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Cristian Romero appears to have made up his mind on his Tottenham future.

Romero has been flirting with a move to Spain since before the end of last season, publicly stating in an interview that he wished to play in La Liga back in March.

The World Cup winner’s strongest suitors have been Atletico Madrid, which was corroborated by his compatriot Diego Simeone, who declared his admiration for Romero.

The outspoken defender has also gone on record to criticise Daniel Levy’s running of the club, and it’s possible that Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal was the last straw.

The former Atalanta player will know that the Spurs chairman’s desire to eek out maximum value from his assets could hamper a move, and is now willing to take matters into his own hands.

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Romero could hand in a transfer request at Tottenham

As reported in the Telegraph (26 June), Levy will set a £60million asking price for Romero as he is not willing to budge on his valuation of the 27-year-old.

The central defender still has two years on his contract, and his exploits in the UEFA Europa League in particular showed just how valuable a player he is.

This development will not be welcomed by Romero, as AS wrote on Friday (27 June) that Atletico are only prepared to spend £51.2million to secure his services, which they already believe is excessive.

However, the club are willing to back their long-serving manager and are expected to test the waters.

Should, as expected, Levy not accept their offer, Romero could be prepared to escalate things further and hand in a formal transfer request to greenlight the move to the Spanish capital.

Romero saga threatens to derail Tottenham’s summer

Tottenham have made a slow start to the summer transfer window.

Supporters will be keen to see their side add fresh faces to the squad sooner rather than later. However, delays over the sales of high-profile players like Romero won’t help.

If Romero is going to leave, Tottenham need a replacement, which will take time to find, especially after a recent Jarrad Branthwaite development. As a result, a decision needs to be made imminently.

Thomas Frank is in for a busy summer as he takes the reins at Tottenham

The Dane is the man tasked with picking up the pieces after a woeful Premier League campaign last time out in N17, with Daniel Levy keen to place his trust in the former Brentford boss’ abilities.

Frank will naturally be keen to bring in plenty of his own players as he looks to craft a squad that is capable of realising Spurs’ ambitions as a club.

However, he will also likely face a series of ruthless decisions regarding some of the squad players at the club, and those decisions look unlikely to extend to just the established players.

Kota Takai tipped for immediate loan move

Kota Takai looks set to be one of the first new arrivals of the Frank era, with Spurs widely reported to have agreed a fee of £5million to sign the Japanese centre back prospect.

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Spurs’ likely new pick-up has been branded as an “elite” defender for his age, despite the fact that he currently has no experience in senior football outside his homeland.

That could be telling over the next few weeks and months, as the youngster begins to make his way in North London.

The Lilywhites will be delighted to have seemingly secured a move for a player who could have a big future ahead of him, but his arrival does present an immediate dilemma for Frank.

Kenta Hagiwara, who co-owns The Asian Football Show podcast, feels Frank may be better served by immediately sending Takai out on loan to gain experience.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, the Asian football expert suggested that it may be best for Takai to spend a year developing in another European league.

“The reports are that Takai is expected to be a first-team player for Tottenham this upcoming season,” he said. “That’s not that surprising from Frank, after Spurs dealt with so many injuries in the backline last term.

“Although I do think he would benefit from a loan spell. The pace of play and physicality between J. League and the Premier League are quite different, and I have concerns that it’ll take time for a young player like Takai to adapt to the Premier League.

“That’s just true of any player making such a drastic jump in level of competition, not directly a reflection on Takai as a player.

“He needs a year or two to be loaned out to other European [or English] leagues to better develop himself as a player. I think that’s the best-case scenario for his development.”

A loan move could benefit Takai further down the line

Takai could have a long and exciting future ahead of him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, if everything goes to plan.

However, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see him follow the same path as many unproven youngsters before him, and head out on loan elsewhere in Europe to gain further experience.

Integrating youngsters into the high pressure environment of the Premier League can be a hugely difficult task, especially with defenders, and it can sometimes be beneficial for clubs to keep their starlets away from that added scrutiny for as long as possible.

This could be the case for Takai, given that he is moving to an entirely different culture and environment to what he has experienced in his career so far.

A year spent in one of the other European leagues could help him acclimatise to that change, and come back next summer in a position where he is ready to play a regular part in Spurs’ first-team squad.

Tottenham are keen on a move for Eberechi Eze this summer, but they may now be thwarted by North London rivals Arsenal.

Eze has a £68million release clause in his Crystal Palace contract, which can reportedly be paid across several instalments, and is seemingly a key target for Thomas Frank this summer.

Tottenham are keen on adding creativity to their squad, and the England international could be a perfect fit in midfield and on the wings.

