TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur have plenty of work to do with a month to go in the transfer window.

Indeed, while Spurs have signed Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso this summer, those sorts of deals may not be enough to propel a team that finished 17th last season to glory.

Luckily, Tottenham have their eyes on a few other exciting targets.

Rodrygo has been linked to Spurs in recent times, and according to Ben Jacobs, speaking on We Are Tottenham TV, Fabio Paratici has actually been involved in these negotiations.

Fabio Paratici has led Rodrygo to Tottenham talks

According to Jacobs, Fabio Paratici is the man who has initiated the talks between Rodrygo and Tottenham.

Paratici isn’t officially employed by Spurs at the moment after serving a ban from football, but the Italian is still involved at Spurs on a consultancy basis, and he’s involved in these Rodrygo talks.

“When Rodrygo makes up his mind he’ll understand who actually wants him and who doesn’t,” Jacobs said.

“The only conversation that has taken place between the Rodrygo camp and somebody connected to Tottenham is via Fabio Paratici. Not Daniel Levy, nobody who is at the moment a full-time staff member. I don’t see this one developing, the player may prove to be open to the Premier League, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

Tottenham’s business with Real Madrid

Jacobs says that he doesn’t see Rodrygo signing for Tottenham, but this is a deal that isn’t all that unrealistic.

Yes, Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League last season and Rodrygo wants to play at the highest level, but, Tottenham may have an ace in the hole here.

Indeed, Daniel Levy has always maintained a strong relationship with Real Madrid over the years, as the two teams have done plenty of business in the past.

Madrid and Spurs do like to trade players, and if Rodrygo is looking for a new home, potentially in the Premier League this summer, this is an avenue that could well open up for the Brazilian.

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer strategy this summer has been rather strange from the outside looking in.

Spurs have signed Mohammed Kudus – a player who can play on the right wing and in the number 10 role, two areas where Tottenham are well-stacked.

After signing Kudus, Spurs tried to sign Morgan Gibbs-White, another player who thrives in the number 10 role.

Tottenham already have multiple players who are brilliant in that attacking midfield role, so this strategy has looked rather bizarre.

However, these pursuits now make a lot more sense as according to Ben Jacobs, speaking on We Are Tottenham TV, James Maddison could leave the club.

James Maddison could leave Tottenham

According to Jacobs, there is an outside possibility that James Maddison could leave Tottenham this summer.

The journalist says that Spurs aren’t forcing Maddison out the door, but they are open to offers if the right sort of bid comes in.

“There could be a slight surprise possibility that James Maddison is a player they would listen to offers for, without necessarily forcing him out of the door,” Jacobs said.

“What happened last season was that Maddison was in and out, he lacked fitness at times and consistency even when he was fit. I don’t think it’s unthinkable that they would listen to offers at the right price, but it’s not a case of trying to force him out or transfer list him, it’s not their plan that he will leave, but there could be consideration to offers at the right price.”

James Maddison’s stats last season

Tottenham could sell James Maddison this summer, and that seems like a very strange move.

Indeed, while Tottenham were terrible last year, Maddison earned plenty of praise, and the stats show that he was one of Spurs’ better players.

The £40m man was Tottenham’s second-highest scorer and second-highest assister in the Premier League last season, and when you’re at a low ebb, you really can’t afford to lose a player of that quality.

Even when you compare Maddison to Morgan Gibbs-White or Mohammed Kudus, he stands out statistically.

There’s certainly an argument to make that letting Maddison go would be a big mistake this summer.

Thomas Frank might have to get creative after Tottenham Hotspur missed out on the signing of Morgan Gibbs-White.

Gibbs-White signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest, which ended Spurs’ pursuit of the 25-year-old following over two weeks of waiting.

Tottenham Hotspur were left shocked by the midfielder’s decision to sign a new deal at the City Ground, and they have now backed away from the deal.

The Danish manager will be gutted not to have landed the 25-year-old, and he will need to start looking for other options, which could involve an internal solution.

Lucas Bergvall features in number ten role during Tottenham training

Lucas Bergvall was spotted featuring in the number ten role during Tottenham’s open training session in Hong Kong, according to Football.London.

The Lilywhites are gearing up for the first North London derby to be played outside of the UK when they face Arsenal on Thursday.

Thomas Frank will likely be without a proper number ten with James Maddison only just back and Dejan Kulusevski still some way from recovering.

Bergvall signed a new contract with Tottenham back in April, which was great news for the North London club following his impressive breakout campaign.

Harry Redknapp called Bergvall ‘excellent’ towards the end of last season, and the young Swede could once again play a key role next season for Spurs.

Under Ange Postecoglou, the teenager featured in the number eight position, but with players currently missing further up the pitch, Bergvall could be used in a more advanced role.

