TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur are now beginning to seriously step up their preparations for success under Thomas Frank.

Tottenham have signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United and he’s already impressed in his pre-season minutes against Reading.

Spurs are also trying to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, a deal that is being delayed owing to complaints from the City Ground.

And after qualifying for Champions League football in the season to come, Tottenham’s spending is unlikely to stop there.

Spurs are interested in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, and now a new Premier League player is high on the shortlist in north London.

Tottenham make offer to sign Ilya Zabarnyi from Bournemouth

According to journalist Duncan Castles who was appearing on ‘The Transfers Podcast’, Spurs have just tabled a €70m bid for Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi.

TBR Football recently revealed that Tottenham had been in contact about Zabarnyi, and now Castles believes that Spurs’ bid goes beyond the initial fee they paid for Dominic Solanke.

Castles explained: “Ilya Zabarnyi, who Paris Saint-Germain have been working on a deal for about six months in reality, but actively working with Bournemouth for three months, I’m told, their offer for the Ukraine center back is €60m.

“They believe they should be able to secure the player at that price, and the player definitely wants to come to them — has agreed personal terms with PSG and is pushing for the move.

“But Tottenham, one of several Premier League clubs who are unsurprisingly interested in the 22-year-old, one of the quickest centre-backs in the Premier League and almost a perfect attendance record in the Premier League over his two seasons at Bournemouth.

“Guidance from Bournemouth is that Tottenham have offered €70m for the player, which is owner Bill Foley’s asking price, and which would represent a new club record transfer fee for Tottenham, exceeding the initial £55m with £10m of variables that they paid Bournemouth for Dominic Solanke last summer.

“If Zabarnyi is to move to Tottenham rather than Paris Saint-Germain, Bournemouth will have to convince the player to give up on the idea of joining the European Champions for the Europa League winners and a club who finished well down the English table last season.

“That, I think, is going to be a difficult ask, but let’s see how it pans out over the next week or so.”

Tottenham wanted Ilya Zabarnyi whilst Antonio Conte was in charge

Interestingly, Tottenham were linked with Zabarnyi all the way back in 2022 whilst Antonio Conte was in charge of the club, deploying a three centre-back system.

Zabarnyi was playing for Dynamo Kyiv at the time, and he’s obviously come a long way since, making 86 appearances for Bournemouth in two seasons, a player who former teammate Philip Billing called ‘unbelievable’.

But were Zabarnyi to arrive under Frank, perhaps he could end up playing in a three-man system in somewhat similar fashion to what might have been envisioned under Conte.

Cristian Romero looks set to stay at Tottenham and there’s certainly no doubt over Micky van de Ven’s immediate future.

And therefore if Spurs were able to agree a deal with Bournemouth, perhaps that would be with the idea of playing Zabarnyi on the right of Romero, with Van de Ven on the left.

It’s the kind of signing that would give Frank some welcome flexibility at the back.

Morgan Gibbs-White has not travelled with his Nottingham Forest teammates for their pre-season camp in Portugal.

Almost two weeks ago, Tottenham triggered Gibbs-White’s £60m release clause, however, Nottingham Forest claim the clause shouldn’t have been known about.

Evangelos Marinakis was furious about the Gibbs-White situation and has blocked the midfielder’s move to Spurs.

The player’s future at the City Ground remains uncertain, although his absence from Forest’s squad has sent supporters from both clubs into a frenzy.

Morgan Gibbs-White misses Nottingham Forest trip due to personal reasons

Morgan Gibbs-White has not travelled to Portugal with Nottingham Forest’s squad due to ‘personal reasons’, according to John Percy.

Forest flew out to Portugal on Monday morning for their pre-season training games, where they are due to face Fulham and G.D. Estoril Praia.

Their captain did not travel with his teammates to Portugal, sparking debate as to his whereabouts amid links to Spurs, but this has now been clarified.

