Daily Express

Thomas Frank mapped out the end of Tottenham's season with pinpoint accuracy before Ange Postecoglou was given his marching orders. And now, the Brentford boss is being lined up to replace the Aussie, who was sacked by Daniel Levy after leading Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years.

In the end, the Tottenham hierarchy were unable to look past what had been a miserable Premier League season, which left the club one spot ahead of the relegation places in 17th. Postecoglou and some Spurs fans hoped that his Europa League triumph, which in turn sealed Champions League qualification, would have been enough to save his skin.

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But Levy and co. are now hunting down his replacement, and Frank has emerged as the leading candidate. Speaking ahead of Brentford's clash with Tottenham in February, the Danish manager foresaw two things in Postecoglou's future which ultimately materialised - suffering and silverware.

"Maybe, in one of his toughest moments, they will win a trophy, which will be massive for Tottenham," he said. "It could be one of those seasons where they suffer incredibly - and maybe they suffer even more - but they win a trophy."

Spurs would go on to win the encounter 2-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium as Postecoglou completed a league double over Frank. But they were two of only 11 Premier League wins all campaign as Tottenham failed to reach the 40-point mark.

Postecoglou's struggles went into overdrive during a mid-season injury crisis, which was in full blow during the trip to Brentford. And Frank expressed his sympathy when the former Celtic boss was coming under increasing pressure.

"I have massive respect for Ange," he said. "Speaking for myself, it is tough at times and feels like you're carrying everything on your shoulders. It is always my final call, it's the manager who stands there. That's why I can definitely put myself in his place.

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"He's done very well to keep going and keep believing. He doesn't need advice, but he just needs to trust his own processes and trust what he believes in, which he does - that's the main thing."

The Sun claim that Frank has personally given the green light on a move to Tottenham, and it is now down to Levy to agree a compensation package with Brentford. The 51-year-old manager has been with the Bees for nearly seven years, and he led them to 10th in the Premier League last term despite selling star striker Ivan Toney the previous summer.

Thomas Frank is poised to take the helm at Tottenham, stepping into the shoes of recently dismissed Ange Postecoglou. Despite Postecoglou's success in securing the Europa League title for Spurs - their first trophy in 17 years - he was shown the door on Friday due to the club's poor Premier League performance.

Tottenham's disappointing run in the league, which saw them linger near the relegation places last season with a staggering 22 losses out of 38 matches, prompted chairman Daniel Levy to make the tough decision. The club acknowledged Postecoglou's achievement in a statement: "Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw. However, the board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place.

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"Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign.

"Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph. It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond."

Frank has swiftly become the top candidate for the Tottenham managerial role and is on the cusp of taking the reins in north London. He's reached an agreement to join Spurs, leaving chairman Daniel Levy to finalise a compensation deal with Brentford.

Since assuming control at Brentford in 2018, Frank has been instrumental in their ascent to the Premier League, earning them promotion to the top flight in 2021. Consequently, his name has frequently surfaced in connection with other high-profile managerial positions, including last year's vacancy at Manchester United.

Speaking about the Manchester United speculation on the Sports Agents podcast, Frank asserted: "I am probably at one of the best clubs in the world. End of discussion. In terms of alignment, leadership, culture, everything. Why should I ever leave this place?

"Things can happen and you can want new inspiration, maybe you find another inspiration at your club and you stay. For sure, if I ever got the offer to go to a big club and I decided to go there, it would probably not make my life better.

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"I think we all know that. Maybe it is a challenge you need to try. It is not something I am thinking about. I have sacrificed a lot throughout my life to reach where I am now. I missed my children's birthdays for five years in a row.

"I have been working 60, 70 hours a week for the last 30 years. You don't know how it would be if you walked into another job. Maybe it will be even better than it is here?

"I don't know that and I am just looking at the exposure on certain managers. I don't think that is part of the football they love. I am happy here. What will happen in the future will happen and we will take it from there."

Thomas Frank may have already shot himself in the foot in a bid to bring Bryan Mbeumo with him from Brentford to Tottenham. Frank is in talks to replace Ange Postecoglou in north London after the Aussie was sacked 16 days after winning the Europa League final and qualifying for the Champions League.

Frank emerged as the frontrunner despite links with Marco Silva, Roberto De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino, even though the Danish coach has a £10million buy-out clause in his Brentford contract.

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The 51-year-old has already identified his first signing at Spurs, according to The Mirror. He has told the club to rival Manchester United’s push for Mbeumo as a statement signing, with the Red Devils in talks over a potential £60m swoop.

