TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur take on Bournemouth in their third game of the season.

Spurs have had a tremendous start to the new campaign. Thomas Frank’s men have won each of their first two fixtures, scoring five and conceding none.

That has pushed Tottenham to second in the Premier League table, just a place below Arsenal because of goal difference.

The next test for Frank and his side is against Bournemouth, and it will be a very interesting game.

Gary Neville and Ian Wright predict Tottenham vs Bournemouth result

Tottenham’s transfer business this summer has not gone to plan, but that hasn’t affected their performances in the first two games of the season.

Spurs were brilliant against Burnley on the opening day, and they were even better when they beat Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad.

The clash against Bournemouth is a tricky one because Andoni Iraola’s side are capable of causing problems for any team in the country.

However, Ian Wright is convinced that Tottenham will emerge victorious.

He said on the Stick to Football podcast: “Tottenham at home, I’m going there. 3-1 Spurs. Is that too much?”

On the same show, Gary Neville revealed his prediction. He said: “Is this the week where we get a little shock with Bournemouth? Yeah, 1-1.”

A shocked Wright replied: “What? Not with Thomas Frank!”

Thomas Frank’s record against Bournemouth

There’s always a level of uncertainty when a new manager takes charge, and that was the case at Tottenham when Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou.

The Dane had never managed a club as big as Spurs before, but early signs show that he is the perfect man for the job.

The game against Bournemouth will be an interesting watch, but if history is anything to go by, Frank will have no fear about this game.

Frank is unbeaten against Bournemouth in the Premier League, and he will want to continue that record when the two sides meet on Saturday.

If Tottenham pick up another win, they will move to the top of the Premier League table – temporarily, at least.

Tottenham Hotspur continue to chase a new attacking midfield signing and could lean on Daniel Levy’s connections.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a great start to the season on the pitch, beating Burnley and Manchester City without even conceding a goal.

Off the pitch, Tottenham are left scrambling a little with the transfer deadline now just days away.

Spurs were close to signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace last week, lining him up as the ideal number 10 after James Maddison’s injury.

Arsenal swooped in to sign Eze, breaking Tottenham hearts with a remarkable hijack just last week.

The quest for attacking additions continues, but Como’s Nico Paz is unlikely to join Tottenham due to a buy-back clause with Real Madrid.

Daniel Levy’s connection to RB Leipzig as Tottenham Hotspur chase Xavi Simons

Tottenham will explore the market for attacking midfield signings, and Xavi Simons is one potential option.

Spurs are interested in signing Simons from RB Leipzig, though the Dutchman has been in talks with Chelsea this summer.

No deal has been struck with RB Leipzig, though, and that may pave the way for Tottenham to pounce.

The 22-year-old has hit 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 games for RB Leipzig, and Tottenham could have a route into a deal.

German newspaper Bild report that Tottenham have a strong relationship with RB Leipzig, and Daniel Levy is a key part of that.

Levy is understood to be on good terms with RB Leipzig’s supervisory board chairman, Oliver Mintzlaff, which could help Tottenham in the race for Simons.

Spurs and RB Leipzig struck a deal for Timo Werner in January 2024, and then agreed on new loan terms for the striker last summer.

A permanent deal never materialised, but Tottenham and RB Leipzig have maintained strong relations, leaving Spurs to consider using those connections to try and secure Simons.

Tottenham Hotspur must push the boat out for Xavi Simons

Chelsea have been the strongest suitor for Simons this summer, but they have failed to agree on a deal for weeks now.

Chelsea are now looking at Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, a player who operates in similar areas to Simons.

That may give Tottenham hope of a deal, and this is one move that Spurs really should push to complete.

Spurs can offer Simons a starting role on a consistent basis, rather than joining Chelsea’s stacked options in the final third.

Tottenham have Champions League football on offer and look to be building a seriously impressive side under Thomas Frank.

Spurs really have to sell Simons on the idea of being a star player in North London, rather than just being another player at Stamford Bridge.

Levy’s relationship with Mintzlaff could open doors for Tottenham, and if Simons is interested, he should become the top target.

Chelsea and Tottenham are both jostling to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.

The Dutchman is eager to leave Germany for a shot at the Premier League this summer after two years in the Bundesliga.

