Football London

Tottenham Hotspur are after a marquee signing to kickstart the summer for new manager Thomas Frank, and West Ham's Mohammed Kudus is the top target as his departure grows more likely - and some fans in the football.london comments section reckon he would be a great addition to hone Spurs' attack as they look to make a big improvement next season.

The 24-year-old reportedly has an £85m release clause for Premier League clubs which is only active in the first 10 days of July. West Ham will be in no great rush to sell, with the forward's contract running until 2028. It's been claimed that Spurs have already submitted a bid worth £50 million for the Ghana international, but this has been rejected and the club will have to improve their offer if they are set on bringing Kudus in.

Kudus has been one of the Hammers' most exciting players since his £38 million move back in 2023, and his versatility means that he can play all across the forward line, despite being most often deployed out wide. Spurs look to have been beaten out by Manchester United in their pursuit for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, and are after more forward options this year.

The move would be a great one to start off the Thomas Frank era, according to some fans. Reader Atxspurs says: "I think Mo could become a superstar for us under Frank. Mbuemo is great, but he's been leveled up as much as he's going to under TF.

"Eze, amazing as he is, at 27, he's also maxed out I believe. Kudus is already pretty incredible, and his ceiling is stratospheric. Frank wanted Brennan before, maybe he envisions him as a LW/LF being right footed, with Mo on the right. With his dribbling and passing he can be a great creator as well as goalscorer."

Commenter HarrowSpur writes: "Kudus isn’t top draw but he’s much better than Johnson who is at best a one trick pony. We lost 22 games last season mainly because our front 3 were pants and the midfield nonexistent."

On our Facebook page, Glenn Jenkin writes: "Kudus would be a good signing. He had a dip in form last season. I am sure Frank can get the best out of him."

Matt Taylor says: "Kudus is a talent, just give him the freedom in the middle of the park to do his thing and he will do well."

Others are down on the prospect of Kudus joining Spurs, for a variety of reasons. Troilus writes: "Why would anyone pay 60 mill for Kudus, by that reckoning Johnson is worth 150 mill."

Kim1980 says: "Kudus has been disappointing for 2 seasons now. And they price him at 60 million while there is talk about Romero who is worth at least 80-100 million."

Dean1959 writes: "Perhaps a failure to have appropriate finances in place is why the previous statement signings have all gone by and Kudus has become the 'marquee' name. As if he's worth the same 60m to us as Romero."

Thomfire says: "I really fail to see how anyone could see Kudus as a marquee signing. He scored just 5 goals last season for West Ham which does not suggest someone who commands a £65m fee."

Thomas Frank will have plenty of choice when it comes to his Tottenham centre-back options during the 2025/26 season. Already boasting players such as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Ashley Phillips and Alfie Dorrington in the position, Luka Vuskovic is now officially a Tottenham player and Kota Takai is set to follow.

Vuskovic was at the club's Hotspur Way training base on Saturday for his first day of pre-season training. Spurs struck a deal with Hajduk Split for the centre-back in September 2023 but FIFA rules always meant he would link up with the north London club in 2025 once he had turned 18 years of age.

The signing of Takai from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale will hopefully be confirmed in the coming days after he bid farewell to his club's fans at the weekend. The 20-year-old is set to join Tottenham in a £5million deal.

Fans could get a glimpse of the duo on the field in a Spurs shirt for the first time very soon as the team have away friendlies at Reading and Luton Town coming up before heading off to Asia for their summer tour.

Tottenham have been active in the transfer market so far this summer but plenty more still needs to be done to see them kick on in the Premier League after finishing 17th last season. Frank has a large squad at his disposal, which will get even bigger with further new signings, and he will have to cut it down to size at the beginning of September to comply with the Premier League's 25-man squad regulations.

As ever, clubs cannot name more than 17 non-homegrown players on their main list. The rest of the squad, up to a total of 25 players, must be homegrown.

Clubs also submit an additional Under-21 list that allows their youngsters to be eligible for Premier League football, which in turn frees up space in the 25-man playing squad. For the 2025/26 campaign, Under-21 players will have had to be born on or after January 1, 2004 to make the list.

The good news for Tottenham is that both Vuskovic and Takai can be named on the Under-21 list rather than the main list as they are both under the age of 21. Vuskovic, who turned 18 back in February, was born in Split on February 24, 2007 and Takai was born in Yokohama on September 4, 2004.

