Football FanCast

You have to wonder whether Manchester United's decision to keep hold of Erik ten Hag after winning the 2023/24 FA Cup played into Daniel Levy's decision to sack Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.

Added to the long list of managers at the Tottenham helm since Levy assumed ownership of the club in 2001, Postecoglou would be forgiven for feeling aggrieved after winning the Europa League last month, ending 17 years of searching for silverware.

But he has paid the price for the year-long suffering in the Premier League, the injury-hit Londoners slumping to a 17th-place finish, one above relegated Leicester City.

There's no question Tottenham's trophy-winning European campaign has been at variance with their wretched top-flight term, but given the schism that has been created through Levy's latest dismissal, it's crucial that they get the next appointment right.

And you'd have to say, Thomas Frank would be a brilliant signing.

Why Spurs want Thomas Frank

Emerging as the clear frontrunner in the bid to replace Postecoglou at Tottenham, Brentford boss Frank is being pursued, although official contacts with the Bees have yet to take place.

Taking Brentford into the Premier League and establishing them as a solid unit with an attractive brand of football, the Danish tactician has proved his durability, adaptability and flexibility during his time in London, hailed for creating an "extraordinary team" by Manchester City's Pep Guardiola.

Frank's nuanced tactical approach is perhaps the definitive factor behind Levy's desire to get the deal done, with Postecoglou, for all his exciting attacking play, perhaps a little one-dimensional at times.

However, there's no certainty that Tottenham will make the appointment. Indeed, an alternative approach for Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi underscores that point.

And Lilywhites chairman Levy may even be ready to sign an alternative.

Spurs line up Frank alternative

According to BBC Sport, Frank might be the favourite for the vacant manager position at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is also in the frame.

Iraola has been a revelation since joining the South Coast club in July 2023, and he's since led the Cherries to their two biggest points hauls in Premier League history (48 in 2023/24 and a whopping 56 last season).

With Frank holding a sizeable release clause in his Brentford contract, Iraola might be a fantastic alternative to turn to, not least because his Bournemouth side finished a place above Frank's in the top flight.

What Andoni Iraola would bring to Spurs

Iraola has shaped Bournemouth into one of the easiest-on-the-eye teams in English football, with former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha commenting on the "incredibly impressive" start to life at the Vitality Stadium, instilling a clear identity.

The 42-year-old's typical 4-2-3-1 formation is also something that would suit Spurs' current crop well, retaining the attacking style Postecoglou will leave embedded but taking it and shaping it into something more fluent and organised.

Iraola's success could even see him prove a better fit for Tottenham than Frank, who has been described as "one of the best in the league" by analyst Ben Mattinson.

His ability to transform Bournemouth from a pragmatic outfit expected to fight to stave off relegation into a slick team capable of knocking on the European door showcases how he could improve Tottenham, who will need some transformative coaching after their wretched domestic campaign.

Raising the ceiling is something both Frank and Iraola have proved themselves capable of doing since taking their respective posts in England, but Iraola may also help a more seamless transition away from Ange's high-line, big-risk, high-intensity possession-based game.

Indeed, as per FBref, Bournemouth only averaged 48.5% of possession in the Premier League last year (putting them 11th), but Brentford were even less active on the ball, 15th with a 47.9% average.

This may feel like something of a regression in tactical expansion, but it would actually be a move rooted in progressive pragmatism, scaling back from the high-stakes gambling played by Postecoglou.

Moreover, Iraola's teams have earned praise for their organisation and togetherness when out of possession, further highlighting the issues Tottenham have been beset by and how they could fix this.

Still, the two managers aren't diametrically opposed, and Iraola's intense physical demands would allow him to dovetail into the Tottenham milieu.

While Frank is a proven manager in the Premier League, Iraola is also showing himself to be a nuanced and dynamic tactician, and could be the right man for the job.

Fans will understandably be concerned that Tottenham are stuck in something of a circular motion, winning some silverware, yes, but continuing to churn through managers.

