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Ashley Phillips and Luka Vušković will both be keen to make their mark at Tottenham.

Tottenham signed Vušković from Hajduk Split and Phillips from Blackburn Rovers in 2023.

Phillips has spent the last season and a half on loan in the Championship, first with Plymouth Argyle for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, before joining Stoke City for the season last summer.

Meanwhile, with Vušković unable to join Tottenham until after his 18th birthday, the teenager has also spent the last year and a half on loan, spending six months with Radomiak Radom before a successful season with K.V.C. Westerlo last time out.

Now, both defenders will be looking to make an impression on Thomas Frank in North London during pre-season.

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Vušković could be preferred over Phillips next season

As reported by Alan Nixon via his Patreon (22 June), Sheffield United want to sign Phillips on loan, but Frank is keen to have the young centre-back as part of his squad next season.

However, it has been suggested that Phillips will demand a loan move this summer to continue his development away from Tottenham, where he is unlikely to play many minutes.

And Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Vušković’s arrival could clear the path for Phillips to make that move.

“It will be interesting to see what happens with Vušković,” Wenham said.

“If he can hit the ground running, he might be the defender that Frank decides to keep around while he gets acclimatised to English football.

“Therefore, that could open the door for Phillips and Alfie Dorrington to be sent out on loan. However, we will need to wait and see what happens there.”

Tottenham should loan Phillips out this summer

Tottenham are widely reported to have signed Kawasaki Frontale centre-back Kōta Takai in a deal worth £5million.

This, along with the arrival of Vušković, could push Phillips further down the pecking order at Tottenham. Therefore, even if Frank wants to keep the England youth international this season, a loan move this summer might make more sense.

Allowing Phillips to join another club where he is going to play regularly will help his development.

Radu Drăgușin could get his career back on track at Tottenham under Thomas Frank.

Drăgușin has put in mixed performances since signing from Genoa, which includes picking up a needless red card against Qarabag in the Europa League group phase last season.

The Romanian was primarily seen as the third-choice centre-back before his campaign ended prematurely following an ACL injury in January.

Tottenham have already addressed gaps in central defence, having confirmed the permanent signing of Kevin Danso and triggered Ben Davies‘ contract extension earlier this month.

Spurs have also reached an agreement for Kōta Takai this summer, fuelling speculation over Drăgușin’s long-term future at the club, but recent developments could offer the 23-year-old some encouragement.

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Cristian Romero expected to leave Tottenham this summer

While Spurs are currently stocked in defence, it has been widely reported that Cristian Romero could leave the Lilywhites this summer.

The Argentine has been mooted for a move to Atletico Madrid, which looks even more likely following his compatriot Diego Simeone’s comments.

The World Cup winner’s departure would see Tottenham lose their most influential defender, but could pave the path for Drăgușin to revive his Spurs career, especially under Frank’s tutelage.

Drăgușin’s issues in Ange Postecoglou’s system were mainly due to the high line that was being played, though the Romania international was also shaky in possession and often struggled to find the right pass.

However, the former Juventus academy graduate excelled in box defending and demonstrated his dominant aerial ability in a handful of performances where Spurs sat deeper, namely against City.

Frank’s tendency to play a far more compact system will elevate Drăgușin’s qualities while negating some of his downfalls, and could see the defender form an excellent partnership with Micky van de Ven.

Spurs’ defence a priority for Frank

Although early indications show that Frank is desperate to bring in at least one quality attacker in the shape of Eberechi Eze, it is the defence that needs the most attention.

Tottenham still managed to score consistently last season, but they also conceded an astounding 65 goals in the Premier League, which was the 5th highest in the competition.

The former Brentford manager’s priority will be to ensure that this is quickly addressed and vastly improved if Spurs are to have any chance of making next season a success.

James Maddison’s career at Tottenham could be cut short as Thomas Frank assembles his squad.

Maddison arrived in North London from Leicester City in June 2023 and quickly became one of Spurs’ most important players under Ange Postecoglou.

Only Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson have more direct goal contributions in all competitions over the last two seasons. However, a familiar tale of injuries has seen the 28-year-old miss more than 20 games in his two years in N17.

Frank is intent on reshaping the squad to compete on multiple fronts, which has seen the Dane target robust players capable of withstanding the physical strains of Premier League football.

Maddison’s fitness record suggests he may not fit the bill, with questions now being raised.

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Tottenham eye Eberechi Eze as statement signing

Eberechi Eze has been on Tottenham’s radar for a long time, with the Lilywhites now weighing up a move for the Crystal Palace star this summer [The Guardian].

It is widely reported that Eze’s contract has a £68million release clause, which Tottenham are now considering paying to secure the 26-year-old’s signature.

It is believed that Eze would be willing to move to Spurs, having just won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace, and Frank is expected to play him in his preferred central position behind the striker.

