Football London

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is plotting an audacious move to sign Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, it has been claimed. Spurs have spent north of £100million so far this summer, but Levy is keen to back new head coach Thomas Frank and is considering launching a bid for the out-of-favour Brazil international.

Rodrygo, 24, has been linked with a move to the Premier League after dropping down the pecking order at Los Blancos. The former Santos man started one game at the Club World Cup and played just 92 minutes across the entire tournament as Real suffered semi-final heartbreak against Paris Saint-Germain.

Arda Guler, Vinicius Jr and Brahim Diaz were often preferred at the inaugural club competition and that has increased speculation around Rodrygo's future. Reports in Spain have suggested that Real Madrid are prepared to cash in, even though Xabi Alonso has reiterated that he is part of his long-term plans.

Liverpool and Arsenal are among those that have expressed an interest in signing Rodrygo, who has scored 68 goals and provided 50 assists in 269 appearances during his time at Santiago Bernabeu. But now, Tottenham are expected to become the latest to enter the race, with Levy shifting his focus to the Real Madrid star.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Levy is looking to exploit his 'good relationship' with the La Liga side to lower Rodrygo's £76million price tag. It's added that, despite interest, Real haven't received an offer for the Brazilian.

Rodrygo is enjoying a well-earned break in the United States following a long season and he is expected to make a final decision on his future after holding more talks with new Real head coach Alonso. Real kickstart their La Liga campaign against Osasuna on Tuesday, August 19, but it's unclear whether Rodrygo is going to feature.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are hoping to strengthen ahead of their return to the Champions League. They have signed five players so far, spending around £122m in the process. Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel arrived on loan in January but have penned permanent contracts, while Luka Vuksovic has finally made the move from Hajduck Split, Kota Takai has joined from Kawasaki Frontale and Mohammed Kudus has signed from West Ham.

Spurs want to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest and triggered his £60m release clause earlier this month, but Nuno Espirito Santo's side believe Tottenham made an illegal approach for the England international.

A conclusion in Tottenham's bid to bring Gibbs-White to north London doesn't seem close, and therefore Spurs have instead shifted their immediate focus to others, such as Rodrygo.

While a move for Rodrygo would bolster Frank's attacking options, it would dent arch rival Arsenal's hopes of having a dream summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta's men have signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke in a spending blitz worth around £124m, and are closing in on moves for Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres and Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.

Arsenal have strengthened in all-but every position they would have wanted to apart from the left-hand side. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both flattered to deceive last season and the Gunners have been linked with a move for the likes of Rodrygo, Rafael Leao and Anthony Gordon.

However, Tottenham snatching Rodrygo from under their noses would represent a major blow for Arsenal, as the Gunners look to finalise their summer spending with left wing addition.

Luka Vuskovic had a friendly debut to remember for Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday and if the teenager continues along this path then he will hand Thomas Frank a difficult decision.

Spurs have plenty of centre-backs at the club with the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies as well as young defenders Ashley Phillips and Alfie Dorrington, who left for Aberdeen on loan at the weekend. Summer arrivals Vuskovic and Kota Takai have now added to those numbers.

Twenty-year-old Japan international Takai's £5million signing from Kawasaki Frontale was expected to see him become part of Frank's first team squad this season and for 18-year-old Vuskovic a decision had to be made over whether he would stick around the club at least until January or whether he would be sent out on a third loan since his signing was announced by the north London club in 2023.

football.london previously reported that a long line of clubs are waiting on Frank's decision as they look to take the Croatian elsewhere.

With Takai out with a training ground knock, Vuskovic caught the eye in his first Spurs appearance in the 2-0 win at League Two side Reading on Saturday afternoon with a headed assist and then a clinical low strike. It impressed the Tottenham fanbase and further dynamic displays this summer are likely to make it very difficult to justify loaning him out.

In the latest episode of the Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham, our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold and head of football Lee Wilmot discuss the situation with Vuskovic and Takai as well as the latest on Tottenham's interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha and the Morgan Gibbs-White situation.

