Football FanCast

Fabrizio Romano has shared an intriguing transfer update involving Tottenham, with the Lilywhites now making contact over signing a big name.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has been dealt a couple of killer blows ahead of their blockbuster UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG, both of which emphasise the need for Daniel Levy to reinforce his squad.

Firstly, the north Londoners waved an emotional goodbye to former captain and club legend Son Heung-min last Sunday, with the 33-year-old playing his last-ever game for the club in a friendly against Newcastle in Seoul.

Son was given a guard of honour and a standing ovation as tributes poured in for the winger, following his announcement that he would be leaving N17 this summer, and it was hard for him not to burst into tears.

"It was a perfect moment," Son told Tottenham's official website, via ESPN.

"Sharing these beautiful moments are something that I will never forget and I will always appreciate it - from the fans, the players and the gaffer. He understood my situation and was always on my side. He always listened to me and asked what I wanted to do. I have a huge respect and am very grateful."

"I wish them all the best. There are five competitions ahead, and I hope they win all the five competitions. That's my wish. Spurs will always be in my heart and the boys will always be in my history books. It was incredible.

"They've gone so fast, the 10 years. I can only think about the beautiful moments, amazing moments."

Frank now faces the task of finding a replacement to somehow fill Son's shoes, with the former Bayer Leverkusen star securing a £20 million move to the MLS with Los Angeles FC - where he'll represent a city with the largest population of fellow Koreans outside South Korea itself.

On the same night they lost Son, star playmaker James Maddison also returned to the treatment table after suffering a serious injury to the same knee which kept him out of the Europa League final.

The England international now faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines, with Spurs now confirming Maddison is set to undergo surgery for a ruptured ACL that will keep him out for the majority of the season.

Frank has been left very short of attacking options in what is a dire situation, making this last three weeks of the window absolutely vital.

Levy needs to find a replacement for both Son and Maddison before the transfer deadline on September 1, after they unceremoniously missed out on a deal for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White last month.

As per Romano, Man City outcast Jack Grealish is among their potential targets.

The 29-year-old's stock has fallen dramatically since being a key member of Pep Guardiola's treble-winning side in 2023, and Grealish has been training away from the City squad this summer as the Blues seek to find a new home for him.

City have put a £40 million price tag on the ex-Aston Villa captain's head if any side wishes to strike a permanent deal, but the most likely outcome right now appears to be a loan deal, considering Grealish's sky-high wage packet of around £300,000-per-week.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano claims that Tottenham phoned City to make an enquiry over Grealish "in recent days".

However, Everton are now in active talks for the Englishman, so if Levy wants to advance on a deal, he'll need to hurry.

"Everton are working on a deal to sign Jack Grealish," said Romano.

"There was a call also from Tottenham in recent days to understand the situation of the player, but it was just a call - no advanced negotiations.

"From what I'm told now, Everton approached Manchester City after speaking to the agent of the player last week. Now, Everton are in talks with Manchester City for Jack Grealish - they want to try for a loan. Let's see the conditions of this loan, let's see what Jack will decide to do - but Jack Grealish is the dream target now for Everton."

Grealish actually came close to joining Tottenham for £25 million around seven years ago, and he admitted to being disappointed after missing out on a move.

“Of course, there’s going to be disappointment there," Grealish told The Telegraph about his failed Spurs switch in 2018.

"You’ve just got to look at what Spurs have done this season. They’ve beaten Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford, they’re playing Barcelona in the Champions League next week.

“I felt that if I’d gone there, I could have maybe been in the England squad by the end of the year. I would never have gone there just to make up the numbers."

The pending departure of Heung-min Son to LAFC is one that will leave a huge hole in the final third for Tottenham Hotspur, with the South Korean one of the best attackers in the club’s history.

He’s racked up over 450 appearances during his decade at the Lilywhites, scoring 173 times, with 11 of which coming during the 2024/25 campaign, helping the club end their 17-year wait for a trophy.

There’s no denying that at 33, it’s the right time for a move, but such a departure will leave Thomas Frank and the hierarchy with a huge task to replace his constant attacking threat.

