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An Italy Under-20 international did not think twice before rejecting Tottenham Hotspur as he is clear about where he wants to be playing his football next season.

Tottenham may need to enter the market for a centre-back this summer, given that there are major question marks over Cristian Romero’s future.

It emerged a few weeks ago that Spurs had turned their attention to a young centre-back, who is making waves in the lower divisions in Italy.

It was revealed that Tottenham launched an offer for Pisa defender Francesco Coppola but their bid was turned down by the club.

This was later confirmed by the 20-year-old himself, with Coppola making it clear that he wants to remain at Pisa after they won promotion to the Serie A.

Tottenham’s offer for Francesco Coppola was rejected without a second thought

A new report in Quotidiano Sportivo has now provided a detailed explanation of Tottenham Hotspur’s failed approach for the centre-back.

Coppola came to the attention of Spurs owing to his impressive loan spell at Serie C side Vis Pesaro last season, and the Lilywhites decided to make an approach after watching him closely throughout the campaign.

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If he had accepted the move, it is pointed out that he would have been the first player to go from Vis Pesaro straight to a Champions League side in the club’s 127-year-long history.

However, he knocked Tottenham back ‘without thinking twice’, having his heart set on being part of Pisa’s Serie A campaign.

Coppola does not even want to know about Tottenham’s interest

The publication goes on to explain that Spurs were not the only ones to make a move for the young centre-back, with the Ligue 1 side Lens approaching him in January.

However, they too were turned down, with Coppola making it clear that he wanted to continue at Pisa.

In fact, the publication says that the youngster ‘does not want to know anything else’ about the interest in his services as he is fully focused on impressing in pre-season training back at Pisa and getting minutes in the Italian top flight next season.

Thomas Frank is officially the new Tottenham Hotspur manager, so we wanted to take a look at five Spurs stars could thrive under his leadership next season.

Tottenham confirmed the appointment of Thomas Frank as head coach on Thursday evening, along with four members of his coaching staff set-up in N7.

The 51-year-old is no stranger to the squad he is set to manage, as back in February, Frank offered glowing praise to a ‘very, very good’ Tottenham trio and several other members of the Spurs team.

In fact, Frank’s admiration for Tottenham has been going on for years, as it was revealed by one of the members of his backroom staff that the Dane often joked about taking charge of Spurs with them.

With the 51-year-old now confirmed as having taken over at Tottenham, we have now put together a list of five players who will thrive under the tutelage of Thomas Frank.

Pedro Porro could flourish in a traditional full-back role under Thomas Frank at Tottenham

Under Ange Postecoglou, we often saw Pedro Porro invert into midfield during games, as the Australian looked to overload the centre of the pitch.

This approach did have some positives for Porro, who frequently received the ball deep in midfield on the right-hand side, allowing him to create from deeper positions with his pinpoint crosses into the box.

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That move paid off a number of times, particularly in the Europa League. However, under Thomas Frank, Porro could be tasked with a more traditional full-back role, overlapping his winger and getting to the byline where he can whip in dangerous crosses.

Porro, of course, is a good crosser of the ball and allowing him to overlap and get into areas where he can be a more aggressive and effective attacking outlet, would definitely improve his numbers and output.

Destiny Udogie likely to benefit from overlapping role under Thomas Frank at Tottenham

On the opposite flank, Destiny Udogie would also stand to gain from a tactical shift, as he would be encouraged to overlap rather than invert – a contrast to how he was used under Ange Postecoglou.

As we have seen, the full-back is often at his best when he makes use of his blistering pace to overlap, stretch the pitch, and recover quickly when Spurs are hit on the counter.

Thomas Frank is not one to employ the famous inverted full-back system, and this shift in tactical shape could suit Tottenham’s full-backs better, as they appear more natural in traditional roles rather than hybrid responsibilities.

Brennan Johnson set for pressing and poaching role under Thomas Frank at Tottenham

Brennan Johnson is another player who could thrive under the tutelage of Thomas Frank, should the Dane complete his move to North London.

The Welsh forward is fresh off the back of his best-ever goalscoring campaign, having netted 18 goals in all competitions for Tottenham.

