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Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven seems to be a stellar judge of character.

Spurs seem to play without fear when Van de Ven is on the pitch. His excellent reading of the game and blistering pace have made him one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

However, Tottenham are still unsatisfied with their competitive squad. After Thomas Frank oversaw a 2-0 victory against Manchester City, Spurs have demonstrated they can compete at the highest level.

As such, Daniel Levy is determined to arm the Dane with reinforcements. But a few movements need to be made before anyone new comes in.

Tottenham to sign defender if Luka Vuskovic is loaned

Luka Vuskovic made quite the impression on his Tottenham debut, where he scored and assisted against Reading.

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However, the defender has struggled to see consistent minutes since. To the supporters’ displeasure, Tottenham were open to loaning out Vuskovic as one of eight players.

He’s also managed to impress van de Ven. In a press conference before Spurs’ pre-season game against Arsenal, he said: “Luka is only 18 years old, but what you can see from how he behaves on the pitch and off the pitch, you can see he is a really talented football player.

“He has a lot of qualities and I think he has shown in the last two friendlies that he has a lot of big and strong points where even our centre-backs can learn from.

“He’s done unbelievable at this point and hopefully he can do way more for us and hopefully you can see way more from him.”

The Croatian has had his fair share of suitors, but Hamburg seems to be Vuslovic’s likely destination.

Despite this, he could remain at Hotspur Way this summer. According to The Standard on Tuesday, 26 August, Tottenham have not made a final decision on whether to keep Vuskovic at the club this season.

As a result, a defensive addition could depend on whether he leaves the club or not.

Should Vuskovic remain at Tottenham?

It is a question which has split Spurs’ fanbase down the middle.

On the one hand, a move abroad where he is bound to receive adequate minutes could aid his development. On the other hand, Tottenham could need him later on in the season.

Cristian Romero and Van de Ven missed a combined 59 games in all competitions last season. Thus, there is every chance he will be used under Frank.

There is also the issue of adapting to English football and the pace of the Premier League. Having hardly played in England, a loan to a German club may not be best suited.

As a result, Vuskovic continuing at Spurs this season could be best for all involved.

Daniel Levy could be saddled with another problem from the summer transfer market.

The Lilywhites have been down a man or two since Son Heung-min left for LAFC after almost a decade in North London.

James Maddison’s more recent ACL injury, sustained against Newcastle United during pre-season, has not helped matters.

But Levy is determined to find a solution to his woes during the final days of the window. He’ll just be hoping that his answer does not become another problem.

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

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Tottenham’s history with French signings is not great

Maghnes Akliouche is a name linked with Tottenham in recent days, with Levy keen to sign him before the window closes.

There is a real possibility that he will become a concrete option if Spurs cannot sign Savinho from Manchester City.

Monaco have made their stance clear to Tottenham, but Levy will believe he can finesse a deal with them if needs be.

However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has pointed out Spurs’ previous sour history when recruiting players from the French League.

“From what I’m hearing that he is very good,” Wenham said.

“Our history of buying players from the French League, on the whole, is diabolical. You know, Tanguy Ndombele, Benjamin Stambouli and Clinton Njie. There’s a long line of complete disasters that Tottenham have signed from the French League.

“So I think you do have to consider that as well. But many people say he’s good, so I will bow down to their superior knowledge on this specific player.”

Tottenham’s successes with Ligue 1 exports

While they were few and in between, the Lilywhites have had some successes when signing from Ligue 1.

Lucas Moura tops this list. Signed from French side PSG in 2018, Moura’s hat-trick against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League booked Spurs a spot in the final for their first time in their history.

Hugo Lloris is a name that has earned its spot. Lloris was signed from Lyon in 2012 and spent over a decade in North London. He left the club as one of the most respected captains in Spurs history, forever a legend at Hotspur Way.

With the Lilywhites having a few signings from France to remember, Levy will be hoping that Akliouche falls on the right side of history.

Tottenham have looked incredible under Thomas Frank so far, winning two Premier League games out of two.

The Danish manager has guided Spurs to two wins and two clean sheets to start the new Premier League campaign.

After beating Burnley 3-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Frank’s side followed this up with a statement win at the Etihad, as Spurs defeated Manchester City 2-0 over the weekend.

Next up for The Lilywhites is Bournemouth, as Spurs will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce, but they will be hoping that the referee does not become a talking point after the match.

