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Dominic Ball has lifted the lid on Jamie Donley’s mentality and rise at Leyton Orient, after the young Tottenham midfielder’s tough start out on loan.

Sometime last season, Jamie Donley opened up on his goal for this summer, stating that he wants to fight for a spot in the Tottenham Hotspur first team.

The midfielder, capable of playing in a host of positions, including as a right winger, a central midfielder, a centre-forward and an attacking midfielder, impressed during his time out on loan at Leyton Orient.

It was his first loan spell ever in his career, and Donley was outstanding for the O’s, winning Leyton Orient’s Player of the Season, after scoring eight goals while also grabbing 11 assists.

Dominic Ball speaks on Jamie Donley’s mentality during Leyton Orient spell

Speaking to talkSport, Dominic Ball, who came through the Tottenham youth setup, playing with the likes of Harry Kane, has now opened up on what it was like playing with Jamie Donley on loan at Leyton Orient.

The former Tottenham man opened up on how Donley recovered from a tough few months during his loan spell at Leyton Orient.

He said: “That was his first loan, his first length of games, and there was a period at the start of the season where he was not playing and things were not going well, and he had a choice to make.

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“Go back to Spurs and just accept a failed loan, or sort of dig deep and make it happen. I remember just saying to him, like Jay, even for yourself, keep training hard for yourself, because it will change.

“There are so many things happening in football out of your control, but you train hard for yourself. I remember saying to him in the first game that me and him played together, I was like, we are entertainers, let us relax, let us enjoy this.

“And he always said that he kept that with him, and he ended up being our most influential player. I do not know what his level is going to be – whether that is Prem, Champ, or even higher. But I am looking forward to seeing him sort of progress because he is a talent!”

Donley’s pre-season form and Tottenham’s next steps

Of course, Jamie Donley is a talent, and many Tottenham fans would be hoping the midfielder reaches his full potential, just like Harry Kane, who had loan spells away from Tottenham before securing a spot in the first team squad.

So far in pre-season, Donley has been handed game time, often featuring in the number 10 role behind the striker, but he is yet to score a goal.

Tottenham Hotspur take on Arsenal in their fourth pre-season friendly under Thomas Frank and the first-ever overseas North London Derby, and it is clear to see which team is currently in a stronger position.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters are not best pleased at this moment in time. Two uninspiring draws against League One opponents have certainly been a contributing factor, but the club’s transfer business is the primary cause of frustration.

Spurs failed to sign Morgan Gibbs-White and on top of this, Tottenham fans are not happy that Antonin Kinsky may be sent out on loan. With the UEFA Super Cup little more than a fortnight away, it is essential that Spurs turn rumours into results and strengthen their squad.

In the meantime, Tottenham will continue to prepare for the new season with a North London derby in Asia. Looking at the two teams’ transactions so far this summer, it is clear to see which has the advantage heading into Thursday’s game.

Tottenham have moved slowly in the transfer market

Tottenham’s failure to secure players linked with the club means they have only signed two new players. Of these, only Mohammed Kudus is likely to compete for a first-team spot. The loan moves of Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso were made permanent, but neither of these players were first choice last season, except when there were injuries.

There is still time to do business and Tottenham have begun talks to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid. This is the biggest rumour to be doing the rounds at the moment, but it is a slightly strange one. The Brazilian is definitely first-team quality, but he played predominantly as a right winger last season, a position where Spurs already have depth.

The most likely scenario would be that Rodrygo would play up front, and he is not the only player Tottenham could sign. However, whoever Spurs could bring to North London is theoretical and unconfirmed. It looked like Gibbs-White was on his way to Hotspur Way, but nothing came of the transfer talks.

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As things stand, it has been a disappointing window for Tottenham, just when many of the more sceptical supporters were beginning to believe the club was getting serious.

Arsenal have been far busier than Spurs

Offering praise to Arsenal is undesirable, but it has to be said that they are doing a great job in the transfer market. The club have shown ambition and are not afraid to spend big, while adding players across a number of positions.

