Football FanCast

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is currently at the centre of a tug of war between Arsenal and Tottenham as we enter the final fortnight of this year's summer transfer window, with many twists and turns still to be had.

Eze is seen as the playmaker to fill James Maddison's gaping void at Spurs.

The aforementioned attacker was ruled out for a large portion of the new season after rupturing his ACL in pre-season against Newcastle United, while Arsenal have been looking at him as a potential number 10 addition to complement the likes of Martin Odegaard and highly-rated youngster Ethan Nwaneri (Sky Sports).

Reports throughout the last month have consistently suggested that Arsenal are in serious pursuit of Eze.

Some media sources even believe that Arsenal reached a partial agreement on financial terms with Palace after holding extensive talks on the player side, but a move for Eze may not be as advanced as this after all.

Earlier this week, talkSPORT reported that while Andrea Berta has maintained a serious interest in the 27-year-old and could still move for him, Arsenal are hesitating due to their desire to hand Nwaneri more consistent minutes in 2025/2026.

This has seemingly gifted their arch rivals, Tottenham, a chance to swoop in and strike a deal for Eze to combat the loss of Maddison.

While Eze is reliably believed to have held talks with Mikel Arteta about a move to N5, it appears Spurs are the ones making moves right now in terms of negotiations with Palace and a potential bid.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish has also apparently set a "difficult price", as explained by journalist Graeme Bailey to TBR Football.

Arsenal's fresh stance on signing Eberechi Eze with "difficult price" set

Arsenal have adopted a fresh stance over signing Eze amid rival interest from Tottenham and potentially paying over the odds, with Bailey claiming that a move for the England international is actually off for now.

“Eze is a tricky one. Steve Parish is asking well over £60 million, which is a difficult price. Arsenal liked the player, but that move seems to be off for now," said Bailey.

“Some people think Spurs might consider him too expensive, but I suspect they’ll try. They’ve paid that sort of money before, and I think Spurs will come in for him and probably get him.

“Unlike Arsenal, who always viewed Eze as a number 10 rather than a solution for the left-hand side, Tottenham see him as someone who can play on the left. That flexibility is likely to push Spurs to make a move in the coming days.

“Meanwhile, Arsenal are expected to focus on strengthening the left-hand side rather than pursuing someone they see primarily as a number 10. They are unlikely but not completely impossible to make a move for Eze at this point.”

The former QPR star bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, as well as averaging more shots at goal, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than any other Palace player in the Premier League.

His quality and attacking threat is clear, but Spurs are arguably the side more in need of Eze right now than Arteta - so it isn't surprising to see Thomas Frank's side move with much more gusto.

Tottenham Hotspur fans had the first opportunity to see new signing Mohammed Kudus in competitive action during the UEFA Super Cup final against PSG on Wednesday night.

The Ghanaian, who joined the Lilywhites in a £55m deal from West Ham United, featured for 79 minutes, arguably being one of the shining lights despite the penalty defeat.

At just 24, he has the ability to make an immediate and long-term impact in North London, looking to be a key player in any success endured under new boss Thomas Frank.

However, despite the big-money addition made for the former Hammers star’s signature, other key attackers are still being targeted by the Dane ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

Numerous names have been mentioned in recent days, which has seen huge progress being made in an attempt to further bolster the club’s attacking department.

Spurs preparing bid for Mohammed Kudus upgrade

Eberechi Eze has been one of the names hugely mentionedwith Spurs in recent days, even preparing a bid for the Crystal Palace star after their demotion to the Europa Conference League.

The Englishman is said to have a £60m release clause in his current deal at Selhurst Park which could make a deal a formality - potentially avoiding a repeat of the Morgan Gibbs-White saga.

However, he’s not the only Premier League star currently in their sights, with Manchester City forward Savinho a player they’re targeting, according to the Daily Mail.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites are preparing an offer to sign the 21-year-old, who only moved to the Etihad from Girona less than 12 months ago.

It’s also been reported that the Brazilian would be open to a move to join Frank’s side before the current deadline, with Pep Guardiola’s side demanding £60m to offload him this window.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Kudus

A deal for Kudus was always going to be excellent business, but his showing against the Champions League winners has handed the fanbase another reason to be positive.

His tally of 100% crosses completed, and three chances created - the most of any player on the pitch - highlights the threat he possesses when in attacking areas.

He also holds a versatile skillset that could allow him to operate in the number ten role, off either flank or even as a centre-forward - as seen in his first competitive outing.

