TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons as Thomas Frank finally looks to sign a number 10.

Thomas Frank has enjoyed a dream start to life as Tottenham Hotspur manager on the pitch, beating Burnley and Manchester City.

The transfer window has not been quite as successful for Frank and Tottenham, with multiple attacking midfielders slipping through the net.

Morgan Gibbs-White signed a new deal with Nottingham Forest, having looked set for Tottenham, before Arsenal hijacked Spurs’ move for Eberechi Eze.

Como’s Nico Paz was also on Tottenham’s radar, but the Argentinian playmaker will stay in Italy ahead of joining Real Madrid in 2026.

Xavi Simons can take dream shirt number at Tottenham Hotspur

RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons has now emerged as Tottenham’s top target.

Simons has been targeted by Chelsea, but the Blues have failed to finalise a deal, giving Spurs hope of swooping in.

The Dutchman is interested in a move to Tottenham, and Spurs could hand him his dream shirt number in North London.

The number seven shirt is available at Tottenham, and Simons already has an attachment to that shirt.

Simons wears number seven for the Netherlands and wore that number at Euro 2024 last summer.

Simons also wore number seven during his 2022-23 season with PSV Eindhoven, which was the best season of his career so far.

The playmaker hit 22 goals and 11 assists in just 48 appearances for PSV, enjoying a dream season in Eindhoven with the number seven on his back.

Tottenham would surely offer the number seven shirt to Simons, though it would bring some pressure on the former Paris Saint-Germain talent.

Tottenham’s number seven shirt is available because Son Heung-min moved on to LAFC this summer, bringing an end to 10 incredible years at Spurs.

Son will go down as a Tottenham legend, and anybody following in his footsteps will struggle to emulate his achievements in North London.

Simons certainly has the talent to become a Tottenham hero in his own right, and you can be sure that Spurs fans would flock to buy Simons’ shirts – especially if he takes number seven.

Tottenham fans would love hijack revenge on Chelsea

Tottenham were left reeling from the Eze hijack.

Losing out on such a quality Premier League player is difficult enough, but to see him join Arsenal was almost impossible to stomach.

Supporters just want to see quality additions, but a deal for Simons would be so well-received due to the possibility of hijacking Chelsea.

Chelsea have snatched Tottenham targets in the past, with Willian’s move to Stamford Bridge a prime example.

Snatching Simons away from Chelsea would be so satisfying for Spurs fans, and almost an act of revenge on another London rival after missing out on Eze.

There is a long way to go on this deal, but Simons would be welcomed to Tottenham with open arms after missing out on a couple of other star playmakers in recent weeks.

Currently, Savinho to Tottenham Hotspur looks to be off the cards, with Manchester City blocking his move to North London.

As TBR Football exclusively revealed on Thursday, Savinho is frustrated with Man City’s stance and has made that clear to them.

Pep Guardiola wants to keep Savinho and the former Premier League champions consider the matter closed.

Tottenham Hotspur remain attentive to the situation, but have told the Brazilian that they have now moved on to other targets.

One of the players whom Spurs have on their list of targets in the remaining few days of the window could disappoint Savinho even further, given his relationship with the player.

Savinho already knows Xavi Simons well from his PSV Eindhoven spell

TBR Football understands that Tottenham are in talks to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig and hijack Chelsea’s move for the Dutch international. Leipzig value him at £60m.

The Blues have stalled over a deal for the player, and Tottenham have now matched their offer to Simons in terms of wages.

Seeing a player, whom Savinho knows well and who he would love to have featured alongside again, head to Spurs will surely leave the Brazilian even more frustrated.

During a brief spell in the 2022/23 campaign, Simons and Savinho played alongside one another at PSV Eindhoven.

The pair only played together on seven occasions, but managed to win four of those matches, combining for two goals.

Savinho didn’t play much more during that season for PSV, having suffered a hamstring injury, but it’s evident that the pair shared a strong connection.

The 21-year-old appeared keen on a move to Spurs, and seeing Simons now potentially head there will leave him even more furious at City for blocking his move.

Ademola Lookman could be Tottenham’s alternative target to Savinho

Last week, TBR Football reported that Ademola Lookman had been offered to Tottenham after his move to Inter Milan collapsed.