Christian Norgaard is a particularly good signing. The former Brentford midfielder is strong in defence, but he also gets forward and gets goal contributions. He may be 31 years old, but he will definitely deliver on the £15m fee Arsenal paid for him.

The Gunners have signed players both young and old. Kepa is a goalkeeper who brings plenty of experience, while defender Cristhian Mosquera and former Spurs academy player Noni Madueke can be developed into top players.

There are also the marquee signings of goal machine Viktor Gyokeres and midfield maestro Martín Zubimendi. This level of activity compared with Tottenham’s is staggering.

Arsenal were already in a better position than Tottenham

Spurs clinched the Europa League last season, while Arsenal have not won a major trophy since their 2020 FA Cup win. However, when looking at the quality of the respective squads, Arsenal’s was already far superior before this summer. When one team finishes second in the Premier League and the other 17th, it is hard to argue otherwise.

Despite this, it is they who are pushing on and adding quality first-team players. It is clear the club have a clear strategic goal, which is likely to win the English top flight.

Tottenham, on the other hand, do not look close to being prepared for the new season. Thomas Frank cannot be expected to perform miracles, and so he must be backed before the window ends. Otherwise, expect another disappointing league campaign and certainly no guarantee of silverware.

A new report has revealed what Manchester United are planning to do with Kobbie Mainoo this summer after Tottenham Hotspur expressed an interest in the midfielder.

We know that Tottenham are looking to add another central midfielder to their squad, and many different players have been mooted as targets for the Lilywhites over the last few weeks.

It emerged last week that Kobbie Mainoo is on Tottenham’s radar as Man United continue to struggle to reach an agreement with the midfielder over a new contract.

Some sources have claimed that Spurs have a realistic chance of landing Mainoo this summer, and it has emerged over recent days that Tottenham have made contact over a deal for the Man United man.

Manchester United do not want to sell Kobbie Mainoo to Tottenham

GiveMeSport claim that the plan at the Manchester club is to retain Mainoo for the upcoming season.

The outlet confirms that Tottenham Hotspur have indeed made ‘informal enquiries’ about the 20-year-old’s availability, but they have been informed by the Red Devils that they are not looking to sell the youngster.

Instead, the Manchester club want to give their academy graduate a chance to become an important part of Rubem Amorim’s plans after falling down the pecking order towards the end of last season.

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Spurs are hoping that Man United change their stance and listen to offers for the midfielder, but that has not happened so far.

Man United hoping to tie down Mainoo to a new contract

Additionally, the outlet adds that Mainoo has held positive talks with Amorim and is desperate to prove his worth to the Portuguese coach.

The midfielder is keen to be on the plane to the 2026 World Cup and hence wants to become a regular in United’s starting eleven, and he is using pre-season to show Amorim and his coaching staff that he can be a valuable player.

The report adds that influential figures at Old Trafford are determined to convince the youngster to sign an improved contract.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed what Tottenham Hotspur have already started doing after being snubbed by Morgan Gibbs-White over the weekend.

Spurs do not have time to feel sorry for themselves after Gibbs-White had a change of heart and decided to sign a new deal at Nottingham Forest, with the Lilywhites still having plenty of work to do in the transfer window.

It has emerged over recent days that Tottenham have started working on signing a defensive midfielder, with Thomas Frank being keen to add a top-class number six to his squad.

We have also heard that Spurs are looking to add a marquee wide-forward to their squad this summer, amidst the uncertainty over Heung-min Son’s future.

Tottenham have begun working on Morgan Gibbs-White alternative, says Fabrizio Romano

Romano has now confirmed that Spurs have also started working on signing an alternative number ten after Gibbs-White decided to stay put at the City Ground.

When asked if Tottenham will target another creative midfielder, the journalist told GiveMeSport: “They’re working on it [alternative targets for Gibbs-White]. As soon as I know, I will tell you.”

