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Cristian Romero is set to become a huge staple in North London as Tottenham’s likely masterplan is outlined.

The Argentine was close to a departure from Hotspur Way, with Atletico Madrid among the interested clubs.

However, the Spanish side’s interest has since cooled after it was revealed that the defender is likely to remain at Tottenham this summer.

As a result, the London club are keen to tie him down for good with a new contract supposedly in the works.

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

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Romero set to be offered new Tottenham contract

According to the print edition of Mundo Deportivo (20 July, pg. 17), Tottenham have already seen one offer rejected by Romero. However, they are now believed to be preparing another proposal for a new contract.

With the Spurs captaincy seemingly up for grabs this summer, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Tottenham has conducted a masterplan to see the deal signed.

“I think it’s the perfect decision,” Wenham said.

“Moving forward for the club, I think if you give Romero the armband. When you now look Atletico Madrid signed David Hancko yesterday, they’re still pushing for Renato Veiga from Chelsea. I think that link to Atletico is finished now and done.

“So we can safely assume that Romero will be at Tottenham this year. That was step one, keeping the player at the club. Step two, if you ask me, is giving him the captain’s armband. Three is extending the contract of his close friend and best friend at the club, Rodrigo Bentancur. Step four is getting Romero to extend his contract.

“I think those other conditions make it a perfect scenario and a set of dominoes that fall that allows Romero to extend his contract to Tottenham, become probably the highest-paid player at the club and gives us a real basis to move forward on. But I would name Romero as the permanent captain.”

Romero would make an excellent captain

Romero’s Man of the Match performance during the UEFA Europa League final demonstrated that he is captain material.

The defender was a force at the back. He put his heart on the line to ensure Tottenham brought back silverware to Hotspur Way.

With Son Heung-min set to leave North London this summer, Romero is the natural person to take over the mantle. His commanding presence and ability to see the entire pitch put him in good stead to lead the Lilywhites for years to come.

This is how many Tottenham and Arsenal fans attended each open training session in Hong Kong

Tottenham have been out in Hong Kong for the latest stage of their pre-season preparations.

The Lilywhites have already lined up against Reading, Wycombe and Luton on home soil, but are about to face two tougher tests during their tour of Asia.

Tottenham are set to take on their bitter rivals Arsenal at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on Thursday (31 July), in a clash which is sure to see no love lost between the pair.

Thomas Frank’s side will then take on Newcastle in Seoul on 3 August, before returning to Europe to wrap up their pre-season schedule.

Tottenham outnumbered by Arsenal fans in open training sessions

Frank is expected to name a fairly strong Tottenham lineup for their game against Arsenal, and they have been hard at work in the buildup to the match.

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The Lilywhites arrived in Hong Kong on Monday (28 July), and have been training in the local area since they stepped off the plane.

Both Frank’s charges and their North London rivals have held an open training session at Kai Tak Stadium for fans to get a glimpse of the two teams ahead of the game, and both drew sizeable crowds.

Spurs opened their doors to the public on Tuesday (29 July), and around 9,080 fans were in attendance to watch their heroes get put through their paces, according to the South China Morning Post (30 July).

Frank’s squad underwent a 75-minute session, which featured keep-ball games, before eventually rounding off with a full game spread across half of the pitch.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal held their session the following day, and attracted a crowd of roughly 20,000, according to their official website (30 July).

Spurs will want to beat Arsenal regardless of pre-season friendly

Son Heung-min could be set to feature for Spurs against Arsenal, as the South Korean is a phenomenally big name in East Asia.

The Tottenham captain is facing an uncertain future at the club, but he will surely have left his teammates in no doubt as to their task against their rivals on Thursday (31 July).

Games like the North London Derby will always matter, regardless of whether there are points up for grabs.

Tottenham are moving into a new era this season after the appointment of Frank, and the last thing he and his squad will want is to lose their first encounter against their most-hated opponents, even if it is just a pre-season friendly.

The N17 outfit have won on just one of the last nine outings against the Gunners, and they will desperate to set the record straight in Hong Kong.

‘I love Levy’ shirt, Son reaction – What went under the radar in Tottenham’s training session

Tottenham held a public training session at Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday, as they prepare for Thursday’s pre-season clash against Arsenal.

The 9,080 fans in attendance were treated to 75 minutes of action, with Thomas Frank’s favoured style of training on full show.

The two North London sides will meet in the same stadium on Thursday (31 July), before Spurs travel to the South Korean capital of Seoul to take on Newcastle United on Sunday (3 August).

Here, Tottenham News fills you in on what you might have missed from Tuesday’s training session.

Son Heung-min delights adoring fans

According to the SCMP (30 July), the sight of Tottenham captain Son Heung-min generated excited screams throughout the stands at Kai Tak Stadium.

