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Jermaine Pennant has backed new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank to steady the ship in north London, but he thinks the former Brentford manager will fall short in one aspect.

Tottenham Hotspur had their first taste of silverware last season after a 17-year wait, thanks to their Europa League triumph against Manchester United in Bilbao, Spain.

Former boss Ange Postecoglou was sacked despite lifting the Europa League trophy, with his woeful Premier League campaign culminating in a shocking 17th-place finish, the worst ever league finish in Tottenham’s history.

New head coach Thomas Frank has now taken the reins at Tottenham and got his tenure off to a winning start with a 2-0 victory over Reading in his first pre-season friendly in charge.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank aiming to emulate 2019 squad

Frank has already outlined his vision for the upcoming campaign, highlighting his desire to replicate the consistent performances of Mauricio Pochettino’s 2019 side, which managed to reach the UEFA Champions League final, secure a fourth-place league finish and make the semi-finals of the League Cup.

The new Spurs boss believes that meaningful progress would be his side proving themselves across all competitions, and showing they belong at the highest level week in, week out.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Jermaine Pennant shared his thoughts on the appointment, suggesting Frank is the kind of manager players can connect with both on and off the pitch.

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He said: “He seems like a manager who you can relate to with a bit of banter, easy to talk to. The way he had Brentford playing shows on and off the pitch as well. Hopefully for Spurs, he can bring that with him and hopefully get the best out of these Spurs lot.”

When asked what sort of philosophy Frank would bring and whether he can build on the Europa League success, Pennant added: “They can do because he is a good manager, like I said, you saw how good Brentford were, how hard and difficult they were to beat, especially at home, nobody really liked to go there.

“I think Spurs have kind of lost that little bit of identity. Going there, you always thought you could get a result over them, whereas this guy will come in, he will put a good store down. He will get a good idea of how to play, some good signings, especially to get Gibbs-White, if they can get that one over the line as that will take them on to a new little elevation and dimension in attacking senses, because they have been lacking and goals for a long time now.

“Ange was just on the front foot at times, attacking and sometimes you have got to read the game. Sometimes you have got to sit back and just soak up a bit of pressure and then a bit of counter attack rather than putting your defenders on the halfway line and hoping that you catch them on the offside. You cannot play that way in the Premier League, week in, week out, and not get punished.

“Thomas Frank knows the Premier League. He knows how to play against different teams and set up different formations. He will bring that knowledge, bring that expertise. I think Tottenham, have signed a good manager.”

Jermaine Pennant doubts Spurs silverware chances under Frank

Frank will naturally be looking to oversee a major turnaround, taking Tottenham from last season’s 17th-place finish to challenging for a top-six spot, and if a trophy arrives along the way, that would certainly count as a successful first season in charge.

However, Jermaine Pennant is not convinced that silverware is on the cards just yet. The former winger believes this campaign will be one of transition, rather than glory.

When asked directly if Spurs could win another trophy this season, he told talkSPORT: “Oh, no, no. I think it is too early. They are going to need a good lot of changes and some new players. I think the European Championship [Europa League] that they won was probably one of the worst that we have all seen, it was two bad teams.

“They cannot get any worse, because if they do, they will get relegated. They were seventeenth last season, they will do better, but this season, I cannot see him [Frank] challenging for or winning any silverware. They have got over that hoodoo, they have got the silverware in the cabinet now, and now they can just start to build.”

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in a deal for a winger from one of their Premier League Big Six rivals, but according to Graeme Bailey, Aston Villa may have something to say.

It first emerged last month that Tottenham are eyeing a move for Alejandro Garnacho, who Man United are ready to sell for £70m after his fallout with Ruben Amorim.

A few days ago, it was reported that Spurs face competition from Chelsea and Aston Villa for Garnacho, who has an impressive 21 goal contributions in 58 appearances for the Red Devils.

However, according to some sources, Tottenham are not put off by the competition for Garnacho, who is said to be keen to leave Old Trafford before United fly out for their pre-season tour of the United States.

Tottenham and Aston Villa linked with Alejandro Garnacho

Transfer market expert Graeme Bailey has now confirmed that Spurs have maintained contact over a deal for the 21-year-old winger, while Chelsea are also admirers of the Argentine.

