Football FanCast

Tottenham have a potentially golden opportunity to sign another player after sealing a marquee deal for Mohammed Kudus, and amid the drama surrounding their Morgan Gibbs-White move, with chairman Daniel Levy thought to be prioritising a couple of more areas to reinforce.

Spurs announced the signing of Kudus in a £55 million deal from West Ham late last night, ending the 14-year-long wait for a transfer between the clubs, and the Ghanaian cannot wait to get started.

“It feels great to be here, I’m very happy and can’t wait to start,” he said in an interview with the club's official channels.

“I’m a very direct winger, strong, very good in taking players on and creating chances, so there is a lot of flair in my game.

“I like to entertain the fans as well. That’s what football is about – it’s putting a memory in the heads of the fans that they have when they go back home, and after the money they’ve spent to buy a ticket. Although there is also a lot of seriousness and competitiveness in the game, I still think it’s a sport I try to enjoy as much as I can and give the fans something to enjoy too. I hope fans are going to really enjoy what I’m going to bring to the team here."

Kudus was set to be followed by Gibbs-White, following a round of quick-fire talks which accelerated in absolutely rapid fashion.

Surprise reports emerged on Thursday that the Lilywhites were suddenly in advanced negotiations for the England international right after Kudus, and it didn't take long for Levy to make significant progress, with Spurs prepared to pay his £60 million release clause.

Tottenham were thought to be closing in on a sensational double deal worth £115 million after developments in the last 24 hours, with Levy making a serious statement whilst backing new manager Thomas Frank to the hilt.

However, after a stunning twist, Nottingham Forest are now ready to take legal action against Tottenham after alleged illegal conduct over the England international's transfer - with the deal considered to be off, at least for now.

Forest are likely unable to put a complete halt to the signing (Rob Dorsett), but it's now been significantly delayed.

Elsewhere, Spurs are planning to strengthen other areas of midfield, and they have their eyes on an intriguing option.

Douglas Luiz "very keen" to join Tottenham as Juventus green-light exit

According to journalist Graeme Bailey and TBR Football, £138,000-per-week Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz is being actively targeted by Spurs, following the Old Lady's decision to green-light his exit this summer.

The Brazil international has found life difficult in Turin since his switch from Aston Villa last year, and he's believed to be eyeing a return to the Premier League already, specifically to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Luiz is apparently "very keen" to join Tottenham and his representatives are pushing to get him that desired move, coming after Spurs allegedly held talks with them recently.

However, the former Man City man is just one of a few midfield targets being considered, as Levy apparently wants to sign a holding midfielder and new number six after their ambitious deals for Kudus and Gibbs-White.

The 27-year-old suffered from both injury problems and a subsequent lack of game time under Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor last term, but his final season at Villa Park demonstrates that he's capable of seriously strengthening Frank's options.

Tottenham could be poised to implement a host of intriguing changes throughout Thomas Frank's squad this summer, and not just in terms of incoming new players.

Frank is set to welcome West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus to Hotspur Way after Spurs and the east Londoners shook hands on a £55 million deal earlier this week, with the 24-year-old coming in as their first major signing of the window.

They're also set to sign Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White for around £60 million, who's poised for a medical today following quick-fire talks, with Daniel Levy making serious statements in a show of backing to his new manager.

However, while these signings are undoubtedly a huge boost for Frank, it is worth noting that the arrivals of Kudus and Gibbs-White means that Spurs will "almost certainly" have to sell at least one player (The Telegraph).

This is due to their current abundance of non-locally trained players, which will go up to 24 after Kudus comes in. As things stand, this will force Tottenham to tackle their Champions League campaign with a reduced squad list, as UEFA requires at least eight players of a 25-man Champions League squad be 'locally trained'.

If Spurs or any other club fail to meet this requirement, the maximum number of 'A-list' players will be reduced to compensate for it.

With the Lilywhites now forced into the position of potentially needing to sell squad members after Kudus' signing, even if Gibbs-White falls into the 'locally trained' category after coming through Wolves' academy, it remains to be seen what impact this UEFA headache will have.