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The winger looked to be in fine form in training, despite the ongoing questions surrounding his future amid interest from MLS side Los Angeles FC.

The 33-year-old avoided walking through the mixed zone, presumably hoping to skip the inevitable stream of questions about the potential move.

Suprise love for Levy

It was not a surprise to see the fans in attendance showing their love for Spurs favourites like Son and Micky van de Ven.

But a shirt held up adorned with the message “I love Levy” and a picture of the widely unpopular Tottenham chairman did prompt some questions.

The shirt was met with jeers when it appeared on the big screen, likely bringing a quick end to any ideas of a sudden change of heart about Daniel Levy within the Spurs fanbase.

Spence shows a little too much passion in the tackle

For fans who live thousands of miles away from North London, pre-season can provide a scarce chance to see their favourite players in action.

But fans in the stands would have been surprised to see Djed Spence treating a training match with, perhaps, a tad too much intensity.

The full-back was captured in a video posted by Chris Cowlin (29 July) as he rushed in to tackle fellow defender Pedro Porro, leaving the Spaniard rolling around in a heap on the floor.

Tottenham v Tottenham ends level

Tuesday’s training session concluded with a match between two teams composed of the Tottenham players present.

The fans in attendance may have thought, ‘great, a chance to see some goals!’ But, unfortunately, no – the game finished 0-0, according to Chris Cowlin.

Still, a deciding penalty shootout was played out, with Guglielmo Vicario saving spot-kicks from James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, and Porro.

Daniel Levy could sign a player who has the potential to transform Tottenham next season.

Levy started strong in the summer window but has since hit a brick wall with Morgan Gibbs-White extending at Nottingham Forest.

As a result, the Tottenham chairman will be looking to make up for lost time and seal another arrival to Hotspur Way.

With the first game of the Premier League season around the corner, Levy will need to act soon to complete the transfer.

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

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Tottenham urged to sign Joao Palhinha

As reported by Bild (23 July), Tottenham are interested in Joao Palhinha, with Bayern wanting around £21million for their player.

The midfielder has struggled to impress Vincent Kompany since arriving from Fulham and could be tempted with a departure.

While his age is a legitimate concern, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Spurs should go all out to sign him this summer, as he fits a profile of player Spurs currently lack.

“I could certainly see why Tottenham’s interest would be genuine, because Palhinha was phenomenal at Fulham,” Wenham said.

“People are rewriting history, saying he’s old and past it. No club ever is successful with a whole team full of young players over a long period of time. You need experienced players, you need players who have been there and done it. He was fantastic for Fulham, which is why Bayern Munich forked out the big bucks to sign him. He would instantly improve us.

“He’s got leadership skills, he’s got experience, and he’s got experience playing at the top level. So for me, it would be a no-brainer, especially at that pricing is really good value. I think sometimes people have to park their feelings about a player’s age.

“So I think Palhinha would be a fantastic signing. He’d slot straight into our team in a holding midfield role. And he’s the exact sort of character I think Tottenham are missing at the moment.”

Palhinha could be a good rotational option

The former Fulham star could be a good rotational option for Tottenham next season if given the chance.

He is Premier League-proven, which will be a huge boost for Thomas Frank’s league ambitions.

In a squad overflowing with youth, experience will be vital if Spurs want to compete for all trophies, and Palhinha could be the perfect blend of talent and experience.

Tottenham have made it no secret that Illia Zabarnyi is an option to strengthen their defence this summer.

Zabarnyi formed an elite partnership with Dean Huijsen for Bournemouth in the Premier League last season.

But with the latter of the two arriving at Real Madrid, the Cherries are reluctant to lose another defender. As a result, the club are said to have slapped a hefty fee on the centre-back.

However, Daniel Levy does not like to lose and is prepared to give in to the demands tabled.

Zabarnyi agrees to five-year deal with PSG

As reported by RMC Sport on Wednesday (30 July), Tottenham is ready to meet the £60million demanded by Bournemouth.

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The huge bid would break Spurs’ transfer record and is a testament to how much Levy values the player. However, it seems his heart is still set on the Parisian club.

The report adds that the defender has already agreed on a five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain and is waiting for the clubs to come to an agreement.

As a result, a move to North London looks unlikely for the Cherries centre-back. But a return to the charge cannot be ruled out if his deal with PSG falls through.

Tottenham are stacked in the centre-back position

While squad depth is important, Tottenham run the risk of frustrating their players if another centre-back arrives without a sale.

It seems like Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero will retain their starting positions under Thomas Frank. While Kevin Danso and Ben Davies are good rotational options.

Meanwhile, the arrivals of Kota Takai and Luca Vuskovic position Spurs’ defence as one of the best in the Premier League in terms of talent. Vuskovic, in particular, has shown that he could become a starter within the next 12 months.

As a result, breaking a club record for a centre-back who does not have Spurs as his first option seems hasty. It would be better to invest that money in positions where Tottenham are lacking, such as left wing or in the midfield.

