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Thomas Frank has been the man of the hour at Tottenham after an impressive couple of weeks.

There was scepticism when the Dane first landed at Tottenham this summer. While he was applauded for his work at Brentford, there were question marks about whether he was ready for the step up.

However, Frank seems to have proven his doubters wrong. From performances on the pitch to his control of the dressing room, he seems like Spurs’ best decision of the summer so far.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

Frank praised for pre-season showings

Frank has had a pre-season to remember, with Spurs keeping a clean sheet in all but one of their games thus far.

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While there are several positives to consider, Spurs’ defensive cohesion has been one of the standouts of the summer. The Lilywhites attack as a unit and defend as one, and this was on full display in their win against Arsenal in Hong Kong.

The Gunners hardly had a sniff in the first half and struggled to break down Spurs’ defence during the second. As a result, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the club’s recent performances have given all involved at Tottenham something to believe in.

“Delighted with the performance against Arsenal,” Wenham said.

“I think it gives so much, and I don’t think you can put a value on it, so much belief in Frank from the players and supporters. It transforms the narrative around how Tottenham will do this season.

“That was an unbelievable performance. I’m delighted how it went, to be honest with you, because I saw things that I hadn’t seen before with some of these players.

“If we put aside the Wycombe game, the three public games of Reading, Luton, Arsenal, that is three consecutive clean sheets. We don’t even look like conceding in these games. We don’t give up many chances whatsoever.”

Frank could defy expectations

Expectations going into the new season have been relatively minimal, given that there is a new driver at the helm.

While a noticeable change in how Spurs play is expected, silverware has been a secondary consideration. This makes perfect sense as it usually takes players time to adapt to a new manager and his tactics.

However, pre-season has brought a renewed sense of belief that has encouraged fans to dream bigger in the coming months. After such a positive showing, there is no doubt that Frank could defy expectations next season.

Dele Alli’s footballing career could be drawing to a close as the 29-year-old contemplates retirement.

Alli‘s latest venture after leaving Tottenham in 2022 saw him join Italian side Como in January, with whom he made his first appearance after over two years away from the pitch.

However, as reported by Gazetta dello Sport (31 July), the former England international was not named in the Serie A club’s pre-season squad and is now considering retiring after the latest setback.

It will pain Tottenham fans to hear this news, as Alli became one of the Lilywhites’ most beloved players during his seven-year spell in North London.

The gifted midfielder brought a lot of joy to N17 over the years, with Tottenham News listing his top five moments in a Spurs shirt.

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Nothing endears a player to Tottenham fans more than scoring against bitter rivals Arsenal, especially at the Emirates, to progress through to the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.

Alli did just that, but to cap it off, the finish was one of his best. The midfielder latched onto a clipped ball from Harry Kane and calmly brought it down with one touch before delicately lifting it over Petr Cech.

It had been over eight years since Spurs had last beaten the Gunners at their ground before Alli’s masterful goal set them on their way to a famous 2-0 victory in North London.

The same as Arsenal, but better. This time, it had been 28 years since Spurs had beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and while the rivalry is not quite the same, it’s a close second.

In steps Alli, who followed up Christian Eriksen’s unbelievable equaliser with another classic run from deep, collecting a ball over the top and nestling a finish past Willy Caballero.

The fresh-faced midfielder then took advantage of a goalline scramble to prod in his second and ensure that Tottenham emerged 3-1 winners on an unforgettable afternoon for the Lilywhites.

Alli’s rise coincided with Tottenham establishing themselves as a UEFA Champions League-level side, and there was no sterner test than facing the then-back-to-back winners, Real Madrid.

The stage did not faze the former Milton Keynes man as he slid in to connect with Kieran Trippier’s cross and put Spurs one-nil up against the record holders.

Alli then doubled his side’s lead when he skipped around Casemiro and fired a deflected shot past Kiko Casilla, sending Wembley into ruptures as Tottenham secured another memorable 3-1 victory.

Tottenham’s greatest night in the Champions League will forever be associated with hat-trick hero Lucas Moura, but his goals would not have been possible without Alli.

Spurs were two-nil down and needing three goals to progress when the talented midfielder turned his man before Lucas collected the ball and poked it into the net with less than 40 minutes to play.