You can listen to the podcast episode by heading right here or watch the show on YouTube by going right here.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been briefed on the rule amendments set to be introduced in the upcoming Premier League season, with particular focus on VAR and goalkeepers' time-wasting tactics.

In anticipation of the professional football season's start, which begins for Leagues One and Two on the first weekend of August, IFAB has confirmed the rule changes that will be implemented. Two significant changes for Premier League clubs involve VAR.

IFAB has declared that leagues will be permitted to allow their referees to clarify VAR decisions in-stadium via the speaker systems. This will occur when there has been a VAR review or an extended VAR check, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The Premier League announced in February that they were optimistic about implementing this change at the beginning of the 2025/26 season. It has already been tested in several high-profile matches, including in the Carabao Cup last season.

In the meantime, IFAB has taken a firm stance on goalkeepers retaining the ball for too long. From next season, keepers will be allowed to hold onto the ball for eight seconds, up from the previous six.

However, referees will raise their arms after three seconds and start a countdown from five to ensure the ball is released within the time limit. Failure to comply will result in a corner kick being awarded to the opposing team.

A few minor tweaks have also been made to the game's rules that clubs need to familiarise themselves with. For instance, referees will insist that corners are taken from the side closest to where the goalkeeper was positioned when they conceded the corner.

Additionally, if a substitute or injured player off the pitch, or a coach, kicks the ball onto the field, an indirect free kick will be given without any further penalties.

This rule aims to prevent instances where players and coaches have kicked the ball while it was still in play to keep the game flowing.

Previously, such actions would have resulted in a booking.

Following Bryan Mbeumo's transfer to Manchester United on Monday, his former teammate Yoane Wissa has reportedly left Brentford's pre-season training camp amid speculation surrounding his future.

Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United have all been linked with a move for Wissa in the summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their attacks. Spurs will feel confident that the 28-year-old centre-forward will join them considering the lure of working under previous manager Thomas Frank.

It seems that Wissa clearly sees his future away from the Bees as, according to BBC Sport, he has left the training camp in Portugal to fly back to London. Once he arrives in the capital, it is expected that the striker who scored 19 Premier League goals last season, will undergo talks with director of football Phil Giles about his future.

The report claims that Tottenham and Newcastle are the frontrunners for Wissa thanks to their ability to offer him Champions League football. It is believed that securing personal terms at either club will not be an issue.

Wissa is not expected to fly back to Portugal following his meeting with Giles. However, this is not thought to be a sign that he is definitely leaving the club.

Upon their arrival back in England, Wissa is expected to link back up with his teammates should he remain a Brentford player. Originally, it had been touted that the Bees were not willing to lose Mbeumo and Wissa in the window.

However, considering he turns 29 in September, there are fears that the Bees may have a depreciating asset were they to keep him against his will. Spurs would likely need to pay £40m for the forward.

This update comes as a move for Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White continues to be delayed for Frank. Gibbs-White is currently not with his Forest teammates in Portugal for their own pre-season training camp due to a private matter.

The Thomas Frank era at Tottenham Hotspur is well and truly under way with the first match with the Dane at the helm now in the rear view mirror.

Spurs will make their next trip of pre-season to Luton Town on Saturday where they will come up against former goalkeeper Josh Keeley, who only made the move to the Hatters last week. The friendly comes after Tottenham opened their account under Frank against another League One side in Reading on Saturday with a 2-0 victory.

After this coming weekend's match the north London side will make their way to Asia for a shorter than normal summer tour with games against Arsenal and Newcastle in Hong Kong and South Korea respectively. A couple of days after they return they will head off to Germany to face Harry Kane's Bayern Munich ahead of the first competitive game of the season against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup in Udine. A few days later the Premier League season begins with the visit of promoted Burnley.

So how did it all begin on Saturday at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and which players came out of it as winners or losers, in the loosest possible terms? With Frank naming a different XI in each half against Reading, football.london has given their verdict on the players that we reckon just about fit into each category.

