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Tottenham Hotspur reportedly saw off plenty of competition to strike a deal for Japanese defender Kota Takai, who is now bound for North London, with a new report shedding light on what the Lilywhites’ plans are for the 20-year-old this summer.

Kota Takai is expected to be Tottenham’s second signing of the Thomas Frank era, with the Lilywhites allegedly striking a £5m deal to sign the young centre-back from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale.

The 20-year-old is thought of very highly in his country, having already had two seasons in the J-League and having been capped four times for the Japanese national side.

The lanky centre-back is dominant in duals and has pace to burn while also being good with the ball at his feet, but he now faces a considerable step up this summer, with a huge challenge awaiting him in the Premier League.

Three other European clubs tried to beat Spurs to Takai

Japanese outlet Sponichi have now confirmed that Spurs will pay £5m for the centre-back, which is the highest ever for a player who moved overseas from the J-League.

The outlet says that Takai will sign a contract with the Lilywhites as soon as he completes his medical in Hotspur Way, with all the paperwork in place.

The outlet claims that the young defender first came to the attention of European clubs when he shone as part of Japan’s Olympic side last summer.

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It is revealed that Udinese, Borussia Monchengladbach and Hoffenheim expressed their interest in Takai but the player chose Spurs as he wanted to move to the Premier League.

Tottenham’s plans for Kota Takai revealed

Sponichi claim that Tottenham Hotspur could send the Japanese defender out on loan during the upcoming season so that he can continue getting regular game time under his belt.

However, the outlet does not rule out the possibility of Takai staying at Tottenham and being part of Thomas Frank’s first-team plans.

A Tottenham academy youngster, who made his mark in the Europa League last season, is edging closer to joining an EFL side on a season-long loan.

The Europa League provided many of Tottenham Hotspur’s academy products a chance to showcase their talent and some of them grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

The best example was Spurs’ final clash of the League Phase against Elfsborg, with the Lilywhites running out 3-0 winners, with all three goals being scored by academy teenagers.

One of those Tottenham goals came from 19-year-old wide-forward Damola Ajayi, who may get an opportunity to show what he can do in senior football next season.

Damola Ajayi close to swapping Tottenham for Doncaster Rovers

Damola Ajayi played 18 times in the Premier League 2 for the Tottenham Under-21s last season, scoring three goals and providing an assist.

The versatile attacker is a right winger by trade but has also played on the left and even occasionally as an attacking midfielder for Wayne Burnett’s men.

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Ajayi may get a chance to strut his stuff in League One next season, with journalist Pete O’Rourke taking to social media to reveal that the youngster is now in advanced talks over joining Doncaster Rovers on loan.

Doncaster Rovers were crowned League Two champions in the 2024/25 season and enter the new campaign on a high.

Spurs academy midfielder may be handed a first-team chance by Thomas Frank

Ajayi has to look no further than Jamie Donley to realise just what a brilliant season in League One can do to one’s career.

The attacking midfielder had an outstanding season on loan at Leyton Orient last term and has since been capped for the Northern Ireland senior side.

Tottenham’s hopes of landing Bryan Mbeumo appear to be fading very fast as Manchester United made a big decision about the Brentford forward over the weekend.

No player has been linked with a move to Spurs as heavily as the Brentford star over the last few weeks, with the speculation intensifying as soon as Thomas Frank was officially confirmed as Ange Postecoglou’s replacement.

It has been widely reported that Tottenham and Man United are locked in a fierce transfer battle for Mbeumo’s signature.

However, most outlets have continued to maintain that Man United are the favourites to beat Spurs to Mbeumo, who has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford.

Manchester United make a second offer for Bryan Mbeumo

Fabrizio Romano has now taken to social media to reveal that the Red Devils, who had their first offer for the Cameroon international turned down a couple of weeks ago, have now pressed forward with a second bid.

The journalist claims that United’s offer is thought to be more than £60m, with Ruben Amorim’s men still considering Mbeumo their priority target.

Romano adds that discussions are now expected to continue between the Manchester club and the Bees, with the 25-year-old prioritising a move to United.

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Is this why Tottenham have stepped up their pursuit of Eberechi Eze?

It may not be a coincidence that Spurs appear to have stepped up their pursuit of Eberechi Eze, with the Lilywhites perhaps turning to the Crystal Palace star after admitting defeat in their pursuit of Mbeumo.

Over the last 24 hours, various outlets have said that Eze is now in favour of a move to Tottenham, with the versatile attacker keen to test himself in the Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur are determined to win the race for Eberechi Eze, with the Lilywhites believing that the move will signal their ambition ahead of the start of the Thomas Frank era.

