Football FanCast

Chelsea have made a transfer breakthrough after agreeing a deal to sign a new “diamond” attacking player for manager Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea hijacked by Tottenham for Xavi Simons

It has been a busy transfer window for the Blues so far in regards to both incomings and outgoings, with BlueCo currently spending more than £250m.

That figure could increase even further as well, with those at Stamford Bridge looking to make more attacking additions before Monday’s transfer deadline.

One player who won’t be making the move to Chelsea, though, is Xavi Simons. It looked as if the Netherlands international was on course to sign for Maresca’s side for large parts of the summer, however, rivals Tottenham have come in and secured the attacker’s services from RB Leipzig.

Spurs are paying more than £50m to sign Simons from under the noses of Chelsea and has been given a five-year deal contract in north London.

However, despite missing out on Simons, the Blues have had more luck when it comes to another long-term attacking target.

Chelsea agree £40m Garnacho deal with Man Utd

That’s because Chelsea have agreed a fee with Manchester United for the signing of Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Chelsea will pay a £40million fixed fee for the 21-year-old, as per the PA news agency, with United retaining a 10 per cent sell-on fee clause. The deal represents Man Utd’s fourth-largest sale after the transfers of Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku and Angel Di Maria, and is the largest fee received for a graduate from the Red Devils’ academy.

The Blues initially offered a fee of £25million for a player who has scored 26 goals in 144 games for United, two of which actually came at Stamford Bridge in 2024. Garnacho will follow Marcus Rashford out of the Red Devils door to become the second member of United’s so-called ‘bomb squad’ of unwanted players to secure a move away from Old Trafford.

Chelsea have already signed Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian in a revamp of their attack this summer, and Garnacho is likely to compete with Gittens on the left wing.

Fabrizio Romano has shared some transfer news out of Tottenham in what is a big boost for Thomas Frank, with chairman Daniel Levy adding to their short list of summer signings ahead of an imminent deadline day.

Spurs have just four days to bolster Frank's squad in the desired areas, as Levy attempts to back the Dane before a very long and arduous campaign where the Lilywhites will be competing on four fronts.

They've made an excellent start to the new Premier League season, rounding off impressive wins against newcomers Burnley and heavyweights Man City in the past fortnight, but injuries to key players have partly prompted a late scramble for new recruits.

James Maddison is set to miss a large portion of 2025/2026 after rupturing his ACL in pre-season, while Dejan Kulusevski could be out until much later in the year as he continues his recovery from a knee problem.

Radu Dragusin also suffered an ACL injury back in the winter, and the Romania international still isn't ready for selection.

As a result, Tottenham have been in the market for a new centre-back, number 10 and winger over the past few weeks, with club legend Son Heung-min also waving an emotional goodbye to the club earlier this month before joining LAFC.

Spurs were in talks to sign Savinho from Man City, but Pep Guardiola's side appear to have blocked the move despite the Brazil international's extreme eagerness to move down south for more game time.

Their search for a playmaker hasn't been plain sailing either, with Levy missing out on both Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White in spectacular, dramatic fashion this window alone.

However, according to reports, Tottenham's mission to sign a new number 10 could now be coming to a close.

In the last 48 hours, Spurs began talks over hijacking Chelsea's deal for RB Leipzig sensation Xavi Simons, who was a former member of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy before switching to PSG's youth ranks.

The 22-year-old has been dazzling in Germany with Leipzig for two years, making his move there permanent in January, but he's now set to join the Lilywhites after successful talks.

Xavi Simons signs Tottenham contract after "overnight" agreement

According to Romano, following an "overnight" agreement, Tottenham are set to sign Simons in a deal worth £52 million, with his medical already completed and contracts now penned.

The Netherlands international, who can also play on the left, will provide Frank with versatility, attacking flair and proven quality in the final third.

Despite suffering an ankle ligament injury at the start of 24/25, Simons still managed 11 goals and eight assists over 33 appearances in all competitions, with Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard previously sharing exactly what Frank can expect from his newest arrival.