Winners

Luka Vuskovic

There's only one place to start and that's with the 18-year-old Croatian who had a friendly debut to remember. It's taken two years to get Luka Vuskovic to north London, as due to EU regulations he had to wait until he had celebrated his 18th birthday, and the big teenager looked desperate to make up for lost time.

The centre-back started in the second half and after a couple of rushed touches and one mistimed tackle, he burst to life with the headed assist from Mohammed Kudus' corner on to Will Lankshear to nod home the opening goal of the game.

Things got even better when Vuskovic ran into the box after another cleared corner and Kudus picked out his run and the young Croatia international stroked a perfect low strike inside the right-hand post. Just to prove he's not all about the attacking, he then made a clearance in front of his own goal from a Reading attack.

"Luka deserves the praise as well," said Frank. "A great header. Showed his physicality and his composure on the ball. He’s not getting stressed when opponents get close. And what a strike."

Mohammed Kudus

Another player who looked desperate to impress was Spurs' new £55million signing Mohammed Kudus. The Ghana international also played in the second half and it's fair to say that the entire game changed with his introduction.

With his lower body strength and dribbling ability, the 24-year-old was a dynamic presence on the pitch and Reading did not have any answers to what he was doing. He curled in the corner that led to Lankshear's goal via Vuskovic's head and then grabbed an assist by picking out the centre-back's run.

He also set up Jamie Donley for a chance later on following a blistering run down the right flank and with Brennan Johnson quiet in the first half, Kudus certainly shone brightest among the attacking players.

"I thought there were a lot of positives in there," said Frank after the game. "If we start with Kudus, of course, he’s the newest one. He was exciting to watch. He had four, five very good actions where you could see what he’s about. His pace, one-on-one skills, the way he can twist and turn going forward."

Will Lankshear

Pre-season and Will Lankshear just seem to go together in the summer like strawberries and cream. The 20-year-old made his breakthrough last summer under Ange Postecoglou with a couple of goals in friendlies, pushing Dane Scarlett and Alejo Veliz down the pecking order.

That led to three Premier League appearances and another three in the Europa League, in which he scored his first goal for the club at Galatasaray before also being shown his first red card. A loan move to West Brom followed during a season of real development for the big striker.

This summer has started in a similar vein with Lankshear showing good reactions to head home from Vuskovic's flick-on at Reading. The young striker didn't see much more of the ball but he proved to another manager that he can weigh in with goals.

Frank will have to decide whether to keep the forward around this season as a homegrown player or whether another loan move beckons to continue his development.

Alfie Devine and Jamie Donley

With an absence in available number 10s right now, both Alfie Devine and Jamie Donley got the chance to show Frank what they are made of.

Both 20-year-olds started in the central attacking midfield role in either half. Both put in solid enough displays with plenty of tidy football and progressive passing in trying to make things happen. It almost did for Donley in the second half when he raced away on a break and was picked out by Kudus only for the academy product's low shot to be deflected wide of goal.

With Tottenham needing some homegrown players this season for their European squad, one of Donley or Devine could be kept around until January at least and Frank will want to take a good look at them this summer before making any decisions.

Morgan Gibbs-White

Yes, we know he doesn't play for Tottenham and yes, we know that whole transfer situation is a complete mess right now, but this game was good for Morgan Gibbs-White.

That's because it showed, despite the solid displays from the youngsters above, just how much Spurs need an experienced number 10 with James Maddison still on his way back from his knee injury and Dejan Kulusevski set to miss the start of the season after his patella surgery.

Both Spurs and Frank have been casting envious eyes at Gibbs-White since his Wolves days and the Dane believes the 25-year-old England international would be a perfect mobile and creative midfielder within his system. The question is whether a way can be found to make the move happen.

Losers

Son Heung-min

It's incredibly harsh to have Son Heung-min in the losers column just two months after the Spurs captain lifted that trophy in Bilbao and also because the 33-year-old had an involvement in both goals on Saturday by winning the corners they both eventually came from.

