Football London

Who is Niccolo Pisilli? The Roma wonderkid who can become Thomas Frank's first Tottenham transfer

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Who is Niccolo Pisilli? The Roma wonderkid who can become Thomas Frank's first Tottenham transfer - Football London
Description

Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli is the latest player to be linked with a summer transfer to Tottenham Hotspur as the club get their plans in place for the new season. It is a hugely important summer for the football club as they look to build on their Europa League final success.

Despite guiding Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years, Ange Postecoglou is no longer in charge and has been replaced in the hotseat by Thomas Frank. Spurs will certainly have a new look about them next term following the managerial switch and the same may apply when it comes to the XI Frank fields on a matchday.

According to reports, the north London club have agreed a deal in principle to sign Roma ace Pisilli. The 20-year-old is currently representing Italy at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship and it will likely be after the tournament has concluded in Slovakia when a deal is completed if that is to be the case.

So who exactly is Pisilli? football.london takes a look below.

Born in Rome in September 2004, Pisilli is viewed as a classic No.8 and is very impressive both going forward and with his defensive work. Someone who is very highly regarded at Roma, he is excellent on the ball, reads the game well and can quite easily switch play with his long-range passing ability.

His impact in the final third can be seen by the fact that he has 39 goals and 19 assists in his 152 games in all competitions for Roma and their Primavera sides. Pisilli joined the Italian giants at the age of eight and progressed through their system before making his first-team debut in May 2023, with former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho handing the midfielder his bow for the final minute of their 2-0 home defeat against Inter Milan.

Following his Roma debut at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, Pisilli mainly featured for Roma's Primavera team the following year but he was a regular in the matchday squad in Serie A. His only league appearance that season came in an away defeat at Bologna as he was introduced off the bench for nine minutes by Mourinho.

His other appearance that season was in the Europa League against FC Sheriff, a game in which he scored his first goal for his boyhood club. Following a change of management at the start of 2024 with club legend Daniele De Rossi replacing Mourinho in the job, the 2006 World Cup winner immediately noted Pisilli.

“Who impressed me? In-person, Pisilli," revealed De Rossi. "I didn’t know him well; he’s such a strong player. He’s still a youngster, but he made an impression on me. I’m guilty of not knowing him well.”

The 2024/25 campaign turned out to be Pisilli's breakthrough season in the Roma first team as he went on to play 41 times in all competitions. The youngster made 28 appearances in Serie A, with 11 of those starts, and he also contributed with two goals and one assist.

Last season highlighted that he does have a knack of picking up a yellow card after receiving seven cautions in his 28 league games. His performances in the opening weeks of the term alerted Italy boss Luciano Spalletti and he duly handed the Roma man his first senior call-up for the national team for October's UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Prior to making his Italy debut in the closing stages of the 2-2 draw with Belgium, the player spoke to the media and thanked his previous Roma managers for their role in his journey to the senior Italy side.

“I want to thank De Rossi, Mourinho and [Ivan] Juric. It’s thanks to them that I’ve had the opportunity to be here," he said (via One Football). "As for the youth teams, it’s always an honour to wear the national team jersey. They are all experiences that have helped me. De Rossi and Mourinho gave me the chance to play, which was the most important opportunity."

Now with Italy U21s as they look to win the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia, Pisilli's next appearance for his club side could potentially be in the Premier League if Tottenham are to complete a deal for the highly-rated ace. However, a Roma exit may not be so straightforward for the player due to his connection with the club.

“It was a very strong emotion, really beautiful: setting foot in the Olimpico was something wonderful," he said in an interview with DAZN. "Most of my friends are Roma fans, so even just the fact that they were watching the game and wrote to me 'I can’t believe you got in' was incredible.

“Playing for Roma is a dream come true, because when I was little I wore the Roma shirt and played in the park near my house. Now I wear the Roma shirt and play at the Olimpico, so it’s something I’ve always dreamed of since I was a child and it’s really beautiful.