Such back-and-forth threatens to isolate the success, leaving it as a flash in the pan. However, Iraola is a fantastic and intelligent manager, and if given several years to inculcate his teachings onto the north London squad, this could be a real corner for Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has sacked Ange Postecoglou. After supposedly a week of deliberation, it was determined the Aussie coach's Europa League triumph was not enough to save him.

There's no question this has been one of the most dramatic years in the club's modern history, certainly one of the most chaotic and turbulent seasons across Europe's myriad clubs.

All have been watching, though. Watching with glee or compassion, but with eyes riveted on the drama as it unfolded.

Postecoglou made a promise, and that promise was delivered in the most resounding fashion as Spurs won the Europa League in their manager's second season, salvaging a wretched domestic campaign that has seen the club finish 17th in the Premier League.

Sadly, there will be no season three in this series. There could, however, be an exciting new face in the dugout.

Spurs hold talks for Ange replacement

According to TBR Football, Levy has held talks with a number of candidates for the Tottenham manager's position, and while Brentford's Thomas Frank is the leading contender, there's another Premier League boss who could make the move.

That's Oliver Glasner, who led Crystal Palace to glory in the FA Cup this term. Earmarked as a potential option, Glasner stated he was "100% committed" to Selhurst Park after the Wembley win against Manchester City, but Tottenham present a compelling long-term project.

The Austrian coach, 50, is even thought to be leading the race to succeed Postecoglou, alongside Frank.

What Oliver Glasner would bring to Spurs

Making the move from a divisional rival below the league's 'big six', Glasner could prove to be Tottenham's next Mauricio Pochettino, especially since both bosses employ expansive attacking games.

Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Glasner took the Eagles reins in February 2024, replacing Roy Hodgson after ten defeats from 17 matches. Palace were 15th but lacked inspiration and direction.

Hailed for his "incredible" work in south London by AFTV's James B, Glasner has led Palace to a 12th-placed finish, but with the highest points total in the club's Premier League history.

His high-intensity, hard-working tactical approach is something that could see him emulate Spurs' one-time gaffer, who was actually criticised once for working his players too hard during Tottenham training.

Of course, Glasner's FA Cup lift didn't mark the first major trophy in his managerial career, having won the Europa League with Frankfurt, so he'd bring his own brand down N17, simply aligning with some of the principles that have convinced Spurs to make appointments in the past.

In that regard, he's proven himself capable of outstripping Pochettino, making the move from a divisional rival but with the winning mentality already constructed.

The truth is, there's a very solid argument behind Levy's decision to dismiss the man who ended 17 endless years of searching for a major trophy.

And if he moves to appoint Glasner, whose football is entertaining and whose trophy-winning credentials have been illustrated through victory in the FA Cup last month, Tottenham might just go from strength to strength next term.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified Brentford boss Thomas Frank as the lead candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou, following their Friday announcement that the Europa League-winning Australian has been relieved of his duties.

Postecoglou sacked with Thomas Frank in pole position for Spurs job

Postecoglou broke the Spurs hoodoo and clinched their first piece of major silverware in 17 years, sealing Champions League qualification in the process by reigning victorious in the Europa League final against Man United just over a fortnight ago.

However, despite the raw emotion surrounding their triumphant night in Bilbao, not to mention their excellent footing to kickstart and build for next campaign, chairman Daniel Levy decided to hand Postecoglou his P45.

The club's official statement cited domestic form as the main culprit behind Postecoglou's dismissal, with the 59-year-old leading Spurs to an all-time record of 22 Premier League defeats in a single season.

However, regardless of their dismal Premier League performances, there is an argument to be made that winning their first European trophy since 1984 and sealing a place in Europe's most prestigious competition far outweighs their position in the table.

As debate continues to surround whether Levy has indeed made the right decision, news has emerged that Frank is a fierce contender for the now-vacant Tottenham job, with Fabrizio Romano stating that talks are expected to continue in the next few days.