Tottenham Hotspur fell by the wayside in the Premier League last season, but they picked themselves back up and won the Europa League as part of Ange Postecoglou's last hurrah.

The Australian coach's will to win and promise kept have immortalised his name and legacy down N17, but chairman Daniel Levy made the tough call to axe his hero after abject league form and consistent inconsistency.

The decision polarised the fanbase and the wider football community, no doubt, but Levy will feel somewhat vindicated after some impressive early-season form from Spurs, now led by new manager Thomas Frank, winning 3-0 at home to Burnley before confidently dispatching Manchester City at the Etihad.

Mohammed Kudus is off to a flyer after his summer switch from West Ham United, while Joao Palhinha got on the scoresheet against Pep Guardiola's side. It's coming together.

However, Tottenham need more before the window slams shut, with sights set on bringing in a new attacking midfielder.

Spurs' search for an attacking midfielder

During a pre-season match against Newcastle United, James Maddison pulled up after going in for a challenge. It was innocuous, but it was clear from the outset that something wasn't right.

The England international will miss much of the campaign with an ACL injury, and with Dejan Kulusevski currently out of action too, the need for a number ten is clear.

Many efforts have been exhausted this summer, missing out on both Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White and Crystal Palace superstar Eberechi Eze, who has joined Arsenal after a late hijack.

Attention has since been turned to Como's Nico Paz, but the former Real Madrid prospect, 20, wishes to remain in Italy in hope of a future return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Paz would be a fantastic addition, but he is young and raw and would likely need a bedding-in period on English shores, and Frank's side need to make real, instant headway in the Premier League this season.

Spurs showing late interest in Premier League star

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham are gearing up for a late-window move for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, who has been priced at £80m as Unai Emery's side look to ward off suitors.

Chelsea are ready to tussle with their London neighbours, with both sides showing 'strong interest', though it's worth stressing that the Blues remain focused on signing RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons, their top target.

And Tottenham? Well, having struggled to land a new midfield playmaker after Maddison's injury, it's been suggested by sources that he is viewed as the perfect profile to complete Frank's squad.

What Morgan Rogers would bring to Spurs

Once a speck in Manchester City's youth academy, Rogers bit the bullet and joined Middlesbrough in the Championship as he sought to make a name for himself.

And a name the Three Lions sensation has made. Hailed as "a machine" of a player by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell, Rogers fostered his potential with Boro and earned a move to the Midlands, getting stronger and stronger and notching 30 goal contributions across the 2024/25 campaign.

The 23-year-old's exploits saw him crowned the PFA Young Player of the Year earlier in August, thus underscoring his potential and the reasoning behind Tottenham's bid.

His athleticism, dribbling and ever-growing potency make a telling comment on his capacity, and perhaps suggest that he could even prove to be an upgrade on Maddison and Como's Paz.

Paz, who joined Como in Italy one year ago, is a silky and creative player with a combative approach to his defensive work. Through statistical analysis, data-led platform FBref have revealed he is comparable to Eze, so it's clear to see why the Lilywhites have registered their interest.

But such data cannot stretch much further back than the 2024/25 campaign, for the Spaniard previously played in Real Madrid Castilla (Los Blancos' second team), and was afforded four first-team appearances across the 2023/24 season.

Given that the outlay mooted would fall into the same £60m ballpark that Eze and Gibbs-White's signatures were priced at, it would perhaps be worth forking out an extra £20m or so for a Prem-proven player like Rogers, who would add something to the berth while bringing his own tactical flavour.

The 28-year-old Maddison, after all, hasn't been sold, and will be desperate to make a fluent return to form when he does haul himself out of the infirmary.

Rogers, still improving, isn't cut from quite the same cloth as Maddison, who is more of a ball-playing specialist, but the injured Spurs stars' compatriot offers much in the way of strength and impetus and directness, actually remarked to be "unstoppable" during a match against Everton by Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher last year.

