TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur have started the Thomas Frank era with two wins from two Premier League games, all without conceding a goal.

Daniel Levy is unpopular enough with many Tottenham Hotspur fans, but his decision over Ange Postecoglou was always going to divide opinion.

Postecoglou handed Tottenham the Europa League trophy, but also oversaw a truly torrid Premier League campaign.

Tottenham axed Postecoglou, and Levy didn’t look far for his replacement, as Thomas Frank left Brentford for Spurs.

The results so far have been impressive, with Spurs beating Burnley 3-0 at home before an impressive 2-0 win at Manchester City.

Gary Neville impressed with Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur

Frank is earning rave reviews for his early work at Tottenham.

The Dane has shown incredible flexibility with his tactical approach, setting up Tottenham completely differently across games against Paris Saint-Germain, Burnley and Manchester City.

The adaptability wasn’t really on show under Postecoglou, but Frank is leading Tottenham in a different way.

Pundit Gary Neville has now praised Frank while speaking on NBC Sports, suggesting that the Spurs boss is showing real tactical flexibility.

Neville feels that this may now be the new trend in the Premier League, with managers foregoing one style of play in order to be more varied from game to game.

Neville noted that Tottenham ‘ran all over’ City, praising the high-energy and pressing from Frank’s team high up the pitch.

The former Manchester United defender certainly loves what he is seeing so far, and believes he is getting the best out of the Spurs squad.

“I thought Tottenham ran all over them; they looked a little bit like an old team, City, which was worrying,” said Neville.

“Tottenham pressed and hurried really well. Thomas Frank has come in and done a really good job in the first couple of weeks, but yeah, worrying signs for City, because that was a strong team they had out.

“We’ve seen [Frank] in three games, big games in the last couple of weeks, and what he’s done is adapt his style to each game and, obviously, a big criticism of Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou was that they never changed, they were always the same, and that you could predict exactly what they were going to do, and in the end, it was a sorry state for them.

“But what you’ve seen with Thomas Frank: he’ll go five at the back, he’s gone four at the back, they’ll press high, sometimes they’ll sit deep, and we’re seeing a little bit more, I think, of a change in this last 12 to 18 months, where we’re seeing the old style of football return.

“It’s been this way for a few years that you’ve got to have a philosophy, you’ve got to have a way of playing, and now it seems we’ve got a few managers near the top end who are adapting from game to game. I think Thomas Frank is adapting from game to game, he’s getting the best out of the players that he’s got,” he added.

Gary Neville on Eberechi Eze

Tottenham came up with a big win on Saturday, shrugging off some pain from the transfer market in recent days.

TBR Football reported that Tottenham were close to signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with the playmaker lined up for a big move to North London.

A switch to North London was completed, but not to Spurs as Arsenal hijacked the deal and signed Eze themselves.

Missing out on Eze would have really hurt anyway, but seeing him join bitter rivals Arsenal seriously stung.

Neville admitted that the situation was ‘a little embarrassing’ for Tottenham, suggesting that Eze’s move to Arsenal was ‘a bad one’ for Spurs.

However, Neville praised Spurs for recovering well and picking up a result, again praising Frank for having his players buy into his approach.

“It was a little embarrassing for them in midweek, losing Eze to Arsenal, that was a bad one for them, but they recovered really well to get a great result, he’s started well, and the players seem to be thriving under him,” he added.

Spurs missed out on Eze but will hope to sign a number 10 soon enough, with the summer transfer deadline now fast approaching.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to make a big midfield addition in the final few days of the transfer window and Nico Paz is one of their targets.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham turned to Paz after missing out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal in what was a major blow for their transfer plans.

Tottenham were close to signing Eze only for their bitter North London rivals to swoop in at the last minute and leave them searching for alternatives.

The North London club’s search has led them to the Argentine midfielder and he thoroughly impressed in his second outing of the season for Como 1907.

Tottenham fans so impressed by Nico Paz’s display vs Lazio

Tottenham Hotspur fans were left so impressed by Nico Paz’s display against Lazio and are keen for the club to make their move.

The 20-year-old took the game by the scruff of the neck as he produced a goal and an assist to seal a big win for Como.

His assist saw him pick up the ball inside his own half, before beating two defenders and then producing a line breaking pass to pick out Anastasios Douvikas, who slotted home.