Most of his strikes came from close range, with Johnson often lurking at the back post and popping up in the right place due to his sharp anticipation in the final third.

Frank managed to get similar output from Bryan Mbeumo at Brentford last season, as the Cameroon international racked up 20 Premier League goals, many from similar positions and movements.

That attacking framework could suit Johnson just as well, who would also be tasked with pressing high and running in behind to stretch opposition defences.

Dejan Kulusevski could be unleashed in a free number ten role under Thomas Frank at Spurs

Dejan Kulusevski is currently sidelined and is expected to miss pre-season due to the injury he sustained against Crystal Palace last season, which required surgery.

Kulusevski could make his return in September, according to a recent update, meaning he will begin working under Thomas Frank slightly later than most should the appointment go through.

Kulusevski could flourish in Frank’s 4-2-3-1 system, most likely occupying the number ten role, where he would be given the freedom to roam the pitch and create when in possession.

Mikkel Damsgaard notched 10 assists playing a similar role under Frank last term, and a comparable return from Kulusevski would not be out of the question.

Radu Dragusin could benefit from Spurs switching to a back three under Thomas Frank

When Thomas Frank initially took over at Brentford, he preferred a 3-5-2 setup, deploying three centre-backs and using wing-backs to stretch the pitch.

While he has since moved away from that system, it remains a viable option should the situation at Tottenham call for it.

One player who could stand to benefit from such a tactical tweak is Radu Dragusin, who struggled under Ange Postecoglou’s high defensive line.

The Romanian defender was often caught out, leading to costly errors. A switch to a more compact and defensively solid shape under Frank could be just what he needs to finally settle into a Spurs shirt.

Cristian Romero has finally dropped a social media post dedicated to Ange Postecoglou and he is pulling no punches with how he feels about the Tottenham Hotspur board.

It has been almost a week since Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham. Despite winning the Europa League, he was shown the door due to a poor season in the Premier League.

Many members of the Tottenham first-team squad were supportive of Postecoglou, including Cristian Romero. For the past few months, Romero has been linked with Atletico Madrid, but there was some belief he could remain at Spurs if Postecoglou kept his job as manager.

One journalist said Postecoglou’s future could impact Romero, because the pair shared a close relationship. He also added that Tottenham’s return to the Champions League could be a factor in Romero’s final decision.

Cristian Romero sends Tottenham message about Ange Postecoglou

Tottenham have appointed Thomas Frank as their new manager and not long later, Romero posted on his X page paying tribute to his manager of the last two years.

Romero recognised Postecoglou’s greatest achievement in winning a trophy and highlighted the challenges he faced as manager, without going into great detail.

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His post read: “Ange, thank you for these two incredible seasons. You’re a fantastic coach, but above all, a great person who deserves the best.

“From day one you paved the way despite the many obstacles that always existed and always will exist. Beyond everything, we won a trophy and went down in the history of this beautiful club, which is the only thing that matters.

“I wish you the best because you deserve the best, and thank you for everything”

Cristian Romero may leave Tottenham

Many Spurs supporters were excitedly waiting for the 27-year-old’s post because last season Romero called out the Tottenham hierarchy.

His post has not disappointed, as it is clear he is sending another message to the Spurs board. One key obstacle Postecoglou faced was injuries, but Romero has been clear the problems he is referring to will always exist.

With his close relationship with Postecoglou and his criticism of those at the top of the Spurs hierarchy, it is hard to see a scenario where he will remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium beyond the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of Thomas Frank as their new manager, along with four other backroom staff members.

Thomas Frank joined Tottenham Hotspur as head coach on a three-year deal and the decision to appoint the Dane came as no surprise, with multiple reports indicating that the former Brentford boss was the club’s preferred choice to succeed Ange Postecoglou, who was dismissed on Friday, 6 June.

Frank was confirmed as the new head coach of Spurson Thursday evening, and the expectation is that he will begin work immediately as pre-season preparations get underway along with his new-look Tottenham coaching staff.

Unlike Ange Postecoglou, who arrived at the club without an established coaching team and later finalised his staff, Frank’s move to Tottenham has already seen him bring some of his trusted Brentford colleagues with him.

