Football London

Thomas Frank has already made his feelings on Tottenham duo clear amid Bryan Mbeumo pursuit

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Thomas Frank has already made his feelings on Tottenham duo clear amid Bryan Mbeumo pursuit - Football London
Description

New Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has already made his thoughts on two Spurs players clear by trying to sign them for Brentford in the past.

The appointment of Frank as Spurs' new head coach was confirmed on Thursday. The Danish manager has taken over from Ange Postecoglou on a three-year contract after Daniel Levy activated the £10million release clause in his contract.

Frank's impressive tenure at the Gtech Community Stadium lasted nearly seven years, with some of his assistant coaches now set to join him in his move to north London.

As he prepares for Champions League football, Frank will be keen to quickly identify his key players and bring in new signings of his choice. And the 51-year-old will be delighted to now work with two players he nearly brought to Brentford in recent years.

Frank and Brentford had shown long-standing interest in Brennan Johnson during his stint with Nottingham Forest in the Championship. They had several bids rejected by Forest in the January window of 2022.

Brentford made another strong push to sign Johnson in the summer of 2023, with Frank viewing the then-22-year-old as a crucial part of his plans for the 2023/24 season following an eight-month ban for Ivan Toney.

The west London club reportedly had a £40m offer turned down, having fallen short of Forest's £50m asking price. Spurs eventually secured Johnson's signature by paying £47.5m to the east Midlands club before the summer transfer deadline.

Spurs managed to outmanoeuvre Frank's Brentford once again last summer by signing Archie Gray from Championship side Leeds United. The versatile youngster was on the verge of joining the Bees in a £40m deal before it fell through, as Leeds were dissatisfied with the structure of the deal proposed by Brentford.

That allowed Tottenham to swoop in and sign Gray from under Frank's nose. The 19-year-old featured prominently in the 2024/25 season, making 46 appearances across all competitions, primarily as a centre-back.

Gray will be aiming to progress further from August under Frank, who will now oversee his development - a year after missing out on him.

Frank is also eager to reunite with his star player from his time at Brentford, Bryan Mbeumo, with Tottenham initiating talks over a deal for the Cameroonian forward with their London rivals.

Mbeumo is one of the most in-demand Premier League players in this summer's transfer window following an outstanding season at Brentford, during which he netted 20 top-flight goals and provided seven assists.

After enjoying his most prolific campaign to date under Frank, the 25-year-old has become more intrigued by a Spurs move now, having been linked with Manchester United in recent weeks.

Mbeumo joined Brentford from French club Troyes six years ago for a then-record fee of £5.8m. Fast forward to the current transfer window and he's the subject of huge bids from both the Red Devils and Spurs.

United have had an offer of around £55m turned down by Brentford. And the Mirror report that Spurs' technical director Johan Lange has made the first official move towards reuniting Mbeumo and Frank, proposing a £65m deal plus £5m in add-ons to secure the Cameroon international.

New Tottenham coach explains how Thomas Frank is similar to Mauricio Pochettino in one key aspect

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
New Tottenham coach explains how Thomas Frank is similar to Mauricio Pochettino in one key aspect - Football London
Description

New Tottenham assistant coach Justin Cochrane can see one key similarity between Thomas Frank and former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Frank was appointed on Thursday on a three-year deal to replace Ange Postecoglou after the Europa League-winning Australian was sacked six days beforehand. One of Frank's coaching staff who is joining him at Spurs is the highly-rated Cochrane, who was being eyed up as the 51-year-old's potential successor at Brentford.

Cochrane, 43, will be a familiar presence to those around Tottenham because he started his coaching journey within the club's academy, spending just short of a decade at Hotspur Way with the team's youth sides before leaving to work for England's youth set-up and then Manchester United before arriving at Brentford to work with Frank.

In an interview with the Training Ground Guru podcast two-and-a-half years ago, Cochrane gave an insight into working with the Dane and his own views on the game.

