Football FanCast

This summer presents a new era at Tottenham Hotspur, after Thomas Frank was appointed as their new boss after agreeing a £10m compensation package with Brentford.

The Dane takes the reins from Ange Postecoglou after the Aussie was handed his marching orders by owner Daniel Levy despite ending their 17-year wait for a trophy in the Europa League final.

It presents a fresh opportunity for the club to take the next step in their ambitions of mounting a charge for the Premier League title, with Frank the next man to try his luck in North London.

However, if he is to be a success in the role, he will need new additions this summer to help him in his quest, with quality and depth needed in key areas of the pitch.

Numerous players have already emerged on their radar in recent weeks, but additions can only be made if Levy hands Frank the funds needed to change their fortunes on the pitch.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who’s been firmly on their radar since the Dane’s appointment, potentially having a reunion with his former boss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.

However, if they’re going to complete a deal for the 25-year-old attacker, they will have to fork out a pretty penny for his signature, with the Bees demanding £70m to part ways with him this window.

The hierarchy already appear to be making moves elsewhere, with work being done to secure a deal for Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.

The report states that Spurs have sent scouts to watch the Colombian international at the Club World Cup, starring in his first game against Porto - completing more dribbles than any player on the pitch.

It also claims that the 25-year-old has a £85m release clause within his current contract, with the hierarchy confident he can transfer his skillset across to England and emulate one player’s success.

Why Rios could become Frank’s own version of Dembele

Not many supporters would’ve envisaged the impact Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembélé would have at Tottenham after his £15m switch from Fulham back in 2012.

However, such a deal would be one of the best deals in the club’s history, going on to make 250 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring on ten occasions - but it was his talent in other areas that caught the eye.

He became a monster in and out of possession, often effortlessly gliding past the opposition, and being a commanding presence that was virtually impossible to dispossess.

Dembélé also thrived out of possession, handing the club a perfect box-to-box option, with numerous former players labelling him as the best player they’ve ever featured alongside.

However, after his subsequent departure to join Guangzhou City back in January 2019, the side has often lacked that presence, something which Rios could offer Frank in North London next season.

When comparing his stats from this season to those of Dembélé at Spurs, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas - highlighting why he could be the man to fill the void.

Rios, who’s been labelled “one of the best midfielders” by one Brazilian analyst, has registered more goals and assists, along with more passes into the opposition box per 90, showcasing the threat he poses when driving with the ball.

Described as a "ball-carrying machine" by data analyst Ben Mattinson, he also matched Dembélé for take-ons completed, whilst drawing more fouls, offering a constant nuisance to opposition players, something which Frank’s side need in the middle of the mark.

The Colombian’s talents don’t end there, winning more aerials and tackles per 90, handing the side a defensive presence that has often been missing in North London, with Rios the perfect option for the Lilywhites.

Whilst he has an £85m release clause in his current deal, it’s likely the 25-year-old will be available for a significantly lower fee, with Spurs needing to pursue a move for his signature.

If he can get anywhere near the levels produced by the Belgian at the club, he would be another sensational addition and one that could fire the club up the table in 2025/26.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is already making his mark when it comes to his new club's summer recruitment drive, starting with their £30 million permanent deal for Mathys Tel.

In the build up to Sunday morning's announcement that the Frenchman is now an indefinite Spurs player, reports claimed that Frank personally advocated for Tel to remain in north London.

The 51-year-old's wish was ultimately granted by chairman Daniel Levy, with Frank set to utilise the now-former Bayern Munich sensation throughout his debut season in the Lilywhites dugout and beyond.

However, their pursuit of new wingers won't end with Tel's signature, as Spurs are believed to be in the market for a Timo Werner replacement on the opposing flank as well (Ben Jacobs).

Links to Southampton starlet Tyler Dibling have re-emerged this week, following reports that Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo and Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo are both top targets for Spurs as well.

While Mbeumo currently prefers a move to Man United as things stand, the Cameroonian is still intrigued by a move to Tottenham (Sky Sports), while other media sources claim Spurs have reached out to Semenyo's representatives.

Another intriguing wide option for Frank comes in the form of £300,000-per-week Man City star Jack Grealish.

The England international was a key member of City's treble-winning side of 2023, but he's since struggled to establish himself as a firm fixture in Pep Guardiola's starting eleven since that famed campaign.