If he can add further goal contributions to his game, it would be a great addition, adding the quality the side have craved in forward areas in recent months.

However, despite his impressive start to life in North London, he could be trumped by Savinho, that’s if the Brazilian completes his own move to North London this summer.

He managed to notch more combined goals and assists last campaign, but his underlying stats were also just as impressive, managing to outperform Kudus in various key areas.

Savinho, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by journalist Adam Keys, achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, subsequently being able to finish more of the chances he’s presented with in front of goal.

However, when driving with the ball, the City ace also dominated, completing more of the take-ons he attempted, with more being made into the opposition box - which would hand the side the added presence they've crave in the final third.

Besides scoring, the youngster has also been able to provide for others in the opposition’s defensive area, picking out a teammate from more crosses per 90 than Kudus - able to offer a more all-rounded talent for Frank in 2025/26.

After already spending £55m on the Ghanaian, there’s no denying that a £60m move for Savinho would be another mammoth investment from the board in the hunt for Premier League glory.

However, if they are to stand any chance of rising up the table and ending their years of disappointment in England’s top-flight, it’s a move that needs to be made before the September 1st deadline.

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer window has already seen two players walk through the door this summer in the form of Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha from West Ham and Bayern Munich respectively.

However, new boss Thomas Frank will evidently want further reinforcements to bolster his squad after the UEFA Super Cup final showing against PSG last night.

The Lilywhites stormed into a two-goal lead against the Champions League winners, but were unable to sustain their excellent early showing - highlighting the need for added quality and depth.

His side ultimately lost the game against the Parisians on penalties, with the board needing to back the 51-year-old to build on his side's impressive first-half showing in Italy.

One area of the pitch is in desperate need of reinforcements before the September 1st deadline, with work currently being done behind the scenes to land one of their key targets.

Spurs working on deal to sign Eberechi Eze alternative

Over recent days, Spurs have been working on a deal to land Como star Nico Paz after his impressive breakout season in Italy for the Serie A outfit.

It’s been reported that the Lilywhites hierarchy are huge admirers of the 20-year-old, who registered 14 goal contributions last season, but any deal could cost them upwards of £60m this summer.

However, he’s not the only player the side are hunting for in such an area, with Barcelona star Dani Olmo another option for Frank’s side, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that Frank’s side are currently leading the race for the Spaniard’s signature at present, that’s despite interest from Saudi Arabia for the 27-year-old’s signature.

They also state the LaLiga giants are prepared to offload the attacking midfielder before the end of the window, but are current demanding a fee in the region of €60m (£52m).

Why Spurs’ latest target would be better than Eze

In their attempt to bolster the squad, Spurs have once again been in talks with Crystal Palace over a deal to land England international Eberechi Eze in the next couple of weeks.

He’s previously been on their radar during the current window, especially considering the £60m release clause that’s currently within his contract at Selhurst Park.

Frank’s side aren’t the only club currently in the race for his signature, with North London rivals Arsenal also battling the land the 27-year-old’s signature.

Given his record of 16 combined goals and assists in England’s top-flight last season, there’s no denying that he would be many of the supporters’ first choice for the number ten role.

However, given the interest in Eze from elsewhere, it’s no surprise to see other options being considered, with Olmo undoubtedly one of the best alternatives for the Lilywhites.

When comparing his stats to those of the Palace star from the recent campaign, the Spaniard managed to outperform him in key areas - potentially making him a better addition before the transfer deadline.

Olmo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Transfermarkt’s Stefan Bienkowski, posted a better goal and assist per 90 rate, while also scoring more of his efforts placed on goal - subsequently providing a more consistent threat in the final third.

He also achieved higher tallies of progressive passes per 90 and passes made into the final third, offering a more creative presence in the number ten role within Frank’s side.

The former RB Leipzig star’s dominance over Eze is further highlighted by his better take-on success rate, able to single-handedly progress the ball into dangerous areas, before having the tools to finish off his runs - as seen by his aforementioned stats.

It would be another hefty investment from the board, but it’s clear that Spurs would be landing themselves the top-level talent they crave in such a department.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is now planning a key role for one previously unfancied member of the Spurs squad, according to a new report.

As the Lilywhites' talks for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze ramp up behind-the-scenes, alongside their separate attempt to land Man City winger Savinho, Frank has also now had a very close look at his current options.

It's been two months since Daniel Levy appointed the Dane as Ange Postecoglou's replacement, with Frank since overseeing a dramatic pre-season and watching on as his side capitulated against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup.

