TBR Football

Djed Spence has played with some fantastic players during his career so far.

Indeed, as a part of both Tottenham Hotspur and the England youth sides, Spence has shared the pitch with some greats of the game.

James Maddison is a top talent, while Cristian Romero is a brilliant player who has won the World Cup.

Speaking to JD Sports, Djed Spence has been asked to name the best player he’s ever played with.

Interestingly, the full-back couldn’t name just one player as he picked two Tottenham icons as the best he has ever shared a pitch with.

Djed Spence names his best teammates ever

Spence was asked to name the best player he’s ever played with.

Unfortunately, the defender couldn’t stick to just one name as he gave special mentions to both Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son.

“Best player you have played with?” Spence was asked.

“Harry Kane or Sonny,” Spence said.

Spence didn’t spend that long with Kane at Tottenham before his move to Bayern Munich, but he spent a lot more time last season alongside Son, where he could see his brilliance first-hand.

Djed Spence record alongside Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son

Spence named Kane and Son as two of the best he’s ever played with, but his actual record alongside these two players is strange.

Spence only ever played five games alongside Kane in his entire career, and, in fact, they only ever spent 16 minutes on the same pitch in those five matches.

Spence played a lot more football alongside Son, playing 32 matches with the South Korean, but, even then, in those 32 games, Son only scored six goals.

Son has since joined LAFC in a £20m move.

Of course, Spence also saw these two players in training every day, and it’s a testament to their quality that they have received this sort of praise despite not playing much football with Spence at all in his career.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham and Arsenal could once again go head-to-head in the transfer window after also doing so for Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie.

Tottenham Hotspur need to step up their transfer plans quickly in the final six days of the window, having added just two new players to Thomas Frank’s squad so far.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are looking to add the finishing touches to Mikel Arteta’s squad, with a defender seemingly the priority.

TBR Football has now been informed that the two North London clubs remain keen on the same player and could make their move for him in the coming days.

Sources: Tottenham and Arsenal remain keen on Nathan Collins

Brentford have made it clear they are not looking to let captain Nathan Collins leave this week, despite renewed interest in the Irish defender, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

Earlier this summer, TBR Football revealed that Arsenal and Tottenham were keen on Collins, and that remains the case, with both clubs still in the market for a left-sided defender.

Arsenal and Tottenham have held talks about Piero Hincapie, but Bayer Leverkusen are demanding his release clause in full, which is over £50 million and could be an issue.

Liverpool have also shown an interest in Collins, although Marc Guehi remains their top target this summer. The Reds have also signed Giovanni Leoni, but are keen to sign one more defender.

TBR Football can now reveal that Brentford have made it clear to this point that Collins is not for sale, and Keith Andrews would be loath to entertain losing his fellow countryman.

Bailey told TBR Football: “There is major interest in Collins, he has improved every season he has been in the Premier League, and I am told that the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool are all major admirers.

“Collins has just been handed the captain’s armband at Brentford, but I am told his situation is one to keep an eye on in the final week.”

Nathan Collins’ record playing under Thomas Frank

Frank is a big fan of Collins, having previously labelled him as ‘very good’ during their time together at Brentford.

The 24-year-old made 70 Premier League appearances playing under the Danish manager and quickly became a key player for him.

Spurs need to add to their defensive options, as TBR Football understands that Tottenham are unconvinced by Radu Dragusin and are open to sending Luka Vuskovic out on loan this summer.

That would leave Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Kota Takai as their only defensive options.

Tottenham Hotspur stunned Manchester City in the second Premier League game of the season by winning 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

Goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha secured the three points for Spurs and continued Thomas Frank’s impressive start to life in North London.

The Danish manager is quickly showing Daniel Levy that he is worth backing in the transfer window, although so far he has been handed just two new additions.

The 51-year-old was appointed for his excellent track record for developing players, and he’s already having an impact on Spurs’ squad.

Speaking about Frank’s tactics against City, Jamie Carragher noticed Tottenham Hotspur doing something that he’s only seen Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool attempt to do previously.