We reported days ago that at least six members of Frank’s backroom staff were part of the discussions between Tottenham and Brentford, with their inclusion in the negotiations seen as a key part of the deal.

Thomas Frank brings trusted Brentford staff to Tottenham

With the confirmation of Thomas Frank’s appointment now made official, Tottenham Hotspur have also revealed that three members of his Brentford team have followed him to north London, along with one from Manchester United, to bolster his backroom staff to date.

It is expected that Matt Wells and goalkeeping coach Rob Burch could have a place on the bench.

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The expectations of Thomas Frank at Spurs

With Thomas Frank and his coaching staff now installed at Hotspur Way, Tottenham are preparing for what they hope will be a more stable and successful managerial era under the Danish head coach, who becomes Daniel Levy’s 16th managerial appointment in just 24 years.

Given that the previous 15 managers have all been dismissed, Frank will be keen to avoid a similar fate by bringing long-term success and consistency to a side that has struggled for stability since the departure of Mauricio Pochettino in 2019.

Tim Sherwood has already weighed in with a message to Frank, cautioning the new manager to fully understand the objective of Levy’s project, which he claims is centred around remaining competitive in the Premier League, rather than being solely focused on winning silverware.

Indeed, Frank is no stranger to the demands of the English top flight, having managed Brentford in the Premier League since 2021 and established them as a solid mid-table side.

Tottenham Hotspur have turned to Thomas Frank to take charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the Danish tactician stepping in to begin a new era after a dismal domestic campaign under Ange Postecoglou.

Thomas Frank was appointed as Tottenham Hotspur head coach on 12th June 2025 having signed a three-year deal, replacing Ange Postecoglou at the helm following his sacking after two seasons as Spurs boss.

Despite delivering Europa League success in his second season in charge, Ange Postecoglou was dismissed following a disastrous 2024/25 Premier League campaign that saw Spurs slump to 17th in the table.

Following the Australian’s sacking, Daniel Levy’s attention swiftly turned to Thomas Frank, as he deemed him the ideal replacement to lead Tottenham into a new era.

Spurs reached an agreement with Brentford after activating the Danish manager’s £10 million release clause to seal his arrival in North London, making him the 16th managerial appointment by the club’s chairman since 2001.

Where and when was Thomas Frank born?

Thomas Frank was born on 9 October 1973 in Frederiksværk, Denmark. The 51-year-old stands at 5ft 7 and holds Danish nationality.

Who is Thomas Frank?

Frank’s coaching career began at the grassroots level in Denmark, initially working with youth teams including Frederiksværk’s U8s and U12s before progressing to roles at Hvidovre, B93 and Lyngby. It was during these early years that he built a strong reputation for youth development.

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He later took charge of Denmark’s U16 and U17 national sides, guiding the U17s to a semi-final finish at the European Championship and securing qualification for the U17 World Cup. Though he moved on to lead the U19s, he was unable to secure qualification with that side.

His first senior managerial position came with Brondby in 2013, where he delivered back-to-back top-four finishes before resigning in 2016 after public criticism from the club’s hierarchy.

Frank moved to Brentford later that year, initially as assistant manager, before stepping into the top job in 2018. Following a steady rise with the Bees, Frank has now landed the biggest role of his career with his move to Tottenham Hotspur.

What has Thomas Frank won as a manager?

Frank’s managerial career has not brought major silverware, but he did guide Brentford to promotion by winning the EFL Championship play-offs in 2021. That remains his only trophy at senior level.

What are Thomas Frank’s tactics?

During his time at Brentford, Frank adopted a flexible tactical approach. For several seasons, he preferred a 3-5-2 formation, focusing on defensive structure while encouraging forward thrusts through wing-backs and midfield runners. The Bees were disciplined in defence, often relying on man-to-man pressing to keep opponents at bay.

More recently, Brentford transitioned to a 4-2-3-1 setup. This tweak allowed them to become more effective in the final third, with players like Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa thriving in more attacking roles. Their direct approach and well-rehearsed set-pieces, grounded in data analysis, became central to their game model.

What has Thomas Frank said about Tottenham Hotspur?