This could spell trouble for Maddison, as ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – questions whether the current Tottenham playmaker and Eze can coexist.

“Eze and Maddison, can they play together?” King said.

“They’re very similar. Both like to get forward more than they like to defend, and they can score goals. However, if Tottenham want to improve their squad, this is the kind of player they need to go for.

“I like Eze, I always have. He’s a very talented player, and Tottenham should be making a move for him. However, does this mean Maddison will be sold to bring in Eze? It certainly leaves some question marks.”

Eze would get Tottenham fans on their feet

The Spurs faithful are optimistic about the future under Frank, but are worried that Daniel Levy will revert to his old ways of not fully backing the manager.

Early indications are that the Spurs chairman might have turned a new leaf, and securing the signing of Eze would go a long way to restoring faith among the supporters.

The creative midfielder has been a revelation for the Eagles, often providing the bit of magic in the form of a goal or assist, including scoring the all-important winner in the FA Cup final.

However, it’s his effortless dribbling and ability to glide past players across the pitch that will get Spurs supporters on their feet and make him an instant hit in North London.

Dejan Kulusevski’s position at Tottenham looks uncertain after recent transfer developments.

Kulusevski was an important player for Tottenham last season before he picked up an injury toward the end of the campaign.

The Swede’s impressive performances under Ange Postecoglou saw him establish himself as a fan favourite in North London.

It looked as though the 25-year-old was coming into his own and was now one of Spurs’ most important players. However, a recent transfer update suggests Kulusevski’s place at Tottenham is far from fixed.

Tottenham’s interest in Eberechi Eze is bad news for Kulusevski

Tottenham fans will be desperate to see Kulusevski back to his best after injury troubles in recent months.

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Under Postecoglou, the former Juventus ace demonstrated incredible potential as an attacking midfielder. However, that could all change with the arrival of Eberechi Eze.

Tottenham are widely linked with Eze, and could look to activate the Crystal Palace star’s £68million release clause this summer.

While Eze can play on the left wing, he is more comfortable as an attacking midfielder. With James Maddison already first on Spurs’ team sheet and Eze potentially set to join this summer, it is difficult to see where Kulusevski would fit in.

There is the possibility that he returns to the right wing, but that would mean battling for a spot with Brennan Johnson, who was Spurs’ top scorer last season. It would also be futile to waste Kulusevski in a position where he is not as effective.

Therefore, it seems that Frank will have a real problem on his hands when trying to get the best out of each player, with a particular dilemma over how to deploy Kulusevski with Maddison and Eze also in the squad.

Tottenham should sign Eze

Even with the headache his signing could bring Frank, Tottenham should sign Eze this summer.

The Englishman became hot property the second he netted the winner for Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final and will be a huge statement signing. Indeed, the midfielder will show both other clubs and potential recruits that Spurs are serious about adding to their trophy cabinet.

As such, the Lilywhites must demonstrate that they are ready to compete by bringing Eze to North London.

Ange Postecoglou looks as though he is still positively impacting Tottenham from afar.

Daniel Levy made the brutal decision to axe Postecoglou and replace the Australian with Thomas Frank.

However, after lifting the UEFA Europa League and ending a 17-year trophy drought at Tottenham, Postecoglou appears to be the gift who keeps on giving following a recent transfer development.

Tottenham agree deal to sign Kōta Takai

Tottenham are widely reported to have agreed a deal to sign Kawasaki Frontale centre-back Kōta Takai for £5million, a record fee for a player from the J-League

And there is plenty of reason to suggest that Posteoglou might have been involved in this deal before he was dismissed in North London.

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The 59-year-old spent three and a half years in the J League as the manager of Yokohama F. Marinos. He left quite an impression after winning the league in 2019 and had a strong connection to the Japanese market.

Postecoglou then went on to develop several top Japanese players at Celtic, including Reo Hatate and Kyōgo Furuhashi.

The former Tottenham manager would have been well aware of Japan’s top talents, and it is therefore likely that he would have been the one to recommend that the Lilywhites sign Takai.

And it looks as though Levy has followed through on that potential recommendation even now that Postecoglou has left, which could indicate just how good Takai is.

Takai will be a good rotational option at Tottenham

There is no doubt that Frank will have a lot of fun with Takai over the next couple of years.

Indeed, while the defender is only 20 years old, he already has the stature and mentality of a senior player. Takai is right-footed but is comfortable playing as either a right or left centre half, which could come in handy if any Tottenham defenders leave this summer.

Furthermore, the youngster has already developed an acute awareness of his surroundings when on the pitch and is happy to put his body on the line when needed. This will be useful during the later stages of the UEFA Champions League if Spurs are looking to preserve a small lead.

Therefore, Takai could end up being one of the smartest moves that Tottenham have made in recent years.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Gueho could potentially affect whether Tottenham sign Eberechi Eze this transfer window.