Jamie Carragher applauds Thomas Frank’s bravery vs Man City

Carragher has hailed the bravery of Frank’s tactics in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Manchester City.

The former Premier League defender believes that only Klopp at Liverpool would head to the Etihad to face a Pep Guardiola team with the mindset of playing their football.

Carragher told Sky Sports Monday Night Football: “When I think about teams playing against Pep’s teams, the only team I would say who really went after them and never really changed was Klopp’s Liverpool, because they felt, ‘we’re as good as you, we’re not going to change our game for you’.

“I don’t think I’ve seen a team braver than Tottenham. Van de Ven, the left centre back in a back four, jumps here, and Romero comes in behind Haaland.

“I’ve never seen a situation where the two full-backs are on the halfway line with the two wingers and the two centre-backs are higher up.

“Normally, you see a situation where the full-backs are high and your centre-backs are at the back, but it’s completely the opposite because it was a man-to-man system. Really, really brave.”

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero were key in their win over City as they defended their box well, along with pressing high up the pitch.

Romero hopes to play more with Van de Ven this season, as the pair made just 18 appearances alongside one another.

Tottenham need to back Thomas Frank in the transfer window

There are now fewer than seven days remaining in the summer transfer window, and time is running out for Tottenham to add to Frank’s squad.

Performances against PSG, Burnley and City have shown that Spurs look to have made an excellent appointment in Frank, and they can’t risk upsetting him so early on.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham are quietly confident about signing Savinho, but there is now some doubt over the deal, with City struggling to source a replacement.

Rodrygo Goes could stay at Real Madrid now, which raises question marks as to whether Guardiola will now let Savinho leave.

Frank also hopes to sign a new number ten, but so far, Spurs have been rejected by Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White and Nico Paz.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a flying start to the new Premier League campaign with several players already standing out.

One of the top performers for Spurs so far has been Mohammed Kudus, who is quickly becoming a star player in North London.

The Ghanaian’s skill and ability on the ball has made him a real threat for Thomas Frank’s team and he’s rightfully taken most of the plaudits.

But with that comes the pressure of teams focusing on a player like Kudus, and Troy Deeney thinks one of Tottenham Hotspur’s stars could really benefit from this.

Troy Deeney hails Brennan Johnson against Man City

Deeney is backing Brennan Johnson to have another exciting season at Tottenham and has named him in his Premier League Team of the Week.

Spurs’ opponents are quickly realising that Kudus is going to be a real threat for the Lilywhites this season, so shutting him down will be key.

That then takes the focus off others, which will open up space for players like Johnson in different areas of the pitch.

Deeney told BBC Sport: “He was fantastic again. He looks like he’s going to have an unbelievable season because Kudus is going to take a lot of the focus of the teams coming from that right-hand side on that left foot.

“The pace and power he shows is unbelievable. That’s two in two for Johnson. I thought he was excellent against Man City.”

Johnson, who Tottenham signed for £45m, has two goals in two games this season, as Richarlison picked him out at the back post for the opening goal away at the Etihad Stadium.

TBR Football understands that Frank has taken a quick shine to Johnson and has so far made him a key player in his team.

Spurs’ new head coach has actually switched the winger’s position in the team, moving him from the right wing over to the left.

Mohammed Kudus’ start to life at Tottenham highlights the importance of signing Savinho

Kudus’ start to life in North London has shown why signing Savinho could be really important for Spurs this summer.

The 24-year-old is a real threat down the right, but teams will soon start to suss this out, so adding the Brazilian on the left could make Frank’s team really unpredictable.

Savinho would bring the same level of flair to this Tottenham team as Kudus, and the prospect of the two on either flank is an exciting one.

Tottenham Hotspur still have plenty of work to do in the transfer window as it enters its final week.

Tottenham Hotspur need to start offloading some players, with Son Heung-min’s move to LAFC their only permanent sale this summer.

Thomas Frank will have several players he will be hoping the club can shift from his squad with just seven days left.

But the North London club have just been handed a big boost with a club from Spain making a shock move for one of their players.