After learning that Savinho is now off the table, the North London club could look to make their move for the 27-year-old.

Atalanta want over £43 million for the attacker, which is why his move to Inter collapsed, but for Spurs, this fee would not be an issue.

Last season, the winger produced another impressive campaign as he netted 20 goals and got seven assists in 40 appearances over in Italy.

Tottenham Hotspur finally have some good news coming their way.

The North Londoners have had a great start to the new season, winning each of their first two games in the Premier League under Thomas Frank.

On the transfer front, however, things haven’t gone to plan as both Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze ended up rejecting a move to Tottenham.

Now, Spurs hope they’ve finally caught a break.

Tottenham’s bid to sign Xavi Simons has been accepted

Xavi Simons has been one of the big names in this summer’s transfer window.

The Dutchman, hailed as ‘unbelievable‘ by Arsenal legend Ian Wright, has wanted to leave RB Leipzig since the start of the summer, and talks have been ongoing.

Chelsea have been really keen to sign Simons, and many in the game believed that the 22-year-old would eventually end up at Stamford Bridge.

However, very late on Thursday night, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tottenham tabled a €60 million (£52m) bid for Simons, and Leipzig have accepted that proposal.

Spurs want to wrap up the deal on Friday.

Romano tweeted: “Tottenham agree €60m fee with RB Leipzig for Xavi Simons!

“Official bid accepted, green light after Tottenham sent a formal bid following the player’s encouragement.

“Spurs want a deal done today also on the player’s side + medical in the next hours. Here we go, expected soon!”

TBR Football exclusively revealed on Thursday that Tottenham are ready to match Chelsea’s salary offer for Simons, which ranges somewhere between £180,000 and 200,000 per week.

Tottenham fans cannot get excited just yet

Hearing the news that Tottenham have had a bid accepted for an incredible player like Simons is great news, but Spurs supporters cannot get too excited.

Having already seen moves for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eze fail in this window, Tottenham fans know that a deal is not done until everything is signed.

Spurs’ plan for Friday is to reach an agreement on personal terms with Simons and then complete his medical, along with other formalities.

Richarlison has been a bit of a revelation this season for Tottenham Hotspur, with the striker impressing in Thomas Frank’s first three matches.

The striker has managed two goals and one assist in Spurs’ first two Premier League games and is quickly becoming Thomas Frank’s first-choice number nine.

TBR Football first revealed that Frank really likes Richarlison as a striker and he is quickly becoming a key part of his plans in North London.

But now, legendary Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has had his say on the Brazilian following his display at the Etihad Stadium.

Jermain Defoe impressed by Richarlison’s intensity

Defoe has been impressed by Richarlison’s intensity and hailed his ability to press from the front as ‘unbelievable’.

Speaking about the striker’s performance against City, Defoe told NBC Sports: “I just felt like Richarlison’s energy levels, it’s unbelievable.

“He did not stop running, and we know how hard it is, you know, when you’re pressing with that sort of intensity, I don’t care how good you are as a player, it’s so difficult to play around.”

Frank has switched up Spurs’ defensive set-up, with the Dane instructing his team to adopt a man-to-man approach against City.

Richarlison, who Theo Walcott has also praised, played a pivotal role in Spurs’ second goal at the Etihad Stadium as his press forced James Trafford into rushing his pass into Nico Gonzalez, who Pape Matar Sarr then stole the ball from.

The Lilywhites’ impressive pressing ability has been very effective so far and has been led from the front by the 28-year-old.

The Brazilian international has always been a player who works hard for the team and that is quickly making him a key member of Frank’s side.

Frank has already shut down talk of a potential exit of Richarlison and claimed that the Brazilian is now his “starting number nine”.

Richarlison has been linked with Newcastle in their hunt for a striker, but that now looks unlikely given how Frank views him.

“Right now, he is my starting nine, he scored two fantastic goals, he had two fantastic games – he’s Brazil’s number nine.

“He’s a very good player, so I’m very happy with him. Richy wants to stay, I want to keep him, there’s been no talk about anything else. He’s done well for us.

Mikey Moore’s loan spell at Rangers has been quite a disaster so far, with the Scottish giants crashing out of the Champions League.

Russell Martin’s side were emphatically beaten 9-1 on aggregate by Club Brugge, having been thrashed 6-0 in the second leg in Belgium.