Spurs want to sign the former QPR playmaker after his impressive stint at the Eagles, during which the 26-year-old helped them win the FA Cup last season.

The attacking midfielder’s teammate could help the North London outfit as they look to seal a move in N17.

Palace to cash in on Eze amid Tottenham transfer interest if Guehi doesn’t sign new contract

Palace could possibly look to cash in on Tottenham target Eze if Guehi doesn’t sign a new contract, Olly Clink says.

The talkSPORT reporter revealed that the centre-back has no intentions of extending his deal at the Eagles, and could leave as a free agent next summer

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If the 24-year-old defender runs down his contract at Selhurst Park, South London outfit may be tempted to accept offers for the playmaker as Spurs look to pay his £60million release clause in instalments.

Speaking on talkSPORT (24 June), Clink said: “We understand that Guehi has no plans of signing a new deal at Palace. So if Guehi decides to run down that final year, it might be that Palace are then tempted to cash in on Eze. If Spurs do get a deal done, they’d want to pay his release clause, which is about £60m in instalments as well.”

It isn’t surprising to see Tottenham wanting to add more creativity to their ranks in the ongoing transfer window after their injury struggles last season.

James Maddison to look over his shoulders if Tottenham compete Eze transfer

Thomas Frank seems to have James Maddison in his plans for the time being, but whether that will change after reinforcements are signed remains to be seen.

The former Leicester City star struggled to complete the full 90 minutes under Ange Postecoglou in the previous campaign and even lost his place in the team for a period.

With Lucas Bergvall’s emergence at Tottenham and Dejan Kulusevski’s newfound role in the midfield, Maddison is already competing for his minutes in N17.

If Spurs go on to sign Eze, it will only make things more challenging for the ex-Leicester star, and he may opt to leave without guaranteed game time.

The Palace midfielder has developed into one of the best number 10s in the Premier League over the years, and the North London outfit’s supporters will hope they sign him.

While Guehi’s decision could potentially help Tottenham get a deal over the line for the 26-year-old attacking midfielder, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the centre-back.

The English defender is being heavily linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, and the Spurs faithful will hope that doesn’t change the scenario with Eze.

Son Heung-min will be the transfer story of the summer at Tottenham, whether he leaves North London or not.

The South Korean has etched his name into Spurs history after an astonishing 10-year spell, capped off with the Europa League trophy.

However, his future is in doubt after reports emerged of crunch talks between Son and new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank.

While his immediate future hangs in the balance, there is a defining factor that will dictate his stay.

Son Heung-min obliged to play in South Korea tour

If Son is to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, then he will have some mega-money moves on the table.

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First, however, Son is due to play in Spurs’ tour of South Korea, with one match set to net Daniel Levy over £1million.

Football finance expert Dan Plumley has provided further insight into the tour and the forward’s future, as he is contractually obliged to feature on the tour.

“Yes, absolutely,” he exclusively told Tottenham News when asked if Levy would squeeze every last penny out of Son.

“Especially if he’s contractually advised to play in it, then you can see why the club would be looking to hold on to him for that.

“The other side of this transfer situation is that Spurs will have their own internal numbers on this about how valuable he has been for them throughout the course of his time at Spurs off the pitch as well.

“This is not the first time we’ve seen Spurs tour over there. It’s not the first time we’ve seen brand association links between Son and other partners that are connected to Spurs.

“It’s absolutely that off the pitch factor of the player, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he is contractually obliged to play in this tournament, and that if he is to leave, then that happens after said tournament.”

Should Tottenham sell Son after South Korea tour?

It is genuinely tough to call whether Son will be a Tottenham player next season under Frank.

While there are bound to be offers on the table, he still holds value in his leadership and quality on the pitch.

Of course, the 32-year-old has shown signs of decline, but Tottenham need big characters to guide them through a new era.

Furthermore, the proposition of Champions League football will mean Frank needs his most effective players.

Considering he has one year remaining on his deal, Son has a big decision to make on his future.

Daniel Levy is once again at the end of Tottenham fans’ furore during the transfer window.

Levy boldly stated during a sit-down interview with Vinai Venkatesham that every decision he makes at Tottenham is focused on improving the first team.

However, the 63-year-old is yet to sign a fresh face for Thomas Frank, with permanent deals for last season’s loanees Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso the only confirmed signings in N17 so far this summer.

Top targets like Bryan Mbeumo could slip away from Tottenham’s grasp, while a recent transfer agreement has not been received well by the Spurs faithful.

Tottenham agree deal for Kōta Takai from Kawasaki Frontale

Virtually every manager to have graced the Tottenham dugout in the last 24 years has criticised Levy for not pulling the trigger on top-tier players and targeting value deals instead.

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Last summer was a perfect example, where the only experienced player brought in was Dominic Solanke, while deals for the likes of Connor Gallagher and Jacob Ramsey fell through.