A more fitting term for this column would be disappointers but winners and disappointers doesn't really have that ring about it.

It's accurate to say though that Son was very rusty at the Select Cars Leasing Stadium as he struggled to control the ball at times and sliced one effort well over the crossbar. He grew frustrated in that move mentioned above when neither Kudus nor Donley passed the ball to him.

The South Korean star just look a bit out of sorts throughout amid all the speculation about his future, and Frank admitting he had not decided his captain for next season yet, and the player ended the match holding his back, looking like he was struggling with some pain there as well.

Lucas Bergvall

Again, last season's player of the year can hardly be called a 'loser' but the format dictates the name of this column. Like Son, the 19-year-old Swede just looked particularly rusty on Saturday against the League One opponents.

The teenager gave the ball away on a couple of occasions with under-hit passes that put Spurs into trouble around his own box. He looked very much like a player taking part in his first match since picking up that ankle injury in training at Hotspur Way back in May.

The Swede will get fitter and sharper as this pre-season goes on and this was hopefully just him needing to shake off the cobwebs like his captain.

Yang, Abbott and Phillips

While Frank used 22 players on the day in Reading, three members of the squad had to travel to just sit on the bench and watch. They were teenagers Yang Min-hyeok and George Abbott as well as 20-year-old Ashley Phillips.

Their position at the bottom of the submitted team sheet, below the 11 players who came off the bench at half-time, suggests they were always likely to remain spectators unless there was an injury.

football.london has previously reported that 19-year-old Abbott is expected to head out on loan, likely with a new contract, after his development over the past year. The sheer number of wingers and centre-backs suggest that Yang and Phillips are likely to also exit the club this summer unless something dramatic occurs in the weeks ahead.

Dane Scarlett

Dane Scarlett was the only player unaccounted for by Frank after the game when he explained why various players were missing.

The striker did have a groin operation towards the end of last season but was back in training and on the bench for the Europa League final in Bilbao. However, despite training last week ahead of the friendly at Reading, including the day before the game, the 21-year-old was not included in the matchday squad.

Perhaps it was decided that it was better for him to train with the likes of Richarlison, Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel rather than sit on the bench and watch on Saturday but it's not a good look for him that once again Lankshear has taken his chance ahead of him during pre-season.

This is a year when Scarlett really needs to make an impact wherever that may be and fulfil all the promise he's always had.

Kota Takai

The 20-year-old Japan international finally got his work permit after a week of waiting and would have looked sharper than most in training as he was halfway through the J.League season when he made the move from Kawasaki Frontale to Tottenham.

However, a little knock in training ahead of the friendly at Reading robbed the centre-back of his chance to impress. Unfortunately for him, a bit like for Scarlett, Vuskovic grabbed his opportunity to dazzle on his debut in his absence.

The expectation when Takai signed was that he would be part of Frank's squad this season and Vuskovic could end up getting a loan, with a queue of clubs across Europe awaiting a decision. However, Vuskovic won round one of that contest due to the Japanese defender's little knock.

This could be a fascinating little battle to impress Frank the most as this summer progresses.

Morgan Gibbs-White is keen to have his future sorted before Nottingham Forest depart for their pre-season camp in Portugal.

The 25 year old finds himself at the centre of a heated transfer dispute after Tottenham triggered his £60million release clause, believing they had secured the England international at a bargain price.

However, Forest retaliated by alleging an "illegal approach" from the North London outfit and threatened legal action amid concerns over a confidentiality breach regarding the player's release clause.

The City Ground club declared the transfer dead in the water for now after lodging a complaint against Spurs with the Premier League, with Gibbs-White subsequently returning to pre-season preparations under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his situation, Gibbs-White has maintained an "exemplary attitude" during training sessions, according to the Daily Mail, though he remains determined to join Thomas Frank's Tottenham, reports the Mirror.

