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The Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel has revealed that Tottenham have changed their transfer policy at the start of the Thomas Frank era, with their new policy representing a major departure from the way they operated over the past two years.

Under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham persisted with their strategy of signing young gems and giving them a platform to fulfil their potential.

Given the Australian’s philosophy of giving players the freedom to express themselves, it was a good fit, and it would be difficult to argue that it did not work well, given how the likes of Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall developed.

However, towards the end of his time at Spurs, even Postecoglou spoke of the need for Tottenham to add more experience to the squad.

Tottenham are shopping for more experience this summer transfer window

Some Spurs fans were worried that the club’s policy might not change after Postecoglou was sacked and the Lilywhites’ early business have only served to strengthen those concerns.

Having secured Mathys Tel in a permanent deal, Tottenham are soon expected to announce the arrival of 20-year-old centre-back Kota Takai.

However, despite those early deals, Sami Mokbel has asserted on the Last Word on Spurs podcast that Tottenham will prioritise signing experienced players this summer.

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Mokbel claimed that adding experience to the squad is seen as key by the club’s hierarchy ahead of their return to the Champions League.

However, he made it clear that the change in policy does not mean that Tottenham will neglect signing young gems.

There are clear signs Tottenham’s approach is changing

Not only are Tottenham being credited with slightly older players this window, but also ones with plenty of Premier League experience under their belt

That is a sign that the club and Thomas Frank want players who can hit the ground running rather than ones who take six months or a year to adapt.

However, the proof will be in the pudding and we are yet to see the Lilywhites make any statement signings so far this summer.

The door is still wide open for Tottenham Hotspur to secure a deal for Xavi Simons, with a new report from Germany shedding light on the attacker’s situation and RB Leipzig’s transfer pursuit.

Over the last couple of days, the headlines from a Spurs perspective have been dominated by Tottenham’s pursuit of West Ham star Mohammed Kudus, who the Lilywhites are now thought to be prioritising.

However, he might not be the only attacker who arrives through the door at Hotspur Way this summer, particularly amidst reports that Heung-min Son could be on his way out of Spurs.

Over the last few weeks, several outlets have claimed that Tottenham have made advances towards Xavi Simons, whose future at Leipzig is in doubt.

Some sources have even installed Spurs as one of the favourites to land Simons, but it turns out that the attacking midfielder is no closer to leaving the Red Bull Arena than he was at the start of the summer.

RB Leipzig have not received Tottenham offer for Xavi Simons

Bild are now reporting that Leipzig are keen to cash in on the Dutch international, who has made it clear that he does not want to be at the club next season.

In fact, it is explained that the 22-year-old wants to avoid staying at Leipzig at all costs and the Bundesliga club are also keen to cash in on the youngster to fund moves for their transfer targets.

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However, the problem is that so far, ‘no request’ has come in for Simons from any of the clubs in the Premier League or across Europe.

Simons has a clear preference on who he wants to join

The publication points to rumours in England that Newcastle could make a move for the Netherlands international but reveals that the Magpies have not contacted the East German club so far.

Bild claim that Simons has expressed his desire to move to Camp Nou, having come through the Barcelona academy. However, the Catalan club have massive financial constraints this summer, which makes a move for the Leipzig star unlikely.

Additionally, the outlet suggests that Simons may be being advised poorly over the past few weeks, as he has been represented by his brother Faustino who is very inexperienced in the job.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Kyle Walker-Peters and Dennis Cirkin and choosing which one would be the better signing is a close call, but one of them just edges it.

Tottenham are playing the long game in the summer transfer window. It may have been open for the best part of the month, but the only players Spurs have signed are Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, who were already on loan at the club last season.

However, this could soon change, as there is evidence that Tottenham are working towards bringing new players to Hotspur Way. Most notably, Spurs have had a bid rejected for Mohammed Kudus. The West Ham winger is likely to be available for a price significantly below his £85m release clause, so there is belief that a deal will eventually be agreed.

Supporters have mixed feelings about the possibility of Kudus joining, but his rumoured move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is certainly more popular than the possible return of a former Spurs full-back.

Tottenham are one of a few clubs interested in Kyle Walker-Peters. He is not the only defender to be linked with a return to North London, as Spurs are expected to make an offer for Dennis Cirkin. Both players have their pros and cons, but which would be the better signing?