The Brazilian got another by wiggling away from challenges to rifle an equaliser in before Alli flicked the ball into Lucas’ path in the 96th minute as the forward sealed the comeback with virtually the last kick of the game.

Alli was just 18 when he joined Tottenham, but Mauricio Pochettino wasted no time in bringing him into the first team.

He had already displayed his ridiculous talent to the Spurs fans, but the audacious goal against Crystal Palace announced him to the world.

Alli controlled a ball in mid-air, before flicking it over a defender and rasping a volley into the bottom left-hand corner beyond the keeper in what will surely go down in history as the best goal of his career.

Yves Bissouma is expected to leave Tottenham this summer after failing to live up to expectations.

Bissouma has struggled to reach his best form consistently since signing from Brighton in 2022.

There was a glimmer of hope among Spurs fans when Ange Postecoglou first became manager. The Australian had big plans for the Mali international, and he seemed to have taken his role seriously.

However, the good times did not last, and Bissouma reverted to the inconsistent player he has become known as at Spurs. As a result, it seems like the end of the line for the midfielder this summer.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

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Bissouma to be sold after Luton Town performance

Bissouma was substituted after 82 minutes during Spurs’ goalless draw to Luton Town on Saturday (26 July).

The defensive midfielder’s performance was poor. He failed to win most contested balls, was disastrous in possession and struggled the get the ball rolling throughout the game.

He has already been linked with a departure this summer, with several clubs interested in his services. But Tottenham’s pre-season tour was an opportunity to prove to Thomas Frank that he could be of use next season.

However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that he has done nowhere near enough to earn a spot in the squad next season.

“Bissouma was diabolical against Luton,” Wenham said.

“He was putting the ball out of play and was wasteful in possession. Therefore, I think for all parties concerned, it’s best to move on now.

“He’s got 11 months left on his contract, which means he’s five months away from being able to agree a pre-contract to go for nothing the following summer. Therefore, Tottenham have to put all their focus on finding him a move that he’s happy with and that Tottenham are happy with.

“However, he absolutely has to go because we’ve now agreed a deal for Joao Palhinha, and for me, he’s a massive upgrade on Bissouma.”

Bissouma will go out on a high

While his time at Spurs has not gone as planned, Bissouma will go out on a high if he leaves this summer.

Tottenham fans will not be quick to forget the heroic performance he put up during the UEFA Europa League final. But if the midfielder remains and leaves for free, those memories will be in danger of washing away.

As a result, to avoid his legacy at the club being further tarnished, Bissouma should look to leave in the coming weeks.

Tottenham are accelerating their efforts in the window as the start of the Premier League nears.

The Lilywhites have had a summer full of ups and downs. Mohammed Kudus seems to have been one of the steals of the summer, while Daniel Levy is still recovering from missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White.

But you cannot keep a scorned man down for long, and the Spurs Chairman appears to have jumped straight back into action. With the competitive season commencing in mere weeks, Tottenham News brings you the latest updates from N17.

Jamie Donley poised for Championship loan after South Korea tour

As reported by Lilywhite Rose via X on Friday (1 August), Tottenham have agreed a deal with an unnamed Championship club for Jamie Donley to spend the season on loan.

It is understood that the deal will be finalised upon the completion of Spurs’ tour in South Korea.

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The forward stunned fans during his loan spell at Leyton Orient last season. In 52 appearances, he scored eight goals and provided 11 assists.

The mere fact that he is set for another loan demonstrates that the club recognises his talent and are determined to get the best out of him. As a result, he will be one for Spurs supporters to keep an eye on over the next few months.

Mikey Moore announces Tottenham loan exit

Mikey Moore became known to the football world when Ange Postecoglou gave him a golden chance last season.

The left winger was integrated into the first team and lifted silverware during his debut season. As a result, he has become a reference point for all academy players looking to succeed at Tottenham.

It soon became apparent that the North London club would seek a loan move for the talented starlet, who has now joined Scottish side Rangers for the forthcoming season.

Moore took to Instagram (1 August) to express his excitement at joining his new club, with James Maddison sending a message to the youngster under the post.