However, it has now emerged that Arsenal are also interested in Eze, with Spurs supporters furious as links are growing between the 26-year-old and their North London rivals.

Spurs fans fume at Arsenal’s interest in Eze

Eze started his career in the Arsenal academy, and the Gunners have now held talks with the Crystal Palace star about a potential return to the Emirates Stadium [The Mirror].

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As a result, Spurs supporters have now taken to X to express their dismay, and many have slammed Daniel Levy for not pursuing a deal before Arsenal’s interest was allowed to develop.

Tottenham need to add proven quality

Eze would be the ideal signing for Tottenham, as a creative talent coming into his prime years, with bags of experience under his belt at Crystal Palace.

The midfielder scored the winner in the FA Cup final last season and would arrive as a big-name statement signing.

If he goes to Arsenal, Spurs fans will be rightly frustrated that they have missed out on a key target, but the club will need to act accordingly.

Tottenham now have a young squad, but this needs to be supplemented with proven quality if they are to compete in the UEFA Champions League next season.

While Spurs did win the Europa League, it came at the cost of a 17th-placed finish in the league, and this cannot be allowed to happen again.

There is a clear need for improvement across the team, and fans now want to see some established players join to aid the development of young talents such as Archie Gray.

Tottenham Women are continuing their summer clearout as a forward now departs North London.

Spurs had an awful season in the Barclays Women’s Super League, finishing 11th in the division. As a result, Robert Vilahamn was sacked, with the Lilywhites now hunting for a new manager.

However, this is just one of many changes being made at Tottenham.

Tottenham announce the departure of Rosella Ayane

As confirmed by Tottenham on Friday (27 June), Rosella Ayane has departed the North London club following the conclusion of her contract.

Ayane was part of the first Spurs squad to compete in the Barclays Women’s Super League in the 2019/20 season and went on to become one of Spurs’ longest-serving players, spending six years with the Lilywhites.

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Ayane was loaned out last season, but will still leave as one of the few players to have reached 100 appearances for Tottenham

Ayane scored 12 goals in 109 games for the Lilywhites, helping Vilahamn’s Spurs side reach the Women’s FA Cup final during the 203/24 season.

No doubt, Spurs supporters will be sad to see Ayane leave after featuring for the club for so many years.

Levy’s change for Tottenham is not over yet

Ayane follows Vilahamn who was dismissed by Tottenham earlier this month after a series of poor results.

Tottenham thought they had struck gold when Vilahamn led the Lilywhites to their first FA Cup final during his first season. Even though the Lilywhites were eventually defeated by Manchester United Women, the campaign gave hope for the future.

But the Swede was unable to capitalise on the success of the season prior. Spurs finished 11th in the WSL last season after 10 consecutive defeats during the backend of their campaign.

Vilahamn was not helped by several injuries throughout the season. However, as Levy demonstrated by sacking Ange Postecoglou, there is an expectation at Tottenham to adapt.

The Lilywhites will now focus on appointing Vilahamn’s successor. The new manager will need to be pragmatic to succeed in North London.

Ideally, the players will need to be led by someone who has fresh ideas and has a system that is not reliant on specific profiles. This was something which condemned most of the Vilahamn era, and it is time Spurs learnt from their mistakes.

Crystal Palace may be set to accept a sizable offer for Tottenham target Ebere Eze this summer.

The England international is coming off the back of a superb campaign where his goal won the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

This has helped pique the interest of a number of sides in the 26-year-old who could be set for a Selhurst Park exit in the coming weeks and months.

The Lilywhites under Thomas Frank have been linked with a move for Eze, now learning how likely a transfer to N17 could be this summer.

Tottenham learn Eze fate at Crystal Palace

It is fair to say that the attacking midfielder is one of the best talents in the Premier League right now, and a move would certainly make sense.

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The possibility to play Champions League football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could prove to be an excellent prospect for the ex-QPR man.

This could hinge on the potential Spurs exits for the likes of Son Heung-min and James Maddison and ultimately, the decision of the number 10.

However, while former Brentford and Leicester City boss Martin Allen believes Palace will cash in on Eze if the price is right, he does not believe a move to Tottenham is on the cards.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Allen said: “With Eze, he’s got better and better and better.

“He was always a good player, but he had lacked a final pass or a game-winning moment.

“In the last 18 months, there’s been a change in the fact that he’s made goals happen, goals that have won games for Crystal Palace.

“He’s got that arrogance, he’s now a top, top player.

“Would he want to go to Tottenham now? I’m not sure.

“With all due respect to Tottenham, I think he’s hit a level above and could join the elite clubs like Liverpool or Manchester City.

“I feel he’s ready to play at the very top for a side that could win the Premier League.