However, the journalist appeared to suggest that the Villans, who are the latest entrants into the transfer race for Garnacho, are showing the most concrete interest, with the Man United man open to a move to Villa Park.

Bailey told TBR Football: “Alejandro Garnacho wants to stay in England, and there are only so many options. Chelsea, we know, like him, whilst Tottenham have maintained contact.

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“But Aston Villa have emerged as an option, I am told the player has done his homework on the possibility of working with Unai Emery, and he has heard good things.

“Emery knows how to get a tune out of these young talents – we have seen it with the likes of Morgan Rogers. Indeed, could Garnacho replace the England man? It is not impossible. Villa want to make some impact on the market this summer, and Alejandro Garnacho could be just that for them.”

The Tottenham head coach’s recent comments suggest that the Lilywhites are not likely to make any further additions to their attack.

Following the arrival of Mohammed Kudus, Frank remarked that Spurs now have many quality forward options and confidently asserted that they will score a lot of goals during the upcoming season.

Given what the Dane has said, it would come as a surprise if Tottenham spent £70m on another attacking player unless one of their forwards or wingers leaves the club.

According to an update from France, Tottenham Hotspur have held talks with Rennes regarding a move for their prolific centre-forward, but the Lilywhites face competition from Villarreal.

Thomas Frank has sent mixed messages about Richarlison, whose future at N17 is shrouded in doubt ahead of the new season.

It is thus unsurprising that Tottenham are scouring the markets for number nines, and it emerged last month that Spurs had expressed an interest in Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, who scored 18 goals and provided four assists across all competitions last season.

Some sources subsequently insisted that Tottenham would have to pay £26m to land Kalimuendo, but it turns out that the Lilywhites now face competition for the 23-year-old.

Villarreal could challenge Tottenham for Arnaud Kalimuendo

According to a new report in L’Equipe, Tottenham do indeed hold an interest in the Rennes star and have made advances towards him.

The outlet says that Spurs have already held discussions with the Ligue 1 side regarding Kalimuendo, but the negotiations have not been concrete at this stage.

The outlet claims that the French striker has a verbal agreement with the Rennes management that he will be allowed to leave this summer for the right price.

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However, the report adds that Spurs may not have a free run at the player. This is because Villarreal are now eyeing Kalimuendo as a potential replacement for Thierno Barry, who they have sold to Everton.

Are Spurs eyeing Kalimuendo as an alternative to Yoane Wissa?

The timing of this report is interesting as it arrives at a time when Tottenham Hotspur are seemingly cooling their interest in a Brentford star, who has been heavily linked with a move to N17.

Over the last few days, several reports have claimed that Yoane Wissa is no longer a big priority for Tottenham.

Pape Matar Sarr has opened up on the emotions of the famous night in Bilbao and just what winning the Europa League meant to him and his Tottenham teammates, particularly given that it came on the back of a season filled with hurt.

Tottenham Hotspur finally managed to break their 17-year drought on May 21, securing their fourth victory over Manchester United in a single season.

The trophy parade in North London a couple of days later saw an outpouring of emotions from a fan base which had been starved of success and endured countless heartbreaks.

However, Tottenham did have their worst Premier League campaign in history, losing 22 matches, and the Europa League win was not enough to save Ange Postecoglou’s job.

Cristian Romero has already admitted that Tottenham prioritised the Europa League, but not all of his teammates agree with that sentiment.

Pape Matar Sarr insists that Tottenham did not throw the Premier League

The Spurs midfielder denied suggestions that the squad prioritised the Europa League, insisting that everyone at the club was desperate to turn around their league form.

The Senegal international revealed that the players were hurting at their inability to move up the Premier League table, but confessed that the night in Bilbao was the best one of his life.

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Sarr told The Sun: “Everyone thinks we sacrificed the league for the Europa League, but believe me, we wanted to be good in the league too. We were hurting when we lost games; it had nothing to do with playing in Europe.

“Everyone gave everything to change our league form but if I’m honest, we just weren’t good enough in the league. But winning the Europa League, that was really something special. It was the greatest night of my life.”