United have already made two bids for Mbeumo as Brentford face losing their head coach and talisman in the same summer. Only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland outscored the 25-year-old in the Premier League last year.

But at a potential £60m price, with wage demands upwards of £150,000-a-week, Mbeumo would rank as a marquee yet expensive signing for a side that finished 17th in the league table.

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And Spurs may have their incoming head coach to blame for those high figures. Earlier this month, Frank insisted that if Mbeumo was to leave Brentford this summer, it would only be for “a lot of money.”

Speaking to Viaplay, he said: “It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. Mucho. Really a lot.

“Then it is clear that it is impossible to replace him one for one. It cannot be done. There is a reason why he costs x number of million pounds and we do not have x number of million pounds to buy for.

“I would say that I would be surprised if a lot of big clubs don't look at him. I would be surprised with what he can offer. How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club? And then with seven assists, plus his work ethic. And his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player.”

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At the time, Frank driving up the price of Mbeumo represented a smart decision for Brentford as they went in search of getting maximum value for the winger.

But now that he is set to negotiate from the other side of the table, Frank may regret talking up Mbeumo’s prospects as someone who should demand a large transfer fee, as he could force his new club to pay extra for the Cameroon international.

Al Hilal have reportedly made an offer for Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva.

The Saudi Pro League side are keen to splash the cash this summer and remain locked in talks with Victor Osimhen of Napoli.

According to Foot Mercato, Silva is also admired and they hope to lure him away from the Etihad Stadium, having tracked his situation closely for the past few months.

Al Hilal have already tabled an offer for the Portuguese international, though it remains to be seen whether the playmaker is open to the approach.

Liverpool have taken the ‘first steps’ towards signing Sporting star Ousmane Diomande, reports A Bola.

The Reds are reportedly keen to acquire the services of the centre-back, but face stiff competition from several Premier League rivals, such as Arsenal and Manchester United.

With Newcastle pushing to sign Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace are also firmly in the race to sign the Ivorian defender – who is valued at £50million.

Newcastle are reportedly plotting a loan move for Manchester City forward Jack Grealish, who has fallen out of favour at the Etihad Stadium and likely to depart this summer.

According to The Sun, Newcastle will ‘try to rescue’ Grealish, but they are only willing to make an approach for the 29-year-old if City are willing to entertain loan offers.

Any loan deal could centre around fees involved, and Newcastle may reportedly look to strike a deal by offering to pay all of Grealish’s monstrous £300,000-a-weel wages and not pay any fee to acquire his services.

City could even look to contribute to their forward’s wages as part of an agreement too.

Chelsea submitted a bid for Borussia Dortmund forward Jamie Gittens earlier this weekend.

However, Fabrizio Romano reports that the £29.5million offer has now been rejected.

The Blues remain keen to sign the winger and are preparing an ‘improved bid’ which will include new add-ons in the hope of striking a deal with Dortmund. Gittens is also hopeful that an agreement can be reached as he is keen to join Chelsea.

Chelsea have reportedly submitted a bid for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the Blues have offered £12.6million (€15m) to sign the goalkeeper, who is said to be keen to join Enzo Maresca’s side.

Maignan is approaching the final 12 months of his contract at the San Siro, and Chelsea are hoping to capitalise and acquire his services before the Club World Cup gets underway.

Manchester United have been joined by Tottenham in the race to sign Bryan Mbeumo, reports The Sun.

The Red Devils have been pushing to strike a deal with Brentford this week, but Spurs are now poised to hijack the deal.

Tottenham are also pushing to appoint Brentford manager Thomas Frank after sacking Ange Postecoglou, and they are hopeful that uniting with the Danish boss in north London could ‘sway’ the deal in their favour.

Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed the idea of a return to former club Tottenham to replace Ange Postecoglou as "not realistic". Spurs are seeking a new head coach having sacked Postecoglou just 16 days after leading the club to Europa League glory, their first trophy in 17 years.

United States boss Pochettino ended a five-year stay at Tottenham in November 2019, having helped Spurs reach the final of the Champions League that year. The Argentinian signed a two-year contract to become US head coach last September and is expected to lead the team into next year's home World Cup.

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Speaking after his side's 2-1 friendly defeat to Turkey in Connecticut, Pochettino told reporters: "After I left in 2019, every time that I was free, and the place of the position of the manager or head coach in Tottenham Hotspur, my name is appearing on the list.

"If you have seen the rumours, I think there are 100 coaches in the list. I think, don't be worried about that.

"If something happened, for sure you will see, but we cannot talk about this type of thing, because I think today, it's not real. It's not realistic.