The Spurs chairman has historically targeted younger players with potential sell-on value, and looks to repeat the trick as it is now being widely reported that Tottenham have agreed a deal for Kōta Takai.

The Kawasaki Frontale centre-back will cost Spurs £5million, a record transfer fee for a player from the J-League, and is expected to be part of the first-team squad.

However, Spurs fans did not respond well to the news, taking to X to fire shots at Levy for the budget signing, with one fan calling the transfer “pathetic”.

Takai could prove to be an astute signing

Despite the initial fans’ grievance with the nature of the signing, Takai is highly rated in his home country and could prove to be an astute signing.

Despite still being just 20 years old, the Japan international already has four caps to his name and has amassed 78 senior appearances for his side.

He also has continental experience and was instrumental in taking Kawasaki Frontale to the AFC Champions League Elite final last season, where they lost 2-0 to Al-Ahli.

At just £5m, his acquisition is low risk and sees him join a young contingent of promising centre-backs, including Luka Vušković, who could play an important part in Tottenham’s future.

Tottenham sensation Mikey Moore will be considering his options ahead of next season.

Moore signed his first professional contract with Tottenham the day after his 17th birthday, after making waves in the academy at Hotspur Way.

Ange Postecoglou handed the teenager his senior debut during his first season in charge of Tottenham, and continued to integrate the youngster into the first team last year.

However, Thomas Frank is now in charge, and a recent development suggests there might not be as much room for Moore at Tottenham as there was under Postecoglou.

Doncaster Rovers in advanced talks to sign Damola Ajayi

Damola Ajayi is already a UEFA Europa League winner and scored his first senior goal in the competition during a 3-0 win against Elfsborg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (30 January).

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As reported by Football Insider (24 June), Doncaster Rovers are now in advanced talks to sign the 19-year-old on loan amid interest from a host of EFL clubs.

The willingness of Frank to let go of Ajayi could indicate that the manager does not have much space in his squad for youth next season.

Tottenham have been linked with several big-name attackers this summer, and Moore could be worried about his place in North London over the coming months.

It has already been suggested that Juventus have been eyeing up the left winger as a potential alternative option to Francisco Conceicao, according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport (21 June, page 6).

But it will be more realistic if Moore decides on a season-long loan move to continue his development.

Moore should be loaned out next season

There is no reason to believe that Moore will not want to succeed at Tottenham and should avoid a permanent move if that is the case.

As a result, the right winger should consider a loan move, and West Brom could be a viable option now that Ryan Mason has taken over as head coach at The Hawthorns.

A move to the Championship would be the best possible outcome for the youngster. He is more likely to get gametime in the second division rather than the top flight.

Therefore, if Moore wants to play consistently next season, a loan move may be best.

Tottenham are set to benefit from their latest decision concerning the future of Guglielmo Vicario.

Vicario signed for Tottenham from Empoli two seasons ago on a contract that runs until 2028.

He was Ange Postecoglou’s number one between the sticks during the Australian’s Tottenham reign, and was named as part of Spurs’ leadership group alongside captain Son Heung-min and vice-captains James Maddison and Cristian Romero by his former manager.

As a result, the shot-stopper has become an important figure behind the scenes. However, there has been talk of a potential exit this summer, as Spurs’ stance becomes clear.

Tottenham are unlikely to sell Vicario this summer

Speculation surrounding Vicario emerged when his agent, Gabriele Giuffrida, was spotted meeting at Casa Milan with AC Milan officials [Calcio Mercato].

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Antonín Kinský was signed by Tottenham in January, and the Italian’s departure would see him take on a bigger role next season. However, it seems the 22-year-old will need to wait a bit longer for his chance.

As reported by The Sun (20 June, page 51), Thomas Frank is “unlikely” to bring in or transfer any of his main goalkeepers this summer despite the current rumours circulating about Vicario.

And Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has praised Spurs for the decision to keep the 28-year-old.

“It seems Spurs have shut down any exit talk about Vicario,” Wenham said.

“I think that is the completely correct decision. Yes, there have been a few lapses in concentration from the goalkeeper. However, he is a leader in the squad.

“If Son moves on this summer, Tottenham won’t want to dismantle the entire leadership group and start from scratch. Therefore, Vicario must stay.”

Frank has an important decision to make

It remains to be seen whether Vicario will continue as Spurs’ number one next season or if Frank will give Kinský a chance.

The Czech goalkeeper has made 10 appearances since joining Tottenham and looks like he has huge potential. Meanwhile, Vicario’s levels dropped last season, which has led Spurs supporters to question whether an upgrade is needed.

However, the shot-stopper was perhaps a victim of the circumstances he was playing in, as Postecoglou was only able to field his best defence on a handful of occasions last season. Therefore, there is every chance that Vicario could rediscover his best form under Frank next season.