Frank does have serious credentials for the job, namely his success operating on a shoe-string budget at Brentford and track record of nurturing unknowns into top-class talents.

The Dane has also worked under a data-driven recruitment model with the Bees, which is where Spurs have gone with their own transfer philosophy in recent seasons, so in that sense, Frank could be deemed an excellent fit.

However, there are reservations that his lack of trophy-winning experience makes him a less exciting candidate in the eyes of some supporters.

Tottenham have trophy-winning Thomas Frank alternative in Edin Terzić

Interestingly, a manager with that pedigree, and one who was eyeing a move to Tottenham this season, is readily-available for hire right now.

Ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzić guided the Bundesliga side to a Champions League final against Real Madrid last year, winning one German Cup and a German Super Cup during his time at BVB.

He is still yet to find a new club, and what makes this possibility more intriguing is Terzic's apparent eagerness to join the north Londoners. Besiktas president Serdal Adali, speaking to Tivibu Spor in December, via GOAL this week, stated that Terzic was actually waiting to join Tottenham at one point in 2024/2025.

"Edin Terzić was one of our foreign alternatives," said Adali. "In the meeting, he said he was expecting an agreement with Tottenham."

Still without a club, the German could be a more illustrious alternative to Frank with proven Champions League experience, and one which would require no release clause payments or compensation fees.

Summer has officially begun with a mini-transfer window open until June 10, allowing Tottenham Hotspur to go and strike early recruitment deals ahead of the 2025/2026 season.

Tottenham make transfer plans amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

Lilywhites boss Ange Postecoglou is apparently set to learn his fate as Spurs boss this week (ESPN), with supporters still anxiously waiting for chairman Daniel Levy's decision after an incredibly mixed campaign.

Postecoglou ended the club's long 17-year wait for a piece of major silverware by guiding them to victory in the Europa League final, at Man United's expense, but the Australian also led them to a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats in a single season.

Before Spurs can make real headway on their summer recruitment drive, Postecoglou's future must be resolved, and reliable club insider Paul O'Keefe recently shared that Levy has in fact made a call on when to do next - without formally communicating it just yet.

With Levy set to communicate his decision sooner rather than later, Spurs can then start getting to work on their transfer plans, if their potential search for a new manager doesn't take centre stage for too long.

News emerged on Tuesday that Son Heung-min could leave Tottenham this summer after 10 years at the club (The Telegraph), despite Tottenham triggering a one-year extension clause in his contract.

If the South Korean star does leave, Spurs will acquire a fee for his faithful service, but they'd also need a replacement for him. In light of this news, it is no coincidence that Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane is being repeatedly linked with a move to north London.

Dejan Kulusevski is also out with a long-term injury and could take some time to get fully match fit again, so the need for a new winger is pretty prevalent.

Sergio Reguilon is confirmed to be leaving Tottenham as well, with Destiny Udogie now their only senior natural left-back.

Tottenham hold talks over signing New England left-back Peyton Miller

According to New England Revolution journalist Seth Macomber, who covers them for The Blazing Musket, MLS sensation Peyton Miller is now attracting serious interest from the Lilywhites.

As per Macomber, Tottenham have held talks with New England about signing Miller, with Levy and co displaying a real interest in signing the teenager.

The versatile full-back, who can play nearly anywhere on the left-flank, has been called the 'real deal' by American critics and is now a regular for New England after becoming the second-youngest player to both appear and start in an MLS match for them.

He could be an adept back-up option to Udogie, and his meteoric rise in the last two seasons looks to have really impressed Tottenham scouts.

Tottenham Hotspur's summer recruitment drive hasn't quite got off the ground yet, mainly due to uncertainty surrounding Ange Postecoglou and his long-term future, but that hasn't stopped some transfer plans being made.