Some players get linked with a move to Spurs almost every single transfer window, so much so that it becomes a bit of a meme.

Leandro Damiao was the best example of that in the past, and the latest version is Eberechi Eze, who has been mooted as a target for Tottenham Hotspur since his QPR days.

It seems like we might finally see the move come to fruition this summer, with reports indicating that Thomas Frank has greenlit the signing of Eze for Spurs.

On Monday, it was revealed by The Sun that Eze is keen on securing a move to Tottenham and playing in the Champions League next season.

Tottenham want to make a statement with Eberechi Eze signing

The Guardian has now claimed that Tottenham want to deliver Eze as a ‘statement signing’ for Thomas Frank this summer.

The Lilywhites are currently said to be ‘weighing up a move’ for the 26-year-old and the Spurs hierarchy are of the belief that the Palace star wants to join them.

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Additionally, the North London club also have a close connection with the agency that represents Eze, CAA Base agency, whose clients include Son Heung-min, James Maddison and Pape Sarr.

Tottenham have held ‘internal discussions’ about substantiating their long-standing interest in the versatile attacker and making him their marquee signing of the summer.

Crystal Palace have softened their stance on Eze

Earlier in the summer, it was claimed that Eze’s £60m plus £8m release clause had to be paid upfront for it to be activated.

However, over recent days, it has emerged that Palace are ready to accept Eze’s release clause in several instalments, which comes as a boost to Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly admitted defeat in their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo and are now ready to push ahead with a move for another big-name Premier League attacker.

Over the last two weeks, Tottenham and Man United have been locked in a battle for Mbeumo’s signature, but it appears that one side is now emerging as a clear winner.

Some sources have said over recent weeks that Spurs may turn to other alternatives after Mbeumo revealed his preference to move to Old Trafford.

It turns out that Tottenham Hotspur are now doing just that after the Red Devils took a major step towards signing the Cameroon international.

Tottenham ready to step up Eberchie Eze pursuit as Bryan Mbeumo deal slips away

A report from talkSPORT has now backed up what other sources have been reporting over the last 48 hours by claiming that United have now made a second offer for Mbeumo worth more than £60m.

It is revealed that talks between Man United and Brentford have accelerated and will continue this week as the two sides look to hammer out an agreement.

Even more consequentially, the outlet claims United have already agreed personal terms with Mbeumo on a contract worth around £250,000-a-week, with the 25-year-old making it clear that his preference is to move to Old Trafford.

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As a result, talkSPORT say that Tottenham are now expected to put their entire focus on a move for Eberechi Eze over the next few days.

The publication claims that Man City have also expressed an interest in Eze in the past, but it is not revealed if Pep Guardiola’s men are expected to challenge Spurs for the Palace star this summer.

Eze is in favour of a move to Spurs

This update from talkSPORT comes less than a day after The Sun claimed that Eze is now in favour of a move to Tottenham, with the versatile attacker keen to test himself in the Champions League.

According to various sources, Palace are now ready to accept Eze’s £68m release clause in three instalments after previously insisting that the whole fee needed to be paid upfront.

Tottenham are expected to complete the signing of a highly rated 20-year-old centre-back from Kawasaki Frontale this summer, but who is Kota Takai, the young defender joining the ranks in north London?

Tottenham Hotspur are reported to have reached a £5m agreement to sign Kota Takai from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale this summer.

The 20-year-old centre-back is expected to join the Tottenham first-team squad, making him the seventh central defensive option available to Thomas Frank ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Takai has penned a five-year deal with Tottenham, which includes an option for a further year, as well as a 10% sell-on clause embedded in the agreement with Kawasaki Frontale.

Spurs fans have wasted no time in reacting to the arrival of Kota Takai, with many tipping the Japanese international as a long-term prospect for the club. But who exactly is the 20-year-old defender set to make the switch to north London?

Who is Tottenham signing Kota Takai?

Kota Takai is a 20-year-old Japanese centre-back born on 4 September 2004, currently playing for J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale and representing the Japan national team.

He is understood to have signed a five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur and is expected to complete the move to north London in the summer of 2025.

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His £5 million move makes him the most expensive Japanese international ever signed directly from the J1 League. Takai made his senior debut for Kawasaki Frontale following his promotion to the first team in 2022, featuring in an 8–0 victory over Guangzhou.

On the international stage, he made his Japan debut on 5 September 2024, replacing Ko Itakura in a World Cup qualifier against China. He was also called up to the Japan U23 squad for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup in April 2024.

Kota Takai club history and stats before joining Spurs

Takai has spent the bulk of his career at Kawasaki Frontale, coming through the ranks at the club before breaking into the first team.