It has been reported over recent days that Harvey Elliott, James McAtee and Xavi Simons are among the options on Spurs’ radar, but the Lilywhites are expected to miss out on the Dutchman, who is on the verge of joining Chelsea.

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Could Tottenham turn to a discount £30m option?

Some sources have also suggested that West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta could emerge as a target for Tottenham after the Brazilian was cleared of the spot-fixing allegations against him.

According to The Daily Mail, West Ham are ready to sell Paqueta for just £30m this summer, despite nearly selling him to Man City for £80m two years ago.

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to offer Rodrygo a bumper contract, and the Premier League club have already spoken to the Real Madrid star to find out if he is willing to move to North London.

Over the past few days, a number of reports from Spain have claimed that Tottenham are advancing their interest in Rodrygo, who is also wanted by the likes of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Some journalists have claimed that Spurs have already started talks with Real Madrid over a deal for Rodrygo, but the player is yet to make up his mind on his future.

Some sources claim that Real Madrid want €90m (£76m) for Rodrygo, which would make him comfortably the most expensive signing in the Lilywhites’ history.

Rodrygo is open to joining Tottenham Hotspur

A new report in TBR Football has now revealed that the Brazilian has signalled a willingness to join Thomas Frank’s side this summer.

The winger’s entourage are said to be assessing their options, with the player having already spoken to both Arsenal and Liverpool earlier in the transfer window.

Spurs have now begun conversations through intermediaries, and they are ready to make Rodrygo their highest-paid player to bring him to N17.

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Tottenham reached out as they were ‘keen to understand’ the winger’s situation, and they have received information that the Madrid man is ready to make the move to the club.

Spurs move for Rodrygo would depend on one factor

TBR Football say that Spurs will consider substantiating their interest in Rodygo if they lose their captain, Heung-min Son, this summer.

The outlet confirms that the South Korean is seriously considering a summer switch to Los Angeles FC, and should he join the MLS side, Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to make a ‘statement signing’ to replace him.

However, interestingly, the publication adds that Rodrygo is just one of many options on Spurs’ radar as a potential Son replacement.

Tottenham fans have spoken, and it is clear who they want brought in to fill the void at left-back this summer.

For a club that finished a spot above the relegation zone last season, Tottenham Hotspur have been awfully quiet in the transfer market when compared to the other big six clubs.

This is not to say that Tottenham have not made any signings. In fact, Mohammed Kudus, Kota Takai, Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso all count as new additions for Spurs.

Yet, there are still areas of the Spurs squad that need strengthening and have not been addressed, with the Premier League season set to begin in less than a month.

Tottenham fans name Antonee Robinson as preferred summer signing

One of the positions that requires reinforcements is the full-back role, and the lack of depth in that department has been exposed recently following an injury to Destiny Udogie.

Udogie is currently sidelined and was not part of the Tottenham squad that travelled for the pre-season tour of Asia, leaving veteran Ben Davies as the club’s only available left-back, although Frank could still turn to makeshift options.

We took to social media to ask Tottenham fans which left-back they would like to see the club sign this summer, and as expected, a wide range of suggestions came flooding in.

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One fan commented: “The LB situation is a joke, it is seriously jeopardising Udogie’s career, but our only real options are KWP and Cirkin due to registration.” Another suggested: “What about Tyrick Mitchell?”

Another added: “Antonee Robinson. He is homegrown.” A third said: “Piero Hincapie,” while a fourth urged: “Woulda been Pervis… let us… just splash on Antonee!”

Several fans also pointed to homegrown registration issues, with one saying: “Cirkin for the UCL registration problems.”

Another supporter suggested a creative solution: “I would have liked De Cuyper at the start of the window, but I think we should permanently put Spence on the left and bring in Savona for right-back cover.” Still, many others simply called outright for: “Antonee Robinson.”

Tottenham have been linked with a few left-backs in recent weeks, including Antonee Robinson and Denis Cirkin.