"Look at where I am, where we are. And the thing is, the answer is so clear, no? But we're talking about it because it's my club, like Newells or Espanyol."

Brentford boss Thomas Frank is reported to be the leading contender to replace Postecoglou, with Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner, Fulham manager Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth also linked with the post.

Spurs technical director Johan Lange is leading the search. He worked with Frank in Denmark and considered him for the Aston Villa job while working at Villa Park.

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Reports suggest that Brentford have already begun planning for Frank's possible departure, with the Bees chiefs very strong admirers of Ipswich's Kieran McKenna.

He was linked with Manchester United, the club he formerly coached at, and Chelsea, 12 months ago before turning them down and committing his future to Ipswich.

However, McKenna was not able to keep them in the top flight and could leave for the Gtech Community Stadium if Frank completes a move to Spurs.

Manchester United are reportedly set to face transfer competition from Tottenham Hotspur for Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo. The Red Devils have already seen one offer rejected by Brentford, with Spurs now said to have thrown their name into the mix.

It comes after Tottenham opted to part ways with Ange Postecoglou just weeks after the Aussie ended Spurs' trophy drought with a win over United in the Europa League final. Thomas Frank has been mooted as Tottenham's first-choice replacement, with Mbeumo having dazzled under the Danish tactician at Brentford.

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It's reported by The Sun that Spurs are keen to hijack the Mbeumo deal, with the north Londoners hoping the addition of Frank as manager could help persuade the attacker. As a result of beating United in the Europa League final, Spurs can offer any prospective summer transfer targets the chance to play Champions League football next season.

Read more... Spurs miss out on two transfers because of Ange Postecoglou sack decision [LATEST]

Earlier this week, the Old Trafford outfit were reported to have lodged a deal worth £55m for Mbeumo, which was swiftly rejected by the Bees. United, intent on landing the 25-year-old, upped their offer, which according to ESPN, is believed to be in excess of £60m.

Newcastle United, who are also in the Champions League, had been touted as a suitor, but Mbeumo is believed to favour a move to United ahead of the Magpies. As such, United are keen to wrap the deal up as quickly as possible, as the rebuild under Amorim continues.

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It's a move that ex-United ace Gary Neville is keen to see get over the line, with the former player turned pundit believing Mbeumo will make an immediate impact. Neville told Sky Sports: “Man United need players who are going to come in and hit the ground running. United has become a very difficult place for new signings to operate in the last ten years.

"Cunha and Mbeumo have got Premier League experience and lots of games under their belt. When I watch Manchester United's wide players, they have to be able to get from box to box quickly, and they have to be able to travel with the ball and without the ball. Mbeumo and Cunha can do that, they both run forward with real intent and purpose."

Tottenham's indecision over the future of Ange Postecoglou has resulted in them losing out on two midfield transfer targets.

Daniel Levy has spent recent weeks pondering whether to make changes following Spurs' Europa League victory in Bilbao.

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Now, England international Angel Gomes, who Tottenham had been courting, has seemingly chosen to sign with Marseille on a free transfer, also rejecting an offer from West Ham.

Gomes' contract with Lille is due to expire at the end of the month, but it now appears he will stay in France.

Meanwhile, Real Betis' American star Johnny Cardoso has agreed to move to Atletico Madrid.

Last summer, Spurs negotiated a £21million first-option clause - that can only be activated during a two-week window - on USMNT prodigy Cardoso when they sold Giovani Lo Celso to Betis.

Brentford have reportedly identified a replacement for Thomas Frank in the event that the Danish boss replaces Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham. Spurs confirmed Postecoglou's departure on Friday night and Frank has become a leading contender to make the short journey from west to north London.

Daniel Levy's outfit would need to pay a hefty compensation package to prise Frank out of Brentford, who would ideally like to keep hold of the man who got them promoted and established the Bees as a regular in the Premier League. However, plans are being made in case Frank departs for Spurs.

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TalkSPORT claim that Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is one option being considered by Brentford and he is appreciated by the club's hierarchy, despite being unable to keep his side in the top flight this year.

Frank has been made Spurs' top choice to take over from Postecoglou and while there has been no official approach, Brentford have been made aware of their rivals' preference.

Levy and Frank have spoken directly on a number of occasions and negotiations are expected to ramp up in the coming days.

Frank has been mentioned alongside the likes of Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola and Roberto De Zerbi, but is the number one candidate while the former Brighton boss has already snubbed a return to English football.

Since guiding Brentford to promotion in 2021, Frank's side have finished 13th, ninth, 16th and 10th in their four seasons in the top flight, and were in contention for a European place.