Later this week, the 25-year-old is expected to join up with his teammates in Portugal and continue work during pre-season.

Gibbs-White returned to Forest training last week despite being heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Forest played their first pre-season game of the summer on Saturday, in which Gibbs-White gestured a heart shape symbol to supporters.

TBR Football understands that Gibbs-White wants to join Tottenham, but at this stage, there are very few updates on his future.

Nottingham Forest working on James McAtee deal

Nottingham Forest are advancing in a deal for James McAtee, TBR Football revealed on Monday, although they face competition for his signature.

The City Ground is seen as his most likely destination in England, but clubs from the Bundesliga are also keen on the Man City attacker.

Frankfurt, RB Leipzig, Dortmund and others are also keeping tabs on his situation, with the midfielder currently available for around £20 million.

The 22-year-old has just 12 months left on his contract, which is why he is available for such a great price, despite having just captained England U-21 to the European Championship title.

McAtee is a number ten, just like Gibbs-White, and could be the ideal replacement for their captain should he eventually depart for North London.

TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Daniel Levy is confident Fabio Paratici will formally accept his offer to return to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Italian director’s 30-month ban from football operations is officially over and he can now return to working for a club.

TBR Football reported back in April that AC Milan were confident of landing Paratici, but their agreement for the 53-year-old fell through.

But under the radar, Daniel Levy has been working on Paratici’s return, and now he believes that the sporting director will make his official return to the North London club.

Exclusive: Daniel Levy confident of Fabio Paratici agreement

Fabio Paratici has plenty of offers from around the world to return to football, but it would be a ‘huge shock’ if he does not end up back at Tottenham Hotspur, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

In truth, Paratici has never stopped advising Levy during his ban, having been working in an unofficial advisory role.

TBR Football can reveal that Levy and Paratici have never been out of contact, and the offer for his return is waiting for him. Levy remains confident he will formally accept.

Speaking exclusively to TBR Football, “Daniel Levy does not trust anyone more in football than Paratici. Everyone in football is aware of their relationship.

“Officially, Daniel wants him confirmed; he wants him to ‘finish the job’ he has started – the Europa League win was built on Paratici’s work.

“Paratici has interest from around the world, in football, his ability and talent is widely recognised, but he does not have a better relationship with anyone more than he does with Levy.

“It would be a huge shock if his long-term future does not remain with Tottenham.”

Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange are expected to work in tandem

Tottenham’s new CEO, Vinai Venkatesham, and Paratici already have a good relationship and the pair are likely to be working closely together when he returns.

Johan Lange is also expected to work in tandem with the Italian, although he will take on a more commercial role, while Paratici focuses on the football.

The Danish director has made quite an impression at Spurs already, signing young talents like Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Kota Takai.

Lange was also believed to have played a key role in bringing Thomas Frank to North London, having previously worked with him in Denmark.

Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Aston Villa all remain keen on signing Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.

On Sunday, TBR Football exclusively revealed that Garnacho was open to working under Unai Emery at Villa Park.

The winger is keen to remain in the Premier League this summer, with three clubs keeping tabs on his situation at Manchester United.

Spurs are among the teams that want to sign the winger, and they might just have an advantage in the race to sign the 21-year-old.

Tottenham’s Justin Cochrane already well acquainted with Alejandro Garnacho

Tottenham Hotspur’s new assistant coach, Justin Cochrane, already knows Alejandro Garnacho very well having previously worked with him at Manchester United.

Cochrane coached Garnacho during his time as head of player development at Old Trafford and helped mould the attacker into a first-team player.

Back in January, TBR Football revealed that Tottenham had enquired about Garnacho, and now the North London club have renewed their interest in the youngster.

Spurs will face strong competition to sign him if they do firm up their move, with Chelsea and Villa both considering him as well.

TBR Football previously reported that Chelsea’s Club World Cup win makes Garnacho deal possible, with the Blues having plenty of room with PSR.