In the final months of his tenure at Brentford, Frank praised the quality of the Tottenham squad he would later inherit.

Speaking after Brentford’s 2-0 defeat to Spurs in February 2025, Frank acknowledged the calibre in Tottenham’s ranks, particularly highlighting the strength of their forward line and midfield.

He remarked: “I think that is a big expectation. I know they have not had the best season, but if you look at their line-up, just take their front three, I think a lot of clubs would have taken them in a day.

“Their midfield – Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma – that is a very, very, very good Premier League midfield.

“And then I know they have not had a centre-back, maybe Archie Gray and Ben Davies played the best defensive game of the season. So, Pedro Porro is fantastic at right back, he has got Trentish offensive qualities and Djed Spence has done well.”

Thomas Frank’s wife

Frank is married and has three children. Before relocating to London in 2016, his family lived in Hvidovre. he has also contributed as a pundit for the BBC’s Euro 2024 coverage.

Tottenham Hotspur have officially confirmed the arrival of Thomas Frank, ending days of speculation and setting the stage for a new era in north London.

Over the past few days following Tottenham Hotspur’s sacking of Ange Postecoglou, it has been widely reported that Thomas Frank is expected to be the 59-year-old’s successor.

Frank, who has been managing in the English first division since taking charge of Brentford in 2018, has enjoyed success in England’s top flight, keeping the Bees in the Premier League and leading them to two top-half finishes in the last three seasons.

Tottenham are reported to have been admirers of Frank, as it was highlighted that the manager’s ability to develop youngsters was one of the main reasons for their interest in him.

Tottenham confirm Thomas Frank as new manager

After days of back and forth and multiple talks between Daniel Levy and the former Brentford boss, Tottenham Hotspur have now officially confirmed the appointment of Thomas Frank.

The Danish manager has signed a contract that is set to keep him at Hotspur Way for three years, as he looks to make Tottenham competitive in the Premier League once more, following their dismal 2024/25 campaign that had them finish 17th.

The new Tottenham manager is expected to begin work immediately, with the club set for a pre-season tour that will see them travel to Asia.

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A statement on the official Spurs site read: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Thomas Frank as our new Head Coach on a contract that runs until 2028.

“Thomas has extensive experience in English football having joined Brentford in 2016 – since becoming one of the longest-serving current managers in the Premier League. During his time at Brentford he transformed the Club, moving them up from the Championship to an established Premier League side, consistently and significantly outperforming expectations for an extended period of time.

“In Thomas we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game. He has a proven track record in player and squad development and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead.

“Thomas will be joined from Brentford by Justin Cochrane (First Team Assistant Coach), Chris Haslam (Head of Performance & First Team Assistant Coach) and Joe Newton (First Team Coach Analyst), with Andreas Georgson (First Team Assistant Coach) arriving from Manchester United.”

Bryan Mbeumo wanted by Spurs as Thomas Frank targets reunion

Spurs are expected to be busy this summer window, and with their transfer activity having been put on hold as they were finalising a deal for the new manager, new signings are now expected to come through the door in the coming months.

It was reported that while Thomas Frank is coming in with a few of his backroom staff from Brentford, Frank has also asked Tottenham to sign star winger Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, after the 25-year-old notched 20 goals in 38 games last season.

Tottenham have set their sights on a surprise attacking option from Manchester United, with a £25 million-rated winger emerging as a transfer target this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be looking to strengthen their attack this summer, and as such, they have been linked with a fair few wingers.

Antoine Semenyo is one said to be firmly on the radar of Tottenham, but it has been reported that Spurs would have to meet Bournemouth’s £65 million asking price.

Bryan Mbeumo has been talked about as one who could make a switch to Tottenham alongside Thomas Frank by some outlets, while others claim that reports of Mbeumo moving to Spurs are premature.

Tottenham eye Jadon Sancho deal from Manchester United

The Sun have now revealed that Tottenham are interested in signing a Manchester United winger who was on loan at Chelsea last summer – Jadon Sancho.

It is claimed that Sancho is expected to return to Old Trafford after the winger failed to agree on a deal with Chelsea, who were looking to make his move to Stamford Bridge permanent.