In terms of the best candidates for Daniel Levy to consider shipping out the Spurs exit door, there are a few.

They've already agreed to loan Alejo Veliz to former club Rosario Central, confirming the transfer earlier this week, but there are a few who could join the Argentine.

Frank won't want to lose Cristian Romero to Atlético Madrid, but the La Liga side are still attempting to sign him (AS), while there is a belief that Tottenham are much more open to selling Richarlison after an injury-blighted 2024/2025.

Son Heung-min has also entered the final 12 months of his contract, and Levy could be tempted to make money back off the South Korean's sale, rather than lose him for free next year, amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Los Angeles FC.

Yves Bissouma wants to leave Tottenham and join Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahçe

According to Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Levy could have another sale opportunity in the form of Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma.

The Mali international, like Son, has entered the final 12 months of his contract, and the north Londoners are prepared to take a small loss on the initial £25 million they paid to sign him from Brighton in 2022.

Sabuncuoğlu states, via news aggregator Fener Ajans on X, that Levy will let Bissouma leave for £20 million this summer, and Fenerbache are seriously interested in the 28-year-old. The reporter also claims Jose Mourinho has identified Bissouma as his top midfield target for the Süper Lig giants, and he wants to join the former Tottenham boss in Turkey.

The £100,000-per-week ace was exceptional for Ange Postecoglou during the 59-year-old's debut season in the dugout, and has displayed flashes of brilliance since, with James Maddison calling his teammate a "ridiculous player" at times.

However, the trouble with Bissouma has been surrounding his consistency, and now could potentially be the time to cash in.

Tottenham Hotspur will be expected to be fighting for Europe once again next season, with Thomas Frank the man who’s been tasked with taking the side back up the table.

The Dane was appointed as the Lilywhites’ new boss last month after owner Daniel Levy decided to fork out £10m to prise him out of his contract at Brentford.

He’s showcased in the Premier League that he’s capable of overachieving, helping the Bees register a top-half finish despite losing top scorer Ivan Toney last summer.

He will likely have much bigger funds to spend after taking the reins in North London, needing to make the changes he desires if he is to be a success in the role.

Frank has already wasted no time in identifying key options to help him in his quest at the club, already edging ever closer to landing his first signing since replacing Ange Postecoglou.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a player of huge interest in recent weeks and a deal for the West Ham United star was officially confirmed by the club on Thursday evening.

£55m appears to be the golden number between the two clubs, with the Ghanaian now arriving as Frank's first addition this summer.

However, other moves have also been made in recent days, with Morgan Gibbs-White set to put pen to paper after the Lilywhites activated his £60m release clause at Nottingham Forest.

Another Premier League star could be inbound too, with Yoane Wissa potentially following Frank to Spurs, according to BBC Sport.

They claim that talks have been held over a deal to land the Congolese international striker, who managed to score 19 times in his 35 league appearances last campaign.

The report also states that the player himself is extremely keen on a move to link up with his former boss, but they are demanding a fee in the region of £50m to part ways with the 28-year-old this summer.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be the dream CF for Kudus

Soon-to-be Spurs star Kudus is a player who will undoubtedly bring excitement to the fanbase in North London, given his spell in England with West Ham.

The 24-year-old has registered 19 goals over the last two years since his move from Ajax, often catching the eye with his mazy runs and incredible solo efforts.

He's often scored numerous times after dribbling past the opposition effortlessly, but arguably his best strike was his bicycle kick against Manchester City in the 2023/24 campaign.

His pending move to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium would be a big-money one, no doubt, but one that would be worth every penny if he can replicate his form from the London Stadium.

Kudus could also link up with Wissa if he also completes a move, with the pair having the prospect of helping the Lilywhites rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

The Brentford star, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by journalist Zach Lowy, managed to score four goals with his head last campaign, something which could fall perfectly into the Ghanaian’s hands given his cross success rate of 26% last season.

Wissa also managed to register 1.3 shots on target per 90, able to link up with the £55m addition next season, especially considering his tally of 1.2 chances created per 90.