Despite surrendering a two-goal lead in the dying minutes on Wednesday night, Luis Enrique himself admitted that Spurs were the better side and perhaps deserved something from what was a thoroughly entertaining 90 minutes.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero handed the north Londoners a shock but well-earned 2-0 advantage, and it took very late heroics from Lee Kang-in and Gonçalo Ramos to even rescue a penalty shootout for the Champions League winners.

This is despite Frank just losing club legend Son Heung-min to LAFC and chief creator James Maddison to an ACL rupture, with star winger Dejan Kulusevski also still on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.

This weakened Spurs side giving PSG a serious run for their money is an undoubtedly an encouraging sign for Tottenham's new manager as he begins his first full season in charge.

"Very, very proud of the players, the team, the club, the fans," said Frank in his post-match press conference.

"I think the players gave everything, playing against one of the best team in the world, maybe the best, at the moment, and I think we were 75, 80 minutes perfect, almost giving nothing away against, they had four players with unbelievable individual quality on the pitch. So very, very proud of them.

"It’s down to the smallest of margins in the penalty shootout. It’s like the flip of a coin. First I’d like to thank all the players that stood up and were brave and took responsibility to take a penalty."

Thomas Frank plots "major role" for Tottenham defender Djed Spence

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, some Spurs players have already left a glowing impression on Frank behind-the-scenes, and one of them is defender Djed Spence.

The Englishman was previously an outcast under Antonio Conte and Postecoglou for a time, before Spence rose to prominence during Tottenham's injury crisis midway through last season and battled his way into the first-team squad.

Reliable reports now claim the ex-Middlesbrough man has signed a new long-term deal, just under a year after his last extension, as a result of his amazing comeback.

Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, says Frank has been "really impressed" with Spence, who could now be set for a "major role" in the Tottenham first-team.

“Spurs are really happy with Spence and Thomas Frank has been really impressed since arriving. I am told he is one of the players who has shone since Frank’s arrival.

“I get the idea that Spence has a major, major role to play for Spurs heading into the new season.”

Tottenham and Arsenal are currently tussling over the signature of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, with key details now coming to light on the attention-grabbing transfer race.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank watched on as his Lilywhites side capitulated against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.

From 2-0 down, the French treble winners fought back to 2-2 in the dying minutes, courtesy of goals from Lee Kang-in and Gonçalo Ramos, with PSG clinching the trophy on penalties soon afterwards.

It was a sore one to take for Frank, who heaped praise on his squad in the aftermath for what was a spirited performance against a team absolutely lavished with quality all over the pitch.

There were many positives for Tottenham to take from the clash in Udine, namely that they outplayed a star-studded PSG side for large portions of the game.

Their plucky performance was made all the more impressive considering the weakened Spurs side are still finding a way to cope without club legend Son Heung-min, who left after 10 years for LAFC nearly a fortnight ago, alongside injured star attackers James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Frank and his Tottenham players are now immediately preparing to take on Burnley in their first Premier League game of the season on Saturday, whilst off the field, chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange attempt to secure two statement signings.

Firstly, Tottenham have opened talks with Man City over signing Savinho (Fabrizio Romano), with some reports suggesting that Pep Guardiola's side have already rejected an opening bid for the Brazil international (Jorge Nicola).

Secondly, and in a separate move to Savinho, Tottenham are prepared to open formal negotiations with Crystal Palace over signing Eze.

If Levy and Lange have it all their own way, they could secure adept replacements for both Maddison and Son in quick succession, all whilst throwing a spanner in the works of Arsenal's transfer plans.

What Eberechi Eze's camp have told Tottenham amid Arsenal hesitation

Their north London rivals have long been targeting Eze as a playmaker, but a key reason for their hesitation has now emerged.

According to talkSPORT, via their live blog [Thursday, 10:26], Arsenal's wish to hand Ethan Nwaneri more minutes as a number 10 this season has prompted the Gunners to stall on a move for Eze.

As well as this, the 27-year-old's representatives have sent a clear message to Tottenham in an invitation to move - personal terms won't be an issue.

"Tottenham are set to make a bid for Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze, talkSPORT understands.

"Spurs view the England attacker as a No.10 and their pursuit is separate to the club’s interest in Manchester City winger Savinho as a result.

"Spurs are hoping to move quickly and have been told by Eze’s camp terms will not be a problem. Eze is open to the move, and wants to both play Champions League football and ideally stay in London.