"Understanding talent and difference – Marcus Edwards, Noni Madueke, Alejandro Garnacho – I had to connect with them the same way I am having to now with Bryan Mbeumo and Mikkel Damsgaard and Keane Lewis-Potter. It’s the same process. It’s about soft skills, emotional intelligence, understanding yourself, listening skills and findings ways to connect with people. And it takes time, it doesn’t happen overnight," he said.

"It’s just being genuinely interested in them as human beings. Thomas Frank is probably the best I’ve seen – and Mauricio Pochettino and Gareth Southgate – of content and connection. They know their stuff, their tactics, their gameplay – and they know how to get the best out of people.

"Thomas Frank is outstanding with his details. He understands how to set up a team, a training session, and he’s brilliant at getting the best out of the players. You can see that – the players are at their max each week in the Premier League.

"Mauricio knew when players needed an arm round the shoulder, a kick up the backside, he was brilliant with them. Understanding emotional intelligence, understanding self."

Cochrane also spoke about his previous role at Tottenham which he would later leave to become head coach of England under-15s.

"I was doing my B License, along with Kieran McKenna (now Ipswich Town manager), Jim Hicks (now Head of Coaching at the PFA) and Paul Davis (now England U17s assistant). I knew Kieran was a professional at Spurs, but he had had an injury and was looking to move into coaching," he said.

"I think Jim and Kieran said to John McDermott (then Head of Academy Coaching and Player Development at Tottenham), ‘There’s a keen young coach who lives close to where we train and he’s interested.’

"I had an interview with John and got the job and then I worked closely with (Head of Player Development) Chris Ramsey and it changed the way I thought about football. Up until then, I thought, ‘We want to develop these players to win games and beat whoever we’re playing.’

"Chris really stripped me back and was like, ‘We want to play the right style and have the best players on the pitch – that will be a good predictor of future success.’ My coaching reflected that. I worked with the U11s, U12s, U14s, U16s and then the U23s at Tottenham."

Now Cochrane is back at Tottenham and will be hoping to make an impact in the Premier League and Champions League with Frank.

Bryan Mbeumo makes request amid Tottenham transfer 'hijack' and Thomas Frank message

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Bryan Mbeumo makes request amid Tottenham transfer 'hijack' and Thomas Frank message - Football London
Description

Bryan Mbeumo requested not to be asked about his future amid continued transfer links to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

On the back of scoring 20 Premier League goals for the Bees last season, Mbeumo has been linked with a big-money move away from the Gtech Community Stadium.

Spurs are understood to have joined the race for the Cameroon international following the appointment of Thomas Frank at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Frank's side have already wrapped up the signing of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.

A bid from United worth £45million with a further £10m in add-ons fell short of Brentford's valuation of Mbeumo and talks are understood to be continuing. Mbeumo is said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford but Frank's arrival in north London could prove to be a crucial bargaining tool in a move.

On Sunday, Mbeumo was in the public eye for the first time this season with an interview with Sky Sports ahead of the F1 Canadian Grand Prix. During the interview, he discussed Frank's decision to move to Spurs.

"He has done so much for me," Mbeumo told Sky Sports. "He has trusted me from the start, developed the team so well, developed me as a human and a player so much and I wish him all the best and wish he is going to do well.

"He knows everything. He is really smart, he knows where he wants to bring the team and how he wants to play and he has been fantastic for Brentford.

"He is going to have some time to adapt. He will have more games and more expectations but I am sure he is going to do well."

At the start of the interview, Mbeumo respectfully asked not to be asked about his future this summer. However, he did say: "It’s a bit new for me but it is the life of a footballer so you need to accept it.”

min decision and what's on Thomas Frank's Tottenham to

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Bryan Mbeumo call, Son Heung-min decision and what's on Thomas Frank's Tottenham to-do list - Football London
Description

Thomas Frank will have plenty on his plate as he gets to work at Tottenham Hotspur following his move from Brentford to replace Ange Postecoglou.