“Being able to play and sweat for this shirt is truly indescribable for me. Being an example is something very beautiful and it’s a great responsibility.”

Following the additions of fellow youngsters Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert 12 months ago, Pisilli could be the latest addition as Tottenham look to give Frank a team for years to come.

Thomas Frank's first Tottenham transfer decided

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Real Madrid hijack, £65m Eberechi Eze deal - Thomas Frank's first Tottenham transfer decided - Football London
Description

Thomas Frank has finally been announced as Tottenham's new head coach and attention will immediately turn to what business Spurs can and will do in the summer transfer window.

The rumours around potential signings have been thin on the ground as a result of not knowing who would be in charge, but now that is known, interest will ramp up.

Tottenham will be looking to strengthen their squad for Frank ahead of a 2025/26 season in which they will compete in the UEFA Champions League following their Europa League heroics under Ange Postecoglou.

Injuries hit Spurs hard in the 2024/25 campaign, with not enough strength in depth to compete domestically and in Europe too, with Postecoglou making the decision in late January/early February to prioritise the Europa League.

Tottenham will have to be aware of Financial Fair Play and Profit & Sustainability Rules ahead of the transfer window reopening on Monday, June 16, but technical director Johan Lange is likely to be busy between now and the beginning of September.

Here football.london writers take a look at who Spurs should be signing.

Lee Wilmot

Tottenham desperately need a No.6 midfielder, someone who can break up play and also get the team moving forward. There are bound to be links with Brentford's Mikkel Damsgaard now Thomas Frank is in charge.

A player I would like to see come in would be Aleksandar Pavlovic from Bayern Munich, but that might be a pipe dream considering he is highly regarded at the Allianz Arena and had it not been for injuries probably would have made more than the 18 starts in the Bundesliga this season.

He is in the 99th percentile for pass completion vs other midfielders in Europe's top five leagues this season and the 97th percentile for progressive passes and would be a brilliant signing.

There is more likelihood of Spurs getting someone like Angelo Stiller from Stuttgart, however. The German side failed to qualify for European competition for next season, something Spurs can offer with the Champions League, and while his pass completion record is down in the 73rd percentile, he is not afraid to try passes and is in the 99th percentile for progressive passes.

Real Madrid have been linked with a move for him, as have Liverpool, however, and Spurs may need to act quickly to get a deal done.

Sam Truelove

One player who continues to be linked with a move to Tottenham is Eberechi Eze. I just feel the Crystal Palace talisman would be perfect at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and offer the Lilywhites' attack something different.

Capable of playing on the left or in the attacking midfield position, Eze scored 14 goals and assisted 11 more in 43 appearances for the Eagles last campaign. The Englishman scored the winner against Manchester City in the FA Cup final and now feels the right time for him to move on from Selhurst Park.

Available for around £65million, Eze is a player who could blossom further under Thomas Frank. It would be money well spent in my book.

Alasdair Gold

I'd love it to be Eberechi Eze. He's a game changer and Tottenham need more of those. Frank could utilise him in a couple of positions and he's the kind of player who deserves to be on the Champions League stage.

It's a lot of money, £65million, but in today's market it's a steal for a proven Premier League performer with 25 goal involvements last season and Eze will have that same winning mentality now as the rest of the Spurs squad thanks to Palace's FA Cup victory over Manchester City. He showed on that day at Wembley that he's a man for the big stage.

Whether Spurs would move that quickly to make him the first man through the door is another thing but they should, because he's a guaranteed star for them and transforms their attack.

Rob Guest

The first thing Tottenham should do when it comes to transfer incomings is decide on whether Mathys Tel returns or not. Spurs remain in talks with Bayern Munich over a deal for the attacker and his participation at the European U21 Championships could impact when a deal is potentially completed if they are to re-sign him.

Tottenham do have that option to purchase Tel for £47.5million this summer, with a six-year contract already agreed on. However, it may be wise to either agree on another loan deal or submit a bid for a much lower fee than the aforementioned figure.