Girona are assessing a permanent deal to sign Bryan Gil

Girona have reactivated the possibility of signing Bryan Gil in the final week of the summer transfer window, according to Spanish journalist Nil Sola.

The Spanish club would ideally like to sign him on a free transfer when his contract expires next year, but they are thinking about signing him now.

The winger is fully willing to make his return to Girona, where he made 32 appearances last season and made quite an impression.

Unfortunately, the 24-year-old suffered an injury which cut short his time in La Liga, and he made an early return to North London.

Gil’s performances on loan at Girona were praised as he featured for them in the Champions League, and they are now looking to bring him back to the Estadi Montilivi.

After Tottenham signed Gil for £22m back in the summer of 2021, the winger has made just 43 appearances for the North London club, but his time could finally be coming to an end.

Tottenham have been working hard to sell Gil this summer, along with Yves Bissouma and Manor Solomon.

TBR Football understands that Bissouma has loan interest from West Ham, with Graham Potter keen to be reunited with his former midfielder.

Bryan Gil could help Tottenham’s Savinho transfer fund

The sale of Gil could help towards Spurs fund for Savinho as the Lilywhites attempt to sign the winger from Manchester City.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham are quietly confident of signing Savinho following further talks with the former Premier League champions.

Tottenham are ready to offer 70 million euros for Savinho, but their bid could be further aided by funds from the sale of the Spaniard.

Spurs defeated City over the weekend as they won 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium thanks to goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha.

Tottenham Hotspur have some difficult decisions to make towards the end of this transfer window.

Spurs need to make some new signings after their Eberechi Eze deal collapsed and Morgan Gibbs-White stayed at Nottingham Forest.

However, Spurs also have some big calls to make in terms of departures this summer.

Indeed, there are a few players at Tottenham whose future remains uncertain.

Manor Solomon’s situation is currently unclear, while Bryan Gil will surely leave Spurs before the transfer window closes too.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Jermain Defoe has been discussing which players he thinks should stay or leave Tottenham, and he’s made an interesting claim about Radu Dragusin.

Jermain Defoe says Radu Dragusin should leave Tottenham

Defoe was asked whether Dragusin should stay or go at Spurs.

The pundit says that if he was in Dragusin’s shoes, he would be looking to leave Tottenham in order to go and play regular football elsewhere.

“Again, if you are him, he had the injury as well. If you are him and you want to play football, I would go somewhere to play football, yeah,” Defoe said.

Tottenham’s centre-back depth analysed

Defoe says Dragusin should go in order to play regular football, and, in all honesty, that’s not a bad call.

Indeed, when you look at Tottenham’s centre-back depth at the moment, it’s hard to see the £25m man getting regular minutes this season.

Of course, Micky van de Ven has had his injury issues, so a spot could open up, but, with Kevin Danso emerging as a solid option, Dragusin is probably fourth choice at this point.

As a young player looking to make some sort of headway in his career, Dragusin does need to be playing regular minutes, and, sadly, Tottenham Hotspur isn’t the place for him to do that.

Dragusin’s injury issues may hamper a potential transfer, but this could be one to keep an eye on in the final days of the window.

Tottenham Hotspur are continuing their search for a new number ten, which has so far proven to be a bit of a disaster.

Nico Paz is the latest player to reject Tottenham, with the North London club having seen a £60 million bid rejected for the Argentine.

Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White were among the other names that Spurs have also failed to sign during this summer transfer.

Thomas Frank’s side now have a week to bring in a new attacking midfielder, but while the market is continuing to shrink, there is one player who could prove to be an interesting signing.

Tottenham should make a move for Lucas Paqueta

Tottenham Hotspur are showing an interest in signing West Ham United attacker Lucas Paqueta, according to the Daily Mail.

Aston Villa are also keen on the 27-year-old, who is open to leaving the London Stadium this summer for Champions League football.

So with Spurs having an advantage, they should look to capitalise and firm up their interest in the final few days of the window.