Below is a breakdown of his club appearances across the different stages of his career so far:

What positions has Takai played?

Takai is primarily a centre-back, having played the vast majority of his minutes at the heart of defence. However, he is also comfortable operating as a right-back, offering Thomas Frank added flexibility in defensive areas.

His ability to slot in at full-back could prove valuable for Spurs, especially with the need for depth across the backline throughout a long campaign.

What trophies has Kota Takai won before joining Spurs?

Despite his young age, Takai already has silverware under his belt both at the club and international level.

With Kawasaki Frontale, he lifted the Japanese Super Cup in 2024. On the international scene, he was part of the Japan U23 squad that won the AFC U-23 Asian Cup in the same year. His performances also earned him the J.League Best Young Player award in 2024.

Takai stats across competitions

Takai’s numbers show a defender with growing experience at a high level. Having featured consistently for Frontale across domestic and continental competitions, his minutes reflect a player trusted in key moments.

Kota Takai’s style of play analysed

Takai’s profile suggests a defender with solid fundamentals and strong physical traits. He has a good eye for danger and prefers to defend proactively, stepping in with intelligent positioning and timely challenges.

He covers space well, especially when tracking back or defending against wide deliveries at the back post.

His pace and agility allow him to close down threats quickly, and he does not hesitate to go to ground when required.

Aerially, he is not yet dominant but remains effective enough. His approach is old-school in the air, winning the duel and clearing his lines.

In possession, he is right-footed and calm when building from the back. He keeps it simple, opting for short passes to progress play without unnecessary risk, though he has shown he is capable of longer distribution when needed.

Tottenham may yet have a chance of beating Liverpool and others to the signature of Marc Guehi as a new report sheds light on the various possibilities that the Crystal Palace man is prepared for this summer.

Several reliable sources, including Alasdair Gold, have claimed that Marc Guehi has been a long-term target for Tottenham.

With the ongoing speculation over Cristian Romero’s future, and with the Palace star now having just a year left on his contract, this summer may be the ideal time for the Lilywhites to pounce on the 24-year-old.

It emerged a few days ago that Liverpool are now ready to make an offer for Guehi, which came as a major blow to Tottenham’s hopes of landing the centre-back.

However, it has now been claimed that Spurs may not need to abandon their pursuit of the England international, who is yet to decide on his future.

Why Marc Guehi may not greenlight a move to Liverpool

The Guardian have now said that Guehi has no intention of signing a new deal at Crystal Palace but the defender has not decided on his next destination.

The outlet states that Liverpool have now emerged as a ‘strong contenders’ to land the former Chelsea man and a chance to link up with the Premier League champions may be hard to turn down for the centre-back.

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However, Guehi may also give a lot of consideration to ensuring that he will get regular game time at his next club.

In fact, it is alleged that the Eagles star has given indications that a club that can guarantee him regular football may have a good chance of winning the race for him.

Guehi has not ruled out staying at Crystal Palace

The Guardian name Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur as the two other clubs who have expressed an interest in the England defender, revealing that both sides have had offers for the player turned down over the last 12 months.

It is alleged that Spurs may push ahead with a move for Guehi if they lose Cristian Romero to Real Madrid while Eddie Howe’s men are hoping that the offer of Champions League football helps sway the Palace captain.

Interestingly, the outlet adds that the Tottenham target has not ruled out the possibility of running out his contract at Selhurst Park and leaving on a free transfer next summer.

Tottenham have been handed a surprise boost in their pursuit of Eberechi Eze, with the winger now said to be open to a move to north London.

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer activity has been slow this summer, and that would not surprise many Spurs fans who watched their club complete their winter signings late in the window, despite the club managing an injury crisis.

However, late deals in this transfer window would be far from ideal, as Thomas Frank, who only just joined Spurs a little over ten days ago, will be keen to have ample time with his new group of players ahead of the start of the season, including new signings.

Reports in the past few weeks have constantly linked Tottenham with wingers, and that comes as little surprise, given that Heung-min Son could leave this summer and Dejan Kulusevski is sidelined until the spring.

Eberechi Eze is interested in a Tottenham transfer

Bryan Mbeumo is a key target for Tottenham, who are hoping to hijack a deal from Manchester United, with the Red Devils currently in pole position to land the Brentford man.

Antoine Semenyo is seen as an alternative to the Cameroon international, who grabbed 20 Premier League goals last season, but Bournemouth’s hefty price tag is said to be a stumbling block for Tottenham.

Eberechi Eze has long been admired by Tottenham, and it was revealed that a pursuit of Mbeumo would not kill off Spurs’ interest in Eze, who has only two years left on his current deal and a £68 million release clause that becomes active this summer.