The Congolese star has further impressed by winning 46% of the aerials he’s entered, a superb record considering he’s not the tallest of players, standing at just 5”9.

Whilst it may be an expensive addition at around £50m this summer, it’s evident that Wissa would be a phenomenal addition given his previous spell in England’s top-flight.

The prospect of the Brentford talent linking up with Kudus in North London is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with the club potentially possessing two of the division’s leading talents going into 2025/26.

Tottenham Hotspur are a side that have fallen below the expectations set for them in the Premier League in recent years, as seen by their standings last campaign.

The Lilywhites ended the year in a measly 17th position, only one place above the relegation zone and becoming the first side to survive in the division after losing 22 matches.

As a result, Ange Postecoglou lost his job, with Thomas Frank the man tasked with building on their European triumph and transforming their league form.

The Dane has already wasted no time in the role in North London, targeting countless players who could help improve the current situation at the club.

Whilst no first team additions have yet been agreed, work has been conducted behind the scenes, in an attempt to catapult the side to added success in 2025/26.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a player firmly on their radar in recent days, even making a £50m offer for the West Ham United star, but the offer was swiftly rejected.

The Ghanaian was said to be wanting a move to join Frank’s men this window and The Athletic's David Ornstein has since revealed that a £55m total agreement has now been struck for the 24-year-old.

However, despite the interest in the former Ajax star, moves have been made elsewhere, with Southampton star Tyler Dibling once again in their sights, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

He claims that the Lilywhites have made an approach for the 19-year-old star, despite suffering relegation back to the Championship with the Saints last season.

He also claims that Nottingham Forest and West Ham are other teams keeping tabs on the teenage star, who could be available for around £55m this summer.

Why Spurs’ £55m target could be a bigger talent than Kudus

Over the last couple of months, Spurs have showcased the attacking threat they possess, registering 64 goals in their 38 league outings last season.

Brennan Johnson ended the year as the club’s top scorer, notching 18 goals across all competitions, including in the Europa League final, subsequently ending the club’s 17-year drought.

Other players such as Dominic Solanke and James Maddison also managed to achieve double figures, highlighting the strength in depth currently at Frank’s disposal.

However, such depth clearly isn’t enough, especially considering the rumours around moves for Kudus and Dibling over the last couple of weeks.

Both would represent impressive options for the Dane, but given the nature of the fees touted for each player’s signature, it is crucial they land the right one during the off-season.

When comparing their respective stats from the Premier League last time out, the Saints' youngster managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, despite the relegation - highlighting why he’d be a better addition.

Dibling, who’s been labelled “incredible” by former boss Ivan Juric, managed to register a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, whilst matching the Hammers star for goals per shot on target - showcasing the clinical edge he possesses.

He also managed to register more progressive passes per 90, and more passes into the final third, subsequently having the tools to provide some of the aforementioned talents with added opportunities in front of goal.

The teenager’s dominance doesn’t end there, producing a higher tally of carries into the final third, whilst also drawing more fouls - showcasing the threat he poses to the opposition at any given time.

Whilst £55m may appear to be a huge risk for such a young talent, he’s already showcased he can thrive despite featuring for a side who fell well below the expectations set in 2024/25.

There’s no denying that Kudus would also represent an excellent pickup, but ultimately, Dibling has already outperformed him and has the tools to rapidly develop further, given his tender age.

Serie A heavyweights AC Milan have identified one Tottenham star as a potential priority signing this summer, and they've been given some encouragement by his stance on joining Massimiliano Allegri at the San Siro.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank already faces the prospect of losing a couple of noteworthy names before deadline day on September 1.

Atlético Madrid are not easing up on their interest in Cristian Romero, according to recent reports, with Spanish newspaper AS stating earlier this week that the La Liga side are in ongoing negotiations to sign the Argentine.

Daniel Levy remains a significant roadblock in Diego Simeone's pursuit of Romero, but Atlético are very keen on signing the 27-year-old, so this could be one to watch all the way to the latter stages of this summer.

Meanwhile, Son Heung-min could bring an end to his decade-long stay at Spurs too.