Tottenham transfer plans after vital Europa League triumph

While Postecoglou is set to learn his fate as soon as this week, according to ESPN and other reliable media sources, technical director Johan Lange, chairman Daniel Levy and the incoming Fabio Paratici will be debating ways to improve the Spurs squad regardless of who is in charge next season.

Their triumph in the Europa League final has opened many doors for Spurs, with the Lilywhites set to compete in next season's Champions League as one major positive of their victory against Man United in Bilbao.

The greater transfer market pull and financial windfall that comes with competing in Europe's most prestigious competition will undoubtedly assist Levy when it comes to bolstering the team this summer, with Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge reporting that Spurs want to strengthen the entire squad in all areas bar goalkeeper.

"Spurs don't have to sell to buy, with Champions League qualification huge for the club," said Bridge.

"All areas, apart from the goalkeeping department, will be looked at. Midfield and forward would be the priority if Cristian Romero stays."

Dejan Kulusevski's lengthy injury lay-off, combined with uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Richarlison and even Mathys Tel, means a new attacking player or two could be highly likely at Spurs.

Tottenham are considering the sale of Richarlison after another season marred by injury for the Brazilian, while there are some reports that Tel could return to Bayern Munich if Spurs make significant progress on a deal for Leroy Sane.

Sane has been heavily linked with a move to N17 in the last week, with the Bayern winger out of contract at the end of this month. He recently employed super-agent Pini Zahavi to help negotiate a new deal with Vincent Kompany's side, but no agreement has been reached, so the representative could assist in finding him a new club instead.

Leroy Sane "wants a move" to Tottenham from Bayern Munich

Spurs face competition from north London rivals Arsenal, who are also believed to be in talks with Zahavi, but Levy has been handed a fresh boost in their rumoured pursuit of the 29-year-old.

Once valued at £137 million by Man City, the winger could soon be available at zero transfer cost, with Tottenham News sharing an update on the Lilywhites' chances of beating Arsenal to his signature.

The outlet reports that Sane "wants a move" to Tottenham after they qualified for the Champions League, and they're current favourites to win the race in light of the forward's fresh stance on joining.

This is also regardless of whether Postecoglou is at the club next term, so it appears Sane is pretty keen on a switch to Spurs.

There have been more than a few memorable summer windows for Tottenham Hotspur over the years, but perhaps the most memorable was 2013.

It was the window in which Gareth Bale was sold for a then-world-record fee of £85m, and instead of spending that money on a few top-quality replacements, the North Londoners signed their infamous magnificent seven.

Unfortunately, most of them were anything but, although Christian Eriksen was among them, who went on to have a brilliant six-and-a-half-year career at the club before moving to Inter Milan in January 2020.

The Danish international was an incredibly gifted footballer, and based on recent reports, Spurs might be looking to sign Eriksen 2.0, someone who'd be a great addition to the squad, but might be bad news for Pape Matar Sarr.

Tottenham transfer news

Before we get to the player in question, it's worth looking at some of the other brilliant talents linked with a move to Spurs in recent weeks, such as Tim Kleindienst and Daizen Maeda.

The former could reportedly be available for just £30m this summer, which would represent a brilliant deal, as in just 33 games this season, the full German international scored 16 goals and provided ten assists.

However, Maeda did even better than that, scoring 33 goals and providing 12 assists in 51 games for Celtic, and could be signed for just £25m.

Yet, another star from outside the top-five leagues is now on the club's radar: Quinten Timber.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs are now one of several sides interested in signing the Feyenoord captain this summer.

The report has revealed that even though the 23-year-old is out injured, a failure to agree a new contract with him could force the Dutch giants into selling him this year, with a fee of up to €30m - £25m - supposedly being enough.

The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and several Spanish teams are also said to be interested in the talented midfielder, so it could be a difficult transfer to get over the line.

That said, Spurs should do what they can to bring him to N17, as he could be another Eriksen and even an upgrade on Sarr.