Guardiola addressed his future in a Club World Cup press conference this week, stating that the 29-year-old needs to showcase his true quality on a weekly basis.

"Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason why he didn't play last season is, of course, my decisions," said the City boss.

"And we decided he has to play, and the club was honest, he's honest. He's incredibly respected and loved by the team, and we decided the best is for him to stay [behind] and have a place he feels he can play and come back to being the player that was in the year of the Treble or all his career at Aston Villa.

"Without him it wouldn't have been possible, it would've been more difficult to get what we achieved in the Treble season. But the fact is, the last two seasons, he didn't play much, and he has to come back to play and have the butterflies in his stomach that he can play every three days and show again the quality he has."

Thomas Frank holds talks with Tottenham about signing Jack Grealish

With Werner leaving and a summer exit for Son Heung-min on the cards, amid interest from Saudi Arabia, there is every possibility that the ex-Aston Villa star could be a mainstay under Frank next season.

According to Football Transfers, the Dane is already taking a keen interest in Grealish, who's come up regularly in "extensive" conversations about recruitment between Frank and the Tottenham hierarchy.

During these internal talks, Frank was keen to discover the state of play regarding Spurs' talks with Grealish's representatives, and it has emerged that the winger is actually open to joining them before deadline day on September 1.

However, Grealish's hefty salary is posing a real issue, so Tottenham will need to find middle ground there.

Tottenham Hotspur are working to back new manager Thomas Frank in the transfer market this summer, with the north Londoners not exactly resting on their laurels after sealing a cut-price deal for Mathys Tel.

Despite agreeing an option to buy Tel for around £45 million in January as part of his initial loan, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy managed to negotiate a lower fee with Bayern Munich, with the Frenchman making his stay permanent for £30 million instead.

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl admitted last week that Tottenham were in ongoing talks over Tel's transfer, and those negotiations were concluded pretty quickly, as Spurs announced their capture of the 20-year-old on Sunday morning.

However, Tel's arrival is by no means the end when it comes to their pursuit of new forwards.

In January, Spurs held "concrete" talks with the representatives of Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, and he's now re-emerging on their radar.

The 19-year-old impressed for an otherwise dismal Saints side who finished at the foot of the Premier League table last season, chalking up four goals and three assists in all competitions whilst cementing himself as a firm regular under both Russell Martin and Ivan Juric.

Dibling is a "world-class talent" boasting enormous potential, amid comparisons to treble-winning Man City star Jack Grealish, but his price tag has been a major stumbling block for interested sides like Spurs.

Southampton were demanding as much as £100 million to let Dibling go earlier this year, as reliably reported by The Times, but Southampton's relegation to the Championship could see him depart for significantly less.

Tottenham consider Tyler Dibling move after near-£50m price drop

According to CaughtOffside, Southampton now value the teenage sensation at around £51 million, and Frank's side remain in the running for his signature.

As per their information, Tottenham are considering a summer deal for Dibling, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United all named as fellow English contenders.

RB Leipzig have also seen a £30 million bid rejected for the Englishman, so the Under-21 international could soon be at the centre of a tug of war between sides both domestically and abroad.

Dibling is fast garnering a reputation as a creative player with excellent technique on the ball, mobility, acceleration, agility and good passing range, but it remains to be seen if the near-£50 million price drop will still be enough to entice Levy into making a formal bid.

Even his heavily discounted new valuation could still be seen by many as a major gamble, especially if Levy wants to reinforce other areas of the squad with Tottenham's Champions League riches.

Thomas Frank’s appointment at Tottenham Hotspur has started a new era at the football club, looking to build on the progress made by Ange Postecoglou.

The Aussie won the Europa League in his final game in charge, securing their place in the Champions League and handing the supporters a memorable night at the end of a dismal season.

Such a decision to sack him may have appeared harsh, but it now hands the former Brentford boss the opportunity to create new history for the club in North London.

With the summer transfer window once again open for sides to make new additions, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting moves to hand him with the tools he desires.

Numerous areas of the pitch are in need of investment to help provide quality and depth in key areas, especially if they are to be competitive in the Premier League and Europe.

The latest in Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

After Frank’s arrival, winger Bryan Mbeumo has been largely touted with a move to follow his former manager across the capital to join Spurs this window.

However, if they are to land the 25-year-old’s signature, they will have to fend off interest from Manchester United, with the Red Devils seemingly in pole position at present.