Son has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia and Los Angeles FC recently, with Levy reportedly placing a £50 million price tag on the South Korean's head. An offer too good to refuse will surely strike debate among the Spurs hierarchy, considering Son has entered the final 12 months of his contract.

This window represents the final chance for them to make any money back off Son's sale, and despite his cult hero status, the north Londoners could be forced into a purely business decision.

Uncertainty also surrounds the future of Tottenham striker Richarlison, as it is believed by some South American news sources that Frank's side are actively trying to sell him after an injury-ridden campaign (Jorge Nicola).

Frank's squad could look fairly different by the start of his debut campaign in the dugout, with Milan now expressing a serious interest in left-back Destiny Udogie.

AC Milan identify Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie as top target

As per The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, the Italy international has shot right to the top of the Rossoneri's target list, and Milan are "dreaming" of signing him.

Tottenham do not wish to part company with Udogie given his first-team status, but the prospect of a return to Italy with Milan is said to be tempting the 22-year-old.

Udogie is very open to joining Milan, and having the opportunity to work with Allegri is particularly appealing to the left-back. That being said, the seven-time Champions League winners may still need to fork out a substantial fee.

The ex-Udinese starlet's agent, Stefano Antonelli, told TUTTOmercatoWEB that Spurs will likely demand a fee north of £43 million to even consider selling Udogie.

He could still have a crucial role to play for Frank as well. The tactician would need to turn to either Djed Spence or Ben Davies to fill the void left by Udogie's potential exit, unless Spurs sign a replacement, so Levy will be taking this into account amid Milan's admiration.

Udogie enjoyed a phenomenal debut 2023/2024 season under Ange Postecoglou too, with pundit Ian Wright heaping praise on the player.

“You know someone who has to get some love as well for going under the radar, Udogie," explained the Arsenal legend on his Wrighty's House podcast in late 2023.

"You watch Spurs and they have put together some players that you look at and think it’s a team that are shutting up everything. He has given them stability and a progression of the ball that is very impressive. The man is going under the radar. I cannot wait to see this guy, I can’t wait to see him live.”

And so, a new era is here at Tottenham Hotspur, with Ange Postecoglou's turbulent tenure coming to a close despite overseeing Europa League glory back in May.

That success in Bilbao has handed his successor, Thomas Frank, the chance to experience life in the Champions League, with the Danish coach seeking to prove himself at the truly elite level after years of stability at Brentford.

For the former Bees boss to truly flourish in north London, however, he will need to be handed the appropriate tools, with the Lilywhites having thus far only recruited Japanese starlet, Koto Takai - excluding the permanent captures of Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel and Luka Vuskovic.

As noted by The Athletic's David Ornstein, the major priority appears to have the signing of a new, high-profile attacker to freshen up Frank's forward line, with both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa having been touted as potential targets of late, alongside Mohammed Kudus.

With that mind, we have taken a stab at predicting - with the help of AI tool, ChatGPT - how that trio would perform at N17 next season...

Mohammed Kudus - 8-10 Premier League goals

The leading target to join Spurs ahead of next season appears to be Kudus, with recent reports indicating that Daniel Levy and co have struck a £55m agreement with West Ham United, having already had a £50m bid rejected.

The Ghanaian has enjoyed a respectable two-year stint at the London Stadium, following his £38m switch from Ajax in 2023, having chalked up 32 goals and assists in 80 games in all competitions.

That did include a disappointing return of just eight goals and assists in the Premier League last term, although that came amid real upheaval for the Irons, with Graham Potter replacing Julen Lopetegui midway through the campaign.

"He's a top, top talent and I think we haven't seen the best of him yet. I won't go near him in training because I know if I'm going to try to knock him off the ball I had better make sure he's not looking and doesn't see me coming.

"You just can't get near him. He's so strong, so quick, so sharp." Aaron Cresswell on Kudus at West Ham.

Under the guidance of Frank, and with a position finally nailed down for the versatile speedster, he could be revived next season. Indeed, ChatGPT certainly thinks so, suggesting that "a more central role and better service could boost his output".