Rather than see the deal drag on until the end of the window, all parties would no doubt like a quite resolution. It would certainly be better for the player to sign on the dotted line as soon as possible just so he can have the majority of pre-season with his Spurs teammates.

Given the agreement in place and the current talks, Tottenham should wrap this deal up first and then move on to other transfer incomings.

Tottenham get green light for cut-price Bryan Mbeumo transfer alternative

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham get green light for cut-price Bryan Mbeumo transfer alternative - Football London
Description

New Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank could be given the chance to reignite transfer interest in a target who has previously turned him down as he looks to build his squad at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Frank was confirmed as the new Spurs head coach this week, with the Dane replacing Ange Postecoglou at the helm. Following the change, the new boss will now have the chance to add players to his squad in the summer window, which reopens on Monday.

Spurs have already been linked with an interest in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. The forward has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, but reports say that Frank could look to hijack that deal and bring his former player with him to Tottenham.

Mbeumo is, however, said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford, meaning that Spurs could have a fight on their hands. Should they be unsuccessful in hijacking the deal, then the club could already have an alternative option, and he’s reportedly available at a much cheaper price.

According to Dutch outlet ED , PSV are willing to cash in on winger Johan Bakayoko for a £17 million fee this summer. The 22-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract with the Eredivisie club, hence the cheaper price.

This season, he has scored nine goals in 30 league appearances. He is a player that would have been watched closely by Frank, with the manager making a move for the winger in 2023.

Brentford had a £30 million bid accepted by PSV, but the player himself turned down the chance to move to the Gtech Community Stadium. Speaking about the failed transfer after, Frank outlined the difficulties for a club like Brentford.

“We want players who can step directly into the starting XI, and, in the current market, the prices are ridiculous, so that makes it difficult,” he said, via The Athletic .

“Then we sign young players who, over time, can be good enough for the starting XI. So it’s a balance. But we are willing to wait (for the right player). We want to build a good squad we believe can get better and is sustainable over time financially. That’s very important for us.

“We have a lot of good stories about the players we’ve developed and how much we have grown as a club. We play in the Premier League; we are a good team, and we have a fantastic culture. All that we can compete on, but we struggle with the wages. It is a challenge we embrace.

“The top eight (clubs) are impossible to compete with — financially out of the question. The next eight, so we have the top 16 teams, are also very difficult for us to compete with. The good news is we have a very well-run club which means we are not that restricted (by financial fair play rules on spending money).

“But we don’t have £100million to spend on one player and that is just the way it is because we are a smaller club.”

Around a year after turning down the opportunity to move to the Premier League, Bakayoko hinted that he was ready to make the next step in his career.

Speaking to ED last summer, he said: "It is also possible that I will leave next year, but I still have to discuss it carefully with my agent. It will also partly depend on PSV, where I will play next season.

"I can handle a place at the top. If I were to leave Eindhoven, it would only be to a club that plays for trophies, just like PSV. Becoming champion is what I want. And win the Champions League. I have the qualities for that.

"PSV has won the title and achieved something again in Europe. That mission has been completed, but now we have to see whether there will be a next mission and what the club has left for me."

Frank’s move to Spurs is likely to give him some more room financially in the transfer window, as well as Bakayoko’s openness to take the next step, pointing to a different outcome if Frank tries to sign the player again this time around.

hand man already knows all about Tottenham after key scouting role

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Thomas Frank's new right-hand man already knows all about Tottenham after key scouting role - Football London
Description

Justin Cochrane will return to Tottenham as Thomas Frank's right-hand man armed with plenty of knowledge of the squad the Dane will inherit.

Cochrane is one of the most highly-regarded coaches in the game right now and his move to Spurs was a blow to Brentford, who had been eyeing him up as a potential successor to Frank. The 43-year-old is also part of Thomas Tuchel's England set-up and is expected to remain so on a part-time basis while at Tottenham.