TBR Football understand Simons has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea – but the Blues are yet to agree a fee with RB Leipzig.

German news outlet BILD have since added that Tottenham are trying to hijack the deal after missing out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal.

However, Xavi Simons already has a dream club in mind, and it is neither Tottenham nor Chelsea.

Xavi Simons intends to return to Barcelona

The reliable Fabrizio Romano has previously revealed on numerous occasions that the Netherlands international hopes to return to Barcelona one day.

Simons spent nine years with Barcelona from 2010 to 2019 – joining the famous La Masia academy at the age of seven – before moving to PSG after all parties failed to agree a new contract.

While appreciative of the fact a return to Catalonia is not an option this summer, it remains a “dream” for the 22-year-old.

Romano posted earlier this summer: “Xavi Simons plans for potential summer move as concrete possibility. Premier League clubs are informed as it’s the most likely destination for fee around €75m (£64m) to RB Leipzig.

“Xavi dreams to play for Barca one day, but it’s unlikely for this summer.”

Romano also wrote for Give Me Sport: “One day, Simons would love to go back to the club after his experience in the academy as a kid.”

Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo have also added that Simons is “determined to make his way back to Barcelona” at some point in the future.

Therefore, whoever wins the race for his signature this summer between Chelsea and Tottenham should be wary of his underlying aspiration – it would be wise for either fanbase not to get too attached to the attacking midfielder if a move happens.

RB Leipzig are standing firm over Xavi Simons

If Chelsea and Tottenham fail to meet the asking price, RB Leipzig sound quite content to keep the man born in Amsterdam.

Marcel Schafer – Director of Football at RB Leipzig – suggested Simons will stay unless the asking price is met, telling Sky Sports: “As of today, Xavi will stay with us. We’ve always said that we make all decisions based on sporting and financial considerations, and that’s why Xavi is our player and why he played today.

“The transfer market is still open. You never know what’ll happen. I can’t guarantee that 100%. Everyone knows about his ambitions. He’s also told us that.

“There have certainly been a few exchanges in recent weeks. As we saw today, Xavi was in the starting line-up. So, there has been no agreement yet, and that’s why it will remain that way for now.”

If a move to the Premier League does materialise for Simons before the transfer deadline on Monday, it would not seem to be a long-term destination for him, with eyes on a romantic return to Barcelona.

Tottenham Hotspur have been working hard on a deal to sign Manchester City forward Savinho, but face a key hurdle to land him.

Last week, TBR Football revealed that Pep Guardiola was blocking Savinho from leaving, which has thrown the transfer into some doubt.

Following fresh talks after their 2-0 win over the former Premier League champions, Tottenham are optimistic of signing Savinho.

To assess whether Guardiola’s team could be tempted to accept a big offer for the winger for a big price, TBR Football’s football finance expert, Adam Williams, has been discussing City’s financial situation.

Exclusive: Man City under no pressure to sell Savinho to Tottenham

Williams has revealed that Manchester City are not in a position where they are under any pressure to sell Savinho.

The 21-year-old is believed to be keen on a move to Spurs, and that City would likely need to secure a replacement to let him leave.

But ultimately, the Citizens would not be selling the Brazilian international due to their financial position, which is a blow for Spurs’ hopes of landing him.

Williams told TBR Football: “From a financial perspective, City are under no pressure whatsoever to sell Savinho. They have spent a lot of money over the last two windows, yes, but they have also generated nearly £160m of profit in the last two financial years. That’s because they have sold very well.

“They had the highest player sale profit in the Premier League in 2023-24. They will be up there again when the accounts for 2024-25 are released.

“Historically, they have relied on funding from the owners, but that’s not really the case anymore – not on the football side of the business, at least. So whether or not they sell Savinho will come down to their valuation of the player relative to his importance in the squad. If they don’t have a replacement lined up, then that value increases.”

Tottenham would need to make a ‘massively outsized offer’ for Savinho

To now tempt them into selling Savinho without a replacement lined up, Tottenham Hotspur would likely need to make a ‘massively outsized offer’.

Tottenham are willing to offer over £60m for Savinho, but reports have suggested that City value him closer to £70m.

“Equally, if they got a massively outsized offer, they would probably accept. That’s what has made them great player traders, after all. They have been fantastic opportunists. They obviously have the high card in any negotiations with Tottenham, which doesn’t really suit Daniel Levy’s style either,” added Williams.