Sancho has now attracted interest from Spurs, alongside Aston Villa and Newcastle United, who are reported to be keeping tabs on the winger’s situation.

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How much Jadon Sancho is set to cost this summer

The Englishman’s future is said to be uncertain at Old Trafford, with reports claiming that Sancho is not part of Ruben Amorim’s plans at United.

During his loan spell at Chelsea, the 25-year-old managed three goals and five assists in the Premier League after making 31 appearances, numbers that are not ground-breaking, but with a £25 million fee expected to be enough to prise him out of United, it could prove to be a bargain if he can hit form.

Aston Villa are interested in a loan signing, but it is understood that Manchester United are looking for a permanent sale this summer, meaning if Tottenham are to land the winger, they would have to pay up.

Alasdair Gold has revealed when the Tottenham players discovered that Ange Postecoglou would be relieved of his duties and has shed light on the feeling among the squad and the staff members at the club following the decision.

The debate around whether Tottenham Hotspur made the right decision to sack Ange Postecoglou despite the Australian delivering the club’s first trophy in 17 years will continue to rage on.

Tottenham pointed out that the club had picked up just 78 points from their last 66 PL games, and suggested that they cannot overlook that run of form due to the emotion associated with the Europa League win.

However, some Spurs players have said that Postecoglou deserved a chance to build on his success, and it turns out many of them were blindsided by Daniel Levy’s decision.

Tottenham players found out about Ange Postecoglou’s sacking at the last minute

Alasdair Gold has now revealed that no member of the Tottenham squad was consulted or informed about the club’s decision.

He explained that they found out at the very last minute before Tottenham made the official announcement. The journalist added that Postecoglou had left a major mark on everyone who works at Tottenham.

Gold said on The Last Word on Spurs (starting at 29:28): “In terms of the players, from my understanding, they kind of found out at the last possible minute. I think that just as the announcement was about to be made.

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“Obviously, we’ve seen the kind of outpouring from them and you’re right, this is more than what happened with Poch [amount of player tributes] and it may be to be fair that back then Mourinho was installed so quickly there was a feeling of not disrespecting the new man kind of thing by going too overboard on the manager they have just had with a lot of messages and things like that.

“He’s a guy, Ange Postecoglou, who has left this incredible mark on a lot of people in that football club. You will notice that all of the messages, and this is what I’ve been told throughout the season as well. He didn’t just kind of treat them as players and vessels for his philosophy; he treated them as human beings.

“All of those messages you will see where they say ‘you improved me as a person’ and stuff like that, that’s kind of part of what his whole ethos is as well. Not just players, but staff behind the scenes, staff in just the everyday running of Tottenham. Canteens, sports science, there are people in every department where he made a mark on them.

“I’ll tell you what, one day, and I’ll presume it will be in an Australian movie, they’ve got to make a movie of his life because it is just incredible what he has come from to what he has achieved. It is just amazing.”

Alasdair Gold reveals how Spurs players feel about Postecoglou’s sacking

Several reports over the last few days have suggested that some Spurs players are angered by the club’s decision to sack Postecoglou.

This has now been backed up by Gold, who explained that there is a lot of unhappiness at the club about the decision, as the feeling was that the Australian had accomplished what he set out to.

The journalist added about the departed Tottenham boss: “He last left this massive mark on players and a lot of players are unhappy at the decision. Obviously, we saw Micky van de Ven’s quotes come out quite recently as well, but certainly privately as well, there has been quite a lot of I think unhappiness at the decision that it had to come.

“Pedro Porro’s comments before the sacking about understanding what’s going on in the dressing room with the players maybe having more knowledge than the people on the outside of what’s going on.

“I think that it’s all this stuff, and I’m, well, hoping it will I can grab it at some point but the interview with Ange Postecoglou, when he’s kind of a bit removed from the situation, you know, a bit down the line, when there’s no NDA disclosure things and NDA’s, and there’s always this couple of years distance there has to be, I’m going to be fascinated to see what actually went on behind the scenes.