The former Manchester United development coach spent almost a decade at Spurs' academy as a coach before becoming England U15s head coach and completing his UEFA Pro Licence. Cochrane was also a UEFA technical observer last season, among a group of experienced coaches and former players who work with the UEFA performance analysis unit to produce reports on every one of the organisation's national-team and club competition.

That meant that Cochrane analysed Tottenham during their Europa League run and was actually featured in the matchday programme for the final in Bilbao.

That's because he had the task of examining the role of the full-backs in Tottenham's round of 16 second-leg victory against AZ Alkmaar and this is what he wrote about Pedro Porro and Djed Spence as well as the impact of the inverted full-back system.

"The full-backs are often narrow, which creates more passing options and makes the opposition close the inside, opening up passing lanes for the wide players to go one-on-one," he said. "The narrow full-backs also create central overloads. Once the ball goes wide, there is often a run into the half-space from an inverted full-back or the high No.8 if the full-back is lower.

"The full-back who goes inside must be technically good and able to operate in tight areas. They need to be offensive. The problem they face is the distance of their recovery if the ball has been lost. A full-back must have the ability to receive and play in tight spaces between lines - to play like a midfielder - a key attribute for playing as an inverted full-back.

"The timing of runs forward into the half-space is also important, while recovery runs are too. A player has to get back into position if the ball is turned over. We saw Spurs’ full-backs doing all three of these. When full-backs do invert, how does that affect the other players?

"The centre-backs no longer have an easy pass to a full-back and can sometimes pass straight to a winger. The other midfielders fill the spaces, but there is not a clear pattern. In the Spurs vs AZ game, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall often dropped into the spaces and looked for a forward pass."

Bryan Mbeumo and five Brentford transfers Johan Lange can target for Thomas Frank and Tottenham

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Bryan Mbeumo and five Brentford transfers Johan Lange can target for Thomas Frank and Tottenham - Football London
Description

Thomas Frank is now the new head coach of Tottenham Hotspur. The Dane was confirmed as Ange Postecoglou's replacement on Thursday evening, penning a three-year contract at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 2024/25 season was certainly a mixed one from a Tottenham perspective and the hope will be that Frank can take the club forward and have them battling for a top-four finish once again. It wasn't all disappointment for Spurs last term as they did go on to lift the Europa League trophy with a 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Cup football will once again be very important to the club, with Frank having the opportunity to manage in the Champions League for the first time as a result of the team winning UEFA's second club competition.

Now that Frank is in position and will be getting straight down to work, all eyes will be on what the club do in the transfer market as they bid for a fast start. So far, Brentford duo Nathan Collins and Bryan Mbeumo have been linked with moves to Tottenham and a reunion with the 51-year-old.

So who exactly could Frank, Johan Lange and Tottenham target from Brentford this summer as they look to improve their playing squad? football.london takes a look below.

Nathan Collins

Collins has been linked with a move to Tottenham already. Talk of a potential move across the capital may start to crank up now given Cristian Romero's message in his emotional Instagram post about Postecoglou's departure.

Making a name for himself at Stoke City and Burnley prior to moving to Wolves in 2022, the 24-year-old has been a regular in the Brentford backline in the past two seasons, notably playing every single minute in the Premier League in 2024/25. Something which very much highlights his reliability, consistency and his fitness, he could be a smart addition for the Lilywhites due to their lack of numbers in the position across last term.

Vitaly Janelt/Christian Norgaard

Tottenham are still on the lookout for a No.6 to really take their midfield to the next level. Yves Bissouma is not the answer there due to his fluctuating form and he himself may move on this summer due to his contract status.

Both Vitaly Janelt and Christian Norgaard have been permanent fixtures in Frank's Brentford team and both give the team stability and protection. As Janelt only turned 27 last month and Norgaard is now 31, the former may be the better option for Spurs if they were to raid Brentford for a holding midfielder.

Speaking of Janelt last year after he won Brentford's players' player of the year gong, Frank said: “Vitaly has been hugely important for us during the four seasons he’s been here. He’s impacted massively the success we have had.