“Savinho is only 21 and still has four years left on his deal too, so he’s probably going to retain his value to City as an asset if he stays at the club. He could well end up at Spurs, but it will be on City’s terms if so.”

TBR Football understands that Yves Bissouma has agreed to join Turkish giants Galatasaray, having seen a possible move to West Ham United fail to come to fruition.

As TBR Football revealed earlier this month, Tottenham were working hard to move Bissouma, and now they have found an option for him.

Thomas Frank left Bissouma out of the Super Cup squad after the midfielder reported late for training on one too many occasions.

The 28-year-old is now set to join the Turkish club on loan with an obligation to buy next summer, handing Spurs’ transfer plans a big boost.

Exclusive: Tottenham offered Yves Bissouma in exchange for Lucas Paqueta

On Sunday, TBR Football revealed that West Ham was an option for Yves Bissouma, and the Hammers were very keen on the Malian.

Sources have now informed TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that Tottenham and the Hammers discussed a blockbuster loan swap involving Lucas Paqueta.

Earlier this month, the two clubs held talks over what would have been a straight loan swap between the pair, but talks didn’t progress to the finer details.

Now, Bissouma, who cost Tottenham £25m, has agreed to join Galatasaray, where he will move on loan, and the move includes an obligation to buy.

In terms of Paqueta, Spurs are watching his situation, but as it stands, there are no plans to follow up on a deal for the Brazilian.

Tottenham signed Mohammed Kudus from the East London club earlier this summer, so taking another one of their stars could be tricky.

Lucas Paqueta could be the perfect option for Thomas Frank

Frank has been keen to sign an all-action midfielder for the number ten role, with Morgan Gibbs-White having been the player he targeted first.

Eventually, Gibbs-White signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest, which has left Spurs scrambling ever since.

But, Paqueta could be a great alternative to the England international given his ability to fill several different roles in the middle of the park.

The Brazilian is known for his flair and ball-carrying ability, but he also does a lot of work off the ball, which Frank would love.

Pape Matar Sarr has currently been playing in the number ten role, but Paqueta could be the ideal fit for that role.

TBR Football understands that Bournemouth have laughed off suggestions that Antoine Semenyo could leave the club during this window.

Semenyo signed a new long-term contract earlier this summer, seemingly putting an end to any suggestions that he could move

Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham had all shown an interest in Semenyo, but he opted to remain for at least another season on the South Coast.

The winger has made a strong start to the new Premier League campaign, scoring a brace away at Anfield and assisting James Tavernier’s winner against Wolves.

Exclusive: Tottenham’s interest in Antoine Semenyo played down

Reports had claimed that Tottenham had again shown an interest in Semenyo; however, this has been played down by TBR Football sources.

In theory, Semenyo would fit the criteria Tottenham Hotspur are looking for as they look for a left-sided and attacking midfielder.

But getting the 25-year-old out of Bournemouth will be very tricky, considering his new contract and the Cherries having already made several high-profile sales.

Speaking about Semenyo’s situation, TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, revealed: “Bournemouth sources have literally laughed off suggestions that Semenyo could leave and indeed at Spurs’ end they also played it down.”

The North London club will now have to turn elsewhere in their search for a left-sided attacker to replace Son Heung-min.

Tottenham looking at Savinho, Ademola Lookman and Maghnes Akliouche

Tottenham remain at the table to sign Savinho, with Manchester City still hoping to keep hold of the Brazilian winger.

Following fresh talks over the week, Tottenham are quietly confident about signing Savinho, but time is running out to reach an agreement with Man City.

Tottenham have been offered Ademola Lookman after his move to Inter Milan collapsed and the Lilywhites are considering the former Premier League star.

Meanwhile, the talented, young winger Maghnes Akliouche from AS Monaco remains on their radar in case the move for Savinho falls through.

Brennan Johnson has currently been playing on the left for Spurs, but adding a more dynamic option will be key in the final few days of the window.

Tottenham Hotspur are leaving a lot of their transfer business until the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

Thomas Frank’s team is looking to sign a creative midfielder, with Spurs targeting a number ten and left winger in the final days.