Further additions will need to be made between now and the end of the transfer window to ensure the new boss has all the options he needs at his disposal to be competitive in the Premier League.

Daniel Levy has already commenced work to potentially make top-level additions, especially if the latest updates coming out of North London come to fruition.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

Over recent days, Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss has emerged as a potential option for Spurs this summer, with his £22m relegation release clause becoming active.

It was confirmed that the Lilywhites hierarchy are preparing an official approach to land the Moroccan, who registered six combined goals and assists last campaign.

However, he’s not the only forward-thinking player currently in their sights, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo another player they’re chasing, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER.

They claim that Frank’s side have prepared a €60m (£52m) bid to land the Brazilian forward this summer, potentially being the perfect replacement for the outgoing Son.

It also states that the 24-year-old is hoping for a Premier League move during the current window, after being told he’s free to depart the LaLiga giants ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Why Spurs’ £52m target would be Frank’s answer to Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé has cemented himself as one of Europe’s leading talismen over the last couple of years - undoubtedly being a player every fan wishes played for their side.

The Frenchman burst onto the scene as a baby-faced teenager at Monaco back in 2017, before a huge move to PSG that secured his place as one of Europe’s elite.

He registered a staggering 256 goals in his 308 outings for the Parisians over an eight-year period, breaking the record for the most goals scored by a player in the club’s history.

However, he would depart the Ligue 1 side on a free transfer last summer, joining European giants Real Madrid - a move which has seen him continue his excellent talents in front of goal.

The 26-year-old found the net 44 times in his 59 outings across all competitions throughout 2024/25, having a debut campaign to remember at the Santiago Bernabéu.

A player of his calibre would cost a pretty penny in today’s market, but Spurs could be about to land a player of his level - that’s if they complete a deal for Rodrygo this summer.

The Brazilian has been labelled as a similar player to Mbappé by FBref, managing to outperform his teammate in numerous key areas during the most recent season in LaLiga.

Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, registered more progressive passes and carries per 90, handing Frank the attacking threat he craves upon Son’s departure.

He also managed to complete more key passes and more passes into the final third per 90, able to allow fellow new addition Mohammed Kudus to also hit the ground running in North London.

Rodrygo’s dominance over his teammate is further reflected in his higher pass completion rate, whilst completing more crosses per 90, showcasing his impeccable nouse for creating chances in attacking areas.

He certainly won’t be a cheap addition for Spurs this summer, but the Brazilian has showcased that he has the ability to provide a real threat for the club within the final third.

If he can transfer such a skill-set over to England ahead of 2025/26, he could become the club’s main man in their ambitions of being successful in the Premier League in the near future.

Tottenham Hotspur have been on the hunt for a new attacking midfielder throughout the summer transfer window, but so far, their quest has been to no avail.

Morgan Gibbs-White appeared to be Thomas Frank’s main target earlier in the transfer window, even triggering the England international’s £60m release clause.

However, the Nottingham Forest star was also set for a medical before Evangelos Marinakis intervened and put the deal on hold, before the 25-year-old signed a new contract at the City Ground.

After missing out on his signature, the Lilywhites hierarchy have been hunting for added reinforcements to help bolster their Premier League ambitions in 2025/26.

Multiple players have since appeared on their radar, which could see numerous top-level talents make the switch to North London ahead of the new campaign.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

After missing out on Gibbs-White, Spurs have targeted Liverpool star Harvey Elliott in recent weeks, with the Englishman available for a fee in the region of £40m this summer.

However, they could also be about to miss out on the 22-year-old, after Bundesliga side RB Leipzig entered the race to prise him away from Anfield in recent days.

He’s not the only attacking midfielder currently on their radar, with Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss a player the club are considering, according to Ben Jacobs.

He claims that the hierarchy are preparing an approach to land the Moroccan international, who made 32 appearances for the Foxes in the Premier League last season.

Jacobs also states that the 21-year-old has a £22m relegation release clause in his current contract, opening the door to a bargain deal for the Lilywhites this summer.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their next Maddison

James Maddison has been Spurs' main option in the number ten position over recent seasons, after he made a £40m transfer from Leicester City back in the summer of 2023.

The 28-year-old has registered 16 goals and 19 assists in his 75 appearances for the Lilywhites, with last campaign being his best since moving to North London.

