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Jamie Donley is expected to be one of the first names on the teamsheet when Tottenham face Reading on Saturday.

Thomas Frank will get his first opportunity to show Spurs supporters what he is all about when Tottenham take on Reading (19 July) in the Lilywhites’ first pre-season friendly.

The confrontation will take place at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, and will be a chance for the Dane to survey his team.

And it seems Donley has made quite an impression, with the 20-year-old set to start against the Royals.

Donley expected to start as Tottenham’s number 10 v Reading

There was already an expectation that Donley would be given the chance to shine during pre-season.

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The forward had an impressive loan spell at Leyton Orient last season, scoring eight goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions. As a result, fans have been keen to see how Donley performs under Frank.

And it seems like they’re in luck as Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Donley will start in his natural position against Reading.

“I expect Donley to start against Reading in that number 10 role,” Wenham said.

“It would be good to see him play his natural position rather than when he’s playing at left back in the first team previously.

“I think George Abbott could also feature tomorrow, Ashley Phillips, Will Lankshear, and Mikey Moore as well. I know Oliver Irow trained this week with the first team too.”

Frank must use pre-season wisely at Tottenham

As Frank’s first pre-season at Tottenham, its importance cannot be understated.

There is always the concern that players will struggle to adapt with a new coach at the helm. However, pre-season will allow Frank the time to prepare his players for what is to come.

Furthermore, the tour will be a chance for him to decide on outgoings and potential incomings. Multiple players are entering the final 12 months of their contract, and the games will be a way for Frank to decide their futures.

As well as this, there are a few more signings Spurs hope to make. This includes Morgan Gibbs-White, whose transfer is currently being delayed by Nottingham Forest.

However, pre-season will allow the coach and Tottenham to better understand what profiles are missing. As such, this upcoming set of games may play a huge role in deciding how next season pans out.

Tottenham have been strongly linked with a move for Yoane Wissa this summer.

Wissa has become one of the Premier League’s top strikers after being converted into a more traditional number nine by Thomas Frank, scoring a career-high 20 goals in all competitions last season.

The Democratic Republic of Congo international has attracted interest from a host of clubs this summer, with Newcastle being the latest to report an interest after missing out on Hugo Ekitike.

However, Wissa would prefer a reunion with Frank, who has been looking at bringing his former player to North London.

Wissa deal unlikely as Man United agree to sign Bryan Mbeumo

Frank’s arrival first saw Spurs linked with a move for Bryan Mbeumo, but their interest in the Cameroon forward cooled as he expressed a desire to join Manchester United instead.

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Negotiations between the Bees and the Red Devils appeared to stall over a difference in valuation of the 24-year-old before Brentford finally accepted United’s latest offer of £71million.

This comes as double jeopardy for Frank, who not only loses out on one of his targets but is now far more unlikely to secure a deal for Wissa, as reported by Lyall Thomas (18 July).

The West London outfit made it clear that they did not want to lose both Mbeumo and Wissa in the same window, having already seen plenty of upheaval this summer.

Newcastle’s push for Wissa is likely what triggered Ruben Amorim’s side to hasten their approach for his strike partner, as they were aware of Brentford’s stance.

Frank will now likely have to look elsewhere for a striker and will hope to swiftly find an adequate alternative.

Frank to assess his options

Tottenham have made a concerted effort to bring in players with Premier League experience to help guide the young squad, as evidenced by their signing of Mohammed Kudus and ongoing pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White.

Wissa ticks those boxes, but now that Brentford’s situation has changed, Spurs are running out of options.

They could still look to players like Rodrigo Muniz at Fulham or possibly Jean-Philippe Mateta at Crystal Palace, but are facing an uphill battle to find the right fit.

Frank may instead target bringing in another wide forward and focusing on converting someone like Mathys Tel into a more natural number nine, as he has done previously with players at Brentford.

Levy will make ‘unforgivable Tottenham mistake’ amid latest Moore exit news

Daniel Levy has made plenty of awful mistakes during his long reign as Tottenham chairman.

The 63-year-old has often been blamed for Spurs’ Premier League decline in recent years, and their struggle to lift trophies.

As a result, Tottenham fans protested regularly against Levy last season amid their disastrous domestic season.