As per Sofascore, Rogers didn't just maintain a threat in front of goal, scoring eight times in the Premier League, assisting ten strikes too, but he proved himself consistent and reliable through reinforced underlying data, creating 16 big chances and averaging 1.2 tackles, 1.4 key passes and 4.7 successful duels per game.

The England man's durability and wherewithal, coupled with an aptitude for the technical side of the game, suggest that he could be exactly what Frank's Tottenham need, adding quality and depth at number ten and out on the left flank.

While a deal will be hard to pull off as the transfer window enters the final stretch, there's no question that Tottenham's interest is genuine, and with Chelsea still prioritising a move for Simons, Levy and co might want to act as swiftly as possible, lest they miss out on another top target at this critical early juncture of the campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur have sealed a deal to sign a versatile teenage forward from Scottish giants Celtic.

Tottenham targeting big attacking signing before deadline

Despite agreeing personal terms with Eberechi Eze, he decided to snub Spurs and sign for rivals Arsenal last week. As a result, Tottenham are on the search for a new marquee attacking addition before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Daniel Levy has so far spent around £118m for Thomas Frank, who has begun his time in charge of Spurs with back-to-back Premier League wins.

Tottenham haven’t conceded a goal in the victories against Burnley and Manchester City, but with James Maddison sidelined with a serious injury, Frank is after another new face in the final third.

Talking before the win at the Etihad, Frank, who also missed out on Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White earlier int he summer, said he is “confident” of making a signing before the window shuts.

"In general I don't want any players that don't want to come to this club and wear this fantastic badge. We don't want them here and I'm sure the fans feel the same.

"We are in the market and we will look to strengthen the team. We have a good squad and good players [but] we need to do everything we can to be as competitive as possible. I am confident we will sign a player before the end of the window. Every club wants to sign players as early as possible, but it's not that easy.”

That player could be RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, with Spurs looking at hijacking Chelsea’s move for the Netherlands star.

At academy level, though, Spurs have now sealed an attacking signing, with an announcement already made.

Tottenham agree deal to sign teenage forward Conall Glancy from Celtic

Making the move to north London is teenage forward Conall Glancy, who was previously on the books at Celtic.

In an official statement, Spurs revealed that Glancy, 16, has joined the club as a first-year scholar and will play for the U18s.

“We are delighted to announce that Conall Glancy has joined our Academy from Celtic. The 16-year-old forward arrives as a first-year scholar in the Under-18s, joining the 11 players previously announced in that age category this summer. Born in Glasgow, he was with the Hoops since the age of six and can operate off the right wing or in the central areas. He scored 15 goals for Celtic’s Under-16s in 2024/25.”

A versatile youngster who was in the goals last season, Glancy, should he impress, will be able to pen professional terms when he turns 17.

He’ll be a name to keep an eye on in the academy, but at first team level, Spurs continue to work on an attacking addition who will make an instant impact for Frank.

Tottenham remain in the market for key additions before deadline day on September 1, with the clock against Daniel Levy who has just five days to make three major signings for Spurs.

Thomas Frank has made an excellent start to life in his first ever job managing one of the Premier League big six, overseeing impressive wins against Burnley and Man City with a hamstrung squad.

However, the new manager bounce is unlikely to continue indefinitely, and it is inevitable that Spurs will suffer new injuries amid their task of competing on four different fronts.

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are two big attacking absentees for Frank, and it was made worse by club legend Son Heung-min's departure to the MLS. Radu Dragusin also won't be back for a while, meaning Tottenham would ideally like to sign a new centre-back, number 10 and winger in the next few days (Sky Sports).

Of course, with time against the Lilywhites, this could change, and their main priority right now is bringing in a playmaker.

This has resulted in Tottenham now making a last-gasp attempt to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, and they could hijack Chelsea in the process after their lengthy talks for the Dutchman.

Credible reports suggest that Simons is open to joining Tottenham, despite reportedly agreeing personal terms with Chelsea, so a north London leapfrog in the race for his signature is very much alive.

The former PSR sensation is in London right now amid Spurs and Chelsea's race to sign him, with talks ongoing behind-the-scenes as a late battle ensues.