However, his impact in 2025/26 could prove to be limited, after he suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury in the recent pre-season clash against Newcastle United.

Boss Frank confirmed that the injury could be a serious one, suffering another issue with the knee that caused him bother towards the back end of the previous season.

Their previous hunt for another talent in such a role showcases their ambitions of strengthening their squad, potentially turning to El Khannouss as a result of Maddison’s setback.

Any move for the Moroccan star would see a repeat of a deal for the Englishman, joining the Lilywhites from Leicester, before making a key impact in the first team.

He even managed to outperform Maddison in numerous key areas last season, undoubtedly one of the shining lights within the Foxes’ squad despite their relegation back to the Championship.

El Khannouss, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, posted a higher tally of progressive carries per 90, whilst completing more carries into the final third - handing Frank’s side an added threat with the ball at his feet.

He also managed to complete more key passes per 90, along with a higher tally of through balls per 90, subsequently able to register an end product to his mazy runs in attacking areas.

The 21-year-old further bettered Maddison in terms of aerials won, an asset that would make him a tremendous all-round option for the Lilywhites ahead of 2025/26.

If he can replicate such talents in North London, he would be another excellent addition to the squad, following in Maddison’s footsteps of being a fan favourite after moving from Leicester.

His £22m release clause would make him a bargain addition, such a move handing the Moroccan the platform to improve massively in the years ahead, given his tender age.

Tottenham are gearing up for two first-team friendlies in one day this Saturday, and away from the pitch, Thomas Frank's busy Lilywhites continue their summer recruitment plans.

Spurs announced that they will be taking on both Wycombe Wanderers in a behind-closed-doors encounter at 11am tomorrow before their trip to Kenilworth Road, with their later clash against Luton Town kicking off just four hours later.

The two matches will give a number of first-team players much-needed match action, with the squad set to be split into two groups. Earlier this week, Frank explained this decision in an official statement which confirmed their additional game against Wycombe.

"We wanted an extra game in our schedule to give as many players as many match minutes as possible, in order to put them in the best position, physically," said Frank.

"We will play two even, strong teams, and they will play between 60 and 75 minutes, maybe more. By the end of Saturday, 22 players will have played a lot of match minutes, and they will be in a very good place before we go on tour."

As Tottenham gear up for two 90-minute contests in quick succession, chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange maintain the club's pursuit of new signings before deadline day on September 1.

Reliable media sources claim that Brentford striker Yoane Wissa remains a target for Spurs, and they're in ongoing talks for the Congolese who scored 20 goals in all competitions under Frank last campaign.

However, Newcastle United are also in talks for Wissa, and they're poised to submit a new bid in an attempt to win the race for Frank's former star (Sky Sports).

While Frank faces stiff competition for the 28-year-old, as things stand, it looks as if Spurs are the only team competing for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.

Morgan Gibbs-White agrees "in principle" to join Tottenham

The 25-year-old was on the verge of a move to north London a fortnight ago, with Spurs even scheduling a medical for Gibbs-White on July 11 as they prepared to pay his £60 million release clause (BBC).

However, Forest then unceremoniously blocked the transfer - threatening both Tottenham and the player's agent with a letter of legal action against them (Sky Sports). Nuno Espirito Santo's side objected to how Spurs found out about Gibbs-White's 'confidential' clause whilst accusing them of 'tapping up' the player too, and this tense stalemate remains ongoing with Levy hoping for a breakthrough (Fabrizio Romano).

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, sharing an update on the situation for TBR Football, Gibbs-White has agreed "in principle" to join Tottenham, and Forest appear resigned to eventually losing the England international.

This is because Evangelos Marinakis and his recruitment team are actively pursuing replacements, with talks ongoing over a deal for Man City's James McAtee.

Spurs are not giving up on signing Gibbs-White and the attacking midfielder remains their absolute priority. Forest were also hoping that City would come back in for Gibbs-White to spark a potential bidding war, but Pep Guardiola and co have "moved on" - giving Frank a clear run.

If the former Wolves star wishes to push through a move to N17, Sky Sports have claimed that Gibbs-White has the option of threatening Forest with legal action of his own for breach of contract.