Simon Hooper ‘devastated’ after previous Spurs referring incident

The Premier League released a statement after VAR correctly reinstated Brennan Johnson’s opening goal against City after Richarlison was initially deemed to be offside in the build-up.

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And supporters will be hoping the referees make more correct decisions in vital moments in their game against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Hooper is set to referee the fixture and is no stranger to making massive calls in games regarding Spurs.

In fact, one incident during City’s clash with Spurs back in December 2023 left the referee feeling “devastated”, according to PGMOL chief refereeing officer Howard Webb, who spoke to talkSPORT about the incident.

In this case, the decision fortunately went Spurs’ way, as supporters may remember when Hooper controversially blew his whistle to deny Jack Grealish an advantage after he was through on goal.

The dramatic encounter ultimately ended 3-3, but Hooper’s controversial decision was the biggest talking point from the game as the Man City players quickly surrounded him after his baffling mistake.

What did Ange Postecoglou have to say about the incident?

For one reason or another, games never seemed to be straightforward for Spurs and Postecoglou whilst the Australian was in charge.

Speaking after the game, Postecoglou was asked whether he felt his side got away with one regarding Hooper’s decision, to which he replied, “Yeah, I guess so, mate”.

Spurs’ Europa League-winning manager could be set to return to face his former club at some stage this season, with Postecoglou being heavily linked to the West Ham and Nottingham Forest managerial positions.

Thomas Frank can repeat Bryan Mbeumo masterstroke by signing ‘special’ Tottenham target

Thomas Frank may be a match made in heaven for one Tottenham target.

Tottenham were denied Morgan Gibbs-White after he extended at Nottingham Forest. Eberechi Eze was all but done before Arsenal swooped in at the last minute.

Over a month after the Lilywhites expressed their desire for another attacking midfielder, Spurs are right where they started. With James Maddison ruled out for Tottenham with an ACL injury, arguably, they are worse off.

As a result, Daniel Levy will be accelerating his efforts to find a solution in the final days of the window. But with several available options, El Khannouss could be the best choice for Tottenham on the market.

Thomas Frank to transform Bilal El Khannouss like Bryan Mbeumo

Tottenham wanted to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, but the winger had his heart set on Manchester United.

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While both parties have gone their separate ways, Frank could be tempted to use the same blueprint for El Khannouss as he did when transforming Mbeumo at Brentford.

The right-winger was a Frank signing and landed at the Gtech Community Stadium aged 20. This would parallel El Khannouss, who would also be signed by Frank and arrive at Tottenham at a similar age.

Before the Dane took a chance on him, Mbeumo was in the second division of French football with Troyes. He went on to score 17 goals and provide seven assists in his first season at Brentford.

Mbeumo was part of the Bees side, which was promoted to the Premier League in 2021, providing 21 goal contributions in all competitions. The Dane consistently provided him with the freedom on the wing to cut inside and make things happen.

The right winger once again reached astronomical heights in his final season at Brentford, which included 20 goals and 9 assists in the 2024/25 Premier League.

Frank could look to transform El Khannouss similarly if he is signed from Leicester City. The attacking midfielder would be given the freedom to move across the midfield while finding attackers in pockets of space.

It is entirely possible that Frank repeats the masterstroke seen at Brentford with Mbeumo.

What can Bilal El Khannouss bring to Tottenham?

El Khannouss’ ‘special’ potential makes him an attractive candidate for Tottenham, but there are still questions about whether he would strengthen the team.

His game demonstrates the possibility to become one of the Premier League’s best while a need for improvement.

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

There is, without a doubt, room for improvement. But El Khannouss’ technical skill, versatility and creativity are solid foundations for Frank to build on.

Daniel Levy is set to appease Tottenham fans with another big signing before 1 September.

Thomas Frank needs guarantees at Tottenham if he is expected to guide the Lilywhites to glory.

The Dane has already gotten off to a remarkable start. After an opening win against Burnley, Spurs beat Manchester City 2-0 at their home ground.

New signings Joao Palhinha, who’s on loan from Bayern Munich, and Mohammed Kudus, who completed a permanent transfer from West Ham last month, have been incredible. But Frank will need more if he’s going to compete in all competitions this season.

As such, the Dane will be delighted if Levy can complete another signing before the window closes.

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

Rodrigo Bentancur tipped to renew contract until 2029

Tottenham announced the renewal of Cristian Romero after appointing him captain following Son Heung-min’s departure.

Romero was linked to Atletico Madrid this summer, but it seems there was little substance to those reports.