Nevertheless, the Spurs chairman has remained in his post and has continued to make plenty of controversial decisions at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Borussia Dortmund want to sign Mikey Moore

Mikey Moore is seen as one of Tottenham’s best upcoming players.

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The 17-year-old featured 19 times in the first team last season despite his age, and even netted in the Europa League.

Therefore, the potential of the winger is thought to be extremely high, and he could easily be a star player at the London club in the coming years.

However, his time at Spurs could be cut short, according to Bild (18 July).

Borussia Dortmund are searching for a replacement for Jamie Gittens, who has recently joined Chelsea, and have identified Moore as a potential replacement.

The German giants are looking to spend around £15.6 million on the attacker, but Spurs will only listen to loan offers without an option to buy.

However, if Dortmund manage to sway Levy to accept a permanent transfer for Moore for so little, it would be an unforgivable mistake.

Given the potential the 17-year-old has, Spurs have to keep hold of the attacker for the foreseeable future, and this must be non-negotiable if Tottenham want to progress.

Frank should build a team around Moore

Instead of loaning Moore out, Thomas Frank should look to keep hold of the 17-year-old and slowly start him more and more.

Eventually, a team should be built around the attacker, as he could go on to become Spurs’ best player in the future.

With Champions League football set for the upcoming season, the competition could once again provide Moore with excellent experience for his development.

Hopefully, the 17-year-old will get another chance to impress at Tottenham this campaign.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank looks to have hit his first stumbling block at Spurs.

Frank has so far been backed by Daniel Levy, who sanctioned the £55million signing of Mohammed Kudus, with Morgan Gibbs-White also potentially joining Tottenham.

However, the coming weeks may not be as smooth sailing for Spurs.

They look set to make a huge loss on the sale of Bryan Gil, and could now miss out on two of their key transfer targets.

Bryan Mbuemo to join Man United in double hit to Spurs

Despite the prospect of a reunion with his former manager, Mbuemo is set to join Manchester United.

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Spurs were turned down by the Cameroon international, who is now headed to Old Trafford in a deal worth £71million.

The move will leave Frank furious that, despite having the advantage of coaching the player, Levy and Tottenham were unable to convince Mbuemo to move to North London.

Mbuemo’s move could also have a huge knock-on effect for Spurs and Brentford, with the West London club now unlikely to let Tottenham target Yoane Wissa leave.

It had been hoped that the 28-year-old would be willing to join the Lilywhites should Mbuemo choose to stay with Brentford.

Unless a sizeable offer comes in for the forward, Wissa will stay with the Bees this summer, and Frank’s side will have to look elsewhere.

Tottenham must prioritise defensive cover

Frank has so far prioritised attacking reinforcements this summer.

Should the Lilywhites sign Gibbs-White, they must move on to adding more depth to their backline.

Genoa defender Koni De Winter has been linked with a move to North London, but Levy must continue his search for defensive cover as they don’t want to face a situation where they are relying on Archie Gray at right-back again.

Tottenham fans are waiting anxiously for updates on Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.

Spurs fans had their dreams snatched when Nottingham Forest blocked the signing of Gibbs-White.

It was reportedly all done on the players’ side, with a medical set to take place. However, Forest have argued they did not permit Tottenham to converse with their player and are threatening legal action.

Although it seems the Midlands outfit have only delayed the inevitable, with Gibbs-White still expected to make the move to North London.

Forest ‘contractually obligated’ to let Gibbs-White leave

At the heart of Forest’s complaint against Tottenham lies Gibbs-White’s £60million release clause.

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The Garibaldis hold that the London club would not have known about his release clause unless they contacted the player. As a result, Forest believes that Spurs’ approach was illegal.

However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Tottenham were well within their legal rights.

“I do think he’s going to be a Spurs player,” Wenham said.

“I find the whole saga bizarre, if I’m being honest with you. At the end of the day, if Forest have an issue, that issue lies with the agent of the player; it doesn’t lie with Tottenham.

“Tottenham are aware of a £60m release clause. Tottenham have sent their email making an offer to Forest. At that point, they should have been able to have Gibbs-White come down, take a medical, and sign for Tottenham.

“If the player wants to go and it’s in the player’s contract, he has to be allowed to go. It’s as simple as that. You can’t ask somebody to sign a contract that includes a release clause and then say, ‘Well, actually, every single time it’s activated, we’re going to claim there has been a breach of confidentiality.’ It’s just not how basic UK contract law works.

