TBR Football

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur are not ruling out Kevin Danso stepping up to become a starter if Cristian Romero leaves this summer.

Tottenham made Danso’s move permanent for £21 million following a successful loan spell having joined from Lens in January.

The defender impressed whilst Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were sidelined, and then played a crucial role in Spurs’ Europa League knockout stages matches.

The North London club are now confident that the Austrian international could be the player to step up in case Romero departs N17 this summer.

Kevin Danso could become starter for Tottenham next season

Tottenham Hotspur are very happy with Kevin Danso and aren’t ruling out him being able to start next season if, as expected, Romero leaves, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

Romero is linked to Atletico Madrid with just two years left on his contract and uncertainty over Ange Postecoglou’s future could further accelerate that move.

The Argentine appears to share a strong bond with Spurs’ manager with which will have only grown stronger following their Europa League triumph together.

But in the case of Danso, his long-term future at the club is now assured with Spurs having just made his move permanent.

Tottenham fans hailed Danso’s display in the Europa League final when he came on to form a back-three with Van de Ven and Romero.

The three central defenders managed to bat away everything which Manchester United threw at them in Bilbao to end the North London club’s 17-year wait for silverware.

So with Danso now well settled back in England and having impressed during his six-month loan spell, the defender could be Spurs’ ready-made Romero replacement.

Will Tottenham sign another central defender if Cristian Romero is sold?

Spurs appear to be searching for at least one more central defender for this summer, with several options linked with the club.

Tottenham still like Fikayo Tomori who has just been told that he will not be a starter at AC Milan under their new manager, Massimiliano Allegri.

Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande was watched by Tottenham last season and could be available for £50 million.

Meanwhile, Luka Vuskovic is expected to finally arrive in North London this summer, two years on from his £12 million transfer to the Lilywhites.

TBR Football understands that several Premier League clubs are showing an interest in signing Fikayo Tomori, including Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

Tottenham were keen on Tomori back in January, however, the defender opted to reject a move to remain at AC Milan.

The North London club are now back on his trail, having just secured Champions League football, but they have now been joined by several other clubs.

The Magpies are among the list of the Premier League clubs who have joined the queue to bring him back to England following his six-year stint at the San Siro.

AC Milan tell Fikayo Tomori he won’t start, Tottenham remain keen

Fikayo Tomori has been told by AC Milan that he is an unlikely starter under their new manager, Massimiliano Allegri, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

The defender could now look to leave Milan in search of regular football elsewhere, especially with the World Cup taking place next summer.

A whole host of Premier League clubs are now lining up to land the England international, with the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle, Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham United all keen on him.

Spurs might need to replace Cristian Romero, who’s linked with Atletico Madrid. TBR Football understands that the Argentine is expected to leave North London this summer.

Meanwhile, Palace might need a replacement for Marc Guehi, who is all set to leave South London in the summer. Newcastle are also interested in Guehi, along with Tomori.

Would Fikayo Tomori be a good signing for Tottenham?

Tottenham are well stocked in central defence, although losing Romero would likely mean they would want to add to their options.

TBR Football has learned that Spurs believe Kevin Danso could become a starter next season and be the man to step up if Romero is sold.

Tottenham have just signed Danso permanently for £21 million in what could prove to be one of the best value deals of the summer.

Elsewhere, Luka Vuskovic is set to arrive at the North London club this summer, two years on from when the Lilywhites paid £13m to sign him.

TBR Football understands that Thomas Frank has met with Tottenham Hotspur on more than one occasion.

Tottenham have assessed numerous options, but the Brentford boss has impressed a number of the North London club’s hierarchy, not just chairman Daniel Levy.

A decision on Ange Postecoglou’s future is expected to arrive this week and at this stage, TBR Football’s sources believe he is likely to be relieved of his duties.

The Danish manager is now in the driving seat to get the job at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following several rounds of tasks with Spurs’ hierarchy.

Thomas Frank’s name keeps coming up at Tottenham

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has exclusively told the site that Thomas Frank’s name keeps being mentioned by multiple sources as a frontrunner for the Tottenham job.

Meanwhile, Brentford fear they will lose Frank to the Lilywhites as the 51-year-old seems to have impressed their London counterparts.

Bailey told TBR Football: “Frank has always been in the mix – I am told he was one of the first names on Daniel Levy’s list.

“But in the last two weeks, he is the name that is coming up from so many different sources, it just can’t be ignored and there is little push back. Brentford are not saying much either – I believe they really fear they could be losing him.”

Frank has been called ‘amazing’, and it’s easy to see why, given the job he has done making the Bees a regular fixture in the Premier League.

Tottenham have been impressed by Frank’s ability to work with young players and develop them into top Premier League stars.

Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins are among his most impressive player developments during his time in West London.

Why Thomas Frank could face tricky start at Tottenham

Frank would be right up against it at Tottenham if he were to take the job, as he would be taking over from the very popular Postecoglou.

The 59-year-old has just helped Spurs to end their 17-year wait for a trophy and is highly regarded by the players and supporters.

Ange Postecoglou’s position at Tottenham Hotspur is under threat despite his Europa League heroics.

Postecoglou’s future will be determined this week by Daniel Levy, who is now weighing up his options as to who could replace the 59-year-old.

Thomas Frank has held talks with Spurs about taking the job in N17, suggesting that Postecoglou’s time in North London is coming to a close.

The Australian manager has been under pressure at Tottenham Hotspur for quite some time now, given the team’s shocking Premier League form and he has already revealed why he would be so unhappy if he were to be sacked.

Ange Postecoglou will be gutted to no longer manage Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall

Ange Postecoglou has previously revealed that he ‘won’t be happy’ if another coach were the manager of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray in two or three years.

Speaking back in January, Postecoglou hailed Bergvall and Gray and told the media: “Name me another Premier League team that’s got two 18-year-olds and one playing out of position consistently.

“I’m so happy they’re at our football club and you know, in two or three years’ time, I just pray to God I’m the beneficiary of their talent, mate, because if somebody else is getting it, I won’t be happy.”

Bergvall and Gray both enjoyed sensational breakout campaigns last term as they were thrust into Postecoglou’s team following Spurs’ injury crisis.

The teenage duo just took it in their stride and ended up looking so comfortable playing at the highest level week in, week out.

Gray made 46 appearances playing all the way across the back four, whilst the young Swede played 45 times across the season for Spurs.

Tottenham sacking Ange Postecoglou could upset Archie Gray

If Tottenham were to sack Postecoglou, they certainly run the risk of upsetting Gray, who is a big fan of the manager.

The young midfielder recently revealed that he is ‘extremely grateful’ to Postecoglou for putting his trust in him to play regular first-team minutes at 19.

Gray told Tottenham Hotspur on YouTube: “I’ve said it before, I’m just extremely grateful for every minute he’s put me on the pitch. I don’t care where I play, for how long I play, I’m 19 years old, so I’m just extremely grateful for him trusting me and putting me on the pitch.”

Tottenham Hotspur are looking for wingers this summer and should look no further than a player who used to be on their books.

The North London club are having to put together transfer plans despite the uncertainty over Ange Postecoglou’s future in N17.

Daniel Levy could sack Postecoglou and replace him at Tottenham with Thomas Frank, however, no decision has yet been finalised.

But in the meantime, Spurs are looking to add to their attacking options with Eberechi Eze a key target for the Lilywhites.

But given his price tag, there is another Premier League forward who could be just as good but acquired for much better value.

Tottenham should look to re-sign Chelsea’s Noni Madueke

Tottenham Hotspur should be strongly considering a move to bring Chelsea forward Noni Madueke back to North London.

Madueke played for Tottenham’s youth teams until 2018, when the winger opted to leave the football club after spending four years there.

The 23-year-old took a rather unique journey as he joined Dutch club PSV Eindhoven and worked his way through the youth ranks in Holland.

He exploded into life at the Philips Stadion before Chelsea paid £30m to sign Madueke in 2024 to bring him back to London.

Following a slow start to life at Stamford Bridge, Madueke improved under Enzo Maresca last term and showed a great deal of promise. Mauricio Pochettino was a fan of Madueke, calling him ‘unbelievable’.

TBR Football has reported that Madueke is free to leave Chelsea and Tottenham were showing an interest in the forward.

Now, the Lilywhites need to firm up that interest and bring him back, as he would also help with their homegrown quota, especially as he would count as club-trained.

How do Noni Madueke’s stats compare to Eberechi Eze’s

Eberchi Eze has just enjoyed the most productive season of his career to date, managing 25 goals and assists. Madueke notched 16 goal involvements in all competitions.

But with price tag, age and club-trained status in mind, the Chelsea forward could be the more sensible option of the two players.

Eze has a £60m release clause, whereas the former Spurs academy star could potentially cost almost half that value, given the Blues’ desire to offload him.

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are ready to go head-to-head in the race to sign one of the top soon-to-be free agents.

Arsenal are keen to bolster their attacking options with a striker and winger being targeted by their new sporting director, Andrea Berta.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur are also eyeing options for their forward areas and have identified the same players as the Gunners as one of their top targets.

The Lilywhites have not just entered the race to sign the player, but they are now leading the pursuit due to their willingness to offer the most lucrative package.