Therefore, missing out on Zabarnyi could turn out to be best for all involved.

Tottenham have beaten Manchester United to the final punch for a new signing this summer.

Man United have been a heavy feature at Tottenham over the past couple of months, with Tottenham outmuscling them almost every time.

However, the transfer of Bryan Mbeumo is a battle the Lilywhites were forced to concede to the Red Devils.

Even the promise of Thomas Frank and an enticing project was not enough to convince Mbeumo to relinquish his promise to United.

But it now seems that Spurs climbed back from that humiliation by handing Ruben Amorim’s team one of their own.

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

Tottenham beat United to Oliver Boast

Tottenham confirmed last week that Oliver Boast has joined their academy from Leeds United. The former Leeds gem joins the initial 10 young players who joined the club as first-year scholars.

As reported by Lilywhite Rose via X (21 July), Manchester United were extremely keen to sign Boast this summer.

It is understood that Boast is one of the most promising young strikers of his cohort, and Tottenham have done well to snap him up.

In fact, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Spurs have done well to beat United to the final punch.

“I expect him to be the starting striker for the Under-18s this season,” Wenham said.

“I expect him to get a lot of goals, so he’s a really big signing, and to beat Man United is always good.

“But you have to remember that it’s very difficult for a player from Leeds to make that move to Man United because of the rivalry between the two clubs. And I don’t know how much that may have played into it as well.”

Frank to give youngsters some minutes next season

The Dane has already been determined to give some youngsters a chance during Spurs’ most recent pre-season fixtures.

In fact, it is understood that the game against Wycombe at Hotspur Way was hastily pencilled into the schedule so that Frank could see more players in action.

Several of Spurs’ youth impressed during that game, with Tynan Thompson standing out from the rest during the 2-2 draw.

The minutes given to some of Tottenham’s gems could indicate that Frank wants to make the most of the academy during his first season.

As a result, it would not come as a surprise to see numerous youngsters handed their first-team debuts under the new Spurs coach.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy could pull off a financial masterstroke given the latest details of Mikey Moore’s transfer to Rangers.

Moore became a reference point for all those hoping to climb through the academy ranks after winning silverware at Spurs during his debut season.

It was hoped that he would continue his fine form under Thomas Frank, but it seems a departure is on the cards this summer.

And Levy will consider it a job well done after the latest details of his transfer to Rangers emerge.

Tottenham to save £260,000 from Moore transfer

As reported by Fabrizio Romano on Wednesday (30 July), Rangers are optimistic to seal all the details of Moore’s loan deal this week.

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It is understood to be a straight loan until June 2026 without a buy option, with his salary covered. As it stands, this would save Tottenham £260,000 in wages for the year, according to Capology (30 July).

With his wages covered by the Scottish club, it is no wonder that Spurs are set to give the final green light soon. Not only will the Lilywhites pocket a fair sum, but it is hoped Moore will return at the end of next season as a more rounded player.

If the transfer goes through, the potential benefits of the deal are almost a laughing matter for Levy, who will most certainly bag another win.

Moore will thrive at Rangers

Some would have preferred a move to the Championship for Moore to continue his development.

The logic makes sense. The left winger will presumably be continuing his career at Tottenham upon his return, so a loan to an English team would help him better adapt to the pace of the Premier League.

However, he could get a taste of UEFA Champions League football at Rangers, which could be an unexpected bonus.

The Scottish side take on Panathinaikos in the return leg of the second qualifying round for the competition on Wednesday (30 July).

Indeed, Levy recently expressed his desire to win the competition with Tottenham and gaining some experience at Rangers would put Moore in a better position to compete at the top level.

Therefore, with the game time set to come his way and the possibility of lighting up the Champions League, this loan spell could be just what the doctor ordered.

Tottenham could reignite their interest in Jack Grealish to bolster their attacking options.

Grealish was left out of Manchester City’s FIFA Club World Cup squad after falling out with Pep Guardiola, and has followed an individual training program for most of the summer.

The England international returned to pre-season training with the rest of the City squad, but is still expected to move this summer.

Tottenham famously missed out on signing Grealish while he was still at Villa, when new owners came in and blocked the move. However, Spurs still have the opportunity to bring the 29-year-old to N17.

Neil Warnock is surprised Spurs haven’t pushed for Grealish

Tottenham were linked with Grealish at the start of the summer, but things have gone quiet following Thomas Frank’s arrival.

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The Dane targeted a variety of wide forwards before signing Mohammed Kudus, having already added Mathys Tel to the squad after making his loan move permanent.

Nevertheless, Neil Warnock expressed his bemusement live on air with talkSPORT (29 July) that Spurs have not made a more concerted effort to sign the talented winger.