Villa need to replace Marcus Rashford, and the Argentine could be the perfect upgrade on his former Man Utd teammate, given his age and potential.

Meanwhile, Son Heung-min could still leave Tottenham this summer, which means they might start looking to sign another left winger.

Alejandro Garnacho could be ideal Son Heung-min replacement

Garnacho’s output for United perhaps went slightly under the radar at Old Trafford last season, given his rift with Ruben Amorim.

The winger managed an impressive 21 goal contributions, netting 11 times and assisting ten goals across all competitions.

Garnacho’s potential is clearly very impressive, but the youngster needs to be working under the right guidance.

Working with people like Frank and his former coach, Cochrane, could be exactly what he needs to get the best out of him.

The Lilywhites are already well stocked in left wing with options like Mathys Tel, Richarlison and Mikey Moore, but if they can move on the Brazilian and Son, that could make room for the United star.

Tottenham have often been spoken down to in the media.

Angel Di Maria famously admitted that it pained him to be linked with a move to Spurs while playing for Real Madrid in May 2014, telling Marca: “It hurts when you’re always doing your best for your club and then you hear that you might be going to Tottenham.”

Transfer talk aside, Antonio Conte was often quite scathing of Tottenham, mocking the north Londoners for a lack of silverware with Daniel Levy at the helm, even while managing the club.

However – in stark contrast – Loic Bade was once complimentary of Tottenham during an interview, and Foot Mercato now believe Spurs hold an interest in signing the central defender.

Foot Mercato now state that Tottenham are interested in signing the 25-year-old.

The French news outlet believe several clubs are fighting over Bade, including other Premier League sides in Aston Villa, Sunderland and Bournemouth.

A different French news outlet in L’Equipe add that Tottenham are admirers of Maxence Lacroix at Crystal Palace, so Thomas Frank has options to choose from as he targets centre-back reinforcements.

Bade actually spent time with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, but was strangely never handed a single appearance after joining on loan from Rennes in September 2022 – despite the Reds holding an option to make the deal permanent for just £12m.

The Frenchman then left for Sevilla in January 2023 that same season, scoring against Manchester United in the quarter-final as the Spanish outfit went on to win the UEFA Europa League.

Foot Mercato believe Sevilla now value Bade at €30m (£26m).

What Loic Bade has already said about Tottenham

As aforesaid, the man born in Sevres has complimented Spurs in the past.

Bade called Tottenham a “great club” back in February 2024, telling Estadio Deportivo: “There is a little bit of satisfaction. When a great club like Tottenham are interested, it’s because you do good things.”

Clearly, Spurs have been admirers of the Sevilla No.22 for more than a year – at least – and this summer could finally signal a chance to sign him due to the respectable £26m asking price.

Tottenham Hotspur need a new midfielder, and they should be looking at the deal Everton are currently working on.

Thomas Frank is keen to add to his number six options this summer, and several targets are currently being assessed by the Lilywhites.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma both played in that role under Frank against Reading, but neither player managed to make much of an impression at the Madejski Stadium.

Daniel Levy now needs to get involved in a deal that the Toffees are in the process of trying to agree to deliver a top midfielder for his new manager.

Tottenham need to hijack Everton’s deal for Douglas Luiz

Tottenham Hotspur should be looking to hijack Everton’s deal to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus.

Everton are getting closer to an agreement for Luiz, with a deal between the Toffees and Juve just £9 million apart at this stage.

According to the report from Italy, the Bianconeri are seeking a total package worth £34m for the Brazilian, while Everton are offering £26 million.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham have held talks to sign Luiz, with the player eager to return to the Premier League.

Fabio Paratici is fully aware of the midfielder’s situation, and he is one of the midfielders they are currently considering.

The 27-year-old has also made it clear to the North London club that he would be open to a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Luiz, who Roy Keane called ‘amazing’, has already proved himself in the Premier League with Aston Villa, and that is why clubs like Everton are hoping to bring him back, despite his tricky spell in Turin.