In terms of their wide targets, a player they've been struggling to land thus far is Man City winger Savinho.

The Brazil international was subject to a £42 million bid from Spurs, which was rejected out of hand, and Frank's side were reportedly prepared to make another bid closer to the £60 million mark.

However, City are clear - Savinho is not for sale.

This has resulted in Tottenham being forced to go back to square one in pursuit of a Son replacement, but Savinho himself hasn't exactly thrown the towel in.

Savinho "really" wants to join Tottenham and hopes for Man City deal

According to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, the 21-year-old "really" wants to join Tottenham and is still hoping that a deal can be struck before September 1's deadline - even if it is unlikely.

“City’s hierarchy’s stance was always the same with Savinho; they did not want him to leave. Yes, they showed an interest in Rodrygo, but it was always difficult, and they maintained their stance on Savinho," said Bailey.

“However, I am told that Savinho really wanted the Spurs move and still does; the window remains open until Monday, and he hopes the deal could happen.

“Spurs will remain attentive to the situation, should they get any encouragement; however, they have also made it clear to Savinho they are moving forward with other targets too.”

The former La Liga forward, who City value at £69m, was a key member of the Girona side that surprisingly challenged for a 23/24 title, with Savinho also registering 13 assists in all competitions for City last season.

He hasn't been able to feature so far this term due to injury, but Pep Guardiola believes he is an extraordinary player.

Tottenham Hotspur’s hunt for a new number ten this summer has certainly been a frustrating one - with the hierarchy unable to land a talent to back Thomas Frank during his first year at the helm.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze are just two players who have been on their radar this window, but neither player will be making the move to North London before Monday’s deadline.

The former has penned a new three-year deal at Nottingham Forest, whilst the latter completed a £67.5m move to join bitter rivals and boyhood club, Arsenal.

To make matters worse for the new boss, current number ten options James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski will be missing until at least 2026, with the duo suffering injury setbacks in recent weeks.

With just a number of days left in the transfer window, the hierarchy must work tirelessly to land a top-level option to help the Dane in his quest for Premier League success in 2025/26.

Spurs’ hunt for a new number ten this summer

Nico Paz emerged as a potential option for Spurs over the last couple of weeks, leading to the Lilywhites hierarchy making a €70m (£61m) offer to Como for the 20-year-old.

However, their bid for the Argentine was dismissed by the Serie A outfit, claiming he’s not for sale this summer, which has seen Frank’s men move on to different targets ahead of Monday’s deadline.

Numerous players have been considered, but it appears as though the club have made a beeline to land RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.

He claims that Spurs have recently made an offer for the Dutchman, totalling £61m including add-ons, looking to hijack his potential move to fellow Premier League side, Chelsea.

Plettenberg also stated that it is 'seen as a matter of time' before an agreement is reached, leaving the decision down to the player as to where he wants to play in 2025/26 and beyond.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s own Eriksen

Back in the summer of 2013, Spurs forked out a fee in the region of £11m to land attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen from Ajax - arriving at the club as an unknown quantity to many fans.

However, a deal for the Dane will arguably go down as one of the best in their history, after he made over 300 appearances over a near seven-year spell in North London.

He racked up 69 goals and 82 assists, subsequently helping the Lilywhites reach the Champions League final back in the 2018/19 campaign under Mauricio Pochettino.

Eriksen, whilst mainly being a number ten by trade, could also feature off the left-hand side of the attack, which allowed him to become one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League.

Whilst he left the club just over five years ago, new boss Frank has the chance to land his own version of the fan-favourite, with a move for Simons in the next few days.

Both have experience playing in the Eredivisie, but it’s their respective playstyles that could see the Dutchman replicate the success of the Dane during his time in England.

The RB Leipzig star, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by former Spurs star Rafael van der Vaart, registered 11 goals and eight assists across all competitions last campaign - possessing that goalscoring and creative threat carried by Eriksen in the Premier League.

However, his underlying stats are just as impressive, further providing him with the opportunity of emulating Eriksen’s success with the Lilywhites.