How Timber compares to Eriksen and Sarr

So before we get onto the comparison between Timber and Sarr, it's worth explaining what we mean by him potentially being another Eriksen.

The first element of this comparison is that, like the Spurs player, the Feyenoord captain would be making his way from the Eredivisie to N17, and not only that, but as one of the most exciting and impressive midfielders in the Dutch top-flight.

Second, while the Dane was more of a traditional attacking midfielder than the Arsenal star's brother is, the 23-year-old is no slouch when it comes to the attacking side of the game, making five appearances in attacking midfield this season and producing seven goal involvements in 26 appearances.

With that said, how does he stack up against the North Londoners' young Senegalese ace? As with his primary position being central midfield, he'd be in competition with him for game time next year.

Well, the best way to understand where the pair stand in this regard is to look at their underlying numbers, and when we do this, it becomes clear that the "extraordinary" Dutchman, as dubbed by Mikel Arteta, could well be the better player.

For example, he comes out ahead in most relevant metrics, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, shots and shots on target, key passes, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

On top of that, the former Ajax youth product is also the captain of Feyenoord, which suggests he's already got some serious leadership credentials at just 23 and could, therefore, be a real asset to Postecoglou in the middle of the park.

Ultimately, while he's not going to play in the same way Eriksen did, Timber could have a similar impact on the team, and therefore, Spurs should do what they can to sign him this summer.

When it comes to great Tottenham Hotspur players of the last 15 years or so, you have plenty to choose from.

The likes of Harry Kane, Mousa Dembélé, Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen might not have won anything at the club, but they more than made their mark on English football and the Premier League for the North Londoners.

One star from that era who was arguably one of the best players in the country at his peak was Dele Alli.

The Englishman was a tour de force at points, racking up 35 goal involvements in the 16/17 season, so fans should be excited about reports linking the team to a player who was compared to Dele in the past.

Tottenham transfer news

Before we get to the player in question, it is worth looking at some of the other talented stars linked with a move to Spurs in recent weeks and months, like Leroy Sané and Angel Gomes.

With his contract ending this month, the former would be a shrewd free signing, as in just 2376 minutes across 45 games this season, the Bayern Munich ace has scored 13 goals and provided six assists.

Interestingly, Gomes would also be a free addition to the North Londoners squad, and based on reports from earlier this week, they've already submitted a proposal to the Englishman, who has made four senior appearances for the Three Lions and 134 for LOSC Lille.

However, neither of these players have been compared to Dele in the past, unlike Jack Grealish.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Transfers, Spurs are now interested in the Manchester City star.

The report has revealed that the Lilywhites have begun talks with the Englishman's representatives as they 'explore the possibility' of bringing him to North London this summer.

The good news is that the report claims the player is, in fact, open to the idea of moving to N17 now that the club will be in the Champions League next year, but the bad news is that City would want an offer of up to £43m to let him go.

It would be a somewhat costly transfer to get done, but Grealish could be the sort of maverick player Ange Postecoglou needs in his attack next season, and the fact he was compared to Dele in the past is a great bonus.

Why Spurs might want Grealish

So, before we get to some of the other reasons why Spurs might want to sign Grealish this summer, let's examine these comparisons to Dele, with the first coming from Lee Hendrie all the way back in 2018.

At the time, the young talent was just making a name for himself at Aston Villa, and Hendrie was seriously impressed with his ability to get "past players with ease" and was full of praise for "creative" abilities, which he claimed were similar to "the Dele Alli's of the world."

Just a couple of years later, Dean Smith was making the comparison between the Englishmen, claiming that the then-Villa gem shared the same goalscoring "star quality" that the former MK Dons gem had in the early years of his Tottenham career.

Aside from what players and pundits have said, both players have represented the Three Lions at major tournaments, and both, at one point in their careers, had that ability to make something happen out of absolutely nothing.

In fact, it's the chance to resurrect this skill in the "unbelievable" City star, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, that is surely driving the Lilywhites' interest in him.