Alternatively, Tottenham could offer to pay a larger fee to Forest in an attempt to loosen their stranglehold on Gibbs-White and finally seal the deal.

Tottenham still have a few key items on their transfer agenda, and luckily for chairman Daniel Levy, weeks remain before the deadline day timer runs out on September 1.

Spurs have already spent around £112 million on the signings of Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus this summer, and that number really should be closer to £172 million, if not for Nottingham Forest blocking Morgan Gibbs-White's £60m switch to Spurs two weeks ago.

The Lilywhites could still sign Gibbs-White, but may end up paying more compensation to sweeten the deal and loosen Forest's legal stranglehold on the player (Stefan Borson).

As Forest maintain their stalemate with Tottenham over Gibbs-White, following their unhappiness over an alleged 'illegal approach', Spurs do have their eyes on other targets for different areas of the squad.

According to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs this week, Brentford striker Yoane Wissa is still in their sights, despite rival interest from Forest and Newcastle United, with Tottenham also believed to be in talks for the Congolese.

Alongside Wissa, Tottenham are in the market for a number six, but they'll need to offload one of their current abundance of central midfielders, which will most likely be Yves Bissouma (Alasdair Gold).

Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha is apparently one of many targets being considered by Thomas Frank and co in that regard (Alasdair Gold), but they're also keen on a new cenre-back.

The Telegraph reported earlier this week that they're weighing up a move for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, who's now entered the final 12 months of his contract, and the centre of defence is a position actively being looked at.

Frank already has Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin, Luka Vuskovic and Danso as options in that area, and it would've been six centre-backs if Ashley Phillips hadn't sealed a loan move back to Stoke City earlier this week.

Vuskovic could also depart on a loan deal, but that would still leave Spurs with four senior centre-backs - perhaps indicating that there is still uncertainty surrounding Romero's future.

Crystal Palace prepared to sell Marc Guehi amid Tottenham interest

Now, as per GiveMeSport, an update has emerged on the future of Guehi as Tottenham continue to register an interest in the England international.

The Lilywhites had a club-record £70 million bid rejected for Guehi in January, as widely reported, but the defender's contract situation means that Eagles chairman Steve Parish could now let him go for £45 million.

Palace are apparently open to offers for Guehi before deadline day, with Spurs, Liverpool and Newcastle all keen, so this could be one to watch as the 25-year-old's future becomes one of the main talking points in the last few weeks of this window.

"There is a price and a situation where we might consider it," Parish told BBC Sport last summer.

"Somebody [in another interview] said he is a superstar, so somebody has got to pay superstar money. Realistically, he is homegrown, 24 years old and a sensational talent - so somebody has to make it difficult for us. At the moment, it isn't."

Now, the situation has changed, and Parish is very unlikely to get 'superstar money' with Palace facing the prospect of losing him for free in 2026.

Tottenham Hotspur’s priority this summer has been to strengthen their first-team squad this summer, with Thomas Frank needing the tools to succeed during his spell in North London.

Mohammed Kudus has been the first major addition of the Dane’s tenure at the club, costing a staggering £55m from fellow London outfit West Ham United.

However, after completing a deal for the Ghanaian international, their recruitment has evidently switched to landing new midfield talents to help bolster the middle of the park.

Morgan Gibbs-White has arguably been the most high-profile name linked with a move in such a department, even making a £60m bid for the England international.

The delay in the move has forced the Lilywhites to carry on their hunt elsewhere, subsequently drawing up a shortlist of other midfielders who could make the move to North London this summer.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new midfielders this summer

Douglas Luiz is a player who’s been on Spurs’ radar over recent weeks, with the Brazilian almost certain to leave Juventus this summer after making three Serie A starts last season.

In recent days, his agent has travelled to England to speak to possible interested clubs, but it remains unclear at this stage if Frank’s side are one of the teams who will enter talks.

However, another midfielder has emerged as key target for the club this window, with Bayern Munich star Joao Palhinha a player under consideration, according to journalist Sam Dean.

He claims that work is already being done behind the scenes to land the 30-year-old this summer, as he’s expected to be allowed to depart the Bundesliga titleholders in a hunt for added game time.