Sarr confesses emotions of the season made the Europa League win even more special

Fans will remember that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder had his back turned to the action in the final moments of the final as the Lilywhites were holding on for dear life.

Sarr explained that it was at that moment that the struggles across the season were playing in his mind, and admitted that he and his teammates were over the moon to prove doubters wrong.

The 22-year-old added: “When I turned my back to the game at the end, I was just praying. Thinking about how hard the season was for all of us, for the fans, and for our families.

“The road to the final. The people who doubted us, the injuries, the meetings, the belief we built. To do it together was just amazing. Those emotions, seeing everyone, the people you grind with every day, finally get their reward. That’s why we play football.”

Mason Melia is continuing to turn heads ahead of his move to Tottenham Hotspur in January, and the youngster showed in the European stage on Thursday just what many in Ireland are very excited about his potential.

Spurs signed Mason Melia from St Patrick’s Athletic for £1.6m plus add-ons back in February, which is a record transfer fee for a player signed from the League of Ireland.

The 17-year-old centre-forward has already played 80 senior matches with 23 goal involvements, and according to reports, Tottenham had to fend off interest from around 60 clubs across Europe to secure Melia’s services.

The UK’s exit from the European Union means that the youngster cannot arrive at Tottenham until he turns 18 in September, with the forward thus set to make the switch to Hotspur Way in January.

Tottenham’s Mason Melia scores and assists in European clash

Melia was the star of the show for St Pat’s as they overcame Lithuanian side Hegelmann 3-0 in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round.

The youngster opened the scoring just five minutes into the tie and then produced an extremely impressive assist 11 minutes into the second half.

Melia picked the ball up in his own half, turned an opponent and drove through the centre of the pitch before playing a pass to Kian Leavy, who smashed the ball home.

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The moment of class showed why many in his country expect the teenager to develop into the next big name star in Irish football.

Melia is over the moon to score his first European goal

Speaking after the win, the St Pat’s starlet admitted that he was delighted to get off the mark in Europe and to do so early into the encounter.

Melia said (via Football.London): “I’m buzzing with it. Obviously, it’s a proper striker’s goal, just follow in. Kian did brilliantly, Jay had a great shot, and I was just following in, really. A striker’s instinct. I’m buzzing obviously to get the first goal.

“I think it was huge [to get an early goal] Obviously, we got the fans going early, and it got us going early. It was a good start, and that’s what you wanted in any game of football. I’m buzzing.”

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, but the midfielder’s latest decision could play into the hands of Liverpool instead.

Tottenham Hotspur have strengthened their attack this summer with the arrivals of Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, but there remains an urgent need to reinforce other key areas of the squad.

Midfield is seen as a major priority for Tottenham in this window, with new head coach Thomas Frank keen to ensure his side can compete on all fronts next season.

A move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White was believed to be close, with a medical already booked, but legal manoeuvres from Forest’s end have delayed the deal for now.

Tottenham interest in Adam Wharton faces major setback

Gibbs-White, a dynamic and industrious midfielder admired by Frank, is seen as an ideal addition to Tottenham’s engine room.

Should Spurs eventually complete the move for the Forest man, Tottenham are expected to continue pushing for further midfield reinforcements, with a holding midfielder also on the radar.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is said to be a player Frank greatly admires, and reports suggest the Dane has urged Tottenham to try and bring him to N17 this summer.

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However, Palace are set to demand a hefty fee for Wharton, potentially in nine figures, which could make any approach difficult.

According to The Sun, Spurs have now been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Adam Wharton. It is understood that Wharton is content to remain at Selhurst Park for another season – a stance which now makes Liverpool favourites to sign him.

The Reds have reportedly been tracking the Palace man for months, although they are prepared to wait until next summer before firming up their pursuit, due to widespread changes within their squad this window.

Spurs may now consider Palhinha or Douglas Luiz alternatives

Tottenham could now pivot towards alternative options in midfield, with reports indicating that a deal for Douglas Luiz has been discussed internally by Spurs.

It is also claimed that Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha is available this summer, and Tottenham have registered their interest in the Portuguese international.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left divided over whether Cristian Romero should be used in midfield, in a back four, or in a back three under new boss Thomas Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur remain in the market for a new number six this summer, as Thomas Frank continues his squad overhaul ahead of the new campaign.