Even though he played a bit-part role in the Cityzens' campaign this season, he was still able to amass a decent tally of three goals and five assists in 1521 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 190.12 minutes, and his underlying numbers are even better.

For example, FBref places the 29-year-old in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe's top five leagues for progressive carries, pass completion, shot-creating actions from live passes, progressive and total carrying distance, carries into the penalty area, the top 2% for goal-creating actions from defensive actions, fouls drawn, the top 8% for key passes and more.

In short, while the Champions League winner's raw output hasn't been great for several years, his incredible underlying numbers indicate that he could flourish in the right system, which could be Postecoglou's.

Ultimately, it would be something of a gamble, but in Grealish, Spurs could have themselves a genuine maverick who can make something out of nothing - akin to Dele in his prime.

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a season-defining call over whether to stick or twist with manager Ange Postecoglou, who's just guided the club to their first major trophy in 17 years whilst also enduring their worst ever Premier League season.

Daniel Levy makes Ange Postecoglou decision at Tottenham

The Australian's side recorded a record-breaking 22 defeats in the league, which is their highest total in a single Premier League campaign, but their triumph in the Europa League was crucial in more ways than one.

After beating Man United 1-0 during a tense final in Bilbao, Spurs won their first European piece of silverware since 1984 whilst putting an end to their 17-year wait for a trophy overall - giving Daniel Levy some major thinking to do when it comes to Postecoglou's long-term future.

Reports suggest that Tottenham have started doing their due-diligence by opening discussions with managerial targets, in the event they do decide to sack Postecoglou, and an extremely reliable Spurs source, Paul O'Keefe, actually claims that Levy has already made his decision behind-the-scenes.

O'Keefe has heard from his sources that the Lilywhites chairman knows what direction he wants to take with Postecoglou, but he's yet to communicate his call to those within Hotspur Way.

Reliable media outlets report that Postecoglou will learn his fate this week (ESPN), with the 59-year-old again suggesting he wants to remain at Spurs.

"I didn't want us to just enjoy the moment," said Postecoglou in an interview with Australian Story, during a family holiday in Greece.

"I also wanted us to think about what's next, you know - don't settle for this. We've got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club's got a taste for it. Well, let's make sure we're back here again."

Tottenham hold "multiple meetings" with Brentford boss Thomas Frank

According to recent reports, Brentford boss Thomas Frank is becoming a more concrete target.

The "class" Dane's contract includes an £8 million release clause, which Levy can choose to activate this summer. GiveMeSport's Ben Jacobs reports that Tottenham have held "multiple meetings" with Frank, who's a leading candidate to replace Postecoglou.

Frank has done a solid job with very little resources in terms of transfer investment, an undoubtedly attractive aspect of his CV to Levy, with Man City boss Pep Guardiola also calling him "one of the best".

"They are an extraordinary team," said Guardiola. "What they do always makes sense. Every corner is a headache. They are compact. This season, they have a high press. Thomas is one of the best."

Tottenham Hotspur have now internally "discussed" appointing a former Premier League manager as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou this summer, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.

Levy set to make decision on Ange's future this week

There have been conflicting reports about Ange's future as Tottenham boss, but Sky Sports News have now clarified that a decision is likely to be made at some point this week, when chairman Daniel Levy returns from his holiday.

Levy has a very difficult decision on his hands, as there are differing opinions as to whether the Europa League victory sufficiently papers over the cracks of Spurs' performances in the Premier League, with Ange's side finishing in just 17th place after a dismal campaign.

While a final decision is yet to be made, the north Londoners have already started to identify potential replacements for Ange, having held direct talks with Brentford boss Thomas Frank, and internal discussions have now taken place over a move for a different manager.

That is according to Jacobs, who recently told GiveMeSport that Roberto De Zerbi has now become a potential option for Tottenham, saying: "Levy will also know having Champions League football next season makes Spurs an attractive prospect to managerial candidates.

"Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva have definitely come under consideration, but Bournemouth expect the former to stay. And Silva has said publicly he plans to remain at Fulham.

“I would keep an eye on Thomas Frank if a change is made. Roberto De Zerbi has also been discussed, but Marseille also got Champions League under him this season.”

"Genius" De Zerbi impressing in Ligue 1

After making the decision to leave Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, the Italian manager has gone on to impress in Ligue 1, leading Marseille to a second-placed finish and securing qualification for the Champions League.

As such, the 45-year-old, who prefers to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, could be tempted to remain at the French club for at least another year, but if he does become an option for Tottenham, there are plenty of signs that he could be a solid replacement for Ange.

Statman Dave was left particularly impressed by the former Brighton boss during his time in the Premier League, describing him as a "genius", and he managed to lead the Seagulls to sixth place in the 2022-23 season, securing Europa League football in the process.

De Zerbi's Premier League experience could serve him well in the Tottenham hot seat, but many will feel that Ange has earned one last chance in the job, having led his side to Europa League glory despite suffering numerous injury setbacks in a difficult campaign.

With the season finally coming to a close, Tottenham Hotspur have a monumental summer ahead of them.

For example, alongside potentially replacing Ange Postecoglou, Daniel Levy and Co must go big in the transfer window to ensure the team don't endure another Premier League campaign like this one.

On top of making sure they keep their own stars like Cristian Romero, the North Londoners need to bring in new ones to help them climb up the table and make a good account of themselves in the Champions League.

Fortunately, reports have recently linked the club to an attacker who could help them do just that, an attacker who'd be a massive upgrade on Son Heung-min.

Tottenham transfer news

Before we get to the star in question, it's worth looking at some of the other brilliant players who have been linked with a move to Spurs in recent weeks, like Leroy Sané and Xavi Simons.

The former's contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of this month and would therefore be a free signing, which could end up being an incredible deal, as in just 2377 minutes of football across 45 appearances this season, the German international scored 13 goals and provided six assists.

Simons, on the other hand, would cost the club around £67m, but even then, it would be hard to argue that's not a fair fee, as the Flying Dutchman managed to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in 33 appearances this season.

Yet, there is another, even more impressive winger being linked with Tottenham: Bradley Barcola.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs are among several Premier League clubs who are incredibly interested in the Paris Saint-Germain phenomenon.

In fact, the story has claimed that the Lilywhites, Arsenal and Manchester City have already sent scouts to watch the French international.

However, it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, as while PSG do not want to sell the 22-year-old, they do value him at up to €120m, which is about £101m.

With that said, given Barcola's immense ability and potential, this may be a deal worth breaking the bank on, especially as he'd be the perfect Son upgrade.

How Barcola compares to Son

While Barcola can and has played in other positions in the past, it's abundantly clear that his preferred and best role is leftwing.

Therefore, depending on what else happens in the summer transfer window, one of his main competitors for game time at Spurs next season, were he to sign for them, would be Son Heung-min.

With that said, who comes out on top when we compare them? Well, from a raw output perspective, it's a rather one-sided affair.

For example, the incredible Lyon-born ace, who's "one of the best LW's in Europe," according to analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 21 goals and provided 19 assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3643 minutes this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.45 games, or every 91.07 minutes.

In contrast, the North Londoners captain scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 46 appearances, totalling 3189 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game, or one every 138.65 minutes.

Okay, what about their underlying numbers from this season? Which attacker comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it's the "devastating" star, as he was described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, who once again emerges victorious here, and by quite some margin at that.

For example, while there are a few metrics in which the South Korean superstar is able to hold his own and actually come out ahead, it's the UCL winner who does far better in the vast majority of relevant areas.

Ultimately, while Son has been an incredible player for Spurs for so long, Barcola is simply the better winger in practically every way, and therefore, Levy and Co should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.