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An interesting option for meeting Eze’s release clause was revealed just yesterday, one that could work well for the Lilywhites, but it remains to be seen if they would take it.

A fresh update from The Sun has now revealed that Eberechi Eze is keen on securing a move to Tottenham Hotspur and that the prospect of playing for Spurs in the Champions League appeals to the versatile winger.

In fact, the way The Sun put it, Eberechi Eze is interested in spearheading the Thomas Frank revolution at Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs have reportedly been tracking Eze for years, and while he is not guaranteed to leave Palace this summer, it could finally happen. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham would have the funds to push for both Eze and Bryan Mbeumo.

Why Eze is perfect for Thomas Frank’s Spurs rebuild

Thomas Frank is reported to be a big admirer of Eze, who has continued to impress during his time at Selhurst Park.

The winger, last campaign, grabbed an impressive 25 goal involvements in 43 appearances, scoring 14 times and assisting 11 more, including a goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City and one against Spurs ten days before the final clash.

A report has now revealed how serious Tottenham’s interest in Dennis Cirkin is and what Sunderland’s plans are if and when the North London club make advances towards the left-back.

Cirkin, who came through the Tottenham Hotspur academy, left the North London club for the Stadium of Light back in 2021 in search of regular game time.

The 23-year-old was highly thought of at Hotspur Way under Jose Mourinho and he has since lived up to the billing, developing into one of the best young talents in the EFL.

Alasdair Gold claimed a few days ago that Tottenham had considered re-signing Cirkin in the past and the journalist revealed that the Lilywhites could do so on a discount since they still have a sell-on clause on the defender.

Spurs are short of homegrown and club-trained options in their squad, and the Sunderland man is viewed as someone who can help rectify that issue.

Tottenham expected to make an offer for Dennis Cirkin

The Northern Echo have now claimed that Tottenham hold a serious interest in re-signing the youngster this summer, with the North Londoners said to be keen on negotiating a deal for the player.

It is explained that not only is Cirkin seen as someone who can help with the club’s lack of homegrown and club-trained numbers ahead of their return to the Champions League, but the defender is also regarded as someone with ‘considerable development potential’ at N17.

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It is alleged that Tottenham officials are now lining up a formal offer for the versatile left-back, who can also play as a central defender, and the incoming offer from Spurs will see Sunderland make a considerable profit on a player should they decide to sell.

However, the Black Cats are making plans of their own to ward off Tottenham’s interest and to hang onto the youngster ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Sunderland will offer Cirkin a new contract but a sale is on the cards

The Northern Echo point out that the Spurs academy graduate has just one year left on his contract at the North East.

That, allied with Spurs’ interest, has made the Sunderland hierarchy keen to hold discussions with Cirkin regarding a new contract.

However, it is explained that should the Wearside club not be able to tie down the left-back to a new deal, they may have to cash in on him as Regis Le Bris’ men do not want to risk letting the defender run into the final year of his deal.

A new report has now boosted Tottenham’s chances of landing Eberechi Eze this summer by revealing that Crystal Palace’s stance on the versatile attacker is now softening.

Tottenham have been installed as one of the front-runners to sign Eze this summer, which will not surprise Spurs fans as rumours linking the attacking midfielder with a move to N17 seem to crop up every transfer window.

It was reported last week that Thomas Frank had greenlighted the signing of Eze, with the new Spurs head coach thought to be a big fan of the Palace star.

Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe gave a big boost to the Lilywhites over the weekend by revealing that Palace are ready to accept Eze’s £60m release clause in several instalments after previously demanding that the whole fee be paid upfront.

How Crystal Palace want Tottenham to structure Eberechi Eze deal

The information provided by Paul O’Keefe has now been backed up by TBR Football, who say that Palace co-owner Steve Parish is now ready to accept the fee for the 26-year-old in instalments, but only under one condition.

The outlet explains that for Tottenham Hotspur to pay the fee for Eze in instalments, they would have to offer slightly more than £60m.

The Eagles allegedly want around £25m-£30m to be paid upfront and the remaining fee to be covered in two subsequent instalments.

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It is pointed out that there is another £8m in performance-related bonuses in Eze’s release clause, which Tottenham and others have to factor in while negotiating the deal.

The report adds that the South London club are not desperate to sell the England international this summer, but with the player having just two years left on his deal, they are aware that this might be their final opportunity to get a sizable fee.

Spurs may have to make a big move before pursuing Eze

TBR Football say that before Spurs push ahead with a move for the Palace star, they might first need to cash in on Heung-min Son to facilitate the transfer.

The publication claims that Thomas Frank is set to meet with the Tottenham captain over the coming weeks before a final decision is made on the 32-year-old’s future.