At this stage, TBR Football understands that Saudi Arabia is the most likely option for Paqueta, but perhaps the lure of the Champions League could change his mind.

The Brazilian is a very talented player and someone who Pep Guardiola tried desperately to bring to Manchester City back in 2024.

But he could also be an ideal fit to replace Gibbs-White, having proven himself to be a well-rounded midfielder.

The West Ham man filled a range of different positions for the Hammers last season, featuring in each midfield role from number six to ten.

Frank has shown he is happy to use a more physical option, with Pape Matar Sarr playing so well there against PSG, Burnley and Man City.

There is also no doubting his ability to create moments of magic, with his brilliant strike against Chelsea highlighting just how talented he is.

Richarlison’s record playing with Lucas Paqueta

One player who would likely be well up for the arrival of Paqueta at Tottenham is Richarlison, who is a Brazilian teammate of his.

Paqueta and Richarlison are friends, and Michail Antonio has previously recalled how the West Ham star had to sort out a feud between him and Spurs’ striker.

The pair have a great record together for Brazil and have featured alongside one another on 32 occasions with Selecao. During those matches, Brazil won 21 times, drawing five and losing six.

Tottenham also signed Mohammed Kudus earlier this summer, and they should test their luck for Paqueta in the latter stages of the window.

Tottenham Hotspur have got off to the best possible start under Thomas Frank this season.

Indeed, Tottenham have picked up six points from two games, including an impressive win away from home against Manchester City.

A number of Spurs players have seriously stepped up in this time, but the star of the show in recent weeks has been Richarlison.

Richarlison has earned plenty of praise as of late as he’s shone in both the UEFA Super Cup and the Premier League.

Speaking on his podcast, Wayne Rooney has been discussing Richarlison’s recent resurgence, and he says that a recent tactical change at Spurs is really helping the Brazilian.

Thomas Frank has made Richarlison better

Rooney spoke about Richarlison’s recent form and why he has improved.

The pundit reckons that Thomas Frank is at the heart of this improvement, claiming that the manager’s tendency to get more crosses into the box is going to bring the best out of Richarlison going forwards.

“Yeah, and Richarlison is a good player. And if you play to his strengths, then he’s a handful. And it’s similar to what I was saying before about the basics,” Rooney said.

“If Tottenham get the ball out wide, there’s no thought of going in the box. And so for the forwards, the difference that makes in terms of before the ball reaches the wide man or the full-back, you know, you might start pulling off the centre back to get across him.

“So knowing the ball is going to come in the box, so it allows you that little bit more time to adjust your body position or readjust yourself to get that little edge on the defender.

“So it makes it so much easier for the forwards if you know that ball is coming in. And all you’ve got to do is work on your timing and he’s aggressive, he will put himself in there. So yeah, I think the change tactically, which has happened, is certainly going to bring the best out of Richarlison for sure.”

Richarlison’s record under different managers

When you assess Richarlison’s career to date, it is interesting to look at which managers he has performed the best under.

Interestingly, the most prolific period of Richarlison’s career, in England at least, came under Carlo Ancelotti, a manager who did put a lot of emphasis on crossing the ball, hence why Dominic Calvert-Lewin was also solid during that period.

However, the worst period of Richarlison’s career so far was under Antonio Conte, a manager who utilised wing-backs and also tried to get a lot of crosses in, but, for some reason, it just didn’t click with the £60m man.

There’s a lot that goes into getting the best out of a footballer, and, while it’s early days yet, Thomas Frank seems to have cracked the code with Richarlison.

TBR Football understands that Piero Hincapie has made it known to Bayer Leverkusen he wants to leave this month.

Bayer Leverkusen are not happy with the defender’s decision, having made it clear to Hincapie and suitors he was not available for sale in July.

Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool all made enquiries earlier this summer and now TBR Football can confirm that all three have been alerted to Hincapie’s stance.

Hincapie’s camp and intermediaries have also been doing work on options and they believe there is genuine interest in the Premier League.