“You can’t offer somebody something and then at the same time restrict access. If it’s in the contract, it’s in the contract. Tottenham have done exactly what is fair and right by making the appropriate offer for the player, and them digging their heels in this situation is quite frankly, just delaying everything.”

Tottenham may not make any more attacking signings

The North London club could stop the search for another attacking player if Gibbs-White arrives at Hotspur Way.

With the signing of Mohammed Kudus in addition to James Madison, Dejan Kulusevski and several wide players, Spurs are stacked in this position. As a result, Tottenham could now turn their attention toward a more defensively-minded midfielder.

Daniel Levy seems to have finally learnt his lesson at Tottenham.

Despite winning the UEFA Europa League last season, Tottenham have been light years away from where they should be, and much of it comes down to recruitment.

Levy has shown an unwillingness over the years to pay the going rate for players, which was ultimately showcased by Spurs’ 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last season.

However, with Mohammed Kudus through the door in a £55million deal, and several others linked, things may be changing for the better, and the latest update on Ilia Zabarnyi serves as proof.

Tottenham ready to reach Bournemouth’s demands for Zabarnyi

The future of Cristian Romero is still hanging in the balance, but it remains evident that a new central defender will be needed, regardless of what happens with the World Cup winner.

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A report from Luca Bendoni via X (18 July) states that Zabarnyi is a target for Spurs to satisfy those needs, and Levy is willing to pay the £60.5million asking price set by the Cherries.

However, Zabarnyi is believed to have his heart set on a move to PSG, though that could change in the coming weeks.

Should Tottenham complete this deal, it would be yet another example that Levy is learning from his past mistakes and is prepared to do what it takes to get Spurs back to where they belong.

Romero exit could still happen

Although talks with Atletico have stalled, it remains impossible to write off an exit for Romero this summer, and Spurs will be aware of that.

Zabarnyi may be the succession planning, though it will be crucial that Frank has the depth needed to succeed.

If Spurs can end the window with the arrivals of Kudus, Zabanryi and Morgan Gibbs-White, it would be a real statement of intent.

Tottenham, Everton, Chelsea and Newcastle are among the clubs linked with a move for Malick Fofana this summer.

Injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar has assessed the Lyon winger’s fitness record after a topsy-turvy 2024/25 campaign.

The 20-year-old sustained injuries to his hip, knee and calf last season.

Spurs may take a closer look at the different injuries before making a decision

The Lilywhites may want to further assess the history of his recent injuries, according to Dr Brar.

Tottenham want to sign Fofana, along with the aforementioned clubs, but may have to shell out up to £45million to secure his services. [ESPN, 20 June]

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Discussing the state of play with Fofana exclusively with Tottenham News, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, shared his verdict.

“Spurs may take a closer look at his recent history of injuries, with him suffering three different injuries last season, which is worrying,” he said.

“This obviously limited the number of minutes he could play and his adaptability to a new league may also come into consideration if they are to seriously pursue this signing.

“The Premier League is far more fast-paced and physical than Ligue 1, so it may be a challenge for an injury-prone player.”

Tottenham must avoid making a move for Fofana

Tottenham should avoid signing Fofana this summer due to strategic and financial concerns.

While the 20-year-old winger shows promise with 11 goals and six assists last season, his valuation is steep for a player yet to prove himself at the Premier League level.

Tottenham’s recent strategy of signing young talents like Lucas Bergvall has merit, but the squad needs experienced players to compete in the UEFA Champions League.

Fofana’s injury record is also worrying and he lacks years of experience at the top level, risking an overpriced deal for an unproven asset.

Daniel Levy is expected to reward the immense contributions of Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur at Tottenham.

Both Romero and Bentancur have been linked with departures from Tottenham. Throughout the summer, there was a growing belief that both players were open to a new challenge next season.

This would come as a huge blow for Tottenham, who have relied on the duo to keep them competitive in recent seasons.

As a result, the North London club are keen to convince them to remain at Hotspur Way.

Tottenham urged to build around Romero and Bentancur

Romero was believed to be close to completing a transfer to Atletico Madrid this summer. However, it has been widely reported that the Spanish giants have dialled down their pursuit.

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Meanwhile, it was suggested that Bentancur could be open to a move away from the Lilywhites, with the midfielder also linked with Atletico.