McKenna, despite his many admirers, would be tasked with continuing the stellar work of his potential predecessor even though he was unable to prevent Ipswich from relegation.

The former Manchester United coach had been linked with the top job at Old Trafford a year ago, alongside Chelsea rumours, before committing his future to Ipswich.

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Frank, meanwhile, has previously worked with Tottenham's technical director Johan Lange at Danish side Lyngby and was considered for the Aston Villa job while Lange was in charge in the Midlands.

He may face an uphill task should he join Spurs, with the dressing room said to be very upset at the decision to sack Postecoglou following their Europa League success, with several players now wanting to leave the club.

Tottenham have reportedly been rejected by Roberto De Zerbi in their search to replace Ange Postecoglou. Spurs announced on Friday that they had parted ways with the Aussie, just weeks after he led the club to Europa League success over Manchester United.

A poor overall Premier League campaign proved to weigh too heavily on the mind of Daniel Levy when deciding whether to keep his faith in Postecoglou for another season and hope that his side ending their silverware trophy drought would kickstart a successful period for the club.

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Tottenham are now scouring the market for a replacement, and several options have already been shortlisted by the higher powers at the club. Reports have suggested ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has come under consideration, as well as Fulham manager Marco Silva.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs also made an approach for former Brighton boss De Zerbi ‘in recent days’. However, the Italian quickly rejected the approach as he is keen to remain at Marseille.

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De Zerbi led the club to a second-place finish in the Ligue 1 last season, behind Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, and has been given immense spending power at the Stade Velodrome.

Spurs will therefore focus their attention on their ‘leading candidate’ Thomas Frank. Tottenham are hoping to advance in talks to sign the Brentford manager soon, having shortlisted the Danish boss as a key target earlier this season.

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Frank has previously snubbed approaches from suitors in years gone by in favour of remaining with the Bees, though it remains to be seen whether he is ready to make the next step in his career and inherit a trophy-winning squad with momentum behind them.

However, there are suggestions that Tottenham’s next manager may have a tough task on their hands given the sheer impact that Postecoglou’s departure has had. The Telegraph report that Spurs are at risk of a ‘player revolt’ as a result of the decision to sack the ex-Celtic boss and one of his successor’s first tasks will be ‘repairing the damage’.

Some Tottenham stars are said to be looking to leave the club as a result of Postecoglou’s sacking, being left unhappy by the decision itself and also how the matter was handled – with the 59-year-old left in the dark over his future for two weeks after guiding his side to Europa League glory.

Manchester United are in pole position to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo this summer. The talented 25-year-old has reportedly offered his hand to dance with the Red Devils, who finished last season at their lowest ebb since Sir Alex Ferguson's decline-sparking retirement.

Despite rival interest from Champions League trio Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, Mbeumo has chosen Old Trafford as his next destination. All that's left is the transfer fee. Brentford rejected an initial offer worth £45million plus £5m in add-ons, seeking a package worth £60m.

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While United will be cooking up a revised offer closer to the Bees' demands, a transfer is never complete until it's complete.

This is a club that knows such a reality better than most, a la the supposed capture of a talented teenage midfielder named John Obi Mikel in 2005 before Chelsea had other ideas.

Mbeumo could well be M16-bound, but until Brentford accept a bid, one of the Premier League's best forwards is on the market.

And Tottenham, among United's rival admirers, could be about to obtain the ultimate weapon to convince the Cameroon international to make a U-turn.

On Friday, Spurs announced the sacking of Ange Postecoglou just 16 days after he achieved Europa League glory against United in Bilbao.

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Brentford manager Thomas Frank is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Postecoglou at the helm, with developments expected next week.

If Frank is considering jumping ship with Mbeumo, there could be a risk of the Dane attempting to convince his talisman to join him in a joint new venture.

United will be confident of sealing a deal, but Tottenham's bombshell announcement, which has reportedly sparked uproar among players, adds impetus to shake hands with Brentford.

Ignoring a club of Newcastle's trophy-winning scarcity for the allure of a global heavyweight like Manchester United is understandable.

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But while Spurs may not hit those heights either, it's not outrageous to suggest a stay in London alongside a coach he shares an impeccable relationship with wouldn't appeal to Mbeumo.

The Brentford No. 19, who scored 20 goals and registered eight assists in the Premier League last season, is highly likely to stick to his guns and land at Old Trafford.

However, news of Postecoglou's dismissal and Frank's potential cross-London switch should act as a catalyst for United's negotiators to meet the Bees' asking price the second time around.

The last thing Ruben Amorim or the club needs is to be thrust into a transfer saga when they have such much more to address before the start of next season.