As Takai is set to turn 21 in September, he can only be classed as an Under-21 player for this season and then from 2026/27 he will have to be included on the main list. The fact the duo qualify as Under-21 players is a huge help for Tottenham due to the amount of non-homegrown players they have on their books.

The issue for Tottenham, though, is that Premier League and UEFA rules differ when it comes to registering a 25-man playing squad for the competition. Both Takai and Vuskovic won't be able to be named on Spurs' B List in the Champions League as they haven't been at the club for the required amount of time and will instead have to be named on their main list .

That is something Frank and those at the club will have to solve come September.

Tottenham are in ongoing talks about extending the contract of goalkeeper Josh Keeley ahead of a potential new loan move, football.london understands.

The 22-year-old Spurs stopper had a huge season of development at Leyton Orient with 16 clean sheets, scoring a dramatic headed goal in the FA Cup tie against Oldham, receiving praise from Pep Guardiola before earning a senior call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad.

Orient reached the League One Play-Off Final but fell just short against Charlton at Wembley. Soon after Keeley received his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad.

The O's FA Cup exit earlier in the season had come with a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City with a shot from the halfway line from Keeley's Spurs team-mate Jamie Donley forcing the home side's goal before the Irish goalkeeper kept an expensively-assembled City side at bay.

"We were lucky at the end because they had chances, but we created a lot, their keeper was really, really good and it was a tight game," Guardiola said of Orient and Keeley.

Orient boss Richie Wellens said after that game: "Josh was class and he’s been brilliant. I think 75% of his performances have been clean-sheets. He’s got good character for a young kid and he’ll only go on and develop potentially into a top-level Premier League goalkeeper if he keeps his feet on the ground."

Earlier in the season, Wellens had said; "His reputation is growing all the time. I'm a big believer that goalkeepers... it's not making great saves from penalties, it's about having the character about you to believe you can save it.

"Josh has got that personality and that swagger. The fact that he comes up and keeps us in the competition with that header is the extreme, but the kid has got a lot of character and will go far in the game."

Tottenham have a strong trio of first team goalkeepers in Guglielmo Vicario, Antonin Kinsky and Brandon Austin, which will make it difficult for Keeley to break through into Thomas Frank's team but he will be looking to catch the eye this summer.

That the Irishman cannot be considered homegrown despite spending the past three years at the club after arriving from St Patrick's Athletic makes it difficult to register him in European competition.

However, Keeley's rise and development has not gone unnoticed at Tottenham and football.london understands that ongoing talks over a new contract are taking place, plus plans for a loan as his next challenge.

Keeley has previously gone on loan to Barnet in the National League and then stepped up to League One with Orient last season. With a large number of clubs in the Championship and League One interested in taking him on loan as well as permanently, the young goalkeeper has a bright future ahead of him.

Ashley Phillips was one of a number of players to return to Hotspur Way on Saturday for the first day of pre-season training. Spending the 2024/25 campaign on loan with Stoke City in the Championship, it remains to be seen where the Tottenham centre-back will be playing his football come August.

Since joining Tottenham from Blackburn Rovers two summers ago, things just haven't gone to plan for the 20-year-old in north London. Phillips is still to make his senior debut for Spurs, although he has played in a couple of pre-season games for the club.

During his first season at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Ange Postecoglou elected against using the Salford-born player despite his team suffering with a lack of defensive numbers. Duly heading on loan to Plymouth Argyle in January and winning their young player of the season award after only 20 appearances for the club, he was once again given the green light to depart on loan and linked up with Stoke last August.

Again, the talented defender caught the eye for his loan club and that has subsequently seen Sheffield United mentioned in regards to a permanent swoop for him. Phillips will be hoping to make his mark at Tottenham this season under new head coach Thomas Frank.

The change of management could potentially work for the defender and see him remain part of the plans for the 2025/26 season and beyond. However, what could make things tricky for him is that there has been a lot of movement in his position since he departed for Stoke City last August.

Firstly, Kevin Danso added to the centre-back numbers late in the winter transfer window after initially joining on loan from RC Lens. That move has now become permanent due to an obligation to buy clause in the agreement between both clubs.

Luka Vuskovic is now officially a Tottenham player after agreeing to a move to north London from Hajduk Split back in September 2023. The Croat was present for the first day of pre-season training at Hotspur Way on Saturday and he could well make his debut in the pre-season friendly at Reading later this month.

Vuskovic may only be 18 years of age but he has already built up a good amount of senior football to his name after playing for Hajduk Split, Radomiak Radom and Westerlo over the past two years. Seen as one of the most talented youngsters in the game, he may immediately end up leapfrogging Phillips in the pecking order.