Tottenham should offer Everton the chance to sign Yves Bissouma

Everton have been tipped to move for Bissouma this summer, and Spurs should now offer them the chance to sign the Malian international.

As reported by TBR Football, Paratici is working to sell Bissouma, with the Lilywhites deciding he is now surplus to requirements in North London.

Bissouma wants to stay in England, and a move to Merseyside could be perfect for him, where he will have the chance to discover his best form.

The 28-year-old proved how good he can be with his performance in the Europa League final, and David Moyes should certainly consider a move.

For one reason or another, he’s not quite reached his best for Spurs, and a move away looks to be the best solution for all parties.

TBR Football understands that Alejandro Garnacho is open to a move to Aston Villa amid growing interest, with Chelsea and Tottenham also monitoring the Manchester United star’s situation.

Garnacho has been at the centre of transfer speculation all summer, with manager Ruben Amorim believed to consider the winger surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

TBR Football exclusively revealed that Chelsea’s PSR situation could pave the way for a move for the Argentine, while Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring Garnacho.

Now, Aston Villa have emerged as a new Premier League contender – and Garnacho is not thought to be against a potential switch to Villa Park.

Exclusive: Alejandro Garnacho open to an Aston Villa move

Garnacho is keen to stay in the Premier League and, attracted by the prospect of working under Unai Emery, would be open to a move to Aston Villa, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can confirm.

Bailey states: “Alejandro Garnacho wants to stay in England, and there are only so many options. Chelsea, we know, like him, whilst Tottenham have maintained contact.

“But Aston Villa have emerged as an option, I am told the player has done his homework on the possibility of working with Unai Emery, and he has heard good things.

“Emery knows how to get a tune out of these young talents – we have seen it with the likes of Morgan Rogers, indeed, could Garnacho replace the England man? It is not impossible.

“Villa want to make some impact on the market this summer, and Garnacho could be just that for them.”

Alejandro Garnacho pictured wearing Aston Villa shirt this summer

The young Argentine sparked controversy earlier this year when he posted a picture to his Instagram wearing a Marcus Rashford Aston Villa jersey on holiday, despite still currently employed by Manchester United.

Garnacho claimed the gesture was a form of support for his teammate, who was on loan at Villa during the second half of the season.

However, this was met with anger and frustration from Manchester United fans, as it was seen as disrespectful to the club.

Tottenham are making some seriously exciting moves this summer.

Firstly, Thomas Frank was appointed, a man who has cemented himself as one of the most impressive managers in the Premier League since winning promotion with Brentford in 2021.

Spurs have since splashed £55m to sign Mohammed Kudus for the Dane, also bringing Kota Takai to N17 for £5m and spending £30m to obtain Mathys Tel permanently.

Now – according to L’Equipe – Tottenham are keen to bolster the defence with a move for Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace.

Tottenham like Maxence Lacroix

The French news outlet state that the Crystal Palace No.5 is of interest to Spurs after his impressive debut campaign in England last season.

Lacroix made 44 appearances in all competitions – scoring one goal – as the Eagles won the FA Cup.

L’Equipe add that Borussia Dortmund are also keen on the 25-year-old.

Lacroix is not the only Crystal Palace player Tottenham like, with Spurs also keen on signing Adam Wharton.

Tottenham also looked at Eberechi Eze earlier this summer, but their recent approach for Morgan Gibbs-White suggests the north Londoners have opted to pursue different options for the attacking midfield role.

Thomas Frank could reunite a special partnership between Micky van de Ven and Maxence Lacroix

Should Lacroix end up at Spurs, a close friend would already be at Hotspur Way waiting for him in Micky van de Ven.

The Netherlands international and the Frenchman played together at VfL Wolfsburg before their respective moves to the Premier League, making 29 appearances together.