Cirkin is an interesting prospect for Tottenham, as the full-back would count as a club-trained player for Tottenham should he be signed, but no bid has been placed by Spurs.

It is also understood that Tottenham admire Robinson, but Fulham have slapped a steep £45m price tag on the American full-back, as they look to fend off interest from Spurs.

Dominic Ball has now lifted the lid on just how good Harry Kane was during his early days at Tottenham back in the youth setup.

Harry Kane is widely regarded as a legend at Tottenham Hotspur, and it is hard to argue against that, given the England international’s goal-scoring exploits at N17.

Kane is Tottenham’s all-time top scorer, having netted 280 goals in 435 appearances for the north London club.

In fact, towards the tail end of his time at Tottenham, the England international only continued to improve, refining aspects of his game, especially his passing, which saw him rack up more assists and become a better all-round striker.

Dominic Ball reveals how Harry Kane stood out at Tottenham even as a teenager

Indeed, before reaching such heights, Kane did have to work his way up the ranks at Tottenham, as he spent much of his early years on loan at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich and Leicester before eventually finding his feet in the Spurs first team.

Dominic Ball, who played alongside Kane at Tottenham Under-21 level, has now revealed the sort of potential the England captain had during the early stages of his career.

“Yes, it was [obvious what level he was going to get to],” Ball told TalkSport’s Joe Brophy. “I only trained with him for like one pre-season, and it was not until I trained with him that I realised, ‘all right, this guy is going to be very difficult to play against.’

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“If I open my legs to try and block, he would put it through my legs. If I was not big enough, he would rip it into the top corner.

“His finishing has taken him to a level, and then everything else he has built up mainly because he is just so focused, his mindset has always been ‘I want to be the best’ and he is – he has been one of the best strikers in the world for a while.”

Tottenham fans still hold Harry Kane in high regard

Many Tottenham fans must have felt hurt when Kane departed N17 for Bayern Munich, and many would not hesitate to welcome the centre-forward back to north London.

Of course, whether or not that happens sometime in the future remains to be seen. Kane is currently happy in Germany with Bayern Munich and even got his hands on the first piece of silverware in his career.

A fresh report has now revealed why Tottenham want a Rangers loan for Mikey Moore rather than a move to the Championship.

Rumours have it that Mikey Moore is set to head out on loan this summer after Tottenham Hotspur granted the winger his request for a temporary move, with the teenager keen to secure regular first-team football at a competitive level.

Interest in the highly-rated Spurs talent has been strong, with several Championship sides reportedly showing willingness to take the youngster on for the season.

However, Rangers have now emerged as the front-runners to land Moore, with the Scottish Premiership outfit expected to seal a deal in the coming days as Tottenham move quickly to secure what they see as the ideal loan destination.

Tottenham prefer Rangers’ move for Mikey Moore over Championship loan

TBR Football have now detailed the key reasons behind Tottenham’s decision to favour a move to Rangers over options from the Championship for Mikey Moore.

It is understood that Tottenham were impressed by what they heard from Rangers during discussions, and club officials are happy for Moore to join the Scottish side on loan this summer, viewing it as a valuable step in his development.

Russell Martin is reported to have held direct talks with Tottenham about the deal, with the Rangers boss managing to convince Spurs that Rangers’ project was the right fit for one of their brightest academy prospects.

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While Sheffield United were said to be showing the strongest interest from the Championship, it now appears that Rangers are set to win the race for the talented 17-year-old winger.

Mikey Moore set for vital loan spell in Scotland with Rangers

Thomas Frank has since spoken openly about Mikey Moore’s loan situation, insisting that Tottenham would only be willing to sanction a move if the right opportunity came along – and it now seems Rangers tick all the boxes.

Rangers certainly represent an exciting option for Moore, who would be joining one of the top clubs in Scotland and could very much be involved in a potential title push against Celtic next season. That, of course, would be a significant step up for the teenager.