Bergvall, who’s valued at £50m, has shown more than enough quality to feature in that role; however, Spurs will want to see at least another player signed.

Tottenham have a shortlist of Gibbs-White alternatives and are expected to work through them over the coming weeks.

Dejan Kulusevski is ‘nowhere near returning’ from injury

Tottenham’s need for a number ten has only increased after Alasdair Gold revealed that Kulusevski is ‘nowhere near returning’ from a knee injury.

Kulusevski underwent surgery back in May following a bad knee injury, which he suffered just ahead of the Europa League final.

The 24-year-old is no longer using crutches, but remains well off returning from injury, and he could miss a fair chunk when the season starts.

Gold told his YouTube channel: “Dejan Kuluseski is nowhere near returning yet. Obviously, he had the patella surgery on his knee in mid-May.

“Thomas Frank warned everyone not to expect him back for the first game of the Premier League season against Burnley. I would say he’s expected to miss far more than that. He’s got a lot of rehab to do on that right knee.”

Rodrygo Goes could be on the move away from Real Madrid this summer, and Tottenham Hotspur is a potential destination

TBR Football exclusively revealed on Monday that Rodrygo is open to joining Tottenham, and talks have started with intermediaries over a deal.

The North London club want to be kept informed on the winger’s situation, with Real Madrid valuing Rodrygo at around £70m.

The departure of Son Heung-min could help ignite the move for the Brazilian international and also allow Spurs to make him one key promise.

Tottenham could offer Rodrygo desired left-wing role

Back in May, ESPN claimed that Rodrygo Goes wants to start playing on the left wing again, rather than being used out of position on the right.

However, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr also able to play there, his chances of featuring on the left at Real Madrid are slim.

There is also the fact that during the FIFA World Cup, Rodrygo made just one start under new manager Xabi Alonso, and he played just 92 minutes in total.

The 24-year-old is due to discuss his future with the Spanish coach when he returns from holiday, but at this stage, his future could lie away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

At Tottenham Hotspur, should Son leave for LAFC, the left wing spot would suddenly become available, and TBR Football understands Spurs want a big-name replacement.

Rodrygo will be conscious that, ahead of next summer’s World Cup, he will need to be playing regular football, given the competition for places in the Brazilian national team.

Spurs face an uphill battle to get this deal done, and it’s likely one that will rumble on, but they have thrown their hat into the ring.

Son Heung-min’s stats compared to Rodrygo Goes

TBR Football revealed on Monday that LAFC have stepped up talks to sign Son and is now seriously considering the move to the States.

Son’s performances for Spurs last season were called into question, although he still managed to register 23 goal contributions in all competitions.

Rodrygo produced just two more than the South Korean, which poses the question whether the Brazilian would actually be an upgrade on Son.

But if the 33-year-old does leave for the MLS, Spurs will need to sort a high-profile replacement and that could be the Madrid star.

Tottenham have only signed two new players so far this summer in Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai.

Spurs looked set for an exciting summer when the £60m release clause of Morgan Gibbs-White was triggered swiftly after the £55m signing of Kudus was announced.

However, developments on the transfer front have since gone quiet, as Nottingham Forest convinced the England international to sign a new deal and an alternative is yet to be seriously pursued.

Now, one of the two new signings at Tottenham in Kota Takai has suffered plantar fascia, but just how bad could this problem be? Let’s take a look.

Speaking to reporters in Hong Kong, Thomas Frank said: “Kota got a plantar fascia injury, unfortunately we don’t know the scale of it. (He could be out for) weeks.”

Plantar fascia differs wildly from the usual utterances of more common issues like hamstring strains and calf tears, and the fact it has already prevented the Japan international from making his debut in clashes against Reading, Wycombe and Luton does not offer much encouragement.

The NHS (National Health Service) website states that the condition – which “causes pain on the bottom of your foot, around your heel and arch” – can be chronic, and advises people to see a GP if it does not improve after two weeks.

Symptoms of the condition – which Takai may be struggling from – are as follows.

It goes without saying that the £5m arrival from Kawasaki Frontale regularly needs to do all of the above actions in his role as a professional footballer, so Tottenham will hope to see some improvement on his condition soon.

Kota Takai fitness was already seemingly behind the required level at Tottenham

Before the 20-year-old suffered his injury, he was involved in a gruelling fitness session at Hotspur Way.

Frank put his new charges through their paces – placing plenty of focus on running – and Takai looked absolutely exhausted after one particular drill.

The man born in Yokohama even said “not good” when asked how he felt after the session.

Thomas Frank is learning more about his players every day during Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season.