“There is so much stuff like the European prioritising, was that agreed to within the club? I know there were some people who didn’t want him to do that, but ultimately, he must have had enough support to push it through. And then he’s gone and done it, and he’s got them your Champions League for the next season. Yet in the end, it was not enough to save his job.

“It’s just a crazy football club. Sometimes the things they do, and look, I understand some of the reasons behind it. I understand that they’re [Tottenham] so unhappy with the Premier League side of things. But like Jason said, there’s so much context to a lot that, but that, I think people leave out sometimes because it’s such a horrendous figure and I get that.

“But ultimately, I think he embodied the motto of the club, you know he dared and he did, and he absolutely came away with something that we haven’t experienced for so long, so he walks away with his head held high.”

Tottenham are exploring the possibility of moving for Brentford’s versatile midfielder Yegor Yarmolyuk, with several Premier League clubs also monitoring his situation.

Tottenham Hotspur know they have to wait until 16 June before they can begin to buy any more players in the summer transfer window.

However, the brief closing of the summer window is not the only thing hindering Spurs’ transfer activity, as the absence of a manager is also playing a role, with Tottenham yet to replace Ange Postecoglou since his sacking on Friday, 6 June.

Spurs are said to be edging closer to sealing a deal for Brentford manager Thomas Frank, with an announcement expected this week, but still, the Lilywhites continue to be linked with different players.

Tottenham tracking Brentford midfielder Yegor Yarmolyuk

CaughtOffside are now reporting that Brentford midfielder Yegor Yarmolyuk has been linked with a move away from the West London club in recent weeks, and several clubs are keeping an eye on his situation.

Tottenham are amongst said clubs, with the outlet stating that Spurs are keeping tabs on Yarmolyuk, although no formal approach has been made yet.

It is understood that Yarmolyuk’s versatility – his ability to play as an eight, a ten, on the right and left positions in midfield – is what has caught the attention of Tottenham, and it will be interesting to see if they are willing to come forward with an official offer for him.

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Spurs could hold advantage in race for Yarmolyuk

Despite interest from Tottenham and other Premier League clubs, Brentford are reported not to be open to selling the midfielder this summer, despite putting a £25.5 million (€30 million) asking price on the 21-year-old.

It is claimed that the Bees are not prioritising selling Yarmolyuk, as he still has six years left on his contract, with the West London club holding an option to extend it by another year.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, Leeds United and Burnley are among the English sides reported to be monitoring the midfielder’s situation and would rival Tottenham for his signature.

As Thomas Frank’s first-team coaching staff at Tottenham Hotspur starts to take shape, Alasdair Gold has now revealed that some familiar faces can be added to the set-up.

Justin Cochrane, Chris Haslam, and Joe Newton will accompany Frank from Brentford to Tottenham, with the trio boasting extremely impressive CVs.

According to reports, Cochrane was in line to replace Frank as Brentford’s head coach if he had stayed at the Bees, with his capture thus representing a major coup for the Lilywhites.

Haslam has extensive experience as an athletic performance coach, while Newton has been Brentford’s first-team analyst since 2019.

Familiar faces could be added to Thomas Frank’s coaching staff

Football.London’s Alasdair Gold has now said that Tottenham’s U18s coach, Stuart Lewis, could join the Dane’s first-team staff as the Lilywhites embark on a new era.

Lewis has delivered three trophies in as many seasons with the Spurs youth set-up and is rated very highly at the club for the way he has developed some youngsters over recent years.

The 37-year-old could thus be in line for a promotion as Frank looks to assemble a team that can take Tottenham back up the Premier League table.

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Interestingly, Gold reveals that Cochrane is friends with Matt Wells following their time together as coaches within Tottenham’s academy, while he also knows goalkeeping coach Rob Burch well.

Wells and Burch have remained at Tottenham despite Ange Postecoglou’s departure and the pair could continue as part of Frank’s set-up.

Tottenham could have a new set-piece coach

Gold also relays suggestions that Frank may add a set-piece coach to his staff at Hotspur Way, with Andreas Georgson mooted for the job.

The Swede, who has served as the head coach of Norwegian side Lillestrom in the past, left his role as Man United’s set-piece coach earlier this year, and may now be set to take up the same position with the Lilywhites.