That's not it for new centre-backs at Tottenham as Japanese starlet Kota Takai is set to complete a £5million transfer to the club from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale. The 20-year-old said his goodbyes to supporters on Saturday and he was even given a guard of honour by his teammates as he re-emerged from the tunnel after the game to bid farewell.

The three transfers could very well have a huge say on whether Phillips is to make it as a Tottenham player or not. All will become clear over the coming weeks as Frank takes a closer look at his players and decides whether they are to be in his thinking for the 2025/26 campaign or not.

Tottenham face missing out on Mohammed Kudus after a surprising transfer decision was made involving Chelsea. The West Ham star is expected to depart London Stadium this summer but remain in the capital with Spurs and the Blues interested.

Despite the Ghana international having an £85million release clause in his contract, the Hammers are open to accepting less than that but not quite £50million with that the value of Tottenham's bid that was rejected.

According to the Athletic, negotiations are continuing between the two clubs with Kudus giving priority to the Lilywhites. There is still a chance that Chelsea will hijack that move, but their focus is currently elsewhere.

Ahead of the Club World Cup, three new signings were confirmed with club chiefs also finalising deals for Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro. With roughly £150million spent, sealing exits are now the priority and the hope is funds will mostly come from selling Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku.

Barely any Chelsea stars are untouchable though with that evidenced by Arsenal setting their sights on Noni Madueke. Personal terms have reportedly been agreed and therefore an official approach from north London is expected.

It has been claimed the Blues value him at £50million but that Arsenal are looking to spend closer to £40million with funds still needed for other signings.

If that switch goes through, even with three attackers signed this summer, a replacement will likely be needed. If a deal for Kudus to join Spurs is wrapped up before that, Chelsea have alternatives lined up but none of them have the profile of Kudus, which is very similar to Madueke's.

Therefore, a formal approach could be made to test Kudus' desire to actually sign for Tottenham. It is unclear where Thomas Frank and Co. would go after that having already seen Bryan Mbeumo stick by his stance to join Manchester United.

The likes of Johan Bakayoko and Maghnes Akliouche, linked to Arsenal, are more than suitable alternatives but it would be another delay that Spurs want to avoid especially as a new No.6 is needed.

Decisions on the futures of Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero are also required with the latter wanted by Atletico Madrid. The Spurs captain meanwhile, has one year remaining on his contract with interest from Saudi Pro League and MLS clubs.

Luka Vuskovic may prove to be a popular name when it comes to shirt printing at the Tottenham club shop. Spurs reached an agreement for the centre-back almost two years ago and supporters have been counting down the days until his arrival ever since.

Vuskovic is now officially a Tottenham player and Saturday saw him get the opportunity to work alongside his new teammates for the very first time following the start of pre-season training. The countdown will now be on when it comes to his first appearance in a Tottenham shirt.

That could potentially come at Reading on Saturday, June 19, in what is Thomas Frank's first game as Spurs head coach, Prior to the match in Berkshire, there may well be an announcement over Vuskovic's shirt number for the 2025/26 season and beyond.

The teenager appears to be a big fan of having the number four on his back after previously wearing No.44 for Hajduk Split and Belgian side Westerlo. During his time with Radomiak Radom, Vuskovic was in possession of the No.4 shirt.

Vuskovic unfortunately won't be able to inherit No.44 at Tottenham unless Dane Scarlett is to opt for a new number for the 2025/26 campaign. No.4 is also currently taken by Kevin Danso following his move to the club at the end of the winter transfer market.

In terms of numbers with a four in there for Vuskovic, No.34, No.41, No.43, No.46 and No.49 are currently free. Other available shirts include No.2, No.3 and No.5, although those established numbers may not be for the player just yet considering the fact he's only just made his move to the club and he's at the start of his professional career.

No.12, No.16 and No.20 are vacant following the recent departures of Emerson Royal, Timo Werner and Fraser Forster. The goalkeeper's old number will no doubt appeal to Mohammed Kudus if he is to move from West Ham as that's the number he wears for Ghana and the one he previously donned at Ajax.

Other free shirt numbers include No.25, No.26, No.32, No.38 and No.39. No.26 is also there for the taking but it is virtually retired in all but name as no player has taken it on since club great Ledley King called time on his career back in 2012.

Arsenal could hamper Tottenham's bid to sign Mohammed Kudus with transfer business of their own. Thomas Frank's side are keen on signing an explosive forward this summer and have identified West Ham's Kudus as a potential target.