The North London club have faced several setbacks over the summer, missing out on the likes of Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White and Nico Paz.

Tottenham Hotspur have now turned their attention to a Chelsea target in their bid to sign a replacement for the injured James Maddison.

Tottenham ask about signing Xavi Simons

Tottenham have enquired about the signing of RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons, according to BILD.

Simons has been linked with Chelsea for the last few months; however, his move to Stamford Bridge now looks ‘highly unlikely’.

Chelsea had agreed terms with Simons, but the Blues appear to have cooled their interest in signing the 22-year-old.

Simons wants to play in the Premier League next season, and Spurs can offer him that plus a regular starting role and Champions League football.

RB Leipzig remain confident of securing a strong fee for the Dutch international, who wants to leave after they missed out on European football.

The former PSG and FC Barcelona star could be an ideal addition for Thomas Frank’s team as they look to sign a creative midfielder.

Simons can play both centrally and out on the left, which could make him a very strong option for Spurs’ squad.

Tottenham target Savinho also knows him well, with the pair having played together during their time at PSV Eindhoven.

The Brazilian wants to join Spurs this summer, and seeing Simons make the move to North London could inspire him to push even harder for the move.

Xavi Simons could be the perfect alternative to Eberechi Eze

Tottenham will still be reeling from Eze choosing to join Arsenal and dealing their transfer plans a significant blow.

But managing to land a talent like Simons would be a real coup for the Lilywhites and would be almost the perfect alternative to the England international.

The youngster managed to impress in a Leipzig side which struggled last season and remains one of the top talents around Europe.

The Lilywhites need to sign that number ten in the final few days of the window to avoid leaving Frank’s squad short of options in attack.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur are soon set to confirm the return of Fabio Paratici as head of the footballing department.

TBR Football first revealed back in March that Daniel Levy had spoken to Paratici about a return to Tottenham, and now he finally has his man.

Last month, Paratici’s 30-month ban from football ended, and the 53-year-old can finally make his return to an official role.

The Italian director is set to officially make his return to the North London club as of September 1 and is expected to become Managing Director of Football.

Despite not officially being part of the set-up at Spurs, Paratici has remained an influential figure all summer and played a pivotal role in appointing Thomas Frank.

Levy believes that Tottenham Hotspur will have one of the best technical teams in the Premier League, led by Fabio Paratici, Vinai Venkatesham, Johan Lange and Frank, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

AC Milan were close to appointing Paratici, but Levy was determined to ensure that he instead opted to return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Paratici is Levy’s closest ally in football, and the Spurs chairman believes he is one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the sport.

Bailey told TBR Football: “Daniel Levy was never in doubt he would get Fabio Paratici back at the club; he has never had a closer relationship with anyone in football.

“He was very close to joining AC Milan at one point, but as we revealed earlier in the year, Levy was not willing to let him go.

“We revealed that Levy felt that Paratici had ‘unfinished business’ in north London and that has rung true with the Italian, who Levy firmly believes is one of the most knowledgeable footballing minds in Europe.

“Levy believes that his footballing team, led by CEO Vinai Venkatesham and Paratici, is as good as anything in the Premier League. With Johan Lange and Thomas Frank too, Spurs could not be happier.”

Fabio Paratici’s best and worst signings at Tottenham

Paratici’s hit-and-miss rate was rather mixed during his two years at Tottenham, but most supporters would generally say his time at the club was a real success.

The Italian helped to construct Spurs’ current back line, having signed Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro.

Dejan Kulusevski and Pape Matar Sarr have also been top signings for the club. Sarr has been superb for Tottenham this season under Frank.

After missing out on several key targets this summer, Tottenham Hotspur certainly have work to do before the transfer window shuts.

Thomas Frank’s Tottenham side have made an excellent start on the pitch this season, they’ve earned six points from two games, including a 2-0 win at the Etihad.

However, Spurs fans would be forgiven for voicing their frustration towards the club’s progress on the transfer front.

Spurs obviously wanted to sign Eberechi Eze before he joined rivals Arsenal, and there was seemingly an opportunity to conclude a deal.

And following Tottenham’s failure to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest as well, there’s obviously still work to be done.

Tottenham begin talks to sign Adrien Rabiot from Olympique Marseille

That being said, journalist Fabrice Hawkins, who is an expert in all things Ligue 1, has now claimed that Spurs are in talks to sign Adrien Rabiot.