Comparing Tottenham transfer targets Kyle Walker-Peters and Dennis Cirkin

Re-signing an old player who never really made it as a Lilywhite may not cause much excitement, but there is a good reason for it. Spurs need more locally trained and homegrown players and both Walker-Peters and Cirkin are capable players.

Walker-Peters made 33 Premier League appearances last season. This could actually be viewed as something negative, considering he played in one of the worst teams in English top-flight history. However, he has plenty of Premier League experience, as well as having played in the Champions League during his previous spell at Tottenham.

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Cirkin has less to boast about, as he has never made a Premier League appearance. He spent his first season at Sunderland in League One and has played three consecutive campaigns in the Championship. The 23-year-old made 39 appearances last season, including the play-offs, and registered three goals and two assists.

Sunderland kept 11 clean sheets when Cirkin was on the pitch last season, while Southampton only managed two when Walker-Peters played. Cirkin averaged 2.5 tackles per game, 1.2 more than Walker-Peters, but the Southampton man made 1.2 more ball recoveries on average per game.

However, it is difficult to make a decision based on last season’s performances. Walker-Peters played for a poor team in a top league, while Cirkin represented a strong team in the second tier. The key to deciding which player Spurs should sign is by looking to the future and identifying which would be better for a three-year project under Thomas Frank.

Tottenham should sign Dennis Cirkin

If Tottenham were signing one of their ex-players as a first-team defender, Walker-Peters may be the better pick. He has proven himself at a higher level, while Cirkin remains untested in the Premier League.

However, the incoming player is going to be Pedro Porro or Destiny Udogie’s understudy. Therefore, Cirkin is the better option because he has more years to develop into a more complete player. He is five years younger than Walker-Peters and has just played the best season of his career. Walker-Peters, on the other hand, will not have many years to offer.

The 28-year-old would be available as a free agent, but Cirkin is worth spending some money on because Spurs are getting a player who can learn and grow as a player. The ceiling of his abilities remains unseen and he could become far more than just a homegrown bench warmer.

Whichever full-back Tottenham decide to bring in will have their own benefits, but Cirkin is more exciting and is more in line with the club’s recent signings.

Tottenham supporters are once again divided, as the club’s interest in signing competition for Destiny Udogie at left-back evokes a debate.

In every transfer window, familiar phrases like “interested” and “monitoring” often define Tottenham Hotspur’s approach to business, much to the frustration of supporters who now sarcastically label the club as “monitoring FC.”

That theme continues into this window, as fresh reports indicate that Tottenham are now showing “interest” in Fulham’s left-back Antonee Robinson.

It is understood that Fulham are aware of Tottenham’s interest in their full-back, but at this stage, talks are not advanced, and there is no indication of an imminent move.

At present, Tottenham are already well stocked in defence, with seven or more centre-backs on the books and several full-backs competing for spots in the squad.

In the full-back areas, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro offer a strong mix of profiles and styles, giving Spurs a decent level of depth going into the new season under Thomas Frank.

Following the latest links to Robinson, fans have taken to social media with mixed responses. While some believe the American could add quality to the squad, others have questioned the logic behind targeting another full-back.

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One fan said: “He is good but we already have Udogie and I doubt either would like to be the second option.”

Another added, highlighting more urgent positions to address: “Pointless signing! We have Destiny and Spence who can cover the left-back position. Need top-class 6 desperately, a replacement for Richarlison and someone who can take a player on out wide.”

One supporter summed up the general frustration: “It is never advanced, is it?” Others, though, were more enthusiastic, with quickfire responses such as: “Bring him in,” “Bring,” and “ABSOLUTELY. DO THIS, DANIEL.”

Another fan weighed in with a broader perspective: “Great signing. Liverpool nearly got a deal over the line in January and he is home-grown.”

Antonee Robinson’s output and Tottenham’s home-grown situation

Indeed, Antonee Robinson would be a quality signing for Tottenham, as the defender is a modern full-back who combines attacking output with strong defensive attributes.

Last season, the United States international registered 10 assists from the left-back position – an impressive haul that reflects his ability to impact the game in the final third.

Tottenham fans have mocked Atletico Madrid’s latest bid for Cristian Romero, branding it laughable and far from an ‘all-out’ approach.