“Would Palace want to get rid of him? Their fans would hate it, but they have to understand that when big offers come in, he is likely to be moved on.“

Tottenham get Eze transfer answer

There is a frustrating air around the summer window already, with Bryan Mbeumo looking set to join Manchester United instead of Spurs.

This issue could be replicated in the near future with Eze, who could be set to turn down Tottenham in favour of a move further up the Premier League.

Given that Tottenham have elite European action in the pipeline, they need to brush themselves off and find players who want a North London move.

Lucas Bergvall quickly became one of the first names on the team sheet for Tottenham last season.

Bergvall arrived at Tottenham from Djurgården last July after the Lilywhites had secured his signature ahead of Barcelona six months earlier.

The 19-year-old went on to prove his worth, picking up Spurs’ Official Supporters’ Clubs (OSC) Player of the Season and both Player of the Season awards from One Hotspur and One Hotspur Junior members.

And after a remarkable debut season, it is no surprise that exit rumours are already circulating.

Tottenham place a steep £51.3million price tag on Bergvall

As reported by Fotboll Direkt (18 June), Tottenham want at least £51.3million for Bergvall.

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The report mentions that several big clubs are interested in the midfielder, and the price tag may not be enough to prevent their advances.

However, it is understood that neither Spurs nor Bergvall are interested in a transfer this summer.

Bergvall recently extended his Tottenham contract until 2031, and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes this makes any news of a potential transfer quite odd.

“We’ve heard about clubs willing to offer around £50m for Bergvall,” Wenham said.

“No names were given. However, I found that story quite strange, especially as Bergvall only recently signed a new contract until 2031.

“Therefore, I don’t know if it was some PR exercise, but I wouldn’t read anything into those rumours. What a signing Bergvall has proved to be, and the future looks very bright for him. In addition, he’ll count as club-trained and homegrown in the years to come, which is great.”

Bergvall will become an important player for Thomas Frank

Selecting a starting lineup will be difficult for Thomas Frank with several high-level players at Tottenham. However, Bergvall will undoubtedly be one of the first names on the team sheet.

The youngster was a crucial piece of Ange Postecoglou’s puzzle last season, and quickly climbed the hierarchy at Spurs. This will no doubt continue into Frank’s tenure.

The Swede possesses the unique ability to see the whole field and put himself in good positions by predicting plays. This helped Tottenham both in and out of possession last season and should help them compete in the coming months. Likely, the best is yet to come from Bergvall.

Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters could return to Tottenham this summer.

Tottenham are in dire need of reinforcements after such a strenuous campaign last time out, and with Champions League football to attend to, they need depth.

Dennis Cirkin has been linked to satisfy those needs, as well as providing another homegrown option for the squad registration, and Walker-Peters is in a similar boat.

The former Spurs academy prospect is set to be on the move from Southampton after their relegation from the Premier League, and a move to Tottenham could be on the cards.

Walker-Peters to seal Tottenham return

While Tottenham will be intent on strengthening their starting 11, considerations also need to be made for those to come in and feature from time to time, and Walker-Peters would make a lot of sense.

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His versatility is a key factor, but also the fact that he is now available on a free transfer has seen Paul Robinson highlight the positives behind the potential deal.

Asked if the deal makes sense for Spurs, Robinson exclusively told Tottenham News: “Yeah. I think he ticks a lot of boxes for Tottenham as he can play either side and he can play in the wing-back roles, so with Thomas Frank’s versatility and flexibility with his formations gives him an option.

“Spurs have Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie, and then Walker-Peters. You give me the choice of two out of the three, Walker-Peters doesn’t play.

“However, we know with the Champions League, with all the extra games that they’re going to have next season, it’s going to be more of a squad game than it’s been in a long time for Tottenham.

“So a player like that would bolster the squad, and on a free, it would make a lot of sense for Tottenham.”

Frank must avoid repeating Ange Postecoglou shortcoming

Ange Postecoglou didn’t fail because of injuries; he failed because of his inability to adapt to the cards he was dealt, and Frank must avoid doing the same.

Tottenham could be in line for a major change under his stewardship, though to fulfil that, the signing of new depth will be paramount.

Daniel Levy could save Tottenham a sizable amount of money from a Bryan Mbeumo transfer as the summer window moves deeper.

The Lilywhites have showcased a concrete interest in the Brentford star and have challenged Manchester United for his signature to this point.

This could see the Cameroon international once again link up with Thomas Frank, this time across the capital in N17.

With that being said, the Spurs chairman could make a move to benefit his side financially in the Mbeumo saga.

Levy to make Mbeumo transfer decision at Tottenham

A move for the 25-year-old has taken over rumours in the early stages of the window after Ange Postecoglou faced the sack.