Hincapie started Bayer’s opening game of the season and Erik ten Hag does not want to lose the Ecuadorian, but there is little the club can do given he has a release clause which stands at £52 million.

Sources: Tottenham have made progress in Piero Hincapie talks

Tottenham Hotspur have made progress in recent weeks for Piero Hincapie and Thomas Frank is open to signing another top central defender given they are competing on four fronts this season, sources have told Graeme Bailey, Chief Correspondent at TBR Football.

Chelsea have also held conversations with Enzo Maresca insistent he wants another central defender after losing Levi Colwill until early 2026.

Liverpool, whose prime target remains Marc Guehi, have also been made aware of Hincapie’s situation – as have Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Gunners are in talks to sell Jakub Kiwior and might be in the market for another defender, meanwhile, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake could be sold by City.

Speaking about the defender’s situation, Bailey told TBR Football: “Hincapie is a player who is much coveted around the Premier League – when you talk to scouts about the best young central defenders in Europe – his name comes up all the time.

“Bayer don’t want to sell but they can’t stop him with the clause and whilst just over £50 million is costly at 23, anyone would be getting a huge talent.

“Tottenham at this point are most advanced in their interest, they are pushing and know the player is keen.

“But Chelsea like him too and let’s not forget their fondness for the Ecuadorian market with Caicedo and Paez already onboard.”

Tottenham want Luka Vuskovic sent out on loan

Tottenham are adamant that another central defender is required as they are unconvinced by Radu Dragusin and are open to sending Luka Vuskovic out on loan this summer.

Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Kota Takai are their current defensive options, but Spurs will be wary of last season’s injury concerns.

In the case of Vuskovic, the North London club are keen for him to continue his development following a successful loan spell at Westerlo.

Tottenham Hotspur’s search for an attacking midfielder has been rather unsuccessful this summer, having seen another option in Nico Paz slip away.

Nico Paz has rejected a move to Tottenham after the North London club submitted a bid of around £61 million for the 20-year-old.

The Lilywhites have also seen moves for Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White end in disappointment, leaving them in a rather tricky situation.

A left winger is also the other priority and Tottenham are working on a deal for Savinho, with a quiet confidence that a deal can be done.

But Thomas Frank also wants a new number ten and Spurs’ supporters have been telling Johan Lange who he should be targeting after Paz’s rejection.

Tottenham fans want Bilal El Khannouss targeted after Nico Paz

Tottenham Hotspur fans have called for the club to target Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss in their hunt for a new number ten.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham have asked about signing El Khannouss and he is one of the remaining options on their list.

Over the weekend, El Khannouss was left out of Leicester’s squad and he is reportedly available for around £32 million.

The 21-year-old is also linked with a move to Crystal Palace who are targeting him as their replacement for Eze.

Last season, the midfielder managed three goals and six assists in all competitions for the Foxes, but remains highly rated in the Premier League.

Now, Spurs supporters have taken to X to share their thoughts on the Moroccan international and are keen for the club to make a move for him.

One fan said: “The market is Paz, Akliouche and El Khannouss. El Khannouss is the best option there for me.”

Meanwhile, another claimed: “I heard that El Khannouss is on our radar. He’s cheaper than Paz at about 30m. It’s better than spending 70m on both Savinho and Paz.”

“Between Akliouche and El Khannouss, Tottenham can only go wrong by not getting any one of them,” added another fan.

Finally, another Spurs supporter made the rather bold claim: “Bilal El Khannouss is a better tactical fit for Spurs than Eberechi Eze.”

El Khannouss might be quite a step down from Eze and Gibbs-White, but it’s clear that he is a player with strong potential.

There are just seven days remaining in the transfer window and Spurs will need to make a quick decision as to who they target next.

Tottenham should also consider late Maghnes Akliouche move

Another top midfield target Spurs should be thinking about in the final week of the window is AS Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche.

People in football believe Akliouche has ‘outrageous potential’ and the Frenchman’s arrival in North London could be an exciting addition.

The 23-year-old can play on either flank along with being able to fill the number ten role, which could make him a great fit for Frank’s squad.