Rodrigo Bentancur’s future was suggested to be linked to Romero’s. With one year left on his contract, the Uruguayan will be free to talk to clubs in a few months.

As a result, Tottenham could look to extend him soon. Like Romero, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes his extension would be another “big signing” for Spurs.

“I see it as a kind of domino effect,” Wenham said.

“I actually thought Bentancur’s contract would be extended before Romero. Romero getting that done would be the final cherry on the cake of a successful kind of strategic rebuild.

“But the fact that Romero has already extended his contract and Bentancur started the Super Cup, and is seemingly a key player for Frank. I am expecting him to be renewed very quickly, probably until 2029.

“So fingers crossed that happens. And I think that would be another big signing for the club.”

What role will Rodrigo Bentancur play under Thomas Frank?

It has become abundantly clear that Frank sees Bentancur as an important player for the future.

The midfielder, who has had his injury troubles in the past, has come back stronger, fitter and more determined to succeed in North London.

As a result, Tottenham fans can expect him to continue in a double pivot alongside Palhinha for the foreseeable future. This partnership is already a formidable one.

Against PSG in the UEFA Europa League final, the two formed a stronghold in the midfield. This made it difficult for the Parisians to create meaningful chances.

Meanwhile, along with Pape Matar Sarr, the duo offered the perfect blend of press, control and physicality, which helped Spurs to progress the ball and shield their backline against Man City.

If it keeps on developing at this rate, Bentancur’s new role alongside Palhinha could turn out to be one of the highlights of the season.

Tottenham made it two wins out of two under Thomas Frank in the Premier League after a stunning victory against Manchester City on Saturday.

Frank picked an attacking Spurs team and they put on a tactical masterclass to win the game 2-0.

The Danish manager has lapped up the plaudits after that result, being named as Tottenham’s signing of the season.

It’s early days for Frank in the Spurs hotseat, but there are plenty of signs suggesting that Tottenham are in for an exciting season.

Wayne Rooney praises Thomas Frank for drilling basics into Tottenham

Tottenham’s midfield were compared to ‘prime Liverpool’ after their energetic performance against Manchester City.

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Pape Matar Sarr was everywhere, Rodrigo Bentancur was solid, while Palhinha helped himself to his first Tottenham goal.

Together, they nullified Manchester City better than most other teams have managed in the last few years.

However, Wayne Rooney was excited by a far simpler aspect of Tottenham’s play.

Speaking on his new The Wayne Rooney show podcast, he admitted that Frank has brought some refreshing changes to North London.

He said: “You can clearly see he’s absolutely drilled him in getting the basics right…whether that’s pressing high on the pitch or defending deep, staying as compact as they can to try and make it difficult for teams to play against them.

“They’re getting all the basics right, and they’re getting rewards for that. So, I’ve been really impressed with the start Thomas Frank has made at Tottenham and the buy-in from the players.”

Who should Tottenham target before transfer window closes?

It has been a frustrating transfer window for Tottenham for several reasons.

First off, they had to deal with the Morgan Gibbs-White transfer falling through at the last moment.

Then, when they looked certain to finalise the transfer of Eberechi Eze, they were pipped to the post by Arsenal, who signed him instead.

It has been an unfortunate set of circumstances, especially considering they’ve lost James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski to long-term injuries.

Thomas Frank has carried himself well through all of this disappointment.

A playmaker is seemingly still the main target for Frank. He has one week to find a suitable candidate before the transfer window closes.

Harvey Elliott has emerged as a primary target, although there are other midfielders supposedly in Tottenham’s sights.

We could have a clearer idea of Tottenham’s realistic ambitions for the season once the transfer window closes.

Djed Spence has enjoyed an emphatic start to the season at Tottenham under the stewardship of Thomas Frank.

Spence recently signed a new Tottenham deal that will keep him at the North London club until 2029.

While the full-back has come in for his fair share of criticism over the years, his new contract highlights the progress he has made at Hotspur Way.

Indeed, his former manager, Neil Warnock, should feel embarrassed after what he said about Spence in 2020.

Djed Spence has already impressed under Thomas Frank at Tottenham

Spence has often been the fall guy at Spurs, but things are changing in North London.

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Tottenham signed the left-back from Middlesbrough in 2022 for an initial £12.5million, but his move was far from seamless.

Antonio Conte labelled the defender a ‘club signing’, with Spence speaking publicly about how the Italians comments shattered his confidence.