Moore is not quite getting the game time he would have hoped for, either, as he remained an unused substitute against the Belgian side.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have now been discussing the teenager’s loan spell in Scotland and are keen for rather drastic action to be taken.

Tottenham fans want Mikey Moore recalled from Rangers loan

Tottenham fans are now eager for Mikey Moore’s loan spell at Ibrox to be cut short following Rangers’ heavy defeat in the Champions League.

The Gers will now play Europa League football this season instead after being humiliated by Brugge in Belgium.

Tottenham fans already had concerns about Moore’s loan after he was given just 20 minutes off the bench in the first-leg.

The 18-year-old didn’t even make it off the bench against Brugge, despite Rangers being 5-0 down by half-time at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

Moore faces strong competition from Djeidi Gassama for a spot on the left wing, and Rangers’ new signing has been one of their few bright sparks.

Martin convinced Tottenham and Moore that Rangers was the right place for him to move, but to date, he doesn’t appear too keen on the teenager.

Following Rangers’ humiliation in Belgium, Spurs supporters took to X to share their disappointment at the treatment of their academy star.

One fan said: “Recall Mikey Moore in January. Rangers was such a bad place for him to develop, too much talent for him to rot there. They’re shocking in the league and in Europe.”

Meanwhile, another added: “Recall Mikey Moore immediately and loan him back out to Ryan Mason at West Brom… Or anywhere else really.”

There were further calls for Moore to be recalled: “Spurs should recall Mikey Moore. Rangers look like they’re in a mess, and who knows how many minutes and in what position he’ll play. “

Meanwhile, a Rangers fan added: “If I were Mikey Moore, I would be phoning Thomas Frank tomorrow morning asking to go back down the road.”

Martin’s job at Rangers is now under real threat ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm derby against Celtic.

Mikey Moore’s lack of minutes at Rangers

Moore is having to be very patient in waiting for his moment at Rangers following what has been a slow start to life at Ibrox.

In Rangers’ first eight matches, the teenager has managed just three appearances and a total of 134 minutes.

The issue is that the Scottish team are well stocked in the wide positions, and Gassama is continuing to impress following his arrival from Sheffield Wednesday.

Given the pressure which is now mounting on Martin, it will be fascinating to see whether he is sacked and how that would impact Moore’s future at the club.

Alisson Becker has played against some of the very best strikers in the world since joining Liverpool.

Indeed, Alisson has had to play against the likes of Erling Haaland, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alexander Isak in recent years in the Premier League.

Isak could be headed to Liverpool, so that spares Alisson that headache, but there are certainly a number of strikers who have been a thorn in the side of the Brazilian over the years.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Alisson has been discussing the toughest strikers to face, and he named a former Tottenham Hotspur player as one of his most frustrating opponents.

Alisson says he found Harry Kane difficult to face

Alisson was asked to name the striker he least likes to face in a one-on-one situation.

The Liverpool ace ultimately picked Kylian Mbappe, but before doing so, he spoke about how difficult it used to be to play against Harry Kane at Tottenham.

Kane is a world-class striker, so it’s not surprising to hear Alisson speak in this way.

“It’s difficult because all of them were really clinical with their finishes. I think Harry Kane was a really difficult striker to play against when we played more often against him when he was at Tottenham,” Alisson said.

“Now I would say maybe this guy, Kylian Mbappe.”

Harry Kane’s record vs Alisson Becker

Alisson says that it used to be very difficult to play against Harry Kane, but the Brazilian does have quite a good record against the England captain.

Of course, Kane has scored some goals against Alisson, that is inevitable, but his record against the Liverpool number one is rather modest.

Kane has only scored four goals in nine games against the Liverpool goalkeeper, and he hasn’t won a single match in that time.

Of course, perhaps the most famous clash between these two was the 2019 Champions League final where the striker was largely, and frustratingly, anonymous for most of the match.

Kane is now in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, so he doesn’t cross paths with Alisson very often, but, who knows? Perhaps these two will face off in the Champions League, or potentially even the World Cup, in the near future.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur have offered Xavi Simons the same salary as Chelsea were offering him during their talks.

Earlier on Thursday, TBR Football revealed that Simons was keen to explore Tottenham’s offer, and Spurs have now matched Chelsea’s offer on salary.