However, there is a growing feeling that both will continue in North London next season, and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Spurs should extend their contracts.

“I think Romero’s future is tied to Bentancur’s future,” Wenham said.

“I know they get on very well away from football, and Bentancur only has 12 months left on his contract. Therefore, I think from Tottenham’s point of view, it would be sensible to extend both their deals and then build the team around them.

“I know Bentancur has moments of frustration where, for all manner of reasons, he gets suspended and banned. However, if he can get focused as he was during that second year under Antonio Conte, where he was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, he can return to that level, I’m sure.”

Tottenham need to keep Romero and Bentancur fit

The prospect of building around Romero and Bentancur is an intriguing one. However, it will never materialise if both continue to be out for months at a time.

While Bentancur saw an improvement in his fitness levels last season, Tottenham were without Romero for large parts of the campaign. Indeed, the Argentine made 18 out of 38 appearances in the Premier League and played 26 games overall.

Comparatively, the Uruguayan made 44 appearances in all competitions for the North London club.

As a result, Thomas Frank will need to improve the fitness of his players if building around them is on the cards.

Tottenham have set their transfer window alight in the past week.

Spurs are having a positive window as several high-profile signings could follow Mohammed Kudus to North London, but some departures are expected.

While some would like to see Tottenham academy stars reach the first team, opportunities are difficult to come by, and tough decisions need to be made.

One deal is now in motion which would see a rising Spurs star leave permanently, and many are surprised by the decision.

Josh Keeley to leave Tottenham permanently

Goalkeeping wonderkid Josh Keeley caught the eye on loan at Leyton Orient last season, and many Spurs fans are excited by the progress he has made.

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Many believed that the 22-year-old would go on another loan before eventually breaking into the first team, with his potential clear as one of the standout goalkeepers in League One last season.

However, it has now emerged that Keeley will move to Luton Town on a permanent deal, after contract talks faltered, and fans are now shocked.

Tottenham could regret Keeley sale

Keeley has shown huge signs of potential and is still extraordinarily young for a goalkeeper, with a bright future ahead of him.

With question marks over the long-term viability of Guglielmo Vicario and Antonin Kinsky, Keeley could have been loaned out for another year before potentially becoming part of the first team.

A new contract and a Championship loan could also have boosted the 22-year-old’s value ahead of a bigger move and a more valuable sale next year, and failing to agree terms could now cost Spurs in the long run.

Keeley helped Orient reach the League One play-off final, and even scored a dramatic goal in the semi-finals to help take the O’s to Wembley.

While Luton could be a good move for him in the short term, Keeley may end the season with Championship and even Premier League sides queuing up for him if he has another top-quality campaign.

Brennan Johnson will be keen to kick on at Tottenham under Thomas Frank.

Johnson sprang to life during his second season at Tottenham, ending the year as top scorer, and writing his name into Spurs folklore by scoring the winner in the UEFA Europa League final.

As a result, Spurs supporters have carved a spot in their hearts for the right winger and will be eager to understand his role in the team next season.

It seems that they will not have to wait long, with Thomas Frank’s feelings about Johnson now mooted.

Frank already ‘admires’ Johnson

There has already been speculation on whether Johnson would have to fight for a starting spot next season.

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This comes after the arrival of Mohammed Kudus as well as the heightened interest in right-wingers such as Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo.

However, Frank originally fought to bring Johnson to Brentford in 2023. Therefore, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the 24-year-old already has an “admirer” in the Dane.

“Johnson knows that he is at a big club in Tottenham,” Wenham said.

“Every club in the top six strengthens their squad each summer, and it’s good to see Tottenham doing that. It means that the likes of Johnson will need to improve themselves.

“But what he can always remember is that when Tottenham signed him, it was Brentford and Frank that were really pushing to get him as well. So he’s already got an admirer there in Frank and his coaching staff.”

Johnson is a good profile to have

Johnson has often been criticised for his approach on the flanks.

The forward is not a player known for his flair and ability to beat his man. Instead, he has a keen instinct for goal and will often be found on the other end of a good pass.

While this is not as eye-catching, it does make him a unique profile to have in the squad. Indeed, his goal in the Europa League final derived from these qualities.

As a result, Johnson has the potential to continue helping Tottenham reach their goals for years to come.