Tottenham ready to offer Leroy Sane better deal than Arsenal

Tottenham are now in pole position to sign Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane on a free transfer, according to Sky Sport.

Arsenal have made Pini Zahavi, Sane’s agent, aware of their interest in his player, however, Sane’s agent has been able to negotiate a significantly higher financial package with their North London rivals.

Spurs are now looking to make an impressive signing following their Champions League qualification and are working hard to sign the 29-year-old as a free agent. The German international’s contract with Bayern expires at the end of the month.

It now seems increasingly likely that Sane will sign for Tottenham with the North London club offering him a contract which runs until 2029.

Bayern Munich also remain in the running to keep hold of the winger and have not yet given up hope of renewing his contract, but at this stage, he is close to joining the Premier League club.

Crucially, Tottenham are also offering him a guaranteed starting spot at right wing, which is something Bayern and Arsenal are somewhat unlikely to be able to do.

Where could Leroy Sane fit in at Tottenham?

Sane could be a very interesting option for Tottenham as the winger showed great versatility at Bayern last season.

The former Man City forward made 20 appearances playing left wing and also played 25 times on the right side of Bayern’s attack.

With Cristian Romero’s future up in the air, Tottenham Hotspur might need to dip into the summer market and sign a brand-new centre-back.

Romero could leave Tottenham despite winning the Europa League after Spurs’ famous 1-0 win against Manchester United recently.

Atletico Madrid are keen on signing Romero in the summer to bolster their defence.

It’s safe to say that replacing the World Cup winner will be a tall task for Tottenham Hotspur, as he is the leader of their backline.

Tottenham target Jarrad Branthwaite could be another Micky van de Ven

However, The Times have reported that Jarrad Branthwaite is one of the options on Tottenham’s shortlist.

In Branthwaite, Spurs could sign a defender who is not just stylistically similar to Micky van de Ven but could be another success story just like the Dutchman has been since moving to North London.

Much like Van de Ven, the Englishman is one of the best young centre-backs in Europe, renowned for his incredible athleticism, calmness with the ball at his feet and intelligent reading of the game.

While Ange Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham is uncertain, Branthwaite would allow the Australian to play his signature high line due to his searing recovery pace and ability to defend out wide if the 59-year-old keeps his job.

Tottenham have tracked Branthwaite for ages, who much like Van de Ven is the modern centre-back, capable of not just defending in wide areas but inside the box as he has often had to as a part of Everton’s deep block.

Branthwaite is valued at £50 million by Everton, who expect him to leave in the summer, which is good news for Spurs.

Considering Van de Ven signed for the Lilywhites at the same age as the former Carlisle colossus (22), the latter could be an addition who could aid Tottenham in the present and the future.

Jarrad Branthwaite stats compared to Micky van de Ven

However, Liverpool are scouting Branthwaite as well and considering Arne Slot’s side won the Premier League last season, they could potentially have an advantage over Spurs in the race to sign him.

Tottenham will be analysing Branthwaite’s stats in comparison to Van de Ven to see how he stacks up against arguably their most consistent centre-half.

The numbers show that when it comes to tackles, interceptions and clearances, the Everton gem has the edge on the former Wolfsburg speedster.

However, Van de Ven has attempted more passes (65.44 as compared to 42.94) and progressive passes (5.1 in comparison to 2.37) than Branthwaite per game over the past year; which indicates that the 24-year-old plays in a far more ball-dominant side than Branthwaite.

Everton are showing an interest in one of Tottenham Hotspur’s top performers from the Europa League final.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set for big changes this summer with Ange Postecoglou’s future in North London now looking increasingly in doubt.

Thomas Frank has held talks with Tottenham about being the man to replace the 59-year-old should the two parties decide to part ways.

Meanwhile, following a dismal Premier League campaign, big changes are also expected to arrive in the playing squad, and that could involve one of their top midfielders being sold.

Everton could enter the mix for Yves Bissouma

Everton have been tipped to enter the race to sign Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma by journalist Ben Jacobs. The Lilywhites are ready to offload the midfielder should they receive the right offer.

The Toffees are expected to be on the hunt for new midfielders this summer and the Malian international is one who they could target.

Jacobs told the Last Word On Spurs: “Bissouma is aware of this volume of interest, even Everton, I’m told, could come into the mix because they’re going to be losing a couple of midfielders and also looking to strengthen in that area.”

The 28-year-old is set to be available for transfer this summer, and he has a host of clubs that are also keen to sign him. Tottenham signed Bissouma for £25m back in the summer of 2022.

Aston Villa, Leeds United and Saudi Pro League clubs are amongst the parties who have also expressed an interest in him.

Would Yves Bissouma be a good fit for Everton?