Tottenham Hotspur have also opened talks with RB Leipzig, who are insisting that they want around £60 million for the midfielder, having already dropped down from around £69 million.

TBR Football sources claim that Spurs’ footballing department have indicated they are willing to pay that – it just depends on the make-up of the deal, but there is a real belief that there is nothing stopping this deal going through.

Exclusive: Tottenham prepared to match Chelsea’s salary offer to Xavi Simons

Tottenham are prepared to match Chelsea’s salary offer to Xavi Simons, and the player is believed to be ‘really excited’ about the prospect of joining the North London club, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

Chelsea had already agreed terms with Simons, with the Blues having offered the player somewhere between £180,000-200,000-per-week.

Meanwhile, the West London club were offering him a contract which was seven to eight years long; Spurs’ offer would be a five-year deal.

The Dutch international would become one of Spurs’ highest earners, but replaces Son Heung-min, who was on around £190,000-per-week.

Tottenham have long been interested in Simons, but there was a feeling that he was out of their reach this summer, especially with Chelsea having been working to sign him.

Speaking about his situation, Bailey told TBR Football: “I’m told that Simons is really excited by Spurs and when told about them, he did not have to wait to say yes.

“Spurs could very well end up with the number 10 they thought was out of their range just a few weeks ago.”

Xavi Simons to become Tottenham’s second-highest-paid player

Simons is now set to become Tottenham’s second-highest-paid player behind only newly appointed club captain Cristian Romero.

Romero recently signed a new contract, which put him on the same wage as what Son was earning during his time in N17.

Spurs’ wage offers are often criticised, but on this occasion, they look to have agreed terms with one of their top summer targets.

This would be quite a coup for the Lilywhites, as the Dutch star is seen as one of the brightest young talents in Europe.

TBR Football can now exclusively provide the latest on Xavi Simons after Tottenham entered the race for the Dutchman.

Spurs have already missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze as the hunt for a new central attacking midfielder proves difficult.

However, sources now confirm to TBR Football that Tottenham are starting to make progress with a move to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig – after Chelsea stalled over the deal.

Exclusive: Xavi Simons keen to explore Tottenham move

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for TBR Football – can now reveal that the Netherlands international is happy to stop waiting for Chelsea and join Tottenham.

Simons was keen on a move to Chelsea after two seasons in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, although the Blues have made little progress when it comes to meeting the £60m valuation.

We understand this delay led his representatives to speak to other clubs, with Tottenham now interested in advancing a deal.

Simons had agreed personal terms with Chelsea, but it is understood the RB Leipzig No.10 is not prepared to wait any longer, and is willing to engage with Tottenham after becoming aware N17 is an option for him this summer.

The 22-year-old scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions last season.

Simons is understood to have missed training on Thursday, although sources close to RB Leipzig are yet to confirm whether he was allowed to be absent.

Xavi Simons already has a familiar face to greet him at Tottenham

If Spurs manage to sign Simons, Micky van de Ven can help him settle down in north London.

The pair have previously played 11 games together for the Netherlands – even dating back to when they appeared for the Netherlands U21 side – so there is history between the two Dutchmen.

Simons can also speak to other Dutchmen such as Arnaut Danjuma, Steven Bergwijn and Rafael van der Vaart to see what life in Tottenham is like before making this move.

What Rafael van der Vaart has said about Xavi Simons

Speaking about Van der Vaart, the Tottenham cult hero has actually already shared his opinion on the RB Leipzig maestro.

Back in March 2023, Van der Vaart said Simons was a “world class” prospect, telling Voetbal International: “It is starting to get a bit boring that it’s (all) about him every week, but it’s nice (for the Netherlands) to have a player like that.”

“Very few players can do this in such a small space, accept, turn and shoot the ball on the bar.

“I look at the potential. How good can someone become in the future? With Xavi Simons, everything (I see) makes me very happy. Absolutely (he is a world class talent).”

Manchester City have reiterated to Tottenham and Savinho that he will not be allowed to leave this summer, TBR Football understands.

TBR Football reported on Sunday that Tottenham held fresh talks with City over Savinho and felt quietly confident about the transfer happening.

But Pep Guardiola is keen to keep Savinho, and City have decided that he will not be leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer.