In the second half, he added a second for Como with a stunning free kick goal to prove why he is so highly rated by Tottenham, Como and Real Madrid.

The midfielder now has two goals and one assist in his first two matches in Serie A and Cesc Fabregas views Paz as a vital player for his project in Italy.

After the game, Spurs supporters took to X to share their admiration for the player and called for Daniel Levy to make a strong push to sign him.

One fan compared the midfielder to Maddison: “Gives me major Maddison vibes with this assist.”

“Thought exactly the same, way he carries the ball and style of play! Bring him to Spurs,” another fan agreed.

There was further praise for Paz’s performance: “Get me Nico Paz right this instance. That was absolute filth.”

Finally, another claimed: “Nico Paz is six foot one I think he suits Frank’s profile a lot better. Just pay the fee.”

Paz, who has been compared to Bruno Fernandes, is wanted by Madrid, who have a £8 million buy back clause for him.

Madrid have told Tottenham they want Paz in the future, which means that the Lilywhites getting a deal done is quite unlikely at this stage.

Tottenham need to get Savinho deal done as soon as possible

TBR Football revealed on Sunday that Tottenham are quietly confident of signing Savinho following new talks with Manchester City.

Spurs met with the former Premier League champions following their 2-0 win over them at the Etihad Stadium.

But this is now becoming a rather drawn out saga and soon Spurs will need to turn elsewhere or risk missing out on the signing of a left winger.

Tottenham Hotspur continue their search for another number 10 after seeing Eberechi Eze complete his move to Arsenal.

Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester City 2-0 on Saturday afternoon, producing a sensational display under Thomas Frank.

Spurs only appointed Frank this summer, but the Dane has already made an enormous impact in North London.

Tottenham are showing a solidity and a flexibility we didn’t really see under Ange Postecoglou, but it hasn’t all been positive news.

Tottenham were closing in on Eberechi Eze last week, and a deal to sign the Crystal Palace playmaker had looked imminent.

Eze has instead joined Arsenal, with the Gunners pulling off a stunning and ultimately painful hijack on Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur move for Nico Paz

Tottenham are now forced to pivot once again in the search for a new number 10.

Morgan Gibbs-White signed a new deal with Nottingham Forest before Eze’s move to Arsenal made the situation even worse.

TBR Football understands that Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss is on Tottenham’s radar, though Crystal Palace ironically fancy him to replace Eze.

We also reported that Spurs were back in contact for Nico Paz last week, but a deal for the Como playmaker was considered unlikely.

Fabrizio Romano now reports that Tottenham have offered €70million (£61million) in a huge bid to sign Paz.

However, Como have rejected the deal and Paz is keen to stay and work under Cesc Fabregas in Serie A.

That should bring an end to Tottenham’s pursuit of Paz, with the Argentine showing no interest in a move.

Paz dazzled in Serie A last season, hitting six goals and nine assists as Como enjoyed a strong campaign.

The 20-year-old played his first game of the new Serie A season on Sunday, registering a goal and an assist in a 2-0 win over Lazio.

Real Madrid involvement on Nico Paz

Romano noted that Real Madrid’s involvement on Paz’s future is strong.

Real Madrid have a buy-back clause on Paz and can pay just €10million (£8.7million) to bring him back to Spain next summer.

It’s stated that Paz wants to stay and develop with Como before heading to Madrid next summer.

Intriguingly, Romano claims that Real Madrid were planning to match any proposal from another club anyway, so Tottenham’s hopes appear to be dead and buried.

Paz will join Franco Mastantuono and Arda Guler as exciting young playmakers at Real next summer, which may leave Brahim Diaz considering his future.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur are working really hard to move Yves Bissouma this summer, and West Ham United is now an option.

Bissouma missed the UEFA Super Cup final due to disciplinary reasons and the midfielder appears to have fallen out of favour with Thomas Frank.

The North London club are desperate to ensure that he is one of the players who heads for the exit door in the final nine days. Tottenham also wanted Bryan Gil and Manor Solomon sold.

The Hammers have now emerged as a serious contender to sign the 28-year-old, with Edson Alvarez having joined Fenerbahce.

Sources: West Ham want Yves Bissouma on loan

Tottenham Hotspur could make Yves Bissouma available on loan and West Ham United would be open to taking him if that were the case, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

Graham Potter wants to add to his midfield options at the London Stadium following a thoroughly underwhelming start to the season.