Another name has entered the frame within the attacking department in recent days, with Rennes star Arnaud Kalimuendo firmly on their radar, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites have been in talks with the Ligue 1 outfit over a deal for the 23-year-old, who’s scored 18 times across all competitions in 2024/25.

It also states that he’s valued at around the €25m (£21.3m) mark, but will face competition for his signature, with sides in Spain and Germany also wanting a move for the 23-year-old this summer.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s next Wissa

As previously mentioned, Mbeumo was a key part of Frank’s success at Brentford, but striker Yoane Wissa also thrived under his guidance and reached levels never seen in his career before.

The DR Congo forward made 35 appearances in the league last time around, registering a total of 19 goals and four assists, forming an excellent partnership with the Cameroonian.

Like his current teammate, he’s been linked with a move to join Spurs this window, potentially following the manager in moving to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

However, they’re not alone in their hunt, with Nottingham Forest once again emerging in the race after having an offer rejected for him back in January.

If Frank is unable to land a reunion with Wissa, he should pursue a move for Kalimuendo, with the Frenchman having all the tools to be a threat in the Premier League.

The Rennes ace, who’s been labelled “one of the most prolific” stars by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, backing up the claim made about him.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered a higher take-on success rate - handing Frank the all-round option he’ll need in North London.

Kalimuendo’s dominance doesn’t stop there, also registering more carries into the final third and more passes into the opposition area per 90, handing the attackers around him the chance to thrive too.

Whilst Wissa may appear to be a solid option given his time under the manager at the GTEC, a move for the Frenchman could allow the boss to land his next attacking star.

If he can transfer his skillset across to England, it would be a superb signing, having the potential to explode into an elite level talent given his tender age.

The Thomas Frank era is already underway at Tottenham Hotspur, after the club announced the permanent signing of loan star Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.

He joined the Lilywhites in a £30m deal after the deal in his loan contract was triggered, handing the club another sensational youngster for the immediate and long-term.

However, more business will need to be conducted by the new boss this summer, as the club look to turn around their Premier League form that saw them finish in 17th position.

Their Europa League triumph allowed them to qualify for the Champions League, making Frank’s side an exciting proposition, undoubtedly helping them in their quest within the market.

With the transfer window reopening on Monday, it presents the next opportunity for the hierarchy to land key targets for the squad, already wasting no time in identifying new talents.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

After the Dane’s appointment as Spurs manager, the club have already held internal talks over a move to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, subsequently allowing him to link up with his former boss.

The DR Congo international scored 19 times in his 35 Premier League appearances throughout 2024/25, with the 28-year-old offering the Lilywhites a clinical option in the final third.

However, he’s not the only player in their sights, with Roma’s Niccolo Pisilli another star in their sights, according to reports from Italy.

They claim that Frank’s side have made an enquiry to sign the 20-year-old midfielder, who made 41 appearances for the Serie A side across all competitions this season.

It also mentioned that the Italy U21 international hasn’t ruled out a move to England this summer, with no fee mentioned for a potential move for his signature this window.

Why Pisilli would be perfect alongside Mbeumo for Spurs

Since Frank’s appointment, strong links have emerged linking Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo with a summer move to North London, but they face huge competition elsewhere for his signature.

Manchester United are also extremely keen on a move for the 25-year-old attacker, with the Cameroonian stating his desire to move to Old Trafford this window.

The interest in the forward is no surprise, especially considering his record in 2024/25, which saw him find the net on 20 occasions, with only Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak scoring more.

The appointment of his former manager could sway his decision in the coming months, potentially forming an excellent partnership with Pisilli should they both join the club.

He’s thrived in Serie A over recent years, registering two goals and one assist, leading to Ivan Juric labelling the youngster as an “incredible” talent.

His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing 4.6 progressive passes and 4.9 passes into the final third per 90 - handing Mbeumo with the tools to succeed in North London.

Pisilli has also completed 84% of the passes he attempted, whilst registering 1.6 progressive carries, further showcasing his impressive ability with the ball at his feet.

However, he’s been just as effective without the ball, making 4.3 recoveries and winning 55% of the tackles he’s entered, offering Frank an excellent box-to-box option in the middle of the park.

The prospect of the Italian linking up with the Bees star in North London is certainly an exciting one, with the pair having the potential to star at the club for many years.