"This season he has started 36 games and came on in the 37th. He and Ethan [Pinnock] are unsung heroes. They never hit the headlines that much. Vitaly is the glue that makes everyone better: he never stops running, he is a leader and he is extremely important.”

Mikkel Damsgaard

Frank is also a huge fan of fellow Dane Mikkel Damsgaard. Coming to the attention of many with his sublime free-kick for Denmark in their Euro 2020 semi-final against England, the attacking midfielder really struggled to make an impact in his first two seasons at Brentford before wowing in 2024/25.

Damsgaard finished the season with three goals and 11 assists in 43 games in all competitions, duly picking up Brentford' supporters' player of the year and players' player of the year awards last month. Damsgaard's form was that good he even won Brentford's player of the month award four times in a row between October and January.

The 24-year-old is an outstanding player but Tottenham already have options in the attacking midfield role in James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. The Dane does give Frank options, though, as he can play on either flank and as a central midfielder.

Bryan Mbeumo

Mbeumo is the player Tottenham fans would love Frank to sign from Brentford this summer. Always a key player for the Bees following his move from Troyes in 2019, the Cameroon international went up another level or two in the 2024/25 season.

Unable to hit double figures in his previous three Premier League campaigns, Mbeumo registered 20 Premier League goals and he also contributed with nine assists across all competitions. Only 25 years of age, he could be a major player in the final third for Tottenham if they could beat Manchester United to his signature in a reported £60million deal.

Yoane Wissa

Tottenham may have splashed out big money on Dominic Solanke last summer but they may possibly be on the lookout for a new frontman ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. That may all depend on what happens with Richarlison after three difficult seasons in N17.

If Tottenham do want to bring in a new striker to add to Frank's squad, Yoane Wissa could be the perfect addition Just like Mbeumo, Wissa contributed 20 goals across the season and was a major player in Brentford's excellent form.

Wissa does turn 29 in September, though, and Spurs may want a younger player as they build towards the future. If they want someone for the here and now to add to the club's striker options, the DR Congo ace would be a good acquisition.

Kevin Schade

Tottenham could certainly do with upgrading their options out wide next season amid question marks over a number of players. It remains to be seen what the future holds for players such as Son Heung-min, Richarlison, Mathys Tel and Manor Solomon heading into the new term.

Kevin Schade enjoyed a very impressive season and made his mark with 12 goals and three assists across all competitions. Mainly playing from the left-wing but also able to play as a striker and from the right, the German has pace to burn and there could still be even more to come from him as he develops as a player.

Tottenham 'launch huge Bryan Mbeumo transfer bid' as Johan Lange dwarfs Man Utd offer

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham 'launch huge Bryan Mbeumo transfer bid' as Johan Lange dwarfs Man Utd offer - Football London
Description

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly launched a £70m bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, directly challenging Premier League rivals Manchester United for the attacker's signature.

The future of the 25-year-old has come into question as the summer transfer window opened, which was to be expected following his 20-goal haul in the Premier League last term.

Mbeumo had given United encouragement to make him their next recruit before his boss of six years at the Bees, Thomas Frank, moved to Spurs to replace Ange Postecoglou.

Now The Mirror are reporting that a first official step has been made towards reuniting player and manager with Spurs technical director Johan Lange offering up £65m plus £5m in add-ons to land the Cameroon international. It comes only hours after claims of first contact being made.

This alleged offer blows the one made by Old Trafford chiefs out of the water. Our sister title The Manchester Evening News say that rejected sum was £45m up front with £10m in add-ons.

In their hijack attempt, Spurs have the bonus of now possessing that personal connection to Mbeumo in the form of their new boss.

Before the summer whilst still in his old post, Frank had warned rivals that Mbeumo was 'going to be expensive', without revealing the exact fee Brentford are demanding.

It is claimed that Mbeumo still prefers a move to United but his connection with Frank is evidently strong is the new Spurs boss is intent on making the Cameroon international his first signing in the new job.

Especially after the 51-year-old vocalised his wish to continue working with the winger, before any of the latest developments came to light.