"Arsenal also hold an interest in Eze, and a late window move can’t be discounted. However, the desire to give Ethan Nwaneri minutes at No.10 this season has led to some hesitation within the club as to whether to add another central attacker."

Fabrizio Romano has now shared another update on Tottenham and their pursuit of Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, with chairman Daniel Levy serious about backing new manager Thomas Frank in this latter stage of the summer window.

Spurs are in dire need of a fresh number 10 option, and were so even before James Maddison's lengthy injury lay-off.

The Lilywhites were on the verge of striking a £60 million deal for Morgan Gibbs-White this time last month, but an unprecedented chain of events involving legal threats saw the attacking midfielder remain at Nottingham Forest - where he's since penned a new deal.

Maddison's ACL rupture has merely accelerated Levy's plans to reinforce Frank's central attacking options, with Spurs now actively pursuing a deal for Eze as their chief solution.

Reports earlier this week claimed that Tottenham want to pay a similar fee to that of Mohammed Kudus, who they signed from West Ham for around £55 million, whereas Palace are demanding close to £70m.

"Eze a longstanding target, but earlier in the window Spurs had decided not to move," wrote journalist Ben Jacobs, via X.

"Spurs aware Arsenal have player buy in, but believe Eze has not discounted their project. Spurs also prepared to move quickly. Both Spurs and Arsenal view Eze as a No.10. Understand Spurs’ starting valuation similar to the £55m paid for Mohammed Kudus. Palace want £68m release clause triggered or matched, even after it expires."

In some exciting news for Spurs supporters, a deal for the 27-year-old wouldn't have any impact on their pursuit of Man City winger Savinho, who's viewed as a separate move entirely to Eze and not an alternative.

In quick succession, Levy and technical director Johan Lange are attempting to both fill the creative void left by Maddison's absence and sign a replacement for club legend Son Heung-min, who departed for MLS side LAFC nearly two weeks ago.

Fabrizio Romano shares what he's now heard about Tottenham and Eberechi Eze

Taking to X on Thursday, Romano shared an update on Tottenham's negotiations for Eze.

The reliable transfer journalist claims that Spurs are prepared to open formal talks for the England international, and confirmed that Eze would be keen on a move to N17 if Palace and their London rivals can agree on a fee.

"Tottenham are prepared to open formal talks with Crystal Palace for Eberechi Eze.

"The plan to return to the table reported two days ago, 100% confirmed. …and also confirmed that Eze would be keen on #THFC move, if the two clubs can agree on fee."

The former QPR star bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, not to mention Palace's FA Cup final-winning strike against Man City at Wembley - a moment of heroics which saw Oliver Glasner's side lift the club's first ever major trophy.

After Tottenham's late collapse in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday evening, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange are under slightly more pressure to reinforce Thomas Frank's squad with proven quality.

In truth, Spurs were extremely impressive against last season's French treble-winners, especially considering they were minus chief creators Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Frank's side found themselves 2-0 up just after half-time, and deservedly so, courtesy of two excellent finishes from central defensive duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

However, for all their dogged defending thereafter, PSG managed to claw their way back in with two very late strikes from Lee Kang-in and Gonçalo Ramos - taking the game to penalties.

Luis Enrique's men reigned victorious in the shootout, but the PSG boss himself admitted that Spurs were superior and deserved something from the game.

Barring their capitulation in the dying minutes, there were definitely positives for Frank to take from this game, but the Lilywhites now head into their first Premier League match of 2025/2026 on the back of defeat.

There are still over two weeks to go until the summer window closes, with supporters extremely eager to see Levy make a late transfer statement ahead of a long campaign - even more so after their PSG loss.

Earlier this week, reports emerged that Tottenham opened talks with Crystal Palace to sign Eberechi Eze, who's been a long-time target for north London rivals Arsenal, as Spurs look to beat them to the punch.

Eze, who bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, would fill the gaping creative void left by Maddison's long-term absence.

The England international is reportedly open to joining Tottenham as well, but the Lilywhites have a limited time only to trigger Eze's £68 million release clause - which expires this Friday.

The 27-year-old isn't Levy's only late-summer attacking target, either, with Spurs also in talks over a deal for Man City winger Savinho.

Tottenham place opening bid for Man City forward Savinho

Right now, the Londoners are negotiating moves for both forwards in separate moves (Fabrizio Romano), so the prospect of Tottenham making a very ambitious double-attacking signing is very much alive.