Bissouma’s performance in the Europa League final was superb as the former Brighton player showed exactly why Spurs signed him in the first place.

Postecoglou spoke to Bissouma about how important he can be for the team and it appeared to work with the midfielder’s fortunes being transformed.

But regardless of his improved form, Tottenham are ready to sell Bissouma and have been working to offload him for quite some time now.

If David Moyes and Everton were able to get the version of Bissouma who finished the season at Tottenham so strongly, that could be a significant coup for the Toffees.

Thomas Frank is being closely linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur and there is one player in particular he will be excited to get his hands on.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to decide Ange Postecoglou’s future this week, however, TBR Football understand it is likely that the two parties will agree to part ways.

Frank has held talks with Tottenham about the possibility of replacing the 59-year-old and it is looking increasingly likely that he will get the job.

The 51-year-old has done a brilliant job at Brentford raising the level of some of the Bees’ best players – something which Spurs will be hoping he can now repeat in N17.

The Dane will be excited about working with several members of Spurs’ current squad, but none more so than one of their best players, whom he attempted to sign for Brentford.

When Thomas Frank tried to sign Brennan Johnson

Thomas Frank appears to be a big fan of Brennan Johnson, with the Danish manager having attempted to sign him for Brentford back in the summer of 2023.

Frank bid for Johnson in what would have been a club-record deal for Brentford, however, the Lilywhites ended up bringing the youngster to North London instead.

Tottenham signed Johnson for £45m in a deal which has caused much division amongst the fanbase up until his winning goal in the Europa League final.

Johnson, who Postecoglou called ‘really clinical’, has proved to be a pivotal signing for the Lilywhites as he was a key player in their Europa League-winning campaign.

Not only did he score in the final against Manchester United, but he managed six goal contributions overall throughout the competition.

Now, Frank might finally get the chance to work with Johnson, and it could be fantastic news for the Spurs attacker.

Why Thomas Frank could help Brennan Johnson explode

Frank could be the manager who really takes Johnson to the next level following the Welsh winger’s most productive season to date.

Johnson ended the campaign as Tottenham’s leading goal scorer as he netted on 18 occasions across all competitions, including the winner in the Europa League final.

But despite the goals, the 23-year-old’s overall contribution to the team has been questioned at times, and this is something Frank could help fix.

The Brentford boss has a remarkable record of improving attackers by getting the best out of them and minimising their weaknesses.

Frank has improved players like Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa, all of whom are now considered top Premier League attackers.

Tottenham Hotspur found out that they will play Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup in August following the Parisians‘ Champions League final triumph over Inter Milan.

PSG were immense in Munich and Tottenham fans watching on would be forgiven for feeling slightly apprehensive ahead of their meeting in two months’ time.

Of course, Spurs fans will also just be delighted to be competing on that stage, one they’ll hope to follow a seriously productive summer in the transfer market.

Although, before a signing is made, Daniel Levy will need to decide Ange Postecoglou’s future.

Postecoglou has asked Levy for more time, but it’s still widely believed that the Spurs boss will be relieved of his duties in due course.

Ange Postecoglou wanted to sign Desire Doue for Tottenham

That being said, things might have worked out very differently for Postecoglou had he managed to sign Desire Doue for Tottenham.

Tottenham wanted Doue from Stade Rennais last summer, before he agreed a move to French champions PSG.

In fact, Postecoglou was personally pushing to sign Doue according to reports, a winger who is now taking Europe by storm.

Djed Spence compared Doue to Neymar recently, a comparison he doubled down on when posting on X after watching the Champions League final.

Doue scored twice in a brilliant 5-0 PSG win and UEFA in turn announce that he had won the Player of the Match award, one that was richly deserved.

Of course, were Doue aware of Spurs’ interest at the time, he’s unlikely to have any regrets — it’s fair to say that his move to PSG is going to plan.

But in terms of Postecoglou, he might be endlessly frustrated that his ambitions weren’t matched behind the scenes, should those reports be true.

Spurs also wanted Randal Kolo Muani from PSG

It’s worth noting that Tottenham were also interested in a PSG player in January too.

Tottenham were in talks to sign Randal Kolo Muani, who instead embarked on a loan move to Juventus in Serie A.

Spurs’ big January addition ended up being Mathys Tel instead, who has shown promise in N17, without seriously disrupting the status quo.

And perhaps these missed opportunities will be a frustration for Postecoglou should he be looking back on his time at Spurs in a month or so.

Levy has been criticised by fans for not showing enough ambition in the transfer market, and perhaps that is a struggle Spurs’ next manager will fail to win as well.

Levy has backed Postecoglou to an extent, but it’s hard to say that Tottenham couldn’t have done more over the past few windows.