Tottenham Hotspur fans are no strangers to a transfer saga, with Spurs regularly caught up in speculative talk throughout the summer months.

Eberechi Eze’s name has frequently been mentioned, and though the club once looked like a strong contender, it now appears Arsenal have stolen a march in the race for Eze.

While Tottenham may be losing ground on the Crystal Palace man, they are firmly focused on a far more significant task this summer – keeping Cristian Romero at the club.

Romero remains central to Thomas Frank’s plans, and losing him would be a major blow to the spine of the side. Despite that, Atletico Madrid is refusing to back down, and the La Liga giants continue to push for Romero’s signature.

Tottenham fans mock “all out” Atletico Madrid offer for Cristian Romero

A fresh report has emerged claiming that Atletico Madrid are now ready to go “all out” in their pursuit of Cristian Romero, as the Spanish side looks to lure the Argentine to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

It is understood that Atletico are preparing to submit an offer worth €55m (£46.5m), plus another €15m (£12.7m) in add-ons.

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However, Spurs are believed to be holding out for a package closer to €70m (£59.2m). Talks remain ongoing, and it is reported that the next few days could prove decisive as both clubs look to find common ground.

Tottenham fans, however, have not taken the reported bid seriously, as many supporters were quick to mock Diego Simeone’s men, laughing off the so-called “all-out” approach and drawing humorous comparisons to meal deals and snacks.

One fan wrote: “So basically Atletico are offering a large Twix, Ready Salted crisps and a cheese and ham sandwich.”

Another said: “How is this ‘all out’? They spent £113m on Joao Felix but cannot splash out for a proven, World Cup-winning centre-back?”

Others questioned the valuation itself. One supporter wrote: “€55 million is not all out. Given we will not replace him, €70m is not enough.”

Another joked: “ALL OUT and £47m in the same sentence.” Some even offered sarcastic counter-offers, like: “£100m plus Gallagher and we can talk” or “£60m plus Alvarez on a nine-year loan where they cover his wages.” One fan summed it up: “It is ironic Atleti are trying to Levy Levy.”

Why Spurs would not let Cristian Romero leave on a cheap

If the reported figures are accurate, then it is clear that Atletico Madrid will need to raise their bid significantly to tempt Tottenham into selling. £46.5m plus add-ons is unlikely to be enough for a player of Romero’s stature.

Daniel Levy is fully aware of Atletico’s financial muscle. This is a club that splashed over £100m on Joao Felix, and they have shown a willingness to spend big when the right player becomes available.

That precedent will not be lost on Tottenham, as Romero is a World Cup winner, one of Spurs’ most important players and a vocal leader on the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur fans are celebrating a moment of heritage being restored, as the club confirms the return of a piece of history that evokes nostalgia.

Many legends have been created at Tottenham Hotspur, and one of them is Bill Nicholson, who has since passed away.

However, during his time at Tottenham, the former player and manager gave fans some of the most cherished memories they have to date.

Nicholson is the most decorated Tottenham manager, winning a League and FA Cup double in 1961 and the club’s first ever European trophy two years later in 1963, in what was the start of a trophy-laden era in north London.

Tottenham fans react as the club confirms the return of Bill Nicholson gates

For a player and manager who gave some of his best years to Spurs, it is only fitting that his legacy is remembered by the club.

Tottenham Hotspur have now confirmed that the iconic Bill Nicholson gates will return, with the black and gold wrought iron set to be installed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

It is understood that the gates have been kept safely in storage since 2015, having been removed ahead of the construction of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Fans following the latest news have been left pleased, with many handing out praise to the club for this classy gesture.

One fan said: “Thank you – Vinai Venkatesham 👏🏼.” Another added: “Brilliant stuff.” One fan praised Vinai, the new CEO: “Vinai cooking.” Another supporter chimed in: “That is great! Can’t wait to see them back again.”

Other fans, however, wondered why it had taken so long. “What has taken so long?” one asked.

Another supporter was pleased, but wanted matters on the pitch to now take precedence: “It should have been done when the stadium first opened, but fair play for finally doing it, I guess. Now, can we start to see some signings coming in that prove our chairman was not talking complete horse shit when he said he wanted to win the Premier League and Champions League?”