When discussing Grealish’s links with Everton and West Ham, Warnock asked, “Is he not more of a Tottenham Hotspur player?

“I think Tottenham would suit him down to the ground, I’m surprised they’ve not come in for him.”

The principal issue that Spurs would have in signing the Villa academy graduate is his current wages, which far exceed any player’s earnings currently at Hotspur Way.

There is also a question of his injury record, which has gradually worsened over the last two seasons despite a decrease in game time.

Frank should target an out-and-out striker

While the allure of signing a player of Grealish’s calibre is clear, Frank should first focus his efforts on signing another striker.

Richarlison could be set to leave Tottenham this summer, while Dominic Solanke’s recent injury meant that Mathys Tel was used as a striker in Spurs’s friendly against Luton Town (26 July).

The Lilywhites managed just two shots all game and were very predictable in their attacking play as they lacked any presence or a focal point up front.

Frank must quickly address this issue in the transfer market, especially if he is to fulfil his main objective of competing on all fronts next season.

Tottenham are in Hong Kong as part of their pre-season tour in Asia, and have some big games ahead.

Spurs are set to face Arsenal in the first-ever North London derby to be played outside of the UK on Thursday (31 July), and the squad are being put through their paces in training.

Thomas Frank is aiming to get his side up to speed and will hope for minimal injury disruption, although he has already been handed one blow as Destiny Udogie has not travelled on tour.

This could see Djed Spence line up at left-back, but fans will be unhappy with him as new training footage has emerged.

Spence unleashes heavy tackle on Pedro Porro in training

Pedro Porro and Spence will compete for a starting spot at right-back in the upcoming season, but things got too competitive in training.

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After a season in which Spurs suffered from a never-ending injury crisis, the last thing they need right now is impact injuries inflicted on each other before the new campaign even begins.

Spence clearly has not taken this instruction on board, as footage shared via Hayters TV on X (29 July) showed the Englishman smashing into Porro during a training drill.

The full-backs collided with brutal force, and many will now question why Spence is flying into such challenges, given the risk of injuring his own teammate, no matter how competitive training can get.

Tottenham cannot afford another injury crisis

Ange Postecoglou’s domestic record was not good enough last season, but he was dealt a bad hand with injuries throughout the campaign.

Several players had to be forced out of position, including youngster Archie Gray, who was often exposed when forced to cover at centre-back as a result of a lack of alternative options.

Spurs need to ensure that their squad is well-equipped enough to deal with multiple absences, and a change in style of play under Frank could ensure that there are fewer muscle injuries in the squad.

However, any changes Spurs make to combat the mounting injuries would all be undone if players like Spence continue to fly into such reckless tackles during training, and more caution is needed.

Thomas Frank is keen to get Tottenham’s squad up to scratch with just over two weeks before the UEFA Super Cup.

Frank first has to navigate a tricky friendly against bitter rivals Arsenal in Hong Kong on Thursday (31 July) before travelling to South Korea to face Newcastle (3 August).

The Dane is hoping to get more match minutes into his players’ legs, while keeping an eye on the transfer market as he looks to strengthen the squad.

However, it has been a tricky start to the week for the 51-year-old as Tottenham News brings you the latest updates from N17.

Tottenham trio miss consecutive penalties in training

Brennan Johnson was one of three players to miss consecutive spot kicks as footage emerged from Tottenham’s pre-season preparations.

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The Lilywhites partook in an open training session in the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong ahead of the first North London derby to be played outside of the UK.

The team performed several drills before being separated into two teams to play a match.

It ended in a goalless draw, taking them into a penalty shootout, where the first three players in Johnson, James Maddison and Pedro Porro all missed before Cristian Romero converted from 12 yards out.

Rodrygo is not tempted by Tottenham

Rodrygo is not interested in moving to Spurs this summer after the North Londoners reported an interest in the Brazil international.

The 24-year-old is thought to be on the market, subject to a suitable bid, as Xabi Alonso does not see the former Santos player as integral to his plans at Real Madrid.

Tottenham are keen to bring in one more versatile forward, especially with Son Heung-min looking set to leave this summer, but are no longer in with a shot to sign Rodrygo.

Kota Takai ruled out for several weeks

Tottenham are suffering an injury pile-up as Kota Takai will be out for “weeks,” according to Frank.

The centre-back’s exact return date is unknown, but the young Japanese defender has damaged a muscle in his foot and did not travel with the rest of the squad to Asia to recover.

He joins long-term absentees in Radu Dragusin, Bryan Gil, and Dejan Kulusevski at Hotspur Way, while Destiny Udogie also stayed after sustaining a knee injury in the warm-up ahead of Tottenham’s friendly against Luton Town last Saturday (26 July).

It is a worrying sign for Frank, who is determined to avoid an injury crisis reminiscent of last season, when Spurs had fewer than 15 senior players to choose from at certain points during the winter.