Dean also states that a permanent or temporary move could take place this window, looking to get ahead in the race for his signature, after Arsenal previously explored a move for the Portuguese international.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be the dream Wharton alternative

Adam Wharton has been another midfielder linked with a summer move to join Spurs this summer, with the youngster one of the most highly-rated youngsters in England’s top-flight.

The 21-year-old may have only made 36 Premier League appearances since joining the Eagles in January 2024, but he’s already impressed massively, subsequently being named in England’s squad for Euro 2024.

Such a move would be an exciting one for the Lilywhites’ supporters, but it may be one they’re priced out of, with Oliver Glasner’s side currently demanding around £100m for his signature.

It’s unclear if the player himself would be keen on a switch across the capital to join Frank’s side, leading to the hierarchy targeting other reinforcements such as Palhinha.

Whilst on the face of it, the 30-year-old may not be the name the supporters are excited by, they should be happy with a potential move, with the former Fulham star being somewhat underrated in recent times.

When comparing his stats to those of Wharton from the most recent campaign, he managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting the qualities he could add to the current side.

Palhinha, who’s been labelled “outrageous” by Squawka, completed more of the passes he attempted, whilst registering more passes into the final third, showcasing the talent he possesses with the ball at his feet.

He also managed to win more tackles per 90, also making more blocks, handing Frank the real commanding deep-lying presence he’s been after since taking the reins.

The former Sporting CP star has also dominated aerially, winning over 30% more of the battles he entered, a part of his game which could prove to be vital at both ends of the pitch.

Whilst a move for Palhinha may not be many fans' first choice this window, he’s proven in Germany that he possesses a lot of top-level talent that could improve the side.

A deal for Wharton will have to stay on hold for the time being, but although the Portuguese international is a cheaper option, it doesn’t mean that the side will be getting any less of a quality addition.

Two weeks after triggering his £60m release clause in Morgan Gibbs-White’s contract, Tottenham Hotspur are still yet to complete a deal for his signature.

The saga continues to be dragged out, with the midfielder now returning to pre-season training and even going on tour with his current outfit, Nottingham Forest.

It remains unclear as to what could happen over the next few weeks, with a deal dragging out and restricting the business Thomas Frank can conduct in his first window in charge.

Whether the player wants the move or not, no deal can progress until the illegal approach situation with the Reds is resolved, something which could take time when dealing with Evangelos Marinakis.

Undoubtedly, other targets are being drawn up as a result of the delay, possibly seeing the hierarchy move away from a move for Gibbs-White and targeting other Premier League talents.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, Harvey Elliott has been touted with a move to join Spurs, looking to add further quality in attacking areas in North London.

The Liverpool star could be an expensive addition this summer, with Arne Slot’s side demanding a fee in the region of £40m to offload the 22-year-old attacker this window.

However, he’s not the only Premier League player currently in their sights, leading to work being done behind the scenes to sign Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo.

According to TBR Football, the Lilywhites have reached out to the Red Devils to ask about a potential move for the 20-year-old, who made 37 appearances across all competitions last season.

The report also states that the player could leave Old Trafford this summer, after contract talks between the player and the club recently hit a stalemate.

Previous claims have suggested that United placed a £70m asking price on the midfielder's head earlier in the summer.

Why Spurs’ latest target is a bigger talent than Gibbs-White

At the time of his £44.5m transfer to Forest, eyebrows were raised at the magnitude of the fee, but it’s safe to say the 25-year-old has justified every penny during his time at the City Ground.

The former Wolves star has posted a total of 18 goals and 26 assists for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in his 118 appearances for the club, remaining as one of very few players left from their first season back in England’s top flight.

He’s even taken responsibility for being their club captain in recent times, leading the Reds to European football for the first time in three decades.

As good as his addition would be to Frank’s side this window, there are better deals to be had, especially given the drama the hierarchy currently face with Forest.

Mainoo could prove to be just that for the Lilywhites, already producing numerous high-profile feats that are arguably better than what Gibbs-White has achieved.

The youngster has already scored a key goal in a Europa League semi-final, whilst even being part of the England squad during the Euro 2024 tournament last summer.