Another stated: “Absolutely love this decision and post! Was only thinking about these the other day and shame they cannot be upheld due to the size of the stadium, etc. Will be great to see them again and bring back so much nostalgia.”

A fan, desperate to see pictures of new signings to go with the gates, commented: “Can we have a picture of some new signings to go with them? I am starting to dread the new season already.”

Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham delivers on promise

In a not-too-long-ago interview, CEO Vinai Venkatesham stated he was going to work with the fans, taking their suggestions on board, as the club aims to improve both on and off the pitch, and with the gates returning, it seems like the CEO is delivering on his promise.

The club has also revealed that after a meeting with the Fan Advisory Board, the gates will be located within PAXTON17, between the Ticket Office and historic buildings at the north of the stadium.

Chairman Daniel Levy also spoke about the significance of the gates and how the club spoke to fans, architects and construction partners to find the ideal location for them.

He said: “The Bill Nicholson Gates are such a significant part of our club’s heritage and I am extremely proud they will be returning home this summer.

“We were never going to rush into a decision as to where they should be reinstated, given the huge amount of works that have taken place in the area over recent years.

“We have undertaken a carefully-planned process, working with our architects, construction partners and Fan Advisory Board, and I believe we have found a fitting solution.

“We look forward to welcoming fans back to the stadium for the coming season – as well as Bill’s family members and former players – to see the gates and feel that close connection between our club and its rich history.”

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey reveals what Daniel Levy is willing to do to convince Cristian Romero to stay and asserts that the Tottenham chairman is demanding a higher fee for the centre-back than what some sources have reported over recent weeks.

With pre-season fast approaching, the Tottenham vice-captain’s future is no closer to being sorted out as Atletico Madrid continue to push to land Romero.

It has been claimed by the likes of Alasdair Gold that Romero will only be sold for a fee worthy of one of the best centre-backs in the world.

According to some sources, including The Telegraph, Tottenham are refusing to budge on their £60m asking price on Romero, even though the centre-back has just two years left on his deal.

However, it has now been claimed that Levy has started negotiations with an even bigger price tag for the 27-year-old.

Daniel Levy’s stance on Cristian Romero at Tottenham revealed

Graeme Bailey has now revealed that the Tottenham supremo is prepared to make the centre-back the highest-paid player at the club if he decides to stay.

The journalist revealed that Levy is asking for £70m for the Argentine defender but suggested that he might settle for around £60m, which Atletico Madrid are not far away from reaching.

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Bailey told TBR Football: “Daniel Levy, as we said this week, is accepting that Romero might leave, but he won’t allow him to leave for cheap.

“He’s telling Atletico he’s prepared to make Romero the highest-paid player at the football club. That’s evidence of how highly he rates him.

“So that’s where Levy is pushing back. I think he’s looking for £70m. He’s not going to get that. Will he get £60m? I think that might be the key figure. Atletico are about £55m.”

Why Spurs may be in a bad spot if they lose Romero

This update from Bailey suggests that the two clubs are fairly close to reaching an agreement on the former Juventus man.

This ties in with reports from Spain from earlier this week, which claimed that Tottenham and Atletico are getting closer in their valuations of Romero.

It seems like the two parties are likely to reach an agreement, but the worry for Spurs is that they do not appear to have a replacement lined up.

Thomas Frank has made it clear to the Tottenham hierarchy that he wants a linked-away Spurs star to be one of the central figures of his side during the upcoming season.

Frank certainly has his work cut out ahead of his first season at Spurs, with the Dane needing to assess the players and put his imprint on the squad that he inherited from Ange Postecoglou.

While a lot has been said about the kind of players that the Dane wants to sign, he faces just as big or even bigger decisions regarding the outgoings.

Frank is expected to speak with Heung-min Son before a decision is made on his future, with the Tottenham captain being eyed by Saudi Pro League clubs.

Then there is the case of Cristian Romero, who continues to be heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid.

Thomas Frank has been very clear about Cristian Romero

Alasdair Gold has now revealed that the new Spurs boss has made it clear to the Lilywhites hierarchy that he wants to keep Romero at the club.

In fact, the 51-year-old wants to make the Argentine a lynchpin of his side, and Gold suggests that the centre-back could be persuaded to stay and have a shot at the Champions League with the Lilywhites.