Moore could also feature in the UEFA Champions League next term, if Rangers manage to get past Panathinaikos in Greece next Wednesday, offering the Tottenham youngster some valuable European experience at a young age.

If the loan move works out and Moore enjoys consistent minutes at senior level, it could pave the way for the winger to make a strong case for first-team involvement at Spurs in the 2025/26 campaign.

Thomas Frank has spoken about the importance of maximising set-piece opportunities this season and has revealed the one ‘weapon’ that he wants Tottenham to develop.

Ange Postecoglou came under criticism for the way Tottenham defend set-pieces, but that is an area where many expect to see improvement under the new regime.

The numbers suggest that Thomas Frank could fix Spurs’ set-piece woes, with his Brentford side being very effective both in defending and converting from set-pieces.

The Danish coach has now spoken about one very specific tactic which we seldom saw Tottenham Hotspur employ over the last two seasons.

Thomas Frank thinks long throw can be a ‘weapon’ for Tottenham

Through a leaked photo of the training schedule at Hotspur Way, we know that Frank had a long-throw audition at Tottenham to find out which of his players has the fiercest throw.

The Spurs head coach has now admitted that the long throw is a tool that he wants his side to have in their pocket, although they may not use it in every single game.

When asked about holding a long throw audition at Hotspur Way, Frank told Men in Blazers: “I try to look into every single detail that can improve the team, or make the chances of winning bigger.

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“Set pieces are one of them, there’s a lot of different set pieces that we can try to improve on, long throws are one of them. I think long throws are a good weapon, I don’t think it’s a weapon we necessarily need to use every game, but I like to have it in the toolbox.”

Frank will prioritise one area which Ange Postecoglou did not

Under Postecoglou, it is fair to say that the focus was mainly on Tottenham producing their best football without worrying too much about the opposition. The Australian was very much from the Pep Guardiola school in that respect alone.

Thomas Frank is much more on the other end of the spectrum in terms of studying the opposition closely and adapting his Tottenham team to take advantage of their weaknesses and nullify their strengths.

Tottenham Hotspur have now approached Real Madrid to make a request as the chips seem to be falling in the North London club’s favour in their pursuit of Rodrygo.

Just a couple of days ago, Spurs Web relayed a report claiming Tottenham are advancing their interest in Rodrygo after the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich cooled their interest in the Brazilian.

Since then, multiple outlets have said that Spurs have pressed forward with talks over a deal for Rodrygo, who is yet to make a final decision on his future.

Now, a new report has shed light on the exact step the North London club have taken as they eye a club-record deal for the Brazilian international.

Tottenham ask for permission from Real Madrid to speak to Rodrygo

This update comes from AS, who say that Tottenham Hotspur have now reached out to Real Madrid to ‘request authorisation’ to speak to the winger.

The report does not shed light on whether Spurs have been granted permission to speak to the player, but it is asserted that the Premier League side want to make Rodrygo ‘the jewel in the crown of Thomas Frank’s project’ at N17.

Even though Madrid are ready to sell the winger, the outlet warns that it will not be a simple operation for Tottenham to complete, with Los Blancos valuing the 24-year-old at €90m (£76m).

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The report adds that there are several factors that need to be ironed out before Rodrygo becomes a Spurs player, but one factor may be working in the Lilywhites’ advantage.

Path clearing for Spurs to sign Rodrygo

AS say that Spurs have not been put off by Real Madrid’s demand and have made it clear that they ‘want to negotiate’ a deal for the pacy winger.

The report says that ‘fortune seems to be smiling on Tottenham’ in their pursuit of the Santos academy graduate. This is because until last month, it seemed like there would be a bidding war for Rodrygo.

However, Chelsea and Liverpool are now prioritising a move for Xavi Simons and Alexander Isak, respectively, while money is short at Arsenal after the club spent big on Viktor Gyokeres.

As a result, Tottenham are now emerging as the only club with the required financial resources to land the Brazilian.