He’s also managed to notch a total of 2.2 chances created per 90, along with 1.4 successful dribbles per 90 - highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet, able to provide the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison the opportunity to build on their impressive starts this season.

The youngster’s talents don’t stop there, winning 75% of the tackles he’s entered and winning 5.7 duels per 90, showcasing his work rate and ability to regain possession for his side - something which is vital in Frank’s relentless pressing system.

Despite making a bid for the Dutchman’s signature, it remains unclear as to where the attacking midfielder will end up come Monday’s transfer deadline.

If he does join, it would be a phenomenal piece of business by the Lilywhites hierarchy, finally landing the player they’ve been hunting for all summer - handing Frank the new attacking threat he’s been craving since taking the reins.

Rio Ngumoha is the talk of the town after scoring a last-gasp winner for Liverpool at St. James' Park on Monday night, thus preserving Arne Slot's flawless start to the Premier League campaign.

'Flawless' perhaps conveys the wrong mood. Liverpool have been pressed against the ropes in each of their opening league fixtures this season, yet they have snatched victory against Bournemouth at Anfield and Newcastle United on Tyneside.

It wouldn't be unfair to suggest that Slot's side are tactically imbalanced at the moment, with the thrilling addition of British-record playmaker Florian Wirtz seeming to distort the team's balance, and the defensive fragility of Ibrahima Konate and much change further providing Slot with food for thought.

And so talks are ongoing for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, with hope that he will sign before deadline day. Perhaps the 25-year-old's arrival would add depth and another dimension at the rear to launch Liverpool back into a smoother rhythm.

However, there's another top target who could. Indeed, Alexander Isak's potential move to Merseyside remains one of the biggest stories as the market winds down.

The latest on Isak to Liverpool

Liverpool's bid for Newcastle United striker Isak is going down to the wire, with the Magpies still yet to sign one centre-forward this summer - let alone two.

The Sweden international has made it perfectly clear he has no intention of staying at St. James' Park beyond the transfer window (though how much power he has over that is another matter), but Liverpool will not follow up their rejected £110m offer from the start of August without encouragement from the Toon.

A PIF delegation extended an olive branch to the 25-year-old after Liverpool's dramatic victory on Monday, but Isak has doubled down on his stance.

The ball, frustratingly, is in Newcastle's court, for they cannot reasonably cash in on their talisman if they do not find and sign a replacement (or two).

With that in mind, FSG have identified the perfect alternative, and he might even prove to be a better signing for Slot's side.

Liverpool ready D-day bid for Isak alternative

If Liverpool do fail in their protracted bid to sign Isak, sporting director Richard Hughes won't turn to an alternative centre-forward.

That's according to GIVEMESPORT. The publication have revealed that Liverpool are ready to make a deadline-day swoop for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo in the event that they miss out on Isak.

Rodrygo has been anticipated to leave Real this summer after struggles last season and signs of a diminished role under Xabi Alonso's wing. Even with the La Liga giants open to the Brazilian's departure, he has been priced at £76m.

Arsenal and Manchester City have shown interest of their own this summer, but the Gunners have signed Eberechi Eze this week and Pep Guardiola's outfit look set to bar Savinho's move to Tottenham Hotspur, thus jeopardising their move for Rodrygo.

What Rodrygo would bring to Liverpool

Liverpool sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich this summer, but Cody Gakpo has started the season strongly, scoring against Bournemouth and notching two assists at Newcastle. Ngumoha's incredible emergence eases the need for a wide forward further.

But Rodrygo is a special player, and there's no doubt that Liverpool could do with a little bit more to complete their frontline.

Given that the 24-year-old, who can play on both wings and as a frontman, managed to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists across all competitions last year, even though in a rut, Liverpool could strike gold in bringing him over.

And considering that he would cost less than Isak, maybe Rodrygo would even prove the better signing to make.

Isak is one of the best strikers in the world, and last year he scored 27 goals across all competitions as Newcastle qualified for the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup, with Isak scoring as Newcastle beat Liverpool at Wembley.