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Gold said on his YouTube channel: “I think the key thing for me is that Thomas Frank really wants to keep him; he wants him to become a lynchpin of this new look Tottenham going forward. He can absolutely be that.

“With two years left, Spurs have still got the power, so it doesn’t really matter too much if the player is absolutely desperate and anxious to leave – I’m not saying he is.

“It could be that Romero feels like he wants a shot at the Champions League at Spurs, it may be that he feels he’s got enough time in his career to head off to La Liga at a later stage. But we’ll need to hear from him and not put words in his mouth. But we certainly know that the club and Thomas Frank want to keep him.”

Frank’s man-management skills will be tested with Romero

Reports from Spain continue to indicate that Romero is extremely keen to link up with Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.

While Tottenham are in a relatively strong negotiating position, given that the 27-year-old has two years left on his deal, Frank will not want to be stuck with an unhappy player.

We have certainly not heard the last of the speculation linking Tottenham’s Cristian Romero with a move to Atletico Madrid, with an Argentine journalist now claiming that the La Liga club continue to be locked in negotiations with Spurs for the centre-back.

Most Tottenham fans are understandably already tired of the Romero transfer saga, as there has been non-stop speculation linking him with a move to the Metropolitano Stadium for the past several months.

Claims earlier this week that Atletico have agreed a fee for Romero have been denied, but we have certainly not heard the last of the rumours.

According to Alasdair Gold, Tottenham are determined to keep Romero and will only consider selling him for a fee worthy of one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Cristian Romero talks are ongoing between Tottenham and Atletico Madrid

Despite suggestions in the British press that Spurs do not want to lose their vice-captain, Argentine journalist Ruben Uria has now claimed that the Lilywhites are continuing to speak to Atletico about the World Cup winner.

Uria said via Esto Es Atleti: “Sources at Tottenham Hotspur confirm that they are talking to Atlético de Madrid about Cuti Romero. Confirmed.”

Reports over the last few weeks have indicated that Tottenham will not lower their £60m asking price for Romero, even though the centre-back has just two years left on his contract.

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When asked about Spurs’ asking price for the 27-year-old, Uria responded: “It seems like a lot of money to me, too much.”

How much are Atletico willing to pay for Romero?

A few days ago, AS claimed that Atletico Madrid are not willing to offer more than £51m for Romero, which is around £9 less than what Tottenham are demanding.

That certainly does not seem like an insurmountable gap and the outlet asserted that the La Liga giants have not given up on the centre-back just yet.

According to a new report from Spain, Atletico Madrid are prepared to dig deep to meet Tottenham’s asking price for Cristian Romero, with the La Liga club expected to do everything in their power to land the Spurs vice-captain.

Claims that Tottenham had accepted a £55.5m offer from Atletico for Cristian Romero were rubbished earlier this week, but it is clear that the Spanish side have not given up on the centre-back.

While Thomas Frank is very keen on hanging onto Romero, it has been made clear that Diego Simeone is just as desperate to take the Spurs man to the Spanish capital.

It has been claimed by several sources over recent days that Tottenham will not accept anything short of £60m for Romero, and a new update has now suggested that Atletico might be willing to pay that fee.

Atletico will do ‘everything possible’ to land Cristian Romero

AS are now reporting that the Colchoneros are ‘willing to throw the house out of the window’ to land Romero this summer to satisfy Simeone.

The Argentine coach has made it clear that he wants the Tottenham Hotspur man, come what may, and the club’s hierarchy are prepared to push the boat out to please their manager.

The report said that the La Liga side ‘will do almost everything possible to’ push through the deal, and Atletico are now readying a monster offer.

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Atletico are now willing to pay an initial €55m (£47.5m) plus €15m (£13m) in add-ons, thus bringing the total fee to £60m. It is not revealed whether such an offer would be enough to convince Spurs.

Progress could be made this week on Romero deal

AS say that talks between Spurs and Atletico have been ongoing for a long time now, and the Spanish side are being patient as they know a deal of this magnitude takes time.

Atletico see Romero as the ‘cornerstone’ of their new project and the negotiations for the centre-back ‘will continue to simmer’.

The publications assert that there is a belief that ‘a lot of progress can be made’ this week in the negotiations between the two clubs.