King, who was part of the last Tottenham side to lift a piece of silverware back in 2008 in the League Cup, has now opened up on how he felt after that historic night in Bilbao, Spain.

King was the captain in Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, in a game that went into extra time, and despite lifting a trophy then, he has now revealed that he was moved to tears after Tottenham won the Europa League last season, beating Manchester United 1-0 on the night.

He also gave credit to the Tottenham players and former manager Ange Postecoglou for keeping their focus right to the end, despite a difficult season in the Premier League

MORE SPURS STORIES

He told OLGB: “It was emotional actually, there were a few tears which I did not expect. I think we have been to seven finals over the last 20 years or so, to get over the line was special.

“It has been such a difficult season during the Premier League. But the team managed to keep their focus right to the very end. They had their eye on the target of winning the Europa League, so fair play to the manager and the players for that.

“It was an emotional night and then we had the parade a couple of days later and the turnout was amazing. I am just pleased for the fans who have waited so long. They deserve that and hopefully the team can kick on now.

“The players have got that feeling of winning something, achieving something special, and they will be determined to repeat that.”

Spurs legend Ledley King reflects on proudest moment with Tottenham

Of course, Spurs have had several top players in the last decade, yet not everyone managed to win a piece of silverware, including the likes of Harry Kane, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.

King continued, revealing that it took time to realise how special winning a trophy with Tottenham was, stating that while a player’s debut is special, nothing tops being part of a collective that goes on to win silverware.

He added: “It would have to be winning a trophy (was my proudest Spurs moment). I think that has probably grown over the years. Obviously, it has been such a long time since we achieved that. I think over the years I have started to realise how difficult it is to actually win a trophy.

“We have had some great players over the years. Look at players like Hugo Lloris who won the World Cup, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Harry Kane. Some great Spurs players in a great team that did not achieve that.

“So winning a trophy for the club. Of course your debut is always special, but to be part of a team, a collective that goes on to do something special is the best.”

Tottenham Hotspur fans are over the moon with the ambitious moves that the club have made over the last 48 hours, and they will be even more excited by what Fabrizio Romano has just revealed.

Just a few days ago, the mood of the Tottenham Hotspur fan base was turning sour as many were exasperated by the lack of big moves in the transfer window.

The feeling was that Daniel Levy and co were hanging another new manager out to dry, but over the last 48 hours, the mood has changed completely, with the Lilywhites flexing their financial muscle.

Mohammed Kudus has been announced as a Tottenham player, with Spurs paying £55m to land him from West Ham.

And then on Thursday, Spurs activated Morgan Gibbs-White’s £60m release clause, with the attacking midfielder set to be the fourth player to arrive through the door at Hotspur Way this summer.

It is still unclear whether the Gibbs-White deal will go through, with Nottingham Forest alleging that Spurs made an ‘illegal approach’. However, Tottenham remain confident that Morgan Gibbs-White will be a Spurs player come the end of the window.

Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham are not done making signings

The moves for Kudus and Morgan Gibbs-White show a change in transfer policy at Tottenham, with the Lilywhites now pursuing players who are proven at the highest level rather than just promising youngsters.

MORE SPURS STORIES

What will excite Spurs fans even more is that Fabrizio Romano has said on his YouTube channel that the North Londoners are not done just yet.

The journalist explained that the club are building a “really ambitious project” under Thomas Frank and that there are “more signings to come” at Tottenham over the coming weeks.

Have ENIC changed their Spurs playbook?

Under the current owners, Spurs have operated in a self-sustaining model, which is demonstrated by the fact that ENIC have invested just £122.1m into Tottenham since buying the club in 2001.

However, the club have already spent more than £150m this summer without any major player sales, contrary to previous reports that Tottenham have to sell to buy due to their cash flow problems.