"I'm the head coach [of Brentford]. I want my best players to stay forever," the now-Spurs manager told Sky Sports.

"I know that Bryan is very happy being here at Brentford, he's thriving, doing well and playing fantastic. What happens in the future? I don't know.

"I've said many times: we are a selling club. But at the same time, we have to reinforce that there are 10 clubs in the world that aren't selling clubs.

"But I'm very happy he's here, and I'm convinced that Bryan will still be happy playing football here."

Should the bid fail, it has been reported that Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo will be another Premier League winger the club look towards to strengthen.

First Tottenham player comes out with verdict on Thomas Frank arrival after Ange Postecoglou exit

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
First Tottenham player comes out with verdict on Thomas Frank arrival after Ange Postecoglou exit - Football London
Description

Mikey Moore has become the first Tottenham player to come out and speak about Thomas Frank's appointment as well as the exit of Ange Postecoglou.

The Dane was appointed as Spurs' new head coach on Thursday with a three-year contract and he will make the step up after six years in charge at Brentford, where he turned the Bees into an established Premier League side and one that delivered plenty of shocks to the bigger clubs.

Many players have come out with emotional messages both privately and publicly since the exit of the Europa League-winning Postecoglou and Moore paid tribute to the Australian while also expressing his excitement about getting back to the club after the European Under-19 Championships to start work under Frank.

The 17-year-old played 19 times in all competitions last season under Postecoglou and played five times in the Europa League before being on the bench for that night in Bilbao.

“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. "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."

He added: "When I look back on the season, when I go back to (last) pre-season I didn’t ever expect to be in the position I was halfway through the season. But obviously it wasn’t all great, it didn’t all go to plan. I think there were certain parts in the season where I’ve not struggled, but had down moments.

"But when I look back on it it’s been a massive learning year for me, and it’s obviously come to an end now almost, and we came out successful. It’s a season I will always look back on and be proud of."

Moore scored his first goal for the club during the Europa League run and he admits he will always remember that night in Spain as Spurs ended their 17-year trophy drought.

"It was a top experience – some of the best times of my life on that Wednesday night," Moore said. "Hopefully going on to win another medal and another trophy with these boys here would be a brilliant feeling, and experience for everyone.

"There’s some top players. We think we can go on and hopefully win the tournament. It’s been a good little build-up but excited to get into the games now."

Tottenham transfer target Bryan Mbeumo drops Thomas Frank hint amid Man Utd hijack

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham transfer target Bryan Mbeumo drops Thomas Frank hint amid Man Utd hijack - Football London
Description

Bryan Mbeumo has added more fuel to the transfer fire on social media, following new reports suggesting Tottenham Hotspur have intercepted his move to Manchester United. The Brentford forward is believed to have been swayed after Spurs confirmed Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou's successor on Thursday.

Earlier this summer, Mbeumo reportedly selected United as his preferred choice despite competing interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham. However, that decision was made before Frank made the switch from Brentford to North London, and it's suggested that the Dane wants his star player to follow him.

United still believe they hold the upper hand but have yet to make a second bid after their initial £50million offer was turned down.

Brentford are allegedly holding out for £60m, and whether the Red Devils are prepared to meet that asking price could be the deciding factor, reports the Express.

Mbeumo didn't respond to Frank's departure from the Bees after nine years until Friday afternoon, amid Spurs' push to hijack United's move for the attacker.

The 25-year-old used his Instagram story to share Brentford's post confirming Frank's exit, captioning it with two prayer emojis.

It has done little to quell the growing speculation about his interest in joining his former manager at Spurs next season, with fans trying to interpret any hidden meaning.

Significant developments regarding Mbeumo's future are expected next week once the summer transfer window reopens on Monday, running until September 1.

Frank has been vocal about his eagerness to continue working with Mbeumo after six successful years together at Brentford. The 51-year-old even hinted that the feeling was mutual.

"I'm the head coach. I want my best players to stay forever," Frank told Sky Sports before the summer transfer window opened.