The Lilywhites have been strongly linked with several holding midfielders, including Joao Palhinha of Bayern Munich, who endured a frustrating debut season in Germany.

The 30-year-old failed to establish himself at Bayern and is now considering his options, with the Bundesliga giants reportedly open to letting Palhinha leave on a cut-price deal this summer.

Tottenham fans argue over Cristian Romero being used as a six

Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, with reports suggesting a potential swap deal involving Yves Bissouma is being explored.

Amid speculation about the club’s transfer plans for another centre-back signing, with recent reports linking Tottenham with Illia Zarbanyi and Scalvini, some fans have started to imagine what a reshaped Spurs side might look like next season.

Some supporters have suggested a tactical tweak, which could see Cristian Romero deployed as a holding midfielder, either in a back three system or as part of a back four.

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One fan remarked: “I know as fans we have spoken about this a lot, but does it finally make sense to happen. “ROMERO AS THE SIX. The increase in links for starting centre backs suggests either a back three or some kind of shift around the back, Romero in midfield might be the answer.”

Another fan was firmly against the idea: “Nonsense. He is a world-class centre half. Levy cheapskating as usual does not turn Romero into prime Makalele. Raise your expectations.”

A third added: “Taking one of the world’s best CBs and trying to play him in a new position because we do not want to splash the cash and buy an actual six is a terrible idea. Archie Gray would be better as a six than Romero, and he is not ready for the first team as a six just yet.”

One supporter said: “I hate this Cristian Romero as the Tottenham six chat. He is one of the best CBs in the league and is a brick wall when him and Van de Ven are playing. Why change something that is not broken, especially when there are heaps of other sixes out there who could do the job the same if not better.”

Some were more open to the idea. One fan commented: “More likely 3-4-3 with Romero jumping out of the three to press and win the ball back like he did in his Atalanta days.”

Another added: “Three at the back and he can play as a six when we attack.” One fan who has backed the idea for a while said: “I have been messaging this for a very long time. He will make an excellent six and relieve us from his recklessness in our penalty area.”

Another simply noted: “Been thinking about this since the Ange era.”

Romero midfield idea unlikely to materialise at Spurs

Of course, Spurs are yet to bring in another centre-back or holding midfielder, meaning such conversations among supporters are bound to continue.

However, it does seem rather unlikely that Cristian Romero would be pushed into Tottenham’s midfield, considering the Argentine has never featured in that role throughout his senior career.

To date, Romero has made 243 career appearances, 240 of which have come as a centre-back, with just three as a right-back. It is clear he lacks the profile to play in midfield, meaning Tottenham are far more likely to recruit a new number six or turn to Archie Gray in the role.

However, we could see Romero used in a back three, giving him the chance to step forward more into a midfield role during transitions, much like Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier did at times under Mauricio Pochettino.

Tottenham Hotspur run the risk of losing out on 75% of their Seoul pre-season tour fee if a big transfer goes through in the coming weeks.

For football clubs, knowing when to part ways with players who have been standout performers over an extended period is a skill in itself.

Clubs let legends go so new ones can emerge, and Tottenham Hotspur now find themselves in a position where one of the club’s most recent legends, Heung-min Son, could leave.

The Korean winger has given the best part of a decade to Tottenham, and his loyalty was greatly rewarded at the end of last season, when Son hoisted the Europa League trophy high under the lights in Bilbao, Spain.

Tottenham could miss major commercial fee if Heung-min Son is absent from Asia tour

The Telegraph have now reported that Tottenham would lose as much as 75 per cent of their agreed fee for playing in Seoul if Son is not part of the touring squad.

It is further noted that the fee would only hit 50% if Son travels with the team but does not feature in the match for Spurs in front of the local crowd.

Son is now 33 years old and has 12 months remaining on his current Tottenham contract. The Korean is also Spurs’ highest earner, but there is chatter that Son could leave Tottenham this summer if a strong offer arrives.

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It is understood that the club’s captain will not be forced out, but will be allowed to decide whether or not to leave on his own terms.