TBR Football also revealed that from a financial standpoint, City were under no pressure to sell Savinho either, and with no replacement, they consider the matter closed.

Savinho left ‘unhappy’ with Man City blocking Tottenham move

However, Savinho has been left unhappy with the decision from Manchester City and made that clear to them, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

The Brazilian was really keen on joining Thomas Frank’s team and is still hoping that the move can happen before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Tottenham Hotspur remain attentive to the situation and will return should they receive encouragement, but have started assessing alternative options.

Speaking about the winger’s situation, Bailey revealed: “City’s hierarchy’s stance was always the same with Savinho; they did not want him to leave. Yes, they showed an interest in Rodrygo, but it was always difficult, and they maintained their stance on Savinho.

“However, I am told that Savinho really wanted the Spurs move and still does; the window remains open until Monday, and he hopes the deal could happen.

“Spurs will remain attentive to the situation, should they get any encouragement; however, they have also made it clear to Savinho they are moving forward with other targets too.”

The North London club are now quickly running out of time to secure another left winger, with just under three days until the window slams shut.

Xavi Simons’ camp worried about Chelsea transfer falling through

One player who could become a target for Tottenham is Xavi Simons, however, his camp insists he will be joining Chelsea this summer.

But behind the scenes, there are concerns that the Blues could pull the plug on the move, with Simons having agreed personal terms with Chelsea.

Simons’ people have started doing due diligence on other options, and indeed, Spurs are one of those clubs.

The Lilywhites have always admired Simons, and if he were to become available, a move could be on the cards.

Whilst Newcastle United are searching for a new striker, Richarlison has enjoyed an excellent start to the season for Tottenham Hotspur under Thomas Frank.

Right now, Eddie Howe is almost bereft of any number nine at St James’ Park – Alexander Isak isn’t playing, Callum Wilson has left for West Ham United, and William Osula is seemingly just not fancied.

Of course, it’s a very different situation in north London, new Tottenham manager Frank is enjoying having both Richarlison and Dominic Solanke at his disposal.

Gary Lineker has praised Richarlison’s start to the season at Spurs – the Brazilian has scored two in two and he’s been leading the line well.

And even though Solanke is now back fit, Richarlison looks set to start against Bournemouth this weekend too.

Richarlison won’t be leaving Tottenham for Newcastle despite rumours

That being said, whilst speaking on the ‘Men In Blazers’ podcast, journalist Fabrizio Romano has now shared an update on Richarlison’s situation, and there was even a mention of Newcastle.

Newcastle are still trying to sign Yoane Wissa and Jorgen Strand Larsen right now, the duo remain the Magpies’ ideal pair to replace Isak and Wilson.

However, Romano admitted that he’s heard some talk of a Newcastle player being involved in a deal to sign Richarlison – rumours he wanted to quash.

Speaking on the podcast, Romano said: “Look, every summer we have rumours about Richarlison leaving. Every transfer window, January, summer, is always about that.

“But then it’s never close because the player is very happy at Tottenham and I’m hearing that Thomas Frank is also very happy with him.

“So I’m not sure he’s leaving. I also heard some rumours about a Newcastle player maybe being included in some deal. But I’m told that this is not the case.

“Richarlison is very happy at Tottenham. I see him staying and I see Tottenham signing two players up front before the end of the season, but not losing Richarlison.”

Thomas Frank has made it clear that Richarlison will stay at Spurs

In line with Romano’s words, Spurs boss Frank recently made it clear that Richarlison is fully focused on playing for Tottenham.

It’s a big year for the Brazilian ahead of the World Cup – he’d be devastated if he were not included in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad next summer

And when speaking in the run up to Spurs’ victory over Manchester City, Frank made it clear that Richarlison was a player he was keen to work with, and the feeling was reciprocated.

Speaking at his press conference, Frank said: “Day one he came in and knocked on my door and said ‘I want to stay’.

“I said good, I like you, I think you’re a good player, perfect, let’s crack on.

“He’s been working very hard, very committed, gym, on the pitch, he has trained every session. There was one game we took him out of because of the injury history.

“We know we need to be very aware of that to build him, thin layers, one step at a time, taking good decisions, do our best to try to take good decisions, but I see a very committed player.”