The midfielder held discussions with Forest hierarchy at their training facility on Monday and is now seeking resolution regarding his destination for the upcoming campaign.

Gibbs-White remains "hopeful" that matters will be concluded by the weekend as Forest gear up for their opening pre-season encounter against Monaco on Saturday.

During their Portuguese stint, Forest are scheduled to face Fulham and local outfit Estoril Praia. The report suggests that the "ball is in Tottenham's court", with the Europa League winners contemplating a second offer valued at approximately £65m - though it remains uncertain whether such a sum would persuade Forest to reconsider their stance.

Should no advancement occur regarding a fresh proposal, Gibbs-White is anticipated to accompany Forest on their Portuguese excursion. The squad are scheduled to remain in the country until August 1.

They will then return for fixtures against Fiorentina and Al Qadsiah at the City Ground ahead of their Premier League curtain-raiser versus Brentford on August 17.

Frank would be keen to integrate Gibbs-White into his setup at the earliest opportunity to ensure a complete pre-season alongside the gifted midfielder, who netted seven times in the Premier League last campaign whilst providing eight assists.

His outstanding displays have also attracted attention from Manchester City and he now boasts four England caps - with Thomas Tuchel selecting him for recent encounters against Andorra and Senegal.

Spurs are optimistic about making him their second marquee acquisition of the transfer window having already wrapped up the signing of West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus for £55m.

It’s not long until Premier League football return for Tottenham Hotspur and their rivals, with Spurs also having the return of Champions League football to prepare for.

Preparations for both competitions are well underway as Thomas Frank prepares for his first season with the club. Spurs kick-off their 2025/26 campaign with a home game against newly-promoted Burnley on Saturday, 16 August (3pm kick-off), it comes three days after the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.

Frank will be hoping to have the majority of his transfer business done by time that game comes around. So far, Spurs have completed the permanent signing of five players.

Both Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel have made their loan moves permanent, while Kota Takai, Luka Vuskovic and Mohammed Kudus have also arrived.

There is expected to be more moves both in and out of the club between now and the end of the window. One name being talked about a lot is Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White .

The situation is turning into somewhat of a saga, with Tottenham launching a £60 million bid earlier this month. That bid triggered a release clause in his contract, with a medical planned the next day.

However, Forest have showed their unhappiness and believe an illegal approach has been made. Despite being keen on a move to Spurs, Gibbs-White has returned to training with Forest, he has however been excused from the club’s pre-season tour of Portugal due to personal matter unrelated to football.

While no resolution is currently in sight, any sort of drop in resistance from Forest could see a deal move quickly. It’s a situation to keep a close eye on over the next few days.

Another Premier League player to be linked with a move to Tottenham is Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi . Spurs saw a £70 million bid for the England international turned down by Palace back in January.

But Tottenham reportedly maintain their interest this summer . Guehi has just one year left on his contract at Selhurst Park, with no new deal in sight, this window could be the last chance for Palace to get a decent fee for the player, they therefore could be more open to a deal.

As well as incomings, this week could potentially see movement on potential outgoings too. Manor Solomon spent last year on loan with Leeds United, where he impressed in the Championship, with the Whites expected to be keen to take him on a permanent deal should he be available.

The winger missed the first pre-season game against Reading with a minor calf injury. While Frank would like to take a look at him before making a final decision, Spurs will have to make it more quickly should a bid arrive.

Another player who spent last season on loan was Bryan Gil. After returning from Spanish side Girona this summer, he is expected to leave before the end of the window.

He has now returned to Spain to continue his rehabilitation from a season-ending injury. The arrival of Kudus will only push him further down the pecking order at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with an exit expected sooner rather than later.

Tottenham would need to get at least one central midfielder out of the door before pushing through any interest in signing Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha, football.london understands.

Spurs are looking to improve Thomas Frank's squad this summer for a season that brings with it a return to the Champions League. After last summer brought a flood of teenage signings alongside one senior transfer in Dominic Solanke, Tottenham are targeting more ready-made players this time around to ensure the new head coach can get off to a faster start across all competitions.