The 51-year-old was announced on Thursday as the new Spurs head coach and after some well-earned time off in both Denmark and Spain this summer, the Dane will officially get to work ahead of the 2025/26 season. He will no doubt already be plotting and planning for what the future holds to ensure he makes a quick start at the north London club after taking over from the trophy-winning Australian.

Frank has signed a three-year deal at Spurs, bringing to an end a near decade-long stay at Brentford, including six years as the head coach of the Bees as he helped them punch above their weight in the Premier League after earning promotion from the Championship.

Here are five things that we reckon will be on Frank's to-do list both now and when he eventually settles into his seat at his new office at Tottenham's Hotspur Way training complex.

Transfer talk

Frank will already be thinking about what his Tottenham squad will look like for the coming campaign and he will be having plenty of conversations with his fellow Dane and technical director Johan Lange. The pair knew each other from their time at Lyngby and maintained a close relationship. Lange had wanted to bring Frank to Aston Villa while he was there and played his part in bringing his compatriot to Spurs.

Now the duo will look to assemble a squad that can help the new head coach to succeed and be strong enough for the Champions League adventure ahead, while also strengthening Lange's position at the club with former managing director of football Fabio Paratici expected to return at some point in the months ahead.

Frank will be giving the green light to certain moves, as he did with Mathys Tel's loan spell being made permanent.

football.london understands Frank was excited by the prospect of working with the Frenchman, who he believes he can improve and the Dane studied the player himself and felt the move was a good one. There is a feeling that the 20-year-old could be more suited to Frank's system as it gives freedom to its wide players and allows them to come in off the line to link up play.

Frank will also be called on to talk to potential new signings, particularly any of his former players, with Spurs interested in Brentford attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa among others at his old club, a call from Frank to those he knows inside out and who respect him greatly, could go a long way to helping them make a decision if one is to be had.

The Dane will also have to speak to those he has not managed before and he will need to make a similar impact to Postecoglou, who had a way with words in such situations with potential signings. Frank is also a famed communicator so should be able to sell Tottenham and their Champions League lure next season.

Coach decisions

Frank will be joined at Tottenham from Brentford by first team assistant coach Justin Cochrane, Head of Performance and first team assistant coach Chris Haslam as well as first team coach analyst Joe Newton, while first team assistant coach Andreas Georgson links up after a spell at Manchester United and having previously worked with Frank at the Bees.

There is still space for further coaching additions and Matt Wells and Rob Burch, who were on Postecoglou's staff, have not left the club as of yet.

Cochrane is understood to be friends with Wells following their time together as coaches within Spurs' academy and he will also know Burch well. Wells was Postecoglou's number two last season and Burch the Australian's goalkeeping coach. Both men are highly regarded within Spurs and they and Frank will have decide whether they remain on his staff.

There are also suggestions that multiple trophy-winning Spurs U18s coach Stuart Lewis could potentially be involved in the new-look staff in some capacity. The 37-year-old has been making a name for himself within and outside the club with his development of youngsters who have progressed into the first team set-up, while winning three trophies in as many seasons with an exciting brand of football.

Son and Romero chats

As well as incoming players and coaches, Frank must decide which players he wants to remain at Tottenham and he will need to speak to two of the club's big stars who are at a crossroads in their time at the club.

The Dane will need to have a conversation with captain Son Heung-min, who football.london reported last week is more open to a move this summer than previously after having finally lifted that long-sought after trophy with the club. The South Korean turns 33 next month and has just a year left on his contract. His recent comments to media back in his homeland suggested a lack of clarity on what comes next for him.

Cristian Romero is also at a key point in his tenure at Tottenham. The centre-back has made no secret of his desire to play in La Liga at some point and his decision to finally post after six days about Postecoglou on social media within an hour of Frank being appointed as his new manager did not look to be the biggest endorsement of the new man from the outside.