Maddison’s message read: “Good luck, brother”, followed by a heart emoji.

How much is Tyler Dibling worth?

It was reported near the beginning of the summer that Southampton would want up to £100million for Tyler Dibling.

The valuation has since dropped, with it recently revealed that Everton had a £27m bid rejected by the Saints for the forward [Paul Joyce]. The Toffees are likely to make a second approach with a new bid which could be worth over £30m, which Spurs could match or exceed.

However, at that price and with several more experienced, cheaper options on the market, there remains the question of whether his transfer is worth the hassle.

Thomas Frank will be aiming for another impressive win as Tottenham continue their pre-season preparations.

There were suspicions that the magnitude of coaching Spurs could be too great for Frank to handle when he replaced Ange Postecoglou. However, the Dane continues to prove his doubters wrong.

Tottenham have kept three clean sheets during their pre-season confrontations thus far. This includes a dramatic 1-0 win against Arsenal in Hong Kong on Thursday (31 July), which certainly earned Frank a few brownie points with the fans.

But his run of good luck does not seem to be wearing thin as Spurs head into their fifth pre-season game.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

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Tottenham predicted to win against Newcastle

Tottenham are set to take on Newcastle at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday (3 August).

The game is expected to be a spectacle for several reasons, and Alexander Isak may have ensured that Spurs come out on top. Indeed, the striker has reportedly informed the Magpies of his intentions to join Liverpool this summer.

This has left Eddie Howe’s team without their star man and a decent backup to slot into his place. The impact of this is undeniable, with Newcastle losing three of their pre-season clashes so far.

As a result, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Spurs could defeat the Magpies by a large margin.

“Newcastle have lost three preseason games so far,” Wenham said.

“They lost to Celtic 4-0, which is quite a big defeat. They also lost to Arsenal, and they lost to K League XI, who finished 11th out of 12 teams in the Korean League.

“Obviously, the Isak situation is one of the problems. They’ve released Callum Wilson as well, and they haven’t got another striker. Therefore, this is a good time to play Newcastle and hopefully get a morale boost with a two or three-nil win.”

Frank could make a statement against Newcastle

If a win against Arsenal was not enough, a victory against Newcastle would set a standard which could decide Spurs’ season.

After winning the UEFA Europa League, there is an understanding that Tottenham are a team that can compete with the best. Another win this pre-season would demonstrate that the Lilywhites could be a force to be reckoned with next season.

Therefore, Frank has the opportunity to make a massive statement if he defeats the Magpies in South Korea.

Daniel Levy is expected to cross another name off his checklist as Tyrese Hall edges towards an exit from Tottenham.

Levy is securing loans for Spurs’ talented young players left, right and centre this summer.

Ashley Phillips recently returned to Stoke City for a season-long loan after an impressive season at the bet365 Stadium. Meanwhile, Tottenham confirmed on Friday (1 August) that Mikey Moore had joined Rangers for the forthcoming season.

And Hall could become the latest Tottenham youngster to make a temporary switch.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

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Hall to be loaned amid Championship interest

Hall recently took to the pitch during Spurs’ 2-2 draw against Wycombe at Hotspur Way (26 July).

This comes after an impressive season with Tottenham’s Under-21s last season. Hall is known for his versatility and can play anywhere across the midfield.

The Spurs gem could now secure a loan to a club in one of England’s lower divisions, with Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – sharing that the 19-year-old is attracting interest.

“Hall could be going out on loan,” Wenham said.

“Either to the Championship, League One or League Two; he has interest from all three divisions.

“It will be about picking the right club where he’s going to have the environment to thrive and the opportunity to play a lot of football.”

Thomas Frank should give more youngsters a chance

Tottenham are stacked in almost every position on the pitch. However, the season is long and there will be a lot of football to play.

As a result, Thomas Frank should consider allowing some of Spurs’ best academy stars their chance during Spurs’ upcoming fixtures. Domestic cup games seem like the obvious pick, but some minutes in the Premier League should not be ruled out.

Tynan Thompson demonstrated the importance of tapping into the academy with his performance against Wycombe. With so much talent ready to be unleashed, this decision seems like a no-brainer for Frank.