The former Brighton manager knows the Spurs player, having managed him during his time at the AMEX Stadium before selling him for £25 million.

Tottenham signed Joao Palhinha and the Portuguese international is now the team’s first choice number six option.

Palhinha impressed against Manchester City; meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr and Archie Gray also make up Frank’s other midfield options.

The North London club’s squad is currently rather bloated and there is a strong need for the deadwood to be shifted in the final days of the transfer window.

There are also plans in place to add to Frank’s team in the coming days, with Tottenham growing in confidence over signing Savinho and contact made with Como and Real Madrid for Nico Paz.

Tottenham were offered Lucas Paqeuta by West Ham

Earlier this month, Tottenham were offered the chance to sign Lucas Paqeuta from West Ham, but didn’t show a great deal of interest in doing a deal at the time.

Spurs remain on the hunt for a new number ten and perhaps that stance could change as the window reaches its climax.

Paqueta netted a stunning goal against Chelsea on Friday evening, but the Hammers ended up losing 5-1 at the London Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur made it two wins from two in the Premier League with an impressive display against Manchester City.

Thomas Frank’s team stunned Manchester City as they won 2-0, with goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha.

The North London club had a frustrating week with Eberechi Eze picking Arsenal over them, but a big three points at the Etihad Stadium.

There were many impressive performances against City, but three players in particular stood out for Alan Shearer.

Joao Palhinha, Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur’s midfield masterclass vs Man City

Shearer has hailed the performances of Palhinha, Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur against Manchester City.

The former Premier League striker was particularly impressed by Palhinha and has tipped him to be a top signing for Tottenham Hotspur.

Palhinha signed on loan from Bayern Munich earlier this summer with an option to buy for around £27 million.

Frank was also impressed by Palhinha’s display against the former Premier League champions as the Portuguese international continues to impress in N17.

Speaking after the match, Shearer highlighted how aggressive Spurs’ midfield trio were against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Shearer told BBC Match of the Day: “It was a midfield masterclass from those three, Sarr, Bentancur and Palhinha. They pressed, they were aggressive and they invited the short pass.

“If they didn’t win the first tackle, they won the second tackle – that was a constant all afternoon from those three.

“Tackles, blocks, look at this block from Palhinha – he could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham Hotspur, so many last ditch tackles, the timing of them were absolutely perfect.

“Those numbers there tell you they absolutely dominated that midfield battle today, all three were magnificent, it was great to watch.”

Micah Richards so impressed by Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero vs Man City

Meanwhile, Micah Richards was so impressed by Spurs’ centre back pairing of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero against City.

The duo had to dig deep at the Etihad Stadium, but the pair made some vital tackles and blocks to ensure they came away with the clean sheet.

Richards added on BBC Match of the Day: “I think Van de Ven was injured a lot last season, Romero was excellent. I thought the back four were really exceptional, at times they had to weather the storm, of course away at Manchester City is always going to be difficult.

“It was just a perfect performance, Man City had chances, a couple Haaland probably should have put away, but when they needed to dig deep they did.”

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur are now quietly confident about their chances of signing Savinho following further talks with Manchester City.

Thomas Frank’s team produced a shock win at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha securing a 2-0 victory.

Following the match, the North London club took the chance to make further enquiries for the Brazilian winger who remains their main target.

Frank is hoping to add another top left attacker to his squad this summer, following the departure of Son Heung-min to LAFC.

Sources: Tottenham feel Savinho deal could get done

Tottenham Hotspur are gaining in confidence that a deal for Savinho can be agreed following further talks with Man City, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

Pep Guardiola wants to keep Savinho, but if Spurs were to make a significant offer for the 21-year-old then the former Premier League champions could become open to selling him.

Savinho has missed City’s first two Premier League matches through injury, including their defeat against Spurs on Saturday afternoon.

The youngster is not Spurs’ only option for the left wing, but he remains the preferred option and work continues on a deal.

Daniel Levy is under added pressure to sign him having missed out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, who was announced at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The Lilywhites are now ready to test the water for the winger, with Savinho open to joining Tottenham this summer.

Given the strong competition for places in the Brazilian national team ahead of next summer’s World Cup, Savinho feels he needs to be starting week in, week out. At Man City, given their plethora of wide options, that is far from guaranteed.