But Madrid's tenacious wide forward has been remarked to be a "world-class superstar" by his former teammate Luka Modric, and boasts a wide-ranging skill set that appears custom-built for a top role in the Premier League.

Rodrygo's clinical output over the past year has left plenty to be desired, no doubt about it, but there would be confidence that Slot could give rise to the £207k-per-week talent's prolific side, while harnessing that ever-present underlying energy and application.

Isak and Rodrygo, two forwards of varying position and role, aren't comparable in the strictest sense, but looking at their data when lined against one another underscores the reasoning behind a Liverpool bid for the latter.

To put it simply, Liverpool have hit the jackpot on Hugo Ekitike, whose £79m journey from Eintracht Frankfurt to Anfield has already yielded three goals and an assist from three matches. Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher has hailed the Frenchman's "brilliant start", and there are those who question the need for a record-breaking move for Isak after such an exciting addition.

Ekitike, 23, looks a real sensation in the making, and though it would be unfair to expect him to maintain his present output across the long and circuitous campaign, who can deny him his potential?

Might Isak inhibit that growth? Might the addition of the Scandinavian superstar threaten to disrupt the progress of a rising talent who has already found a degree of fluency in England that avoids so many foreign hopefuls as they wade in and look to make their name.

Rodrygo, however, could play across the frontline and thus add depth without disrupting the progress being forged at Anfield right now.

Make no mistake, Isak would be an incredible signing for Liverpool, but Rodrygo, cheaper and more positionally dynamic, is a world-class player himself, and he knows how to shape a team aiming for the top.

Tottenham Hotspur have been given a late-summer transfer boost as Daniel Levy and the Lilywhites recruitment team scramble for reinforcements.

Spurs want to sign a centre-back, playmaker and a new winger (Sky Sports), but bringing in all three is perhaps unlikely at this stage of the window and with such little time remaining.

The north Londoners have found it notoriously difficult already, having seen high-profile blockbuster deals for the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze fail in dramatic fashion.

After weeks of talks, Spurs have also got nowhere with their bid for Savinho, as Man City make it crystal clear that the Brazil international is not for sale.

It remains to be seen who they target as an alternative to the 21-year-old, but it is evident who has become their top playmaker target during this final stretch.

According to numerous sources, RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons is in London right now, with both Chelsea and Tottenham pursuing a deal for the highly-rated Netherlands international.

The 22-year-old is valued at around £60 million, which is a similar price that Spurs were once prepared to pay for Eze and Gibbs-White. With there being precious few available playmakers who could truly make a difference for Thomas Frank, Simons has emerged as their potential saving grace.

He racked up 11 goals and eight assists over 33 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig last term, and Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes that Simons is an "unbelievable" player.

“Can I say watching Xavi Simons against Real Madrid, Leipzig versus Real Madrid, was kind of like a coming out parade in respects of a performance from someone,” the former striker said on his Wright's House podcast.

“He was brilliant. He was brilliant to watch. Unbelievable.

“And, we are talking about someone who is on loan from PSG to Leipzig, and he is getting the chance to play against arguably one of the greatest teams in the world, Real Madrid, and playing like that.”

Tottenham have now submitted a near-£60m bid for Simons, according to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, with journalist Graeme Bailey also sharing the player's stance on joining Frank's side.

Xavi Simons ready to join Tottenham after talks with his camp

As per the reporter, it is believed that Simons is ready to join Tottenham, who've held talks with his representatives, after Chelsea began stalling their deal - with the attacking midfielder growing impatient.

The west Londoners have been in talks for weeks, but there are complications with player sales.

They also haven't found a full agreement with Leipzig in all of that time, and that has allowed Spurs to move in to hijack their negotiations. Right now, Simons is happy to stop pausing on a move and sign for Tottenham instead, despite already agreeing personal terms with Chelsea.

This flurry of promising developments, including Levy's offer, means that they could be on the verge of finally signing their desired number 10. However, as we've seen with Tottenham, no supporter should celebrate until the ink is dry.