His stats from the Premier League last season also highlight why he’d be a key addition, managing to outperform the 25-year-old in multiple areas that are crucial for a midfielder.

Mainoo, who’s been labelled “generational” by teammate Rasmus Hojlund, completed more of the passes he attempted, whilst completing more take-ons, evidently thriving with the ball at his feet.

Out of possession, he’s been just as dominant, winning more tackles per 90, whilst also registering a higher tally of recoveries - potentially being the perfect box-to-box option for Frank’s side.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the youngster would cost the Lilywhites this summer, it’s clear that he’s already a bigger talent than the Forest star - having the potential to improve further in the years ahead.

If the hierarchy could complete a deal for Mainoo’s signature, it would certainly be a statement signing, handing the new boss the talents he needs to be a success in North London.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has now personally identified one former Chelsea star as a top target for the Lilywhites this summer, according to a report.

Spurs are currently working to reinforce their squad with more quality options as Frank gears up for his first ever campaign as a Champions League manager, not to mention his debut season in charge of a 'big six' Premier League side.

The pressure is truly on Frank, to a much greater extent than any of his previous managerial roles, especially after his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, ended the club's 17-year wait for a major trophy by winning the Europa League.

Tottenham have promised Frank that they will invest significantly in the transfer window this summer, according to some reports, and they've so far made good on that pledge by striking deals for Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.

Gibbs-White was scheduled to have a medical at Spurs around a fortnight ago (BBC), and if they're currently in the middle of a tense standoff with Forest, it is believed that Tottenham remain in pursuit of the 25-year-old.

Fabrizio Romano has said Spurs are still confident they can strike a deal for Gibbs-White, but in the meantime, reports continue to surround the potential addition of a new midfielder.

Tottenham have repeatedly been linked with a move for Bayern Munich ace Joao Palhinha for that role, but as things stand, it hasn't stretched beyond interest, contrary to some reports.

Interestingly, £150,000-per-week Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher is another target on their midfield shortlist.

Tottenham prioritise Conor Gallagher after Thomas Frank decision

Spurs were believed to be suitors for Gallagher before he opted to join Diego Simeone's side in La Liga last summer.

The England international went on to score four goals and register another six assists in 50 total appearances for Atlético during his debut season, including a strike against Real Madrid in the Champions League, and it is believed that Tottenham are keen on tempting him with a return to the Premier League.

According to reports from Spain, Tottenham have placed Gallagher at the "top of their list" of potential midfield reinforcements, after Frank decided that the 25-year-old is a player he "needs" in north London.

Gallagher can play as a number six, traditional centre-midfielder and even as a left-winger when required, but it is currently unclear what the boyhood Chelsea supporter would think about joining an arch Blues rival.

"When we think of him we think of his youth, energy and intensity in the game. He also strikes the ball very well," Simeone told reporters about Gallagher before a match against Real Valladolid.

"It's never easy for players coming from England to adapt to the Spanish championship, to the language, he has competed very well in different places and in positions where he doesn't feel more comfortable.

"He will evolve, he has room for growth. He is very intense in offensive and defensive play, he brings a lot to us."

Tottenham are after a few more key summer signings before deadline day on September 1.

Preferably for new manager Thomas Frank, they'd secure their desired targets before taking on European champions PSG in their looming UEFA Super Cup final, but it is rarely that straightforward when it comes to Spurs.

The Lilywhites are currently embroiled in a lengthy transfer saga involving Morgan Gibbs-White, who was due to have a medical on July 11 before Nottingham Forest blocked the 25-year-old's move and threatened legal action against Spurs.

This has caused an unceremonious delay, but Tottenham are optimistic they can still sign Gibbs-White behind-the-scenes (Fabrizio Romano), even if they may have to wait a bit longer before announcing the England international as their fifth major signing of the summer after Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.

If Spurs' £60 million deal for Gibbs-White goes through, then it would take Daniel Levy's summer spending to around £172 million, providing they don't have to pay Forest more compensation to sweeten the deal.

“The end result is that to get this deal done, Tottenham are probably gonna have to negotiate with Nottingham Forest a fee that includes not just the £60m release clause, but a little extra to effectively buy themselves out of the dispute, or walk away," said Football Finance expert Stefan Borson to Football Insider.