A host of loan moves followed, with the former Boro man shipped out across Europe to Stade Rennais, Leeds United, and Genoa.

There has always been a feeling among Tottenham supporters that there is a player in there, and he is now showing that in spades.

Last season, the full-back made 25 Premier League appearances under Ange Postecoglou, and he has now impressed in the early days of Frank’s tenure.

What Neil Warnock said about Djed Spence

In 2020, Spence was playing under the fiery Warnock for Middlesbrough, but came under scrutiny from his boss.

The defender had been linked with a move to Newcastle United, and Boro supporters would be the first to say his performances were underwhelming.

“There’s not many players where you can say it’s all up to themselves, personally, how far they go, but that’s the case with him,” Warnock told the Northern Echo in 2020.

“It’s about what’s between his ears. He could go anywhere in the next five years – he could be playing for one of the top clubs in England or he could be playing in non-league. I don’t know.”

While Warnock’s comments may sound extreme to Spurs supporters, there is no denying that his former manager recognised his talent.

Of course, there have been doubts over whether Spence can be a hit at Tottenham, but he is silencing his doubters in spades.

With the Englishman set to grace the Champions League, he has proven Warnock wrong in spectacular fashion.

Daniel Levy urged to walk away from £80m Tottenham target as Mohammed Kudus point made

Daniel Levy is set to make shockwaves in the closing days of Tottenham’s summer transfer window.

The Tottenham chairman has been criticised in recent weeks for his lethargic approach to the summer window.

Morgan Gibbs-White extended at Nottingham Forest despite agreeing personal terms with the Lilywhites. Meanwhile, Eberechi Eze to Arsenal was the humiliation of the summer.

Even CEO Vinai Venkatesham did not escape ridicule at Tottenham. But it seems Levy is determined to make amends during the final days of the market.

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

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Tottenham to drop ‘obscene’ price on Savinho

Tottenham were determined to sign both Eze and Savinho this summer. However, with one impossible task, the Lilywhites are ramping up their efforts to secure the latter.

Manchester City are determined to keep Savinho, who they see as a talent for the future. But Levy is willing to pay over £60million to secure Savinho before the end of the month.

However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the money would be better off invested in another player.

“I don’t know if he’s worth that sum of money when you get Kudus for £55m,” Wenham said.

‘I just don’t see now they’re talking, oh I’ll put the value up to £80m I don’t know if it’s pounds or euros, but it’s an obscene amount of money. He’d be our record-breaking signing.

“I just think there are other players you could get in the market for significantly better value than most fees. I think Savinho’s a good player, I make no mistake about that, but the money being talked about, I just think, is a lot.”

Where would Savinho rank among Tottenham’s biggest ever signings?

Levy has been hesitant to splurge in the market since arriving at Tottenham, but has still had his moments in the window.

Brennan Johnson arrived from Nottingham Forest in 2023 and went on to score the winner in Spurs’ UEFA Europa League final win. He cost the North London club £47.5m, making him the fifth largest signing in their history.

Coming up next is recent signing Mohammed Kudus, who arrived from West Ham this summer. After an incredible start in all competitions, £55m for the Ghanaian seems like a bargain.

Linked with a departure from Spurs this summer, Richarlison, for £60m, comes in third. The Brazilian has struggled to live up to expectations since signing from Everton in 2022. But after an impressive start to life under Thomas Frank, this could be his season.

Just missing out on the top spot is Tanguy Ndombele, who signed from Lyon for £63m in 2019. Injuries, a series of loans and disciplinary issues defined his time in North London before all parties went their separate ways in 2024.

Dominic Solanke, who was signed from Bournemouth for £65m in 2024, takes the top spot. The striker played an important role in Tottenham’s Europa League win and is expected to serve the North London club for years to come.

With his final price expected to be closer to £70m, Savinho would top this list if he arrives in North London.

Mikkel Damsgaard reunion: Three midfielders Tottenham could sign after Nico Paz rejection

Thomas Frank is expecting a new creative midfielder to arrive at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this week.

The Dane is in desperate need of invention in the middle of the pitch, after James Maddison’s absence was compounded by the news that Dejan Kulusevski will not return before the end of the year.

Spurs had looked set to sign Eberechi Eze, before late intervention from Arsenal saw the midfielder move to The Emirates Stadium instead.

Enquiries have been made about Morgan Rogers and Nico Paz, who wants to stay at Como after Spurs failed with an opening £60million bid.