“I think he's going to have a really good career at the highest level," said Bayern Munich sporting director, Christoph Freund.

"He has everything, mentality, character and is just an exceptional player.”

Whisper it quietly, but there are some promising signs at this early stage of the season for Tottenham Hotspur.

Whisper it quietly, because there have been false dawns before. But then, in Thomas Frank, Spurs have appointed a calculated and composed manager whose experience and success in the Premier League with Brentford speaks for itself.

Wins against Burnley and Manchester City have placed Tottenham in a good position for the league season ahead, and having kept clean sheets in both, a new degree of defensive solidity may have returned to the club.

But it hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows. Tottenham lost James Maddison to an ACL injury during a pre-season clash against Newcastle United in July, and he is expected to be out for much of the campaign.

Moreover, efforts for a new number ten have thus far proved fruitless: Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze both came close to one-way trips down N17, but alas, external forces have wreaked their will against Spurs' plans.

Could that happen once more with RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons?

The latest on Xavi Simons to Spurs

Simons has been on Tottenham's radar for a while, but much of the summer transfer window has pointed toward Chelsea being the team primed to sign the Netherlands international.

A talented playmaker, the 22-year-old has agitated to leave the Bundesliga club after last season's struggles shut the door on any hopes of playing European football this season.

And while Chelsea remain interested, transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano revealed on X on Thursday that the 22-year-old has flown to London ahead of crunch talks with the respective outfits.

Recent rejections will be stamped fresh in the minds of the Lilywhite faithful, and given that Chelsea have been working on a move for many months, it would be worthwhile for chairman Daniel Levy to identify a fallback.

Luckily, he has, and this England international might even work out to be a better signing.

Spurs prepare offer for Simons alternative

According to Spanish newspaper AS - as translated by Sport Witness - Tottenham are preparing a late-window offer for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who has been pursued by the Londoners several times when Ange Postecoglou was at the helm.

However, several other Premier League clubs are interested too, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and West Ham United vying for the 26-year-old's signature.

The Spaniards only welcomed Gallagher from Chelsea one year ago, but might be willing to talk business if their €40m (£35m) valuation is met.

Palace have already made an official approach, but the pointers suggest Tottenham are getting ready to do the same, with a bid set to be lodged 'in the coming hours'.

What Conor Gallagher would bring to Spurs

Gallagher was fashioned in the furnaces of Chelsea's Cobham youth academy, bringing to the Premier League a robust, athletic and durable playing style.

Gallagher made 95 appearances for Chelsea before being sold, actually featuring 135 times in the Premier League all told due to successful loan stints at Selhurst Park and with West Bromwich Albion.

There may well be a vested interest in Simons, but the diminutive star hasn't actually played Premier League football before, whereas Gallagher has, with his ex-Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo once hailing him being "like a machine", adding so much energy and tenacity to the engine room.

He's not quite so attack-minded as a player like Simons, but might his dynamism and multi-positional skill within the midfield game not prove worthwhile for Frank's Tottenham?

After all, there have been suggestions that Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur might both leave the club before the market slams shut.

Simons is prolific, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists across 33 matches in all competitions last season. Moreover, he boasts an interesting defensive profile. His aggressive personality on the pitch, plus a high success rate in the duel, often beating his man and coming out on top during tussles.

However, Gallagher is truly the complete package, and has showcased as much across several years in his homeland and a recent foray into La Liga, where time spent under Diego Simeone's wing will have fashioned an even steelier base to his combative side.

FBref reveal that Brentford ranked 15th in the Premier League for average possession held (47.9%) last season, with an emphasis on transitional play and applied pressure on opponents.

Gallagher, who was viewed by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca to have been at tactical odds with his ball-playing vision, may well thrive in an environment at Tottenham that is not reliant on having the ball every moment, for his athleticism, fitness levels and ability to cover ground could add an impactful dimension to the squad.

And it's not like he can't contribute from an offensive standpoint, with FBref's data also revealing that Gallagher ranks among the top 12% of central midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goal involvements per 90.