The World Cup winner though has two years left on his contract and the hefty price Spurs would ask for the vice-captain this summer is unlikely to be a simple one for the likes of Atletico Madrid to reach.

Frank will need to make decisions on both players and also see what their thoughts are as key figures in the dressing room.

Work out how to start with a bang

With sections of the fanbase unsure on his appointment or perhaps more specifically Postecoglou's departure after finally ending that 17-year-old trophy drought, Frank will know he has to start the season well.

That hasn't previously been the way for the Dane as he did not win any of his first eight games at Brondby and then lost eight of his first 10 matches at Brentford. Tottenham, who change their head coach on average every 18 months, will not show anywhere near that level of patience.

The fans won't either after being told Postecoglou was sacked because the club wanted to compete on all fronts. That in itself will be a new experience for Frank, who has only 10 games of Europa League qualifying experience to his name a decade ago, and has never gone far in the FA Cup.

Pre-season will at least present more time to work with all of his squad as there is no international tournament this year which should help the new man get his ideas across to the group. There is no time to waste for Frank and he will find out what the Premier League schedule looks like when the fixtures are released on Wednesday.

Decide who leaves

It's not just about Frank's captain and vice-captain as he has plenty of decisions to make on other players who either had big roles to play last season or were away from the club.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma are both entering the final 12 months of their contracts at the north London club, offers could come in for others like Richarlison, and Frank must decide what happens with returning loan players like Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil and Alejo Veliz as well as youngsters with more of a future such as Luka Vuskovic, Yang Min-hyeok, Ashley Phillips, Jamie Donley, Josh Keeley, Alfie Devine, Will Lankshear, Alfie Dorrington and George Abbott.

Many of the young players will get a chance to impress early in pre-season before loan moves are either accepted or rejected. Frank has a lot to think about in the coming weeks and months ahead of that first competitive game and chance to win a trophy with the UEFA Super Cup against PSG in Udine in August.

Tottenham have already completed dream £47.5m transfer for Thomas Frank

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham have already completed dream £47.5m transfer for Thomas Frank - Football London
Description

Mathys Tel has become Tottenham's first signing of the Thomas Frank era and while he could be fully unleashed, another transfer completed recently is perfect for the Dane.

Spurs officially confirmed Frank as their new head coach from Brentford on Thursday and just over 72 hours later, another statement was released announcing the permanent arrival of Tel. The buy-option in his six-month loan from Bayern Munich was £45.7million (€55m), but Spurs have been able to purchase him for £29.7million (€35m).

Even with Tel joining, Spurs want to sign another winger and further additions are also expected in other areas of the pitch with a defensive midfielder one priority. If Atletico Madrid target Cristian Romero departs, a replacement at centre-back should come in.

Talks with Frank regarding his future and that of club captain's Son Heung-min is expected imminently as he is also one player that could depart. The South Korea international has just one year remaining on his contract.

On the training ground meanwhile, his immediate focus will be on getting the best out of the current group. A number of players will surely benefit from Frank's hands-on coaching approach along with his attacking tactics that saw Brentford score 66 Premier League goals last season - more than Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Despite their poor season, Spurs managed just two fewer with Brennan Johnson as their top scorer on 11. A further seven arrived in all competitions for the Welshman with one of those securing the Europa League.

Minus his goals, Johnson endured a difficult campaign but that a repeat of that may not happen under Frank. Just before Spurs swooped in to sign him from Nottingham Forest in a £47.5million deal, Brentford saw several bids rejected with one of those a club-record £40million offer.

To put in such an attempt clearly showed that Frank wanted him at the Gtech Community Stadium. While very different players, seeing how Bryan Mbeumo has thrived at right wing for Brentford, Johnson has the potential to reach similar heights under Frank.

The majority of his goals have come from being in the right place at the right time and if Frank can make that a more dangerous weapon while also developing his general play out wide, Tottenham could have one hell of a player on their hands.