They have already brought in Premier League experience in the shape of £55million arrival Mohammed Kudus from West Ham as well as making Mathys Tel's loan move permanent for around £30million after the Bayern man experienced English football in the first half of 2025 on loan at the north London club.

Kevin Danso's loan move from Lens also automatically became permanent this summer in a £21million deal after his half-season with Tottenham. New £5million man Kota Takai is the only summer signing who is yet to play in the Premier League.

Spurs have also been trying to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White only for legal complications to currently surround that potential £60million transfer.

Another player with Premier League experience that Tottenham have an interest in is former Fulham man Palhinha, who moved to Bayern a year ago. The 30-year-old ball winner's £46million switch to Germany has not been a successful one though so far with just six Bundesliga starts and only nine across all competitions for the Bavarian giants.

Palhinha was not helped in November last year when he suffered a torn muscle fibre in his right adductor while training with the Portugal national team. That kept him out of action for two-and-a-half months and was followed by an illness and a red card against Bochum with a subsequent one-game suspension and he struggled for minutes after that as Bayern won the Bundesliga.

At this month's Club World Cup in the USA, the Portuguese played just 45 minutes in the dead rubber final group stage defeat against Benfica.

Spurs' interest in Palhinha goes back to his Fulham days when he impressed across 79 appearances for the Cottagers, having almost joined Bayern in 2023 only for the London side to fail to find a replacement before that summer window shut.

football.london understands that while there is that interest in the experienced Bayern man and he is one of a number of candidates Spurs are looking at as a new defensive midfielder for the squad, there would first need to be at least one departure from an area of the squad that currently contains Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr and Archie Gray, while James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski can also play in deeper roles as can potential signing Gibbs-White.

Bissouma and Bentancur are both approaching the final 11 months of their contracts, although it was notable that Frank mentioned wanting to fit the Uruguayan into his team this season in his first club interview. There has been plenty of talk of a new deal for Bentancur while Bissouma looks to be the odd man out after struggling to find consistency since arriving from Brighton in 2022.

Tottenham are also governed by club-trained homegrown issues which currently mean that with their bloated squad they have to attempt to squeeze 31 senior players into 21 spots in their Champions League squad and that's not including Gibbs-White.

There is also the price tag when it comes to Palhinha, who has been linked with other Premier League clubs. Reports in Germany suggest a fee anywhere between €25-30million (£22-26million) would be required, as Bayern look to recoup as much of what they paid Fulham as possible. That is a fee that would appear to go against Tottenham's policy of only spending bigger sums on younger players.

With the Portuguese now in his 30s and having played so little football last season, a loan with an option to buy will be a more appealing scenario for Spurs unless that price tag drops. Tottenham had some interest in Frank's former Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, but the 31-year-old moved to Arsenal in a deal worth only an initial £10million. The Dane had two years left on his contract compared to Palhinha's three but he had more Premier League experience than the former Fulham man.

Frank was asked in his first Tottenham press conference whether the club would look at more signings with English top flight experience.

"I think it’s a plus to have Premier League experience, I don’t think it’s the most important [thing]. For me when I look at a player, I think, is it a good player? The ability is most important. If it is a very good player I don’t think he has a problem playing in the Premier League," he said.

"I know it is very intense, very physical but I don’t think any problems for any player to play here. Of course, different times in careers, things like that, but not the only thing we’re looking into."

Frank has also made it clear that while he wants a strong squad, he needs to make decisions over which players need to leave in the weeks ahead.

"No doubt if you want to compete in all tournaments you need a competitive squad, a robust squad. There’s a lot of competitive players in the squad. It’s an exciting squad. There’s no doubt the club is in the market and looking. I would like to speak when a player comes in and not about the market," he said.

"It’s always a balance, the squad size, how big, how small should it be to compete. I know Tottenham. I know the players, I’ve seen a lot but I need to know them one to one, need to train them and getting input every single day about them to give me more knowledge. But if you want to compete you need to use the squad well."