Son’s future hangs in the balance as Spurs prepare for pre-season tour

Tottenham are expected to jet off for their pre-season tour of Asia on Sunday, where they are set to face Arsenal in Hong Kong on 31 July and Newcastle United in Seoul on 3 August.

As things stand, Son looks set to be part of that pre-season tour, despite interest in Son’s services from clubs in America, Europe and the Middle East.

The club’s captain has already featured under new boss Thomas Frank in Spurs’ first pre-season fixture against Reading last Saturday.

Barring any serious injury to the Korean star, Son is expected to be involved in both matches on the Asia tour, with his long-term future likely to be resolved once the team return to the UK.

Heung-min Son featured for Tottenham in Thomas Frank’s first pre-season friendly against Reading, but the future of the Spurs captain remains unclear as the Premier League season approaches.

Heung-min Son’s future at Tottenham Hotspur has been well reported on this summer as the Korean winger enters the final year of his current contract.

Son’s contract expires next summer, and he could leave on a free transfer if he is not sold this transfer window or if Tottenham do not extend his contract further.

The Korean winger managed 11 goals and 11 assists last term in all competitions, one of his lowest returns since his first season at Tottenham.

Son, however, ended his long wait for silverware with Tottenham, after the north London club lifted the Europa League trophy in Bilbao, Spain, cementing his legacy as a club legend.

Tottenham open to selling Heung-min Son if right offer arrives

While reports have claimed that Son could be sold by Spurs this summer, it is also understood that the Tottenham captain is keen on remaining in north London for at least one more season, before heading out the exit door.

TBR Football have now revealed Tottenham’s stance regarding Son’s future. It is understood that Spurs are open to selling the Korean winger if suitable offers come this summer.

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It is also claimed that the Korean is not seen as a player who is central to what Thomas Frank is trying to build in north London.

Chief Correspondent Graeme Bailey said: “He is aware that he can leave if there is a suitable offer. He is not a cornerstone of what Tottenham are planning going forward. We know Tottenham have brought in Kudus, and they still want to sign Wissa.

“I do not think Tottenham would have any issues if he stayed, but do not be massively surprised if he moves on by the end of the window.

“He is definitely available to go, and there are a few options out there for him. But he is not a key part of Tottenham’s plans going forward.”

Spurs could reduce Son’s minutes next season if he stays

If Son is to remain in north London this summer, he could very well see his minutes reduced, as Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel could be handed more gametime.

The Korean winger is a legend of Spurs, but even Tottenham fans are not against the club parting ways with Son this summer window.

Son would forever be regarded as one of Tottenham’s greatest players, but at times, clubs have to be ruthless when taking such decisions.

Bournemouth centre-back, Illia Zabarnyi, has now revealed his preferred destination this summer, amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain.

A few days ago, reports emerged that Tottenham Hotspur have shown interest in Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi and that they are willing to pay £60.6m, including add-ons, for the 22-year-old.

The Cherries have already lost Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid this summer, after the Spanish giants paid the centre-back’s £50million release clause, and now Bournemouth could lose another centre-back this summer in the space of a month.

Spurs, however, are not the only ones to have shown interest in Zabarnyi this summer, with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain also in the race to land the Ukrainian.

Illia Zabarnyi transfer stance as Tottenham and PSG circle

TBR Football have now revealed what Zabarnyi’s stance is regarding a move to Tottenham Hotspur, who finished eight places below Bournemouth last season.

It is understood by the publication that Zabarnyi has already agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain in principle, but the French champions have not reached an agreement with Bournemouth, who are holding out for £60million.

The 22-year-old is said to have already knocked back interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle, as he remains focused on joining the reigning European champions.

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The outlet further states that Zabarnyi is fully committed to the PSG project and is not entertaining any other offers for now.

With Atletico Madrid’s interest in Cristian Romero now reported to have cooled off, reports linking Tottenham to Zabarnyi may seem a little far-fetched.

Spurs are not in urgent need of a centre-back at the moment, and while there is talk of adding at least one defender to the Tottenham squad, splashing £60million on a backup might not align with how Daniel Levy and the recruitment team intend to spend this summer.