Here, Tottenham News suggests three potential alternatives decision-makers could turn to in the final week of the window.

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Charles De Ketelaere – Atalanta

There was huge excitement surrounding Charles De Ketelaere before his £31m move to AC Milan in 2022.

The midfielder had torn up the Belgian first division, but failed to make much of an impression in his first season in Italy.

As a result, Milan sent the Belgian on loan to Atalanta in the following summer, giving their Serie A rivals a £22.5m option to make the move permanent at the end of the season – a move they would prove to regret massively.

In his two seasons at Atalanta, De Ketelaere has registered 33 direct goal contributions in the league, adding another 16 in other competitions during that time – including nine in the Champions League last season.

The 24-year-old would come at a significant cost, but could well be the difference-maker needed in North London.

Mikkel Damsgaard – Brentford

Mikkel Damsgaard appeared to only truly arrive at Brentford last season, despite arriving in 2022 from Atalanta.

The midfielder had struggled to adapt to the Premier League in his first seasons, but came alive in a central role for Frank last season, providing 11 assists.

Mikkel Damsgaard:

Damsgaard is technique personified; the Dane is an elite passer of the ball and possesses a great shot when given the chance, too.

Brentford will be keen to retain their key men, having already lost Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard this summer, but Spurs would be amiss not to test the waters for the chance of reuniting Frank with a player he knows very well.

Bilal El Khannouss – Leicester City

Given how the Eze saga played out, some Tottenham frustrations will be placed at the door of Crystal Palace, as well as Arsenal.

The Eagles appeared to drag out negotiations before quickly agreeing on a deal with Arsenal, always being aware of the player’s preference.

Spurs could enact some revenge by hijacking Palace’s move for Bilal El Khannouss, with Leicester City yet to sanction the midfielder’s departure.

The Morocco international stood out in a poor team last season, and would be one slightly more for the future, rather than now.

Tottenham can seal deadline-busting Harvey Elliott transfer as Liverpool stance revealed

Tottenham could solve their attacking midfielder issue with Liverpool star Harvey Elliott.

Thomas Frank has been in the market for a number 10 after James Maddison was ruled out for up to seven months with injury.

Spurs have had approaches for Nico Paz and Morgan Gibbs-White fall apart, and their move for Eberechi Eze was hijacked by Arsenal.

Time is running out for them to add a new creative maestro before the 1 September deadline, but Elliott could fit the bill.

Tottenham told they could sign Harvey Elliott from Liverpool

Tottenham could hijack RB Leipzig’s move for Elliott, as they frantically search for a replacement for Maddison.

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Iconic football commentator Ian Darke believes that the Reds would have no issue allowing the 22-year-old to depart for the North London club, despite them both competing in the Champions League.

Speaking to Liverpool News on 25 August, he said: “I think in the case of Harvey Elliott, they probably would if the price was right.

“I don’t think, as good as Harvey Elliott is, in the cold, ruthless light of day, they are going to look at that and think he is going to make the difference.

“I’m not sure Liverpool would see Tottenham as huge challengers to their crown this season. If it were Arsenal or Manchester City, it would be a different kettle of fish.

“Not Tottenham, who were 17th last season, let’s remember, and are still in some kind of transition with the new manager and sorting out new players.

“If the money is right, I think they would let him go. I think they have got to play fair with Harvey Elliott, he has said that if it was left to him, he would play for Liverpool forever, but he wants to make the World Cup squad.

“It is the time in his career where he has got to be a regular for somebody and not just coming on for 15 minutes at the end of games.”

Harvey Elliott can revive his career with Tottenham

Tottenham would be purchasing a player with star power who just needs regular game time to showcase it.

He can operate as a right winger or in an attacking midfield role, and that versatility could come in handy for Frank this season.

He has been behind the likes of Dominic Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah in the pecking order at Liverpool and needs to be handed a significant role to thrive, which he would have in N17.

The England Under-21 star featured for a total of 822 minutes in all competitions last season, and still managed to notch five goals and three assists, so there is definitely something to work with.

If the Lilywhites can reach a deal for Elliott, it makes sense. He is one of the most promising talents in the English game and could become a true superstar if he is allowed to star, rather than simply making cameo appearances.

The fact that the Anfield outfit may be willing to sell the former Fulham ace to Spurs is a huge concern, though, as it shows that they do not see them as contenders for their domestic crown or European glory at the moment.