Lacroix even said he was “proud” of Van de Ven for his efforts at Tottenham, telling Kicker: “Great, Micky is damn fast. I’m happy for him that things are going so well at Tottenham. I am proud of him.

“Micky is a really good talent and player. 100 metres? He’s quick, but I think I can beat him.”

On that note, Lacroix and Van de Ven are both amongst the fastest central defenders in Europe, so if Frank is able to pair them in the same backline, it would open up new doors for the Dane tactically.

TBR Football can exclusively confirm how Illia Zabarnyi feels about a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur in the wake of their approach for the Bournemouth ace.

The Ukraine international has made a real name for himself at the Vitality Stadium, leading to interest from a number of big European clubs.

Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are hot on Zabarnyi’s heels, but they’re far from the only club keen on the 22-year-old.

Tottenham have now made an approach for Zabarnyi – but they’ve got a difficult job on their hands trying to convince him.

Tottenham make Illia Zabarnyi approach but Bournemouth star still wants PSG

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Tottenham have made an enquiry with Bournemouth about Zabarnyi.

Zabarnyi has already agreed terms with PSG in principle but they have not been able to agree terms with Bournemouth, who are demanding £60million.

TBR Football has previously revealed that Zabarnyi has resisted interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Now, Tottenham have also asked about the situation and made it clear they would be keen on the Ukrainian.

However, sources have confirmed to us that Zabarnyi remains fully focused on a move to the European champions.

Other players Tottenham are interested in

Tottenham have had a busy summer so far on the transfer front, signing Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.

Spurs are also trying to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, though the move has been put on hold while certain things are resolved.

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is also on Tottenham’s radar. TBR Football sources understand that Thomas Frank is confident of signing the Bees forward.

Spurs have a busy pre-season ahead. They are set to play six fixtures before their Premier League campaign gets under way.

Tottenham have friendlies coming up against Reading, Luton Town, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich.

Spurs are also in UEFA Super Cup action as the Europa League champions face Champions League winners PSG on 13 August.

Leeds United and Everton have both been linked with a move to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Richarlison this summer.

The Brazil international joined Spurs in a £60 million deal in the summer of 2022, and he was viewed as a great option for Antonio Conte at the time.

Richarlison has scored a few great goals for Spurs over the years, but it has to be said that he has failed to live up to his huge price tag.

Now, the 28-year-old’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is up in the air.

Leeds United and Everton’s stance on signing Richarlison from Tottenham

Richarlison is not at the top of Tottenham’s pecking order.

Spurs have Dominic Solanke up top, while Dejan Kulusevski usually plays on the right. Heung-min Son, Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel are all available as options on the opposite side, where young Mikey Moore can also play. Mohammed Kudus has joined the club too now.

Richarlison is still a good player on his day, but Tottenham will be happy to sell him if a good enough offer arrives in the coming weeks.

TBR Football previously revealed that Everton have thought about re-signing Richarlison, while reports elsewhere have suggested interest from Leeds United as well.

Ben Jacobs has now revealed that he contacted both clubs to know more about the story, but they played it down because the player’s wages and transfer fee are too high for their liking.

The journalist said on Last Word On Spurs: “There remains Saudi and also some Brazilian interest in Richarlison. So, let’s see how that one develops.

“I think Leeds was the other link, but when I went to Leeds, much like Everton, it was largely downplayed for Richarlison because it’s a big fee and quite a high wage as well.”

What should Tottenham do with Richarlison?

Tottenham are in a tricky situation with Richarlison.

The Brazilian, on his day, is phenomenal. He offers options across the front line, his work rate is excellent, and he has the ability to score goals as well.

However, Richarlison has entered the final two years of his contract, and this would be the right time to cash in on him, considering his performances.

With clubs in Saudi Arabia still interested, Tottenham should look to get a good deal for Richarlison, but it remains to be seen if he will agree to move to the Middle East.