Reports on Saturday night suggested that Spurs lodged a £50million bid for Kudus but the Hammers rejected the offer. Tottenham are prepared to come back in with a second proposal for the Ghanaian, who has a £85m release clause in his current contract at the London Stadium.

Although Kudus has given his preference to Spurs, Chelsea remain in the running and have been 'in touch' with the player's camp over a potential summer move. However, the Blues may need to sell to be able to afford a move for Kudus, having just spent around £55m on Jamie Gittens.

Someone that could leave Chelsea to free up funds is Noni Madueke. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are preparing an opening bid for the 23-year-old England international after agreeing personal terms. Madueke is said to have agreed a five-year deal valid until June 2030.

Chelsea are anticipating a £50m bid from the Gunners for Madueke. Should that arrive and the Blues accept, they would make significant profit on the £30m they paid to sign him from PSV in January 2023.

Madueke's departure from Chelsea could therefore open the door for Enzo Maresca's side to accelerate their attempt to bring Kudus through the doors. Arsenal might then scupper Tottenham's hopes of signing the West Ham man - a move that would prove to be a hammerblow for new head coach Frank.

Tottenham explored a move for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze but that has since been shelved. Spurs also baulked at Bournemouth's £70m asking price for Antoine Semenyo, who has since signed a new contract on the south coast.

Jack Grealish is among the others that has been linked with a move to north London. Elsewhere, Spurs want to strengthen at the back. Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta and Genoa's Koni De Winter have been earmarked as potential options, as speculation continues to grow over Cristian Romero's future.

Tottenham fans want to be entertained. Mohammed Kudus will be looking to do exactly that if he is to make the move from West Ham over the coming weeks.

The Ghana international is a player of interest to Tottenham and a £50million bid is believed to have been rejected. The north London club will have to increase their offer and submit one that the Hammers deem acceptable if a player is to swap West Ham for Tottenham for the first time since 2011.

Immediately making his mark at the London Stadium following his £38million switch from Ajax in 2023, Kudus wowed in his debut season for the Hammers as he contributed 14 goals and nine assists in his playing time. His numbers did drop last campaign but Thomas Frank could potentially bring out the very best in him due to his excellent track record of helping his players hit another level altogether.

The hope will be that Frank can offer Tottenham supporters attacking and entertaining football, something that is very much in the club's DNA. Kudus certainly can entertain, which is something he mentioned immediately after joining West Ham from Ajax two years ago.

“I like to entertain the fans as I think that is what football is about, and my dribbling ability, strength and finishing also," he told West Ham's official website. "I’m just here to do my best to help the team. The fans should expect some entertainment!”

Dribbling has been a huge part of Kudus' game since making his professional debut. A nightmare for opponents due to his speed, direct running and skill, it is something the player has excelled in since his childhood.

“Yeah, I think it has always been one of my qualities and I think it started from my childhood club in Ghana, Strong Tower," he explained. "The coach there gave me the freedom as I was young then and it wasn't really about the results. It was just playing for the passion and for fun, so he just gave me the role to just any time I got the ball, to just try and take on as many men as I can so.

"Naturally, I've been built with this low centre of gravity to the ground, so it's easy for me to turn around. I've worked on that in the gym as well, since I've seen that is my strength, so I just keep building on it and that's the biggest things that helped me with my dribbling.”

Kudus would give Tottenham plenty of options if he is to sign on as he can play on either wing, as an attacking midfielder, behind the striker and even as a centre forward. While the majority of his football at West Ham has come from out wide, the Ghanaian likes to play centrally but he will play anywhere for his manager.

“Of course, we all know my versatility for the past years, but I think the position I've played most spots from my actions are from the central areas, but it’s the team that's above everyone else so the position the coach feels is best for me to help the team, of course, I will give my 100 per cent best," he explained. "Everything that I've played in did my best is from like, an attacking position, from the midfield.”

Luka Vuskovic's Tottenham career is now up and running after taking part in his first day of training at Hotspur Way. Spurs supporters have had to bide their time to see the talented Croat wear club colours following his time on loan with Radomiak Radom and Westerlo over the past two seasons.

It was back in September 2023 when Tottenham struck an agreement with Hajduk Split for the defender's services amid interest from other top European clubs. As he was only 16 years of age at the time, it was confirmed that he would link up with Tottenham in 2025 due to FIFA rules.