Tottenham are interested in signing Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain.

Kolo Muani spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus, where he shone after a difficult spell at PSG, and the Frenchman is now attracting interest from several clubs.

Tottenham are seeking more attacking firepower and have the resources to sanction a big transfer after their move for Morgan Gibbs-White fell through.

Kolo Muani originally joined PSG for a huge fee just below £90million, but Thomas Frank could now bring him to North London for significantly less.

Kolo Muani’s full transfer cost

If Kolo Muani is to join Tottenham, they would have to beat other Premier League sides, including Manchester United, to his signature.

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It is reported by Le10 Sport (27 July) that despite Juventus making a loan bid for Kolo Muani, PSG want a permanent transfer, with the fee potentially reaching £38m.

This would see PSG make a significant loss on the 26-year-old, but given that Kolo Muani found his best form at Juventus, this could represent a bargain for whoever lands him.

The problem lies in his wages. Kolo Muani earns a total wage of £212,116 per week (Capology), which is inclusive of a bonus of £60,652.

This makes his total salary over £11m per year, which is more than any Spurs player currently earns, and he may even want a pay rise wherever he ends up, which could price him out of a move to North London.

If Daniel Levy were to offer Kolo Muani a five-year deal, the £38m fee plus £11m annual salary could mean the whole transfer package costs an eyewatering £94m.

Kolo Muani would be a statement for Spurs

Frank is clearly aiming to add speed and goals to his side, and Kolo Muani would fit this new-look Spurs perfectly.

The France international would arrive with a point to prove, and would also offer versatility across the front line.

With Richarlison potentially on the way out, Kolo Muani could be the perfect upgrade, and if Son Heung-Min also leaves, there may be more wiggle room on the wage bill to accommodate the PSG attacker.

Kolo Muani is perhaps best known for a last-minute miss in the 2022 World Cup final, but he could join Spurs as a proven forward in good form, in a statement signing given the other teams interested.

Daniel Levy has outdone himself after bringing a top striker from Leeds United to Tottenham.

Levy has had a difficult summer, particularly after the fiasco with Morgan Gibbs-White.

However, he has also done some shrewd business.

Tottenham and Leeds have done plenty of business in recent seasons, which includes Manor Solomon spending last season on loan at Elland Road, and have once again conducted a transfer between them.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

Tottenham signs Oliver Boast from Leeds

Tottenham recently announced that Oliver Boast has joined the academy from Leeds.

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And Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has only good things to say about Boast.

“This is a massive signing,” Wenham said.

“Boast played against Tottenham at an Under-16 tournament last season called the Nationals.

“All the parents I spoke to on the back of that said to me that Leeds have got this striker called Boast who’s a really top player, like, really good. He’s got the right sort of arrogance about him as well, that he’s going to make it, and he’s pushing himself really hard.

“So, I think it’s massive for Tottenham to get the England youth international striker through the door.”

https://x.com/Lilywhite_Rose/status/1947675830794260488

Boast could climb the ranks quickly at Tottenham

There is no doubt that Boast has the talent to become a key player for the Lilywhites in the future.

At Leeds, he quickly climbed through the ranks to become a regular for their Under-18s last season despite still being a schoolboy. Impressively, he made his debut for the Whites’ Under-21s aged just 16.

Thomas Frank was always eager to integrate youngsters into the ranks while at Brentford. Thus, if Spurs’ last couple of pre-season games are anything to go by, Boast will be training with the first team in no time.

Tottenham are set to face Newcastle on Sunday as Thomas Frank’s impressive pre-season campaign continues.

The Dane stunned spectators with his team’s performance during their 1-0 win against Arsenal on Thursday (31 July). While a little touch and go toward the end, it was a solid defensive and praiseworthy attacking showing in Hong Kong.

But Frank is far from done and could shock once more when Tottenham take on Newcastle at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday (3 August).

Fans will be expecting another spectacle from beginning to end, and with the players he has at his disposal, it is on the Spurs coach to deliver.

Team News

Barring a few surprises, the Dane should have more or less the same squad that defeated Arsenal at his disposal.