There is a case to be made that the direct and pacey Savinho would be a perfect replacement for club legend Son Heung-min, and according to journalist Jorge Nicola, who spoke to the player's agent, Tottenham have now placed their opening bid.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Nicola shared some intriguing information he's heard from the 21-year-old's representative, Frederico Moraes.

It is believed that Tottenham's opening bid of £42 million has been rejected, and City are holding out for a fee closer to the £67 million mark if they're to do business.

Pep Guardiola is also yet to give his green-light to the player leaving as well, so it appears Levy and Lange still have work to do when it comes to signing Savinho.

The South American, who only joined City from sister club Troyes last summer, was once a key member of Girona's squad that surprised everyone by challenging for the La Liga title in 2023/2024.

Brazil's winger bagged 11 goals and 10 assists that year, with Savinho also hitting double-figures for goal contributions in his first season at the Etihad.

Tottenham still have a few key items on the agenda this summer, both in terms of incomings and outgoings.

As Spurs maintain their ongoing talks to sign both Savinho from Man City and Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, in what would be a statement quick-fire deal ahead of the new Premier League season this weekend, chairman Daniel Levy is also looking to balance the books with sales.

According to reports, there remains a possibility that striker Richarlison could leave before the transfer deadline on September 1, and Tottenham are believed to be considering Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson as a potential replacement for the Brazilian (Fabrizio Romano).

Uncertainty also surrounds the future of Bryan Gil, who confirmed in an interview earlier this year that he's mutually agreed to part ways with Tottenham.

"That's something my agent will tell me where things are going, but they [Spurs] told me, and I told them, that the best thing is for us not to continue being linked to Tottenham," said Gil to Estadio Deportivo in April.

"They bet on me when I was young, and they've treated me fairly well, but if I have to go back there, I'll focus on giving my best as always. I'm calm because no one can have a bad word to say about me not being professional. Without playing, I've always trained well, I've done what I had to do, so whatever has to happen, will happen. We'll see where we are next year."

No obvious suitors have made any progress when it comes to a swoop for Gil, though, so the Spaniard's departure could be one for later in the window.

The same can be said for Israeli winger Manor Solomon, who's attracting serious interest from the Premier League.

Manor Solomon to leave Tottenham in late-window move after calls

The former Fulham star, who joined Spurs on a free transfer in 2023, has struggled with injury during his time in N17 and spent 2024/2025 on loan at Leeds United - where he impressed with 10 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

Despite his resurgence at Elland Road and playing a key role in their push for promotion, Solomon could leave Tottenham during the final few weeks of the window, as explained by Fabrizio Romano.

"Manor Solomon could leave in the final weeks of the window with La Liga and PL clubs calling in the recent days," said Romano, via X.

"Movement started with Spurs aware of interest."

The 26-year-old appears poised to join fellow left-winger, Son Heung-min, in quitting Spurs after the latter sealed an MLS record £20 million move to Los Angeles FC recently.

Unlike Son, Solomon never quite left his mark at Spurs, and his sale would count as pure profit in the eyes of PSR considering he joined for free.

Any club who lands the player would be getting a serious attacking option, though one not quite good enough to force his way into Thomas Frank's plans.

“He didn’t really get his opportunities at Spurs last year but he’s very well established at international level, playing over 35 games for Israel," said former Tottenham keeper Paul Robinson to MOT Leeds News last year.

"Looking at his quality and directness, he’s someone who belongs in the Premier League."

Tottenham and their chase for a new number 10 has taken another turn, and it involves La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid.

Earlier this week, some very promising news for Spurs supporters emerged through information that Daniel Levy is now actively pursuing a deal for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.

The 27-year-old, who racked up 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, has been a top target for Arsenal in the last few weeks, but Mikel Arteta's north London rivals now pose a serious threat to their deal after opening talks with Palace.

Insider Paul O'Keefe was first to sniff out the development on Tuesday morning, and a plethora of reliable media sources have since confirmed that Tottenham's move for Eze is a very realistic possibility.

The prospect of Spurs signing both Eze and Man City winger Savinho to fill the gaping voids left by James Maddison's long-term injury and Son Heung-min's departure to LAFC is a very exciting one, but as we've seen with the Lilywhites this summer, deals are rarely straightforward.

Tottenham were on the verge of bringing in Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest earlier in the window, and had been ready to trigger his past £60 million release clause before a scheduled medical last month.