If they can replicate their current performance levels throughout any move to join the Lilywhites, they have the ability to take the side to the next level in their hunt for success during the Dane’s reign.

Tottenham Hotspur and their transfer plans for the summer window are underway, starting with the permanent signing of Mathys Tel for £30 million, but they're by no means finished with the Frenchman.

Spurs are poised for a crucial 2025/2026 campaign back in the Champions League, and new manager Thomas Frank is tasked with building off his predecessor's Europa League triumph in Bilbao last month.

Ange Postecoglou brought an end to the club's 17-year wait for major silverware with their 1-0 victory over Man United, which subsequently confirmed Tottenham's spot in Europe's most prestigious competition for next season.

The significant financial windfall awarded to them thanks to Spurs' Champions League qualification is set to play a "huge" role in their summer recruitment drive, and they no longer have to operate under a 'sell to buy' policy (Michael Bridge).

Nevertheless, a rebuild is still anticipated, with Atlético Madrid eyeing up a move for star defender Cristian Romero and club legend Son Heung-min attracting serious interest from Saudi Arabia, amid credible reports 2024/2025 could have been his last at Tottenham.

There have been suggestions in the last few months that Tottenham could even sell Pedro Porro this summer, even if these claims were before their Europa League win, with the resurgence of Djed Spence playing a role here too.

Interestingly, football.london's Alasdair Gold has recently revealed that Spence has a long-time admirer in new head coach Frank. Brentford held a long-standing interest in the Englishman, with bids even made for him in previous summers, so Spence could be a member of the squad who stands to seriously benefit from the Dane's arrival.

If Spurs decide they can afford to sell Porro for a substantial fee after all, despite his excellent performances towards the back end of last season, they'll still need a new right-back to come in and rotate with Spence, especially with their hectic European fixture calendar.

Tottenham willing to "invest heavily" on Vanderson signing

According to a report from UOL, Monaco defender Vanderson is firmly on the Lilywhites' transfer shortlist.

The Brazil international is currently being chased by Barcelona, though, who've intensified talks with the Ligue 1 side, and progress has been made in negotiations to lure Vanderson to the Camp Nou.

They're counting on the 23-year-old's preference to join the Spanish champions, with Monaco seeking a fee north of £30 million to part company with their highly-rated wing-back. However, Frank's side could pose a real threat and hijack their deal.

UOL state that Tottenham are still in the running to sign Vanderson, whilst willing to "invest heavily" in his signing. Monaco also have a major incentive to sell to Spurs instead. Spanish taxes mean Monaco would lose around 15 per cent of their final sale value, but a transfer to England would mean they take a far less substantial loss in that regard.

Taking this into account, the "perfectionist" defender could be one to watch at N17.

Tottenham Hotspur have commenced their fifth new managerial era since 2019 with the appointment of Thomas Frank, and he could be about to wave goodbye to one player already.

On Sunday morning, Spurs confirmed that Mathys Tel wouldn't be going anywhere, announcing a permanent deal for the Frenchman who joins them indefinitely for a reported fee of around £30 million.

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl stated in an interview with Abendzeitung München last week that talks were ongoing with Spurs over Tel's future, and those negotiations reached a swift resolution over the weekend as Frank secures his first ever Tottenham signing.

While Tel is set to be a Spurs player for the foreseeable, the same cannot be said for star defender Cristian Romero, who's a top target for Diego Simeone and Atlético Madrid this summer.

Romero has reportedly informed chairman Daniel Levy that he'd like to leave the club before September 1 (Marca), regardless of their place in the Champions League next season, and Son Heung-min could even draw the curtain on his 10-year-long stay in N17 amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

Alejo Veliz spotted at Rosario Central amid talks to leave Tottenham

According to Argentine news outlet Via Pais, young striker Alejo Veliz is yet another player who could soon leave Tottenham.

His former club, Rosario Central, recently had a loan bid rejected by the Lilywhites, but talks remain ongoing over his potential departure. Frank's side are clear - they want to sell the 21-year-old permanently and won't accept a temporary deal.

Interestingly, Veliz has been pictured at Rosario's training ground in the last few days, with the club's official account sharing images of the forward's reunion on X.

His presence there is apparently due to an emotional connection with his former side, but it is surely no coincidence that Rosario are currently trying to negotiate Veliz's return.