Firstly heading to Polish side Radomiak Radom in January 2024, the 18-year-old demonstrated that he is more than just a talented defender after also contributing with three goals in his 14 appearances for the Ekstraklasa side. Vuskovic would once again display his goalscoring prowess in the 2024/25 season, this time scoring seven goals in 36 games for Belgian side Westerlo.

Thomas Frank and Tottenham appear to have a very good player on their hands and he could prove to be a huge weapon for them when it comes to set pieces. During his season in Belgium with Westerlo, Vuskovic was a teammate of Alfie Devine following the Tottenham midfielder's late loan switch to the club.

It meant Devine would get another year of regular first-team experience under his belt and Vuskovic would also play alongside someone who could be able to fill him in on anything Tottenham. Following their season together at Het Kuipje, it came as no surprise to see Devine and Vuskovic together at Spurs' Hotspur Way base on the first day of pre-season training on Saturday.

The duo were amongst the returning loan players to make their way back to the club, with Yang Min-hyeok, Jamie Donley, Bryan Gil and Alejo Veliz just some of the others. Tottenham have since given everyone a glimpse of the first day back at training after uploading a short video to their official website, thus resulting in fans going on Vuskovic watch and noting the sheer size of him.

In the video, the Croatian youngster could be seen undergoing some tests to begin with before joining Devine and Dane Scarlett in a training exercise in the gym. As the players were split into small groups as part of the first day back, it made sense for Vuskovic to be alongside a familiar face as he looks to quickly adapt to his new surroundings.

Devine will no doubt be a key person in the opening weeks of Vuskovic's Tottenham career in his quest to settle in and immediately make a mark in Frank's Tottenham team. This time last year, Archie Gray was going through his very first day as a Tottenham player following his big-money move from Leeds United.

The versatile player entered the building alongside Scarlett, someone who he had played alongside for England Under-20s previously. It no doubt helped make it a smooth transition for Gray and Vuskovic will be hoping for the same after moving to a brand new country.

Quite whether Devine and Vuskovic are still at the club beyond the summer transfer window remains to be seen as Tottenham may decide that loan moves are best for their development right now. Chances will be there for them to get some minutes in pre-season and how they fare both home and abroad may play a part in Frank's final decision.

Tottenham fans are desperate to see Vuskovic in action for the very first time, starting against Reading on Saturday, July 19. Before that game comes around, the ex-Hajduk Split man will step up his pre-season training and use the time to get to know his new Tottenham teammates, with Devine set to be an instrumental figure for him during that period.

Thomas Frank has named Matt Wells and Stuart Lewis as part of his new-look coaching staff at Tottenham, football.london understands.

The new Spurs head coach has been speaking to candidates in recent weeks as he puts together the coaching set-up that he believes can deliver his brand of football while also providing experience for the busy season ahead with Champions League returning to the north London outfit.

Frank brought Justin Cochrane and Chris Haslam with him from Brentford as first team assistant coach and head of performance/first team assistant coach respectively, along with Joe Newton as first team coach analyst. Former Manchester United and Arsenal coach Andreas Georgson, who previously worked from Frank at Brentford, has also arrived as first team assistant coach with an expertise in set pieces, both attacking and defensive.

From Ange Postecoglou's staff, Nick Montgomery, Sergio Raimundo and Mile Jedinak departed the club last month while goalkeeping coach Rob Burch is not expected to be part of Frank's set-up. Ex-Liverpool and USA goalkeeping coach Fabian Otte is set to replace him within the new-look staff.

football.london understands that the highly-rated Wells will remain as part of Frank's set-up, having risen to the position of senior assistant coach under Postecoglou. The 36-year-old, grandson of the legendary Tottenham double-winner Cliff Jones, has been tipped to become the next Spurs coach to follow in the footsteps of Chris Davies and Ryan Mason and become a manager in the Football League, but for now he will bring his experience to Frank's staff.

Wells and Cochrane are also believed to be friends with plenty of mutual respect after their years together as coaches in the club's academy.

football.london previously reported that U18s coach Lewis, who has picked up three trophies in as many years at Spurs, was also among those internal candidates in consideration for a spot in the new head coach's staff and the 37-year-old is now expected to make his first step up into senior coaching with a role in Frank's team. Spurs have begun advertising for a new U18s lead coach.

Various Tottenham players returned to Hotspur Way on Saturday to begin their testing and work with the sports science staff and they will take to the pitches with the coaching staff in the days ahead. The club's international stars will return in stages over the next seven days while those first teamers who took part in the U21 and U19 European Championships, such as Archie Gray who won the competition with England, Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore will all be given longer off if they choose to take it ahead of a busy new season.