"I know that Bryan is very happy being here at Brentford, he's thriving, doing well and playing fantastic. What happens in the future? I don't know.

"I've said many times: we are a selling club. But at the same time, we have to reinforce that there are 10 clubs in the world that aren't selling clubs.

"So, of course, if the right price - and that's going to be expensive - is coming, then I'm sure the club will be open for it.

"But I'm very happy he's here, and I'm convinced that Bryan will still be happy playing football here."

Should Tottenham fail to secure Mbeumo, reports suggest they have their sights on Antoine Semenyo and Tyler Dibling as potential replacements.

Bayern Munich chief delivers update on Mathys Tel to Tottenham transfer negotiations

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Bayern Munich chief delivers update on Mathys Tel to Tottenham transfer negotiations - Football London
Description

Tottenham remain in talks with Bayern Munich over a deal to sign Mathys Tel, says the German club's sporting director Max Eberl.

Tel was signed on loan by Spurs in January with a reported €50million (£42.5million) option to buy the 20-year-old this summer. While the Frenchman fitted in well at the club amid a difficult season, the fact that he contributed three goals and one assist in 20 appearances made that price tag seem a little steep.

Tel had a trophy-laden season though having won the Europa League with Spurs but also playing in the first half of the campaign for Bayern who went on to win the Bundesliga.

Tottenham were expected to discuss a lower fee or the possibility of a further loan with an option to buy at the end of it for the attacker, who is currently playing for France at the European U21 Championships after being left out of Vincent Kompany's Club World Cup squad. Now Eberl has confirmed that discussions between the two clubs are taking place over the youngster's future.

"Mathys was at Tottenham for six months. He wanted to play in the U21 European championship with France, and we allowed him to," he is quoted by Sport Witness as saying to Abendzeitung München. "We’re talking to Tottenham, that’s no secret. We’ll see how that pans out."

Ange Postecoglou had been asked about Tel's future ahead of the final game of the season against Brighton last month but admitted that with his situation at the time he was none the wiser.

"I guess they're the kind of discussions that we start to need to have. But again, without myself gatecrashing meetings, I need to be invited to them, but we'll assess all those things," he said.

"Matty's done really well for us. We put him in a real difficult position in that as a young player who hadn't played a lot, probably wasn't fit enough, we just threw him straight in but he's handled it really well.

"I think he's been a real important contributor for us and he'll definitely play tomorrow at some point whether he starts or come off the bench. I'm sure those decisions we'll kind of look into post-season."

Tottenham fans will love what Jermain Defoe has said about Thomas Frank

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham fans will love what Jermain Defoe has said about Thomas Frank - Football London
Description

Thomas Frank is the new head coach at Tottenham and according to Spurs legend Jermain Defoe, every supporter should be excited.

There was plenty of consternation around Spurs when Ange Postecoglou was sacked last week, having delivered what he set out to achieve in his second season - a trophy.

Tottenham won the Europa League with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the final in Bilbao last month, ending a 17-year drought for silverware. In doing so, Spurs also qualified for the UEFA Champions League next season.

As a result, Defoe, who will be taking part in Soccer Aid this weekend, thinks it is a "good time to be at Tottenham".

The former striker could understand the club's decision to part ways with Postecoglou, despite the European success, because of the record worst 22 defeats in the Premier League in 2024/25.

And he had a message for the Tottenham fans when it came to Frank's appointment, having had first-hand experience of just what the former Brentford boss is capable of.

Defoe said: "I spent a day with him last season, went into Brentford with Justin Cochrane, spent a day just to watch training, see how they did things there and it was amazing, I was so impressed.

"Unbelievable man, unbelievable coach and for all the Tottenham fans listening, you've got a top manager there."

Frank signed a three-year deal to leave Brentford and become the new Spurs head coach, with Cochrane coming with him to N17. Chris Haslam and Joe Newton also joined the coaching team from the Bees, with Andreas Georgson arriving from Manchester United.

In confirming the deal, Spurs said in a statement: "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."