The towering forward, standing at 6 foot 2, caught Tottenham's attention with his impressive performances in Argentina's Primera Division. He then joined Spurs on a six-year contract in August 2023 for a fee believed to be around £13 million, but Veliz has found an opportunity to fully break into the first team.

A succession of loan spells at Sevilla and Espanyol followed, but the Argentine managed just one La Liga goal over both spells combined.

The end appears to be nigh for Veliz and his time in north London, despite some bold predictions from Spanish football experts when Spurs first signed him.

“He has a certain something that means that occasionally he’ll try things, and you’re like ‘no’, I think he could be a 16 or 17-goal [striker] this season," said Graham Hunter to Premier Sports TV.

“Which is a big ask, I know I might be wrong, but what I see in him are the special elements about judgement, about movement, about being able to hold players off.

“Raw, raw as a farm boy – partially because he is a country boy, but they have an exciting footballer.”

Tottenham Hotspur are entering a new dawn under Thomas Frank and are in talks to bring one of Europe's most talked about youngsters to North London, according to a report.

Tottenham's pursuit of attacking talent continues

In a freak turn of events, Tottenham were dealt the hand of having to deal with an injury crisis last term and subsequently had to field a line-up that sometimes lacked an effective balance between defence and attack.

Reacting on the market by looking to bolster their offensive depth, Brentford pair Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are Spurs targets, even if the Bees may be difficult to deal with in light of already losing their manager to the lure of N17.

Despite interest from Manchester United, The Mirror's John Cross believes Tottenham would be the best fit for Mbeumo to truly take his talent to the next level under Thomas Frank.

He stated: "Bryan Mbeumo should go to Tottenham. The Brentford forward is a serious player and moving to Tottenham, with his old boss Thomas Frank, would propel him to another level into the Champions League."

Of course, it remains to be seen how much Spurs' interest is determined by external parties egging on a transfer pursuit, but their admiration for the Cameroon international is certainly an indication that attacking talent will be prioritised this summer.

Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert has been lined up by the Lilywhites as an alternative to add flair out wide. However, it remains to be seen if a deal is viable to sign the Netherlands international.

Either way, Frank appears to have big plans on his mind, though he may steer away from the Premier League in his hunt for goals and creativity.

Tottenham hold talks to sign Roony Bardghji

According to TBR, Tottenham have held talks to sign Copenhagen sensation Roony Bardghji as the Sweden international enters the final six months of his deal in the Danish capital.

Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Manchester United have also been involved in discussions surrounding the future of the youngster, who has been likened to Messi in the past for his agility and close control. However, he suffered an ACL injury in 2024, which has curtailed a move away from the Superliga side until now.

His burst onto the scene left many mesmerised by his abilities, including former coach Fredrik Akesson after the "extraordinary" development he has made since coming through in his homeland.

Spurs have been courting his services since 2023 and feel that despite his struggles with fitness, the opportunity to land Bardghji at a knockdown fee is simply too good to turn down.

Still only 19 years of age, time is on his side as he prepares for a life-changing move to one of the world's elite, and Tottenham seem to have put themselves in with a great chance of being the ones to make that dream a reality for the Kuwait-born winger.

It's all changing at Tottenham Hotspur at the moment.

Ange Postecoglou may have led the club to their first trophy in a generation, but a 17th-place finish in the Premier League was enough for Daniel Levy and Co to send him on his way.

In his place, former Brentford manager Thomas Frank has been tasked with dramatically improving the club's domestic form next season, and one way to make that happen is by adding genuine quality to the squad.

Fortunately, recent reports suggest the North Londoners may be closing in on a signing who'd be a more exciting addition to the team than Mathys Tel.

Tottenham transfer news

The transfer window may have only just opened again, but Spurs have recently been linked with many talented attackers, such as Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa, who thrived under Frank's management.

Moreover, to ensure the squad aren't left short on numbers in attack next year, Levy and Co have also re-signed Tel on a permanent transfer.

The young Frenchman did well enough in spells last season, and the potential is certainly there, but based purely on what we saw from him this year, it's hard to describe his £30m signing as particularly exciting.

The good news is that the Lilywhites now appear to be advancing in talks to sign someone who certainly would be an exciting signing: Antoine Semenyo.

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the Spurs are incredibly interested in the Bournemouth star and are 'growing in confidence in striking a deal' with the South Coast side.

The report does not mention how much the Ghanaian international could cost the North Londoners, but reports from earlier this month claim that a fee of up to £70m should be enough.