“Now, we’ve seen in the past other teams have walked away. Of course, we know Liverpool walked away from Van Dijk and came back in January.

"I still think the most likely scenario is that Spurs are the only team that want to buy the player right now, that they’ll pay an extra, let’s say, £5-10m, maybe an extra £5m plus £5m, and the deal could get done. That would be the most likely outcome."

As well as Gibbs-White, Tottenham are targeting a new number six, with Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha on their list of potential targets, as reliably reported by Alasdair Gold.

The north Londoners are also contenders to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, alongside Newcastle United and Forest, with the Congolese recently travelling to London for talks over his future (Ben Jacobs).

Tottenham's four-word transfer promise to Thomas Frank

Whatever the outcome of these pursuits, it appears Levy and co are very active in the market right now, which links in to an alleged promise they've made Frank about recruitment this summer.

According to Spanish news outlet Diario AS, Tottenham have given Frank an encouraging four-word message in regard to their transfer plans before 2025/2026 - simply stating "investment and more investment" - as quoted by the outlet.

This comes as Levy looks to make a "statement" to the rest of the Premier League this summer, which comes as a promising bit of news for supporters who are about to watch Frank's attempts to compete on multiple fronts.

They were once tipped for a 'sell to buy' summer at one stage, but their advancing talks over a stadium naming rights deal and rumoured cash injection from ENIC appear to have negated the need for high-profile players to depart.

Now, Frank is set to benefit, and as things stand, Levy is making good on the club's pledge.

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a high-profile player this summer, and one who's been seriously endorsed by the club's all-time top scorer, Harry Kane.

Spurs have already announced the signings of Mathys Tel on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich, Kota Takai in a J-League record £5 million move from Kawasaki Frontale and, of course, Mohammed Kudus from West Ham.

Kudus' transfer marked the end of a 14-year-long unofficial transfer embargo between Spurs and their London rivals, with the Ghanaian seriously impressing on his debut against Reading last weekend.

Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White was set to immediately follow Kudus to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a medical was even scheduled for July 11 (BBC), but Nuno Espírito Santo's side blocked the transfer and threatened legal action for what they deem to be an unlawful approach.

Once the matter is resolved, Tottenham are hopeful that Gibbs-White will eventually seal his switch to N17, but the move has been significantly delayed.

In the meantime, it is reliably reported that Spurs are competing with Newcastle United and Forest to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, who scored 20 goals in all competitions under Thomas Frank last season.

Despite the current abundance of holding midfielders in their squad, there are also suggestions that Tottenham are looking for another one, with £167,000-per-week Bayern Munich ace Joao Palhinha among their chief targets.

Palhinha endured a lacklustre debut campaign at Bayern last season after sealing his long-awaited move there in 2024.

The Portugal international - thanks to a combination of injuries, illness and suspension - eventually fell down Vincent Kompany's pecking order, and reports claim he could make a return to the Premier League already.

Tottenham are reported to have contacted Palhinha's agents, and while reliable journalist Alasdair Gold doesn't mention this, he does back up Spurs' interest in a piece for football.london.

Tottenham eyeing Joao Palhinha after Harry Kane praise

Gold states that Tottenham are targeting Palhinha and have the 30-year-old on their shortlist of potential midfield signings, but at least one of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr and Archie Gray would need to depart first.

Amid Bissouma's links with a move to Turkey and inconsistent form, the Mali international appears their most likely candidate to make way for Palhinha.

Interestingly, Lilywhites legend Kane has already endorsed a possible Spurs swoop for the robust, tough-tackling number six, who was also called a "leader" by Marco Silva during his Fulham days.

Kane is on record calling the ex-Sporting CP star an "animal", citing his many tough battles against him.

"I think they suit our system really well," said Kane after Bayern signed Palhinha and Michael Olise last summer, via Florian Plettenberg.

"Palhinha is an animal in that defensive midfield role. I've had many battles against him.

"Michael's ability on the ball is fantastic. The way he moves, the way he goes around players - and his final product is at a high, high level. And he's still very young, so there's even more improvement to come."