The Dane spent the better part of a decade at Brentford, first as an assistant to Dean Smith and then as the manager of the club.

Frank did a tremendous job there, but Tottenham are a big step up, especially considering that they have just won their first trophy in 17 years and want to kick on.

All the decision-makers at Spurs are planning the squad for the upcoming season, and a decision has been made about one of their biggest talents.

Thomas Frank says he is ‘very excited’ about Mikey Moore

Mikey Moore is one of the brightest young players to come out of Tottenham’s academy.

The teenager, who is 17 now, moved to Spurs at U9 level, and he has come through the ranks and even played for the first team already.

In May last year, Moore became the youngest player to make a senior appearance for Tottenham, and he has shown flashes of his brilliance whenever he has had an opportunity since.

TBR Football revealed that Rangers are pushing to sign Moore on loan this summer, and Frank has all but confirmed that he will be heading out on a temporary deal.

However, the Dane’s comments suggest that Moore’s long-term future lies at Tottenham.

When asked if a loan spell for Moore is important, Frank said in his press conference, as relayed by HaytersTV: “It is very important.

“Mikey is a big talent. I’m really excited about his future here at Tottenham.

“I think for all players, but especially younger players, they need consistent first-team football into their bodies. I think if we can find the right option, we will do that.”

Mikey Moore’s likeliest loan destination

When a player of Moore’s quality becomes available, he will not be short of offers.

TBR revealed that nearly half the clubs in the Championship, including Sheffield United, are interested in signing the Tottenham youngster on loan.

Even Borussia Dortmund wanted to sign Moore earlier in the window.

However, TBR can confirm that Moore is closing in on a loan move to Rangers after Gers boss Russell Martin held direct talks to convince Spurs.

A move to Scotland will be a great experience for the 17-year-old.

He will not only get regular minutes, but he will also gain valuable experience from playing in high-pressure games like the Old Firm Derby.

Tottenham Hotspur have begun a new era under Thomas Frank.

Daniel Levy is no stranger to sacking managers, but many felt that Ange Postecoglou would get some more time after he ended Spurs’ trophy drought.

However, just 16 days after the Europa League final, Levy sacked Postecoglou and decided to hand the job to Frank.

Now, the Dane has to decide on transfers – both incomings and outgoings – and the future of one key player remains up in the air.

Gabriel Agbonlahor says Son Heung-min will not play under Thomas Frank if he stays at Tottenham

Son Heung-min is one of Tottenham’s greatest ever players.

The South Korean has been at the club for a decade, and he fulfilled his dream of winning a title with Spurs at the end of last season.

Now, Son, who Brennan Johnson finds ‘amazing’, has entered the final year of his contract at Tottenham, and it is still unclear what’s going to happen with his future.

MLS giants Los Angeles FC are keen to sign Son in the coming days, while the attacker has admirers in the Saudi Pro League as well.

On talkSPORT, Andy Goldstein asked Gabriel Agbonlahor if he thinks Son will stay at Tottenham beyond the end of the summer transfer window.

The Aston Villa hero replied: “If he does (stay), I don’t think he plays. No, I don’t.

“There are other players who can play in that (left-wing) position. Kudus has looked sharp in pre-season. He did nothing for West Ham last season, but he has looked sharp.

“I think Spurs will do a lot better this season. “

Tottenham’s current options on the left wing make one thing clear

Tottenham have plenty of players who can play on both flanks.

Son Heung-min has made the left wing spot his own for the better part of the last decade, but he has a ton of competition now.

On top of the above, the likes of Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil and Mikey Moore are still on Tottenham’s books as well, while young Yang Min-Hyeok can also play there.

It is clear that Frank has way too many options on the left wing at the moment, which makes it difficult for Son to get significant minutes.

Agbonlahor may well be right – if Son refuses an exit and stays at Tottenham, it is unlikely that he will get too many minutes in the upcoming season.

Tottenham Hotspur’s dream of signing Morgan Gibbs-White is over.

The North Londoners entered the summer transfer window with the aim of strengthening their midfield, and they have been linked with several names.

The top target was Morgan Gibbs-White, for whom Spurs were ready to pay £60 million to sign.

However, the Englishman has now penned a new contract at Nottingham Forest and is set to stay at the City Ground for another season at least.

Gabby Agbonlahor says James Maddison will be ‘buzzing’ after Morgan Gibbs-White to Tottenham collapsed

Gibbs-White to Tottenham seemed nailed on at the start.

Spurs found out that the England international has a release clause in his contract worth £60 million, and Daniel Levy was ready to trigger that.

However, as TBR Football confirmed, Nottingham Forest were absolutely furious with Tottenham because they believed that the way the North Londoners tried to sign him was not right.

The Reds reported Spurs to the Premier League, and the move was put on hold.