Their prediction is that the 24-year-old could manage to chalk up eight to ten league goals, alongside chipping in with a further six to eight assists.

Yoane Wissa - 15-18 Premier League goals

Much like the man we'll come onto below, it would appear that Frank has his eye on some familiar faces this summer, with recent reports suggesting that a move could be in the works for Brentford goal machine, Wissa.

While somewhat in the shadow of Mbeumo and Ivan Toney before that, the 28-year-old's stock has soared of late, following his return of 19 Premier League goals last season.

Previously a target for Nottingham Forest in January, with a £22m bid having been rebuffed by the Bees, now could be the time for the Congolese marksman to finally jump ship from the Gtech.

With that in mind, there would be no better place, arguably, than the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a reunion with Frank, with ChatGPT predicting that he could notch between 15 and 18 top-flight goals, provided he "adapts quickly and starts regularly".

Bryan Mbeumo - 18-22 Premier League goals

While Kudus - and perhaps Wissa - look more likely to end up at Spurs this summer, there remains a glimmer of hope that Mbeumo could reunite with his former boss, amid prior claims that Levy was ready to hijack Manchester United's move for the Cameroon international.

The 25-year-old's preference appears to be to move to Old Trafford, although a deal has yet to be struck with the Red Devils, with Ruben Amorim's side already seeing two bids rejected for the winger.

If Spurs can re-enter the race, it could certainly prove fruitful, with Mbeumo having dazzled for the Bees in 2024/25, after scoring 20 goals in the top flight, finishing behind only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland in the scoring charts.

With 121 goals and assists to his name in 242 games under Frank to date, the left-footer would surely be able to slot in smoothly next term, with ChatGPT suggesting that "Mbeumo could immediately hit 20 league goals", while representing "an upgrade in Spurs’ front line".

In all, ChatGPT reckons he could get between 18-20 Premier League goals in 2025/26, alongside registering a further eight to ten assists.

Tottenham have West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus at the very top of their transfer priority list, but he isn't their only desired target this summer, as the Lilywhites open club-to-club discussions for another target.

Thomas Frank has already welcomed back some key players for his first-ever pre-season at Spurs, with Guglielmo Vicario, Dominic Solanke, Lucas Bergvall, Deki Kulusevski, Djed Spence and Antonin Kinsky all returning to training four days ago as the Lilywhites manager assesses his new squad.

Frank has a key issue to deal with in regard to UEFA's 25-man Champions League squad rule, with their lack of 'locally trained' assets to fill an eight-player quota proving problematic.

This could result in Spurs having to register a depleted Champions League squad whilst leaving senior players out, according to The Telegraph, but Frank's side also need to strengthen as they look to compete on four fronts again next term.

Tottenham are widely reported to be in talks over a deal for Kudus, who is believed to be prioritising a move to N17 above every other potential landing spot (Fabrizio Romano), so terms don't appear to be the issue here.

Finding a rare agreement with West Ham, 14 years after their last transfer deal, will prove the ultimate challenge.

West Ham could demand as much as £70 million to let Kudus leave, and they've already rejected a £50 million bid from Spurs, so the Hammers won't be pushovers in negotiations, despite their rumoured need to sell before they can kickstart Graham Potter's own summer recruitment drive.

Tottenham are not giving up, though, with West Ham insider ExWHUemployee reporting that the east Londoners anticipate an imminent new bid from their rivals.

"We spoke to our top source at the club within the last half hour and asked for an update, and we were told: Spurs, sadly, only bid £50m. We hope other clubs will come in. There are very few clubs that buy players for £50m/£60m and need a RW," said Ex earlier this week, via West Ham Way.

“West Ham are expecting Spurs to come back with an improved offer in the next day or so and will hope at least one other club will compete.

“Kudus is said to be happy to move to Spurs. He will get Champions League football and has been promised he will be the main man."

While Kudus is the main target right now, technical director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy are finding time to work on other targets as well.

Tottenham open discussions with Burnley over Maxime Esteve

That is according to French newspaper L'Equipe, who report that Burnley defender Maxime Esteve is back on Spurs' radar after a failed £21 million January bid.