The likely reason Thomas Frank hasn't spoken yet since Tottenham announcement

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
The likely reason Thomas Frank hasn't spoken yet since Tottenham announcement - Football London
Description

Tottenham Hotspur's new head coach Thomas Frank is yet to speak following his appointment this week but that's not particularly unusual at the north London club.

The 51-year-old Dane was named as Ange Postecoglou's successor on Thursday evening with a three-year contract, six days after the Europa League-winning Australian got the sack. As of Sunday afternoon, there had been no quotes or interview released by the north London club from the new Spurs boss although Frank did pen a heartfelt open letter to the Brentford supporters and staff for their website on leaving their club after almost a decade at the Bees.

As with most early summer appointments, it may be that talks with Frank took place away from Hotspur Way and the Dane's hard-earned time off between seasons will this week be interrupted for him to undertake his media duties at his new club.

Similar occurred with Postecoglou two years ago when his own early June announcement contained quotes from chairman Daniel Levy but the Australian's first words on accepting the job did not arrive until three days later when he arrived at the club's training complex and sat down for his media interview.

Two years before that and Nuno Espirito Santo's appointment as manager was delivered immediately with words from the Portuguese, but that was a different scenario as Tottenham's protracted search for a replacement for Jose Mourinho meant that the now Nottingham Forest boss was appointed only days before pre-season work began. Just three months into that season and Antonio Conte was appointed as his successor with immediate quotes as he had to start work at the training ground almost instantly.

If you're going to go yet further back then Mauricio Pochettino was named as the new Tottenham boss in May 2019, just a week or so after the Premier League season came to a close, meaning the Argentine was there to immediately undergo his first interview before heading off on his summer break.

In the words that are available from Frank since his Tottenham appointment, his letter to his old club read: "To everyone associated with Brentford Football Club. The time has come for me to move on. But, even as I leave, I know I have left a big piece of my heart at Brentford, not just at the football club but with the community and, of course, the incredible and loyal supporters.

"I want to extend my profound gratitude to the club for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and for everyone involved who made the journey such a memorable one. For my family and I, it has been a privilege to be allowed to be part of such a special community - it’s an experience and adventure that we will cherish for life. So, thank you.

"Whatever we have achieved, we have achieved together, and our success is built on unity, spirit, courage and ambition at every level of the club and amongst the fans. Everybody has contributed, and every contribution has been invaluable. I am not just leaving a football club, I am saying goodbye to friends whose support through good and bad times I will carry with me always.

"I would like to say a special word of thanks to Matthew Benham. His trust and friendship have meant so much and the fact he gave me a chance in English football means I will always owe him a debt of gratitude. Thank you, Matt. So, while this is a goodbye, I hope the relationships I have built with everybody will be lasting ones and, of course, we will meet again in the wonderful world of football.

Thank you, Thomas."

Frank's right-hand man Justin Cochrane has spoken though about his return to Spurs, where he began his coaching career in the club's academy.

"Well what can I say, back to where I started in 2009. I’m delighted to be joining @SpursOfficial. I can’t wait to get started. The club gave me my 1st job and now after 16 years of working very hard, getting qualified and making an impact wherever I’ve been I’m back. LET'S GO!" he posted on social media.

"Thank you @BrentfordFC. It’s been a privilege to be part of this special club. The players, staff and the supporters have been fantastic since the day I joined. I’ve enjoyed working in such a progressive and forward-thinking environment. All the best. On to the next challenge.."

Thomas Frank has new Tottenham star to unleash after England success amid loan links

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Thomas Frank has new Tottenham star to unleash after England success amid loan links - Football London
Description

Thomas Frank’s background in youth development could prove vital in helping new Tottenham boss get the best out of Mikey Moore - especially after the teenager’s crucial goal for England’s U19s on Sunday.

The 17-year-old winger scored a late equalising penalty in a 2-2 draw against Norway at the U19 Euros, continuing to show signs of the exciting talent Spurs fans glimpsed last season.