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James Maddison returned to the pitch against the Gunners as a substitute during the closing minutes of the confrontation. As such, he can be expected to see more game time when Spurs take on the Magpies.

Dominic Solanke was sidelined against Arsenal due to a minor ankle injury, but could return in time for the match on Sunday.

Dejan Kulusevski is once again ruled out and should not return in time for the new season. While Manor Solomon, Kota Takai and Destiny Udogie have not travelled due to injury problems and Alfie Devine, Dane Scarlett, and Mikey Moore are back at Hotspur Way exploring potential loan moves.

Predicted Tottenham lineup

The Dane is expected to start another strong lineup to ensure a Spurs victory against a difficult Newcastle side.

Guglielmo Vicario should retain his starting spot in goal with Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso as his centre-back duo, which gives Cristian Romero a little rest after a solid performance in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Pedro Porro and Djed Spence are set to form Tottenham’s fullback duo for the confrontation.

The midfield is arguably the most important aspect to get right, and Frank is set to amass a formidable unit.

Yves Bissouma should start after coming off the bench earlier this week, while Pape Matar Sarr could link up next to him following his absolute screamer from the halfway line against Arsenal. This leaves Lucas Bergvall to slot in after impressing the manager since returning from injury.

Mohammed Kudus is expected to keep his place on the right wing while Mathys Tel could act as his partner-in-crime on the left. Richarlison is set to complete the attack after a strong display against the Gunners.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Newcastle

After an incredible display against their North London rivals, there is every chance that Spurs will walk away with another win against Newcastle.

Despite having little time to implement his ideas, Frank is already getting his team to attack and defend as a unit. Kudus has been a stand-out in this regard, helping out massively going forward and tracking back at any given moment.

Tottenham are currently showcasing the perfect level of ball progression and attacking prowess, while are confident when defending set pieces and deterring intense attacks. Facing a Newcastle team who will be without their star man in Alexander Isak should help Spurs to snag a win on the day.

Therefore, Tottenham News are predicting a 2-1 victory for Spurs in a game which should see Frank celebrating another victory as manager.

Tottenham Hotspur have been edging towards completing the signing of Joao Palhinha over the last few days.

The former Fulham midfielder excelled in the Premier League during his previous two-year stint, but things haven’t worked out for him at Bayern Munich after his big-money move last summer.

Tottenham have been in talks with Bayern over a potential loan deal for Palhinha, as they look to offer him a way out of Vincent Kompany’s side.

Thomas Frank’s squad is already well-stocked for central midfielders, but with the likes of Yves Bissouma potentially on the way out of N17, the Portuguese could be the perfect replacement.

This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham scout Bryan King.

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Tottenham to announce Palhinha on Saturday as medical booked in

Tottenham have made great progress in their bid to sign Palhinha, and it now looks as though his return to the Premier League has become a formality.

The 30-year-old is set to undergo a medical in Germany on Friday (1 August), with Spurs having reached an agreement with the Bundesliga giants over an initial season-long loan deal, according to the Daily Mail (1 August).

The agreement also includes an option which allows them to buy the midfielder for a fee of around £26million, which could become a bargain if he performs well.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that the transfer could be announced as early as Saturday (2 August), and also moots a potential falling out between Palhinha and Kompany.

“If he (Palhinha) passes his medical, then I’d imagine it will be announced tomorrow,” King said.

“He’s a good player, and maybe he’s fallen out with Kompany at Bayern, because it seems strange that they’d let a player of that calibre go.

“But, it’s obviously more than we know.

“Palhinha has got a lot of ability, and it can only be a positive for Spurs to sign a player of that level.”

Palhinha will provide valuable experience for Spurs

Palhinha’s arrival should definitely provide something a little bit different for Spurs.

The Lilywhites have made a habit of predominantly trying to target younger players over the last few windows, and while that makes sense from a business point of view, it has left them lacking experience and leadership at times.

Palhinha is a player who has been there and done it in the Premier League, and Frank could find it very helpful to have a player of his level of nous at the club.

The Portuguese should be able to lead by example for the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr within the midfield ranks.

It’s should be a very shrewd piece of business from Tottenham, and it would be no surprise to see them activate that option to buy at the end of his loan tenure.