Given that Maddison will be desperate to return to form when he is given the green light after the New Year, it might be shrewder and more prudent for Tottenham to sign a profile like Gallagher's, especially with Dejan Kulusevski also readying himself to return from a muscular injury sustained toward the backend of the 2024/25 campaign.

Simons, who can play centrally and out wide, would be a fantastic buy regardless, but Chelsea lurk in the background of that race, and when considering the myriad facets, Gallagher might better fit the bill.

Dele captured the hearts of the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase during his spell in North London, joining in a bargain £5m transfer from MK Dons in the summer of 2015.

No supporter could’ve imagined the immediate impact he would have on the first-team, racking up 269 appearances - netting 67 goals, with 22 of which coming back in 2016/17.

The Englishman won the PFA Young Player of the Year back-to-back, but his time at the club would come to an abrupt end - falling down the pecking order after scoring 14 times in his final three years at the club.

In an attempt to resurrect his career, he joined Como back in January, but only featured once - for a total of 10 minutes - subsequently departing Cesc Fàbregas’ side during the off-season.

There’s no denying the attacking midfielder failed to live up to the early expectations he once had in his professional career - potentially landing a similar player before the September 1st deadline.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new attacker this summer

Xavi Simons has been a player who has emerged on Spurs’ radar over the last couple of days, with the Lilywhites hierarchy even entering talks with the German side over a £60m transfer.

Chelsea have been said to be leading the race over recent weeks, but Thomas Frank’s side could complete their own hijack for the Dutch international’s signature in the coming days.

However, he’s not the only attacker who’s emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with Manchester United bomb squad member Jadon Sancho a potential option, according to TBR Football.

Journalist Graeme Bailey claims that the Lilywhites have "been offered" a last-minute deal for the Englishman, who looks certain to depart the Red Devils having initially cost them £73m.

It also states Frank’s side are desperate for a left-winger before Monday’s deadline, potentially targeting a move for the 25-year-old, who scored five times on loan at Chelsea in 2024/25.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Dele 2.0

Had his career continued on the same trajectory, Dele would still have been a key member of the Spurs squad, subsequently entering the prime years of his career.

At 29, he should be thriving in the Premier League, but unfortunately, off-field events have prevented the former England international from kicking on his career.

He spoke openly about his personal life two years ago, allowing the supporters to gain an insight into his struggles - with sympathy undoubtedly being directed the midfielder’s way.

Ultimately, despite his excellent start to his career, it’s safe to say the player never managed to fulfil the potential he burst onto the scene with - something which is also evident with Sancho and his own career.

The winger thrived at Borussia Dortmund, making over 120 appearances for the Bundesliga side, before completing a £72m switch to join Manchester United back in the summer of 2021.

He’s only made 83 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring just 12 times and failing to match the high expectations he arrived at Old Trafford with - leading to his pending departure this summer.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the 25-year-old would cost, but the stats from his loan spell at Stamford Bridge showcase he does still possess top-quality talent, with Frank needing to unlock such talent if he joins the Lilywhites.

Sancho, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Joe Cole, ranked in the 91st percentile for progressive carries (5.1) and 91st percentile for carries into the opposition’s box per 90 (2.9).

Such numbers highlight the threat the former Dortmund star possesses in attacking areas, showcasing his ability to drive forward with the ball at any given opportunity.

He also completed 2.3 take-ons per 90, at a success rate of 46% - further offering Frank’s side an added dimension within the final third for his first campaign in the role.

The winger has also been able to find a teammate consistently, completing 83% of the passes he attempted, subsequently ranking in the 93rd percentile for passes into the opposition box - which could provide those around him with key opportunities in front of goal.

There’s no denying that Sancho won’t be many of the supporters’ first choice between now and the end of the window, but it could be an excellent option if he can recapture his best form.

It’s unclear how much a deal would set the Spurs hierarchy back this summer, but it’s certainly a risk worth taking - with the upside massively outweighing the potential drawbacks.