TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur have some difficult decisions to make towards the end