The 23-year-old was a mainstay for Scott Parker last season and one of the Clarets' most reliable players as Burnley achieved promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking, and Tottenham are certainly interested.

It is believed that Tottenham have re-opened discussions with Burnley over signing Esteve, and the Lancashire side were demanding around £30 million to sell in the winter.

After a fantastic season, his price tag is unlikely to have dropped since then, so it is reasonable to assume the 6 foot 4 Frenchman could still command a similar fee.

In any case, L'Equipe report that Spurs are trying to find an agreement with Burnley, so this could be one to watch.

“I’ve been really impressed with Maxi," said Parker about Esteve last season.

“First and foremost he’s a great kid and an unbelievable professional. Just his general aura about him and his humility about the boy and his professionalism, just everything about him is top, top boy and of course you see his quality as well."

So far, this summer has been a rather frustrating one for Tottenham Hotspur.

As things stand, the only signings the club have made have been Kota Takai for around £5m and Mathys Tel, whose loan was made permanent for close to £30m.

Moreover, fans have seen several transfer targets slip through the cracks, with Antoine Semenyo agreeing a new deal with Bournemouth and Eberechi Eze now looking destined for Arsenal.

Worse yet, it is looking increasingly likely that Manchester United will be getting their hands on Bryan Mbeumo, who was heavily touted for a move to N17 following Thomas Frank's appointment.

However, it's not all doom and gloom, as Spurs are reportedly close to securing the services of someone who'd be their own version of the Brentford star.

Spurs target their own Mbeumo

With the club looking to massively improve on their dreadful 17th-placed finish in the Premier League next season, it's hardly a surprise to see them linked with several impressive international stars, such as Xavi Simons and Ademola Lookman.

The former could cost around £60m this summer, and while that is undoubtedly a lot, he'd likely be worth it, as at just 22 years old, he amassed a haul of 11 goals and eight assists in just 33 appearances for RB Leipzig.

Likewise, while Lookman would cost in excess of £50m, his tally of 20 goals and seven assists in 40 games for Atalanta last season suggests he'd be more than worth the outlay.

However, as talented as both players are, neither one has been compared to Mbeumo, unlike Mohammed Kudus.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Insider, Spurs remain incredibly interested in the West Ham United star, despite their initial £50m offer being rejected.

In fact, the report has revealed that the North Londoners have entered 'fresh talks' over the Irons star, and that they are now closing in on a deal, which will likely require a fee of around £65m.

It's a transfer that would represent a significant financial investment from the club, but given Kudus' immense ability, it's one worth making, especially as he has been compared to Mbeumo.

How Kudus compares to Mbeumo

One of the most significant comparisons between Kudus and Mbeumo stems from FBref, which analysed players in the Premier League last season and concluded that the Brentford star was the sixth most similar forward to the Hammers ace in the competition.

The best way to understand how that conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked closely.

These include things like non-penalty expected goals, progressive carries, shot-creating actions, successful take-on percentage and more, all per 90.

These numbers help to show that, despite not scoring as many goals as he would have liked last season, the Ghanaian international could still have a similar attacking output to that of the Cameroonian ace.

Furthermore, away from the statistics, there are also some more straightforward similarities.

For example, both players are playing their trade for London-based teams, and they both seem destined to join another Premier League side this summer.

Finally, both players are positionally versatile, with the Bees' star able to play off the right, up top, or as a second striker, and the former Ajax gem being capable of playing across the entire frontline, as well as in midfield.

Ultimately, while it won't be cheap, Spurs should do all they can to complete the deal for Kudus, as he'd be an excellent addition to Frank's squad and their own version of Mbeumo.

Tottenham still have some key transfer business to conduct ahead of Thomas Frank's first full season in charge of the Lilywhites.

Spurs are yet to really make a statement signing this summer. Mathys Tel made his stay permanent for a cut-price fee of around £30 million, and Kota Takai's £5 million move from Kawasaki Frontale was finally confirmed by the club this morning.