Having amassed 56 caps for France in his career, Rabiot could still excel for a top Premier League side, as he demonstrated for Marseille last season.

Playing as both a number 10 and as an eight, Rabiot scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 31 games, and on paper he’s the kind midfielder Spurs need right now.

However, some Tottenham fans might remember when Rabiot reportedly snubbed the chance to sign for the club many moons ago.

Back in 2018 when Rabiot was 23-years-old, it was reported by ESPN that the midfielder considered Spurs ‘below’ him when choosing his next club.

Instead, Rabiot eventually left Paris Saint-Germain for Italian side Juventus.

Adrien Rabiot might not be the smartest addition for Spurs

Of course, that was a very long time ago, and if those reports were accurate, Rabiot could probably be forgiven by now.

Incidentally, Hawkins did also confirm in his report that Aston Villa were in talks with Rabiot’s camp right now – another Premier League side who have been slow on the transfer front.

For a long time, Manchester United have been linked with Rabiot, and it’s seemed as if that move has nearly happened on more than one occasion.

And perhaps there could now be an opportunity for Spurs to steal in and execute a deal, one that might prove good value, at least in terms of the transfer fee.

But given that Rabiot is now 30 and might demand big wages coming to north London, perhaps there are still better opportunities for Spurs on the market.

Tottenham were linked with Morgan Rogers recently, and whilst he would cost a lot more money, he’d represent a much more measured addition.

And if Spurs would prefer a more outside-of-the-box addition, perhaps Athletic Club’s Oihan Sancet could be an exciting option for Spurs in the number 10 role.

Tottenham Hotspur talent Alfie Devine enjoyed a strong performance despite Preston North End’s 3-2 home defeat to Wrexham.

Preston North End are out of the Carabao Cup after squandering a 2-1 advantage over Wrexham at Deepdale.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side were brilliant in the first half, but caution over potential injuries in attack resulted in Wrexham seizing the initiative.

Kieffer Moore’s late winner knocked PNE out of the competition, but Tottenham Hotspur loanee Alfie Devine caught the eye for the Lilywhites.

Spurs have sent Devine on loan to North End for the season, with a permanent option – expected to be out of PNE’s reach – included in the deal.

Preston North End fans rave about Tottenham Hotspur loanee Alfie Devine

Devine floated around the midfield to great effect in the first half, consistently finding space to hurt Wrexham in the inside-left channel.

The Spurs talent ghosted past Wrexham players for fun and picked up an assist, crossing for Liam Lindsay to score PNE’s second goal.

North End fans have taken to social media to rave about Devine, with one fan remarking, ‘Devine is a bit special, isn’t he?’, while another urged PNE to strike a deal now.

‘Buy Alfie Devine NOW, what a player,’ they wrote as Devine ran the show in the first half against Wrexham.

Others fear that PNE won’t be able to afford a deal for Devine and joked about starting a fundraiser to keep him at Deepdale.

‘I’m sure that if we all whack £100 into a GoFundMe, we might be able to afford Alfie Devine’s right leg. Quality player,’ said one fan.

‘Think we should start fundraising now to make sure we’ve got enough money to buy Devine! The lad is quality,’ added another.

North End’s transfer record stands at just over £2million, spent on signing Montenegrin striker Milutin Osmajic in 2023.

PNE will have to break that record in order to sign Devine, but fans already appear to have fallen in love with the Spurs loanee.

Alfie Devine may be ready to settle down away from Tottenham Hotspur

Devine was even named Man of the Match for PNE, with the midfielder’s performance earning widespread acclaim.

Tottenham fans were not impressed with Devine’s exit, as some felt that he deserved more of a chance in the Spurs first team.

Devine joined Tottenham from Wigan Athletic in 2020, with the midfielder arriving at the age of just 15.

Devine scored against Marine at 16 years and 163 days, but he has only made one more first-team appearance since that day.

Now 21, Devine may be ready to settle down away from Tottenham, having completed a fourth loan exit.

Spells with Port Vale, Plymouth Argyle and Westerlo didn’t take Devine any closer to first-team reckoning at Spurs, with PNE now offering him the chance to find a permanent home in Lancashire.