Maghnes Akliouche is Tottenham’s fallback option for Savinho

AS Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche is Tottenham’s alternative option for Savinho, with the winger being highly rated around Europe.

Last season, the attacker managed seven goals and 12 assists in 43 appearances for the French club and has been targeted by other major European clubs.

The North London club also want a new number ten and Nico Paz is one of their top targets, although a deal will be very complicated.

Thomas Frank sent a statement of intent to the Premier League after Tottenham beat Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad.

Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha struck in the first half to secure the three points for Spurs, continuing the club’s impressive record against Manchester City.

Richarlison was a standout performer at the Etihad, following up from his brace against Burnley on the opening day by assisting Johnson for the first goal.

Therefore, Tottenham have secured all six available points to start the season, and without conceding a single goal, no supporter will deny that this is a dream start for Frank.

However, the Spurs faithful have taken time away from celebrating another Premier League win to laud former captain Son Heung-min after what he did on the same day for LAFC.

Tottenham fans are in awe of Son Heung-min

Son departed Spurs for LAFC this summer, ending his 10-year association with the club after delivering the Europa League in his final season.

And on the same day his former employers enjoyed another victory over the Citizens, Son scored a wonder free-kick in the MLS, the irony was not lost on one Spurs supporter.

“Sonny still banging in worldies on a day that Spurs play Man City… some things never change!”

Mohammed Kudus reminded the fans of Son after his impressive display at the Etihad, who, of course, arrived as Son’s replacement, but the supporters are just pleased to see their former captain thriving.

One wrote: “Seeing him happy again. He knew his time playing at the top level was done. Perfect move for him.”

Another fan wrote: “What a way to score your first goal at your new club. That was nice of you Son.”

The 33-year-old has an impressive track record against Manchester City, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 21 outings against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Son will be remembered as one of the best to wear the famous white shirt in the Premier League, and it is clear he still hasn’t lost his touch in the MLS.

One fan reacted: “Oh my goodness me! Wow. Brilliant Sonny!”

Tottenham fans raise free-kick question about Son Heung-min

Surprisingly, Son only scored one free-kick goal during his time playing in Europe, in a 1-0 win against Watford in the 2021/22 campaign.

However, that has not stopped some supporters from suggesting the South Korean international was the best free-kick taker while at the club.

“Lowkey was the best free kick taker at Tottenham but you had Harold Kane hogging free kick duties for a decade. Shaking my head, I’m seeing red.”

Whereas another supporter questioned why Son was not tasked with free-kick duties last season, writing: “Forget about when Kane and Eriksen were here, the last seasons, we had to see Porro and Maddison fighting before every single free kick while he was literally there.”

Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to sign a new number ten in the final week of the transfer window, with Como 1907’s Nico Paz one of their targets.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham made contact with Como and Paz this week to learn the conditions over a move for the player.

But any deal is expected to be very tricky given that Real Madrid are keen to bring Paz back to the Spanish capital and have a buyback option worth around £8.6 million.

Spurs remain intent on trying their luck to sign the Argentine and have this week made a new bid to sign the talented young midfielder.

Tottenham fans unimpressed by £43 million bid for Nico Paz

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left unimpressed after learning that the club have offered around £43 million for Nico Paz, which is well below his reported valuation.

Gianluca Di Marzio reports that neither Como or the player have given the deal the green light as of yet, with the Italian club demanding just over £60 million.

In fact, Paz’s plan appears to be to remain in Serie A for at least another season before making his return to Madrid next summer.

Spurs have made him one of their top targets and are continuing to work on a deal, but at this stage, remain some way from reaching an agreement.

James Maddison’s bad knee injury and Dejan Kulusevski also being out of action has left Thomas Frank short in midfield.

Spurs’ supporters have now taken to X to share their frustrations towards the club’s ‘lowball’ bids for the attacking midfielder.

“One fan claimed: “20m euros under valuation and no agreement on player side eight days left of the window, by the way…”

“The price tag is €70 million We need player very desperately, especially after the Eze sage to save this window. At least offer €60 million, Como will 100 percent reject that. Levy is not serious about this club,” added another.

There were further frustrations aimed towards Daniel Levy: “Why do we bother with these lowball bids? It’s what annoys the clubs and makes them not want to deal with Levy. Never getting him for that amount. The same transfer approach, lowball.”