Moore made 19 appearances under Ange Postecoglou in 2024/25, registering one goal and two assists. While the numbers were modest, his technical ability and attacking intelligence were clear - and traits that Frank, a manager who champions youth, may help refine further.

The Danish coach spent the first five years of his career working with Denmark’s national youth teams, progressing from the U16s to U19s. His commitment to nurturing young players continued at Brentford, where he was known for promoting from the academy and giving talent the time and structure to flourish.

Though Moore earned first-team minutes last season, many of them came during an injury crisis. Under Frank, his development could follow a steadier, more deliberate path.

Stylistically, the fit could be ideal. Frank’s Brentford sides relied heavily on wide players - including reported Spurs target Bryan Mbeumo - and often gave them freedom to roam and create. That tactical approach could suit Moore, who excels with his movement, technique and vision.

There’s also scope for a positional shift. While Moore has mainly featured on the right, and occasionally the left, for Tottenham, his attributes could lend themselves to a central attacking midfield role.

As a No.10, he could become a creative force in Frank’s setup - and the new manager has a track record of trusting young players in key positions.

However, a big decision looms. According to Football Insider , Championship sides Birmingham City and West Brom are keen on taking Moore on loan next season.

A move would almost guarantee regular minutes - but remaining at Spurs could offer exposure to Champions League football and high-level training under a manager known for youth development.

“With Ange, I’m thankful to him. He gave me an opportunity to go and show people what I could do," Moore told PA Sport regarding Frank's appointment. "Now I’m just excited to get back and hopefully go and impress the new manager. Try and show what I can do, really.

"I started away at Brentford, where obviously [Frank] was in charge, and I’ve played against his team before. I’ve heard that he’s a good man and he’s a good manager. One of the boys here [with the Under-19s] works under him and says good things about him, so I’m just excited to get going under him, really."

With Frank also reportedly keen to keep tabs on fellow teenage signing Luka Vuskovic before deciding on a potential loan, Moore may receive similar attention.

Bryan Mbeumo's comments could give Spurs upper

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Bryan Mbeumo's comments could give Spurs upper-hand in £70m transfer race with Man Utd - Football London
Description

Bryan Mbeumo revealed last year his wish to play in the '"biggest competitions" for "the best clubs" as Manchester United and Tottenham go head-to-head for his signature.

The 25-year-old, who joined Brentford from Troyes six years ago for a then-club record £5.8m, seemed destined for Old Trafford earlier this month. Reports suggested he had prioritised a move to United, with personal terms not expected to be an issue.

However, the appointment of Thomas Frank as Tottenham's new boss has thrown a spanner in the works. Frank, who managed Mbeumo at Brentford, is keen to reunite with his former player, who helped tally 20 Premier League goals this season.

And it appears the Dane's move to north London has given Tottenham the upper hand in the battle for Mbeumo's signature, reports the Mirror.

Spurs have tabled a £70m bid, £15m more than United's rejected offer, and reports suggest Mbeumo is now 'more open' to staying in London. Comments made by the player last May also suggest Frank's new side may hold the edge in the transfer tussle.

Interest in Brentford's star winger has been simmering since the summer of 2024, with Liverpool and Newcastle previously showing keen interest after his nine-goal haul last term.

Mbeumo opened up about the transfer speculation to L'Equipe last year, saying: "I have spent five years at Brentford, at a club that has allowed me to grow and pass a milestone but yes, I would like to play in the biggest competitions, at the best clubs. It is tantalising to see some big clubs interested in me."

Despite the buzz, Mbeumo remained with the Bees last summer, but his ambition to play at the highest level lends credence to Tottenham's pursuit.

With United set to miss out on European football next season after finishing 15th, Spurs' recent Europa League triumph over the Red Devils, which secured them a spot in the Champions League, could be a significant draw for Mbeumo.

He emphasised his desire to compete in top tournaments like the Champions League, but did stress the importance of doing so with the 'best clubs.'