Now, that is certainly a lot of money, but given Semenyo's ability and experience, it'd be worth it for Spurs, especially as he'd be a more exciting signing than Tel.

Why Semenyo would be a more exciting signing than Tel

Okay, so the first thing to address is that Semenyo has an inherent advantage here in that the newest attacking signings are going to be more exciting than a club re-signing someone they've had on loan before purely for the fact that they'll represent something fresh and relatively unknown.

However, while this is undoubtedly the case here, there are other significant reasons why the Bournemouth star would be a far more exciting addition to the team than Tel, starting with their output.

In 20 appearances for the North Londoners, totalling 1257 minutes, the Sarcelles-born attacker was able to score three goals and provide a single assist, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every five games, or every 314.25 minutes.

In stark contrast, the Cherries ace scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3562 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.1 games, or every 178.1 minutes.

Moreover, while the Frenchman can play off the left or up top relatively easily, the Chelsea-born ace can play off either flank, up top or even in midfield, thanks largely to the fact he's ambipedal.

Finally, on top of everything else, the 25-year-old "monster," as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, also comes out way on top when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

For example, he comes out on top in almost all relevant metrics, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, successful take-ons and many, many more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Tel is a talented player who could develop into something special, Semenyo is streaks ahead of him and would be a far more exciting signing for Spurs.

The coming season feels like the start of a new era for Tottenham Hotspur.

The North Londoners finally ended their trophy drought under Ange Postecoglou this year, and now, with Thomas Frank at the helm, they can carry on building a team for the future.

However, to ensure the Danish coach succeeds in North London, Daniel Levy and Co must get the summer transfer window right.

That means that, on top of keeping their best players, the North Londoners need to sign those who can help them improve their Premier League form next season, and it looks like they've identified someone who could do just that, someone who's been compared to Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Tottenham transfer news

Given Spurs' frankly terrible performances in the league and FA Cup this season, it's hardly been a surprise to see the team linked with a host of potentially game-changing players in recent weeks.

One of the names who seem to be mentioned alongside the North Londoners is Eberechi Eze, while the Brentford duo of Yoanne Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo are also unsurprising targets, given their form and connection to Frank.

However, with how sought-after those three appear to be this summer and the price of buying from the Premier League, the Lilywhites appear to be looking further afield, in the Bundesliga, for possible signings.

According to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, Tottenham are indeed interested in RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.

Jacobs claims that the club "like the player" and that a possible move to the Premier League is "one to watch" this summer.

While a potential transfer fee is not mentioned, it has been fairly widely reported earlier this month that should the Dutchman move this summer, then he'll likely cost around £67m.

It would be a costly and likely complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Simons' immense ability and the fact he's won comparisons to Maddison and Kulusevski, it's one worth fighting for.

How Simons compares to Kulu & Maddison

With Kulusevski racking up a haul of 21 goal involvements in 50 games and Maddison amassing a tally of 23 in 45, it wouldn't be too dramatic to claim that the pair have been some of Spurs' better players this season.

Therefore, it's undeniably impressive and encouraging that Simons has been compared to both of them, although with that said, where have said comparisons come from?

Well, they both stem from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, before making a list of the ten most comparable for each, and according to this list, the Englishman has been the second most similar midfielder to the Leipzig star across the last 365 days, while the Swede comes in as the seventh most similar.

Now, the best way to understand how these conclusions were reached is by looking at some of the underlying numbers in which the players rank closely, and in the case of the former Leicester City star, that includes things like non-penalty expected goals plus assist, passing accuracy, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

In the case of the Stockholm-born maestro, similar metrics include progressive passes received, goals per shot on target, goal-creating actions, interceptions, tackles won and more, also all per 90.

However, there are, unsurprisingly, other reasons why Spurs should be looking to sign the former Paris Saint-Germain gem this summer, such as his raw output.

For example, even though he was limited to just 33 appearances, totalling 2763 minutes this season, the 22-year-old, who one analyst proclaimed "one of the best 10s in the world", was able to score 11 goals and provide eight assists.

That means the Amsterdam-born dynamo was able to average a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 this season, and that is the sort of productivity that could get the Lilywhites moving up the table next year.

Ultimately, while he won't be cheap, Spurs should do what they can to sign Simons, as he'd instantly add more dynamism to the first team, and given his age, he could remain a leading figure for the next decade or so.