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It appears that the new Danish head coach wants to link up with the man who contributed to 28 goals under his management last campaign.

As a result, it will come as a blow if Mbeumo opts to join Manchester United instead of the Lilywhites, with a £60million fee on the table as it stands.

With that being said, an alternative will now be required in North London that can fill the boots of the Cameroonian moving forward.

Levy may have now found a cut-price option in the shape of Rangers star Hamza Igamane, who could be available for £20m this summer [Le Matin, page 24, 27 June].

The Morocco international is of interest to Tottenham, with West Ham the latest to consider whether to make an offer to the Ibrox club.

Tottenham could sign Igamane from Rangers for £20m

It is fair to say that the 22-year-old would represent a massive risk as a signing coming out of the Scottish Premiership, moving into the new season.

The forward only signed for the Gers less than 12 months ago from his homeland, having an impressive first campaign in the UK.

As a result, Levy could utilise his potential to find an ideal option if Mbeumo is to continue down the path to join Man United.

If a £20m deal can be agreed, compared to the £60m+ deal on the table at Brentford, that would save Spurs upwards of £40m, which could be plunged into other targets.

Tottenham are fortunate enough to be well-stocked in the goalkeeping department in North London.

Guglielmo Vicario is the number one man between the sticks at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, the Lilywhites have plenty of options behind the Italian, in the form of Antonín Kinský, Brandon Austin and some talented young shot-stoppers, such as Luca Gunter and Josh Keeley.

And it looks as though one of those goalkeepers is set to be offered a new contract by Tottenham.

Tottenham likely to reward Keeley with a new contract

Keeley had an unforgettable season on loan at Leyton Orient alongside Tottenham striker Jamie Donley.

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The goalkeeper ended the season with 16 clean sheets and even netted a goal as he scored a last-minute equaliser against Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup.

It has been widely reported that Thomas Frank is planning to take a look at several of Spurs’ young talents during pre-season, and Keeley could become the latest player to make his list.

As reported by Football London on Wednesday (25 June), Tottenham will likely reward Keeley, who is expected to be a wanted man this summer, with a new contract after his “massive” season at Leyton Orient.

It will be difficult for the talented young goalkeeper to challenge Vicario or Kinský next season. However, the future certainly looks bright for the Republic of Ireland international.

Tottenham will need to add some senior players to the mix

Daniel Levy has done a fantastic job of developing a strong young core that will help Tottenham to compete at the top level for several years. However, the 63-year-old needs to strike a balance between signing young talent and experienced players.

Indeed, it is widely reported that Tottenham have agreed a deal for Japanese defender Koto Takai from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale.

While he seems like a talented player, Takai is 20 years old and has not played in the Premier League. This will be the case for several academy players who could be introduced the the first team next season.

Tottenham have been linked with numerous senior players but have so far only made the loan signings of Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso permanent deals. This has led to questions on whether Spurs’ current transfer strategy will aid them in the UEFA Champions League next season.

Thus, while the future is bright in North London, Levy would benefit from remembering the present.

Thomas Frank will use Tottenham’s upcoming pre-season tour to fully piece together his squad.

Frank will already be working hard ahead of next season after he was confirmed as Ange Postecoglou’s replacement earlier this month.

Daniel Levy recently declared his ambition for Tottenham to win both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, and there is no doubt that Frank will have the same goals.

As a result, a lot of work needs to be done during pre-season, with one young player set to be given a chance after joining Tottenham from Chelsea.

Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny could join Spurs’ pre-season tour

Tottenham confirmed the signing of Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny from Chelsea in February on a contract that runs until 2028.

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Russell-Denny shone during the second half of a difficult season for Spurs’ Under-21s, who finished 22nd in the Premier League 2.

The midfielder scored one goal and provided three assists in seven matches following his arrival.

As such, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Frank could include Russell-Denny on Spurs’ pre-season tour.

“Russell-Denny has looked really good since joining from Chelsea,” Wenham said.

“He has a contract until 2028, and I think he’ll probably go on the pre-season tour with the first team. If he does go, he’ll have every opportunity to impress because he’s left-footed, which is quite rare for a central midfielder.

“He takes all of the set-pieces from the right-hand side, he’s creative, and he already looks like one of our best Under-21 players. Therefore, this looks like it was a really good pickup from Chelsea on a free transfer.”

Tottenham still need to sign senior players

The speculation surrounding several young players joining Spurs’ pre-season tour could indicate that the Lilywhites do not plan to invest heavily this summer.

This could prove to be a mistake as Tottenham get set to compete in the UEFA Champions League. While young talent is important, experience is arguably more valuable, especially in Europe’s elite competition.

Therefore, Tottenham need to strike a balance between recruiting young and senior players this summer.