However, Forest's legal intervention ceased any chance of Thomas Frank welcoming Gibbs-White to N17, with the 25-year-old since putting pen to paper on a brand-new £150,000-per-week contract.

Levy and technical director Johan Lange will be hoping history won't repeat itself with Eze amid stiff competition from Arsenal for the midfielder's signature, and Tottenham reportedly have Como starlet Nico Paz as an alternative.

Gianluca Di Marzio reported last week that Tottenham had a £35 million offer rejected for Paz, but it is reported that the Argentine is still on their radar as a potential option to fill Maddison's shoes.

Real Madrid thwart Tottenham discussions for Como starlet Nico Paz

Paz's situation at Como is a complicated one, as he's sort of unofficially still a Real Madrid player.

Xabi Alonso's side have full matching rights on any deal for him, a hefty 50 per cent sell-on clause and even possess a buy-back option worth just £8 million for the summer of 2026 and £8.5m for 2027 (Football Italia).

Therefore, the 20-year-old's future is firmly in Real's hands, and they've now made it clear that the attacker's long-term place is in Spain.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who told TBR Football that Real Madrid have stepped in to thwart Tottenham's discussions for Paz.

“Spurs are one of several clubs, via various channels, that have asked about Nico Paz, but Real Madrid have stepped in to make it clear that his future is in the Spanish capital," said Bailey.

“In theory, Spurs, or indeed other interested clubs, could have secured a loan-type deal as Como have, but that does not appeal given there would be little to no chance of a permanent deal if he performed well.”

James Maddison has been an impressive option for Tottenham Hotspur over the last couple of years, after joining the side in a £40m deal from Leicester City in 2023.

However, injuries have massively halted his progress in North London, suffering four separate setbacks within his two-season stint at the Lilywhites to date.

His latest issue will undoubtedly be his biggest, suffering an ACL injury in the pre-season outing, with the Englishman expected to be out for the vast majority of the 2025/26 campaign.

Thomas Frank would’ve been excited to work with the 28-year-old during his first year at the helm, but any success the pair endure together will have to be put on hold for the foreseeable future.

As a result of the injury setback, the hierarchy have had to dip back into the transfer market to help bolster the first-team squad in an attempt to strengthen their chances of building on their Europa League success.

Eberechi Eze has once again been linked with a summer move to Spurs this window, looking to pounce and take advantage of the £60m release clause in his contract.

The Lilywhites are facing a battle with North London rivals Arsenal to land the England international, who registered 16 goal contributions in the Premier League last season.

However, he’s not the only player in England’s top-flight currently on their radar, with Brighton star Facundo Buonanotte a player they’re tracking, according to the Daily Mail.

Their report claims that Frank’s side are following the Argentine’s progress ahead of a potential move between now and the end of the summer transfer window.

It also states he’s just one of a number of players that the club are monitoring, but it’s unclear whether the Seagulls will be willing to part ways with the 20-year-old before the deadline.

sS from earlier this summer suggested that Brighton could be willing to sell for around £30m

Whilst Eze remains a player firmly on their shortlist, other options are currently being explored, as the side look to have a contingency plan should they miss out on his signature.

His consistency in England's top-flight would make him an excellent addition, offering the player the next step in his career, allowing him to become a leading talent under Frank’s guidance.

However, the interest from their bitter rivals could make for an interesting battle, with one of the two sides having to suffer a blow in missing out on his signature.

It wouldn’t be the end of the world for the Lilywhites, having options to fall back on, as seen by their recent hunt for a new attacking midfielder over the last few days.

Buonanotte is just one of many on such a list, potentially having the tools to be a huge hit with the supporters if he makes the move to join Frank’s men.

When comparing his stats to Maddison from last season, the youngster highlighted that he has all the tools to fill the void left after his long-term injury setback.

The Argentine, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by Clinton Morrison, completed more progressive carries and more carries into the final third - having the ability to thrive with the ball at his feet.

He also completed more take-ons per 90, along with a higher tally of through balls completed - able to add an end product to his mazy runs, handing those ahead of him with the tools for success.

Out of possession, Buonanotte has also impressed, making more recoveries and tackles per 90, fitting perfectly into Frank’s system, which requires a huge amount of running - especially without the ball.

No fee has yet been touted for the Brighton star, but it’s clear that he has the ability to be an excellent option for the Lilywhites in their hunt for future success.

Eze will still remain a key option, but if they miss out on the Englishman, a deal for Buonanotte could be an excellent alternative, having the ability to develop further under the Dane’s guidance.