Finally, another fan claimed: “60m and the deal is done. 70m and Savinho deal is done. Stop low balling and pay the money, Levy.”

Spurs have just nine days to find a new number ten for Frank’s squad and the Lilywhites will need to increase their bid for Paz to stand any chance.

Tottenham showing an interest in West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta

Another midfielder who is of interest to Tottenham is Lucas Paqueta, with the Brazilian keen to play Champions League football next season.

The Daily Mail report that Spurs are keen on the 27-year-old, who netted a superb strike against Chelsea on Friday evening.

However, the Hammers were well beaten at the London Stadium, as they lost 5-1 against the Blues.

Graham Potter’s side look set for a tricky season and the North London club could capitalise by also taking Paqueta, after signing Mohammed Kudus earlier this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur took on Manchester City in the Premier League and emerged victorious, much to the delight of Thomas Frank.

The new Tottenham Hotspur boss arguably couldn’t have had a better start to life at Spurs in the league, winning both his Premier League openers and sitting pretty on a flawless record.

He had his players to thank. There were a sea of good performances, from Pape Matar Sarr to Mohammed Kudus – they were all excellent.

That also includes Richarlison, who, although not on the scoresheet, was a constant menace to the Cityzens. His new manager knows the value of the Brazilian.

Thomas Frank on Richarlison

Frank spoke about Richarlison on two occasions. The first was pre-game to Sky Sports, where he hailed him as “very good” in his opening few games as Spurs boss.

He said: “Of course, I think any player needs confidence. For a striker, the best confidence they can get is by scoring goals. I think he’s been very good – you can see him still stepping up and improving.

“Richie is a top striker, so I’m so happy that he’s performed well in the last two games, and hopefully he’ll continue today. One more goal would be nice.”

The former Everton man didn’t get a goal, but he did get an assist, and his plaudits came from the tireless work he did off the ball. Frank noted this at full-time, claiming that him playing so well is keeping Dominic Solanke out of the side.

Frank said: “I think, again, Richie performed very well today. Top assist, great presence up there, work ethic – everything about it was very, very good.

“We need two good strikers because we’re going to play a lot of games. And of course, Richie is now starting, so we just need to keep it going.”

Dominic Solanke has a point to prove at Tottenham

Since signing for £65m, Solanke hasn’t really hit the ground running, and now he has an issue at Spurs. Richarlison performing means he’s not the leading striker.

Richarlison really suits Frank’s style of play. His relentless pressing is very desirable, and this means that when Solanke does get a chance in the limelight, he must grab the opportunity with both hands.

Tottenham face Bournemouth in the Premier League next weekend, where Richarlison will surely start again as Spurs and Frank look to make it three out of three in England’s top flight.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with quite a few names since they missed out on Eberechi Eze.

Spurs were in the driving seat to sign the England international, and Daniel Levy even agreed terms with Crystal Palace and the player.

However, Arsenal hijacked the Eze deal in the 11th hour, and the 27-year-old chose to join them ahead of Tottenham.

That is a massive blow for Spurs, but they have moved on and have been linked with a number of players in recent days.

One of them is Maghnes Akliouche of Monaco.

Akliouche has made a tremendous name for himself in France.

The 23-year-old scored seven goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions for Monaco last season and has earned plenty of admirers.

TBR Football exclusively revealed Newcastle United’s interest in Akliouche months ago, but the Magpies chose Anthony Elanga in the end.

Now, after missing out on Eze, reports have claimed that Tottenham are also interested in signing Akliouche, who could be available for around £45 million.

David Ornstein, who has contacts across the game, has now shared what he has heard about the Monaco attacker, and this will excite Spurs fans.

He said on The Athletic FC podcast: “They do have other options, and from what we hear, I don’t know exact names, but some of those are pretty ambitious.

“We’ve heard about Savinho. There will be other players too – reports of Akliouche of Monaco.

“If they pursued a deal for somebody like him – I speak to a lot of people in football who think he’s going to be one of the best attacking midfielders around and has outrageous potential.”

Eric Dier could help Tottenham sign Maghnes Akliouche

Tottenham have had some painful experiences in this transfer window already.

Morgan Gibbs-White signed a new contract at Nottingham Forest after it looked certain that he would be moving to Tottenham.

Eze is the latest one to snub Spurs, so the North Londoners will be wary of another rejection when they enter negotiations for their next player.