Tottenham have high hopes for Takai, and he will be in and around the first team next season, according to Alasdair Gold, but far more eyes are on whether the north Londoners can strike a deal with rivals West Ham United over the signing of Mohammed Kudus.

Spurs are in ongoing talks with West Ham to agree a move for Kudus after seeing an opening £50 million bid rejected, and he's the calibre of potential signing which supporters are crying out for as Frank prepares for his first-ever season coaching in the Champions League.

Their pursuit of proven top-level additons is made even more important by uncertainty surrounding the futures of vital Tottenham men - most notably Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero.

The former has attracted rumoured interest from both Saudi Arabia and Los Angeles FC, but any potential exit for the South Korean will likely be delayed until after their pre-season tour of Asia - due to the obvious commercial appeal Son has in the far east (BBC).

Son's entered the final 12 months of his contract, so chairman Daniel Levy could well be tempted to sell the 33-year-old in the event of a suitable offer.

Meanwhile, reports from Spain and South America have continued to heavily link Romero with a move to Atlético Madrid.

Tottenham in talks to sell Cristian Romero after Atlético Madrid offer

Spanish newspaper AS have an update on the £165,000-per-week defender's future this week, with Atlético already tabling a £60 million bid, including add-ons, for his services.

This hasn't met Spurs' valuation of the centre-back, who won last season's Europa League Player of the Year award, as Levy demands closer to £60 million all-in.

Nevertheless, Diego Simeone's side are not giving up or shying away. Atletico are in ongoing talks with Tottenham over signing Romero, who James Maddison called Spurs' most "underrated" player, and this story is unlikely to go away any time soon.

Simeone publicly confirmed his desire to sign the Argentine in a recent press conference, and there is an expectation that Romero could be more than open to this La Liga switch.

“You’ve got to want to be there, and I’m not sure he wants to be at Spurs," said pundit Tony Cascarino on talkSPORT.

“I’ve always felt that he’s played his best football that he’s played his best football when he’s had to and when Atletico have made a clear indication they want him. That would be one of his issues [Frank], he’s got to look players in the eye and find out do you want to be at this football club.”

Tottenham Hotspur are now confident about winning the race for a £25m striker, who could be in line to join alongside West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus, according to a report.

Tottenham pushing to sign Kudus

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has now revealed that Tottenham are in ongoing talks over a deal to sign Kudus, with the Ghanaian winger keen to make the move across the capital.

The interest in Kudus comes amid doubts over Son Heung-min's future, with widespread reports suggesting the forward wants to remain in north London for one more year, which means Thomas Frank may have to bring in a long-term replacement for his captain.

With Everton and a whole host of other Premier League clubs keen on Richarlison, a new striker may also be required, and Tottenham have now been provided with an update on their pursuit of OGC Nice's Evann Guessand.

Football Insider sources say that Spurs are confident about winning the race for Guessand this summer, with the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers also in the race for the forward's signature.

The French side have set an affordable asking price of £20m - £25m, off the back of an impressive 2024-25 campaign, with transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke adding: "There’s been talk that Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce would like to sign him as well.

"My sources tell me the player himself is not overly keen on that move, so that will be positive news for his Premier League suitors.

"Looking at the interested clubs, Brighton, West Ham, Wolves… Tottenham I’m sure would be pretty hopeful that, if they do follow up their interest, that they could win the race for his services."

"Electric" Guessand could be versatile option for Frank

The 24-year-old is capable of playing on both wings and through the middle, meaning he could be a versatile option for Frank in attack, and the 2024-25 campaign was by far the Nice star's best season to date.

The Ivory Coast international registered 12 goals and nine assists in 33 Ligue 1 outings, indicating he could be a solid replacement for Richarlison, who missed a whopping 37 games through injury last season.

Having averaged a 7.19 match rating in Ligue 1, the France-born forward was also Nice's second-best-performing player last term, while outperforming every Tottenham player to make more than six Premier League appearances.

At just £20m - £25m, Guessand could be a bargain addition to the Tottenham squad, and a move to north London should be a far more attractive proposition than joining Wolves or Brighton.