Although United edged out Spurs in the Premier League standings this term and boasts a more decorated history with 20 top-flight league titles, Tottenham's recent success and Champions League qualification could play a deciding role in where Mbeumo next ends up.

Mbeumo has kept his cards close to his chest regarding his preferred destination, but a recent Instagram post following the announcement of head coach Frank's departure may provide some insight.

The 25-year-old shared photos of himself and Frank, accompanied by two prayer emojis, possibly hinting at a desire to reunite or simply wishing his former manager well.

Regardless, the allure of Champions League football and the opportunity to play under the mentor who guided him to stardom could tip the scales in Tottenham's favour in this transfer tug-of-war, though United remain in contention.

Thomas Frank makes Tottenham decision on £12m wonderkid after transfer moves

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Thomas Frank makes Tottenham decision on £12m wonderkid after transfer moves - Football London
Description

New Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank will be keeping a close eye on teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic as he prepares to link up with the Europa League-winning squad.

Spurs agreed a deal for Vuskovic back in September 2023, when he was just 16. The agreement allowed him to remain at Hajduk Split until 2025, with his contract at Tottenham running until 2030.

Despite making his professional debut only two years ago, Vuskovic has already made headlines in Croatia.

He became the youngest player to feature in the country’s top division and Hajduk Split’s youngest-ever goalscorer following a standout debut season.

Now officially a Spurs player, several clubs have expressed interest in taking the Croatian on loan, with first-team minutes at Tottenham not guaranteed.

However, according to The Mirror, Frank is keen to evaluate the 18-year-old closely before making any decisions about his immediate future.

Spurs are said to be in no rush, aware of the significant potential Vuskovic possesses, with the Mirror reporting that 'a series of top-flight clubs from Germany, France and Belgium including Hamburg and Club Brugge' are keen on signing the youngster.

The defender had also attracted interest from Manchester City and PSG before committing to north London, and the club are keen to carefully manage his development.

“First of all, I’m looking forward to feeling that level and seeing where I am in relation to the players who just won the Europa League so that I know what I need to work on the most,” Vuskovic said.

“After that, I’ll see in agreement with the club which is the smartest next step. "The club has proven to be careful and wise in making decisions so far.

"Belgium has proven to be an ideal league at this stage of my career, and I think it is otherwise a great development league because it gives a lot of opportunities to young players.”

Frank’s background could prove crucial. The Dane spent five years coaching his country’s youth teams - from U16 to U19 level - and is widely regarded as a manager with a strong track record in player development.

Vuskovic spent last season on loan with Belgian side Westerlo, where he impressed with seven goals and two assists in 36 appearances - remarkable numbers for a centre-back.

Thomas Frank first Tottenham signing confirmed as statement released

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Thomas Frank first Tottenham signing confirmed as statement released - Football London
Description

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the permanent signing of winger Mathys Tel, with the player becoming the first new signing under new head coach Thomas Frank.

Tel spent the second half of last season on loan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium from Bayern Munich. Spurs have activated a clause for the deal to now become permanent for a fee of £30 million.

The France under-21 international has signed a six-year contract with Spurs. The deal will become active at the expiry of his current loan deal that runs until the end of the month.

In a statement, Spurs wrote: "We are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Mathys Tel from FC Bayern.

"Mathys joined the Club from the Bundesliga side in February on loan until the end of the season with an option to make the move permanent. We can confirm we have agreed a deal with Bayern that will see the France Under-21 international sign a contract that will run until 2031 when his current loan deal ends on 30 June."

During his loan spell, the 20-year-old made 20 appearances, scoring three goals and claiming one assist. He established himself as a regular starter under former manager Ange Postecoglou.

He's now got to impress new boss Frank. The manager was confirmed as Postecoglou's replacement at the club earlier this week after helping to establish Brentford in the Premier League.

The new Spurs boss has already been linked with signings. Reports claim that the club are attempting to hijack Manchester United's move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.