Tottenham were confident that they could still sign Gibbs-White, but the midfielder decided to put pen to paper on a new deal at the City Ground instead.

TBR revealed that Tottenham were left surprised by Gibbs-White’s decision, and they have every reason to feel frustrated.

However, Gabby Agbonlahor believes James Maddison will be privately happy that the deal did not go through.

He said on talkSPORT: “I’ll tell you who will be buzzing, though, James Maddison, because Morgan Gibbs-White would’ve taken his place.

“I don’t think you’re paying £60 million to sit on the bench.”

James Maddison has a big problem at Tottenham

James Maddison, on his day, is a tremendous player.

The Englishman has the ability to win games on his own, but he has struggled with injuries and consistency since he joined Tottenham.

Dejan Kulusevski can play as a number 10, as can Mohammed Kudus, who has impressed in pre-season so far.

If Spurs end up signing another number 10 after failing to land Gibbs-White, Maddison’s minutes could come down significantly.

That won’t be ideal at all in the year leading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Son Heung-min has travelled to Asia with Tottenham Hotspur for what could be his final appearances in a Spurs shirt.

The 33-year-old is linked with a move away from North London this summer, and a transfer to the United States could well be on the cards.

Son could leave Spurs on the ultimate high of having lifted the club’s first trophy since 2008 as they won the Europa League.

However, Thomas Frank’s latest quotes on his captain don’t quite suggest that his future in North London is decided at this stage.

Son Heung-min has been leading by example in Tottenham training

Frank has explained how Son Heung-min has been leading by example in training and he can envisage him playing an important role at Tottenham Hotspur next season.

Despite the expectation that Son could leave Tottenham during the current transfer window, Frank has been so impressed by his attitude behind the scenes.

The new Danish head coach has also hailed the forward’s legacy at the North London club after he guided them to their first trophy in 17 years.

Frank told Men in Blazers: “I think first and foremost, Son’s legacy here is remarkable. A fantastic player, he’s been a fantastic player for Tottenham for years.

“I see a player who can play a very good role here next season, so he’s come in with a very good mindset, trained very hard, and pushed the other players. So I’m excited.”

Son has struggled during pre-season so far with underwhelming performances against both Wycombe Wanderers and Reading.

LAFC are in talks with Son over a move to the MLS, and a deal for the South Korean to leave appears to be advancing.

Sources: Son Heung-min seriously considering LAFC move

TBR Football revealed on Monday that Son is now seriously considering a move to LAFC after they made a renewed push to sign him.

Tottenham are braced for the forward’s exit and have budgeted to bring in a big-name replacement should he leave.

Rodrygo Goes is open to joining Tottenham, TBR Football sources have learned, and the Lilywhites would be open to making him their highest-paid player.

In order to bring in the Brazilian international, Son would likely need to leave N17 this summer and a deal for his departure is getting closer.

Thomas Frank remains keen to add to his attacking options at Tottenham Hotspur after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White.

Morgan Gibbs-White committed his future to Nottingham Forest by signing a new deal at the City Ground until 2028.

The 25-year-old’s move leaves Spurs having to look elsewhere for midfield targets following two weeks of waiting around for the situation to resolve itself.

Tottenham have already identified four Gibbs-White alternatives, TBR Football understands, and one of those options could be landed by making him a key promise.

Tottenham could offer Harvey Elliott chance to play number ten

One of the players on Tottenham Hotspur’s four-man shortlist is Liverpool attacker Harvey Elliott, as revealed by TBR Football on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old has just enjoyed a superb summer at the European Championships, helping England U-21 to win the competition.

The Liverpool star netted five goals in six matches for the young Three Lions, and he will be eager to build on his successful tournament next season.

But at Liverpool, with the arrival of Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah already on the right, opportunities are expected to be few and far between for the youngster. Therefore, a move away beckons.

At his next club, TBR Football understands that Elliott is keen to play in the number ten role, something which Spurs could offer him.

Thomas Frank was clearly keen to add to his creative midfield options, especially given James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski’s injury worries.

Elliott, who’s been compared to Kulusevski, can also play on either flank and in a deeper number eight role, which would make him a great squad option for Frank.

Liverpool value Elliott at £50m, which is rather steep for a player who doesn’t have a future at Anfield, but surely a price that could be reduced.

West Ham United and Newcastle also want Harvey Elliott

Tottenham are not alone in their interest in signing the former Fulham academy graduate this summer, with many other clubs keen.

West Ham think they can sign Elliott, having recently sold Mohammed Kudus to Spurs for £55m.

Newcastle have also shown an interest in the attacker, although that could now have cooled with Anthony Elanga arriving from Nottingham Forest.