One position Frank appeared to rule out for the mean time in the transfer market is another forward.

"I think the front three, four, depending on if we play with a 10 and a front three, with Dominic up there, I think Richarlison is a good striker, I know he’s been struggling with injuries, I think he was having a strong end to the season and was very important for the team to win the Europa League trophy," he said.

"Brennan, Kulusevski, I know he’s out for a little bit of a while but he’s still there, Maddison, Odobert, Mathys Tel and now Kudus. I think that’s a strong, creative frontline and I’m 100 per cent sure we will score a lot of goals."

Tottenham signed a player they believe can become a star in 20-year-old Japan international Kota Takai and they saw off competition from other clubs to sign him.

Spurs completed the £5million signing of the centre-back from Kawasaki Frontale this month and the young defender received his work permit last week. A knock in training meant Takai missed Thomas Frank's first match on Saturday as Tottenham beat League One side Reading 2-0 in their opening friendly of pre-season.

Now the manager of one of the clubs also looking to sign the Japanese centre-back, FC Copenhagen Jacob Neestrup, has spoken about his side missing out on the player because of Tottenham's approach. The Dane was a guest on podcast Vores Liga and Campo.dk have reported his comments, as translated by Sport Witness.

"I can also say that we looked at Kota Takai, who is at Tottenham now," he said. "He was also a player we had a good look at, but we did not succeed in getting him to Copenhagen. But at least they are some talented players."

The 6ft 3ins Takai played 81 times for Kawasaki, with 57 of those games coming in the J.League and he played a big role in his club winning the Japanese Super Cup last year and was duly named the J.League's Young Player of the Year.

Takai has also got plenty of experience in the AFC Champions League as an integral part of the Kawasaki side that reached the final last month. He made his Japan senior debut just after his 20th birthday and has appeared in four World Cup qualifiers so far.

It would have been more but for an adductor injury suffered in October last year and it's worth noting that many in the Japan squad ply their trade in European football.

Now Takai will be looking to make an impact in the Premier League with Tottenham and first he must earn a place in Frank's team.

Tottenham have once again been linked with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with competition bigger since their previous attempt. Guehi, 25, captained Palace to FA Cup glory last season, and because of his performances over his past years at Selhurst Park, he earned the opportunity to feature heavily in England's run to the Euro 2024 final one year ago.

As such, the central defender's stock rose dramatically, and Spurs thought they could capitalise in January. On deadline day six months ago, Spurs – under Ange Postecoglou at the time – tabled a £70m offer for Guehi, which was immediately turned down by their London rivals.

Parting ways with their captain midway through the season was never an option for the Eagles, even though it has now left them in a tight spot with Guehi's contract expiring in one year from now. With no renewal in sight, he stands to walk away for free.

Now The Telegraph say with retained interest under new boss Thomas Frank, a new attempt from Spurs is not ruled out.

Adding tension to the situation is Palace's ongoing dispute over their place in next season's Europa League.

For winning the FA Cup, they were due to take up a spot in Europe. A conflict of interests arose from investor John Textor owning a controlling stake in French side Lyon; therefore, UEFA ruled that Palace can't compete in the same competition – a verdict that chairman Steve Parish has confirmed will be appealed.

So, as that war wages on before the season starts, it remains to be seen what the outcome is and what impact it has on the minds of a player such as Guehi, as a club such as Spurs could offer him Champions League football next season.

Another factor for the player to personally consider is the opportunities he will get over the next year, as he will be hopeful of earning a place in Thomas Tuchel's England plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

And lastly, if Spurs were serious about Guehi, they could now find themselves in direct competition with Liverpool.

As reported by football.london's sister site, the Liverpool ECHO, the former Chelsea prospect is thought of in high regard at Anfield. They are prepared to play the waiting game if it means securing a player of Guehi's calibre for free in 2026, though they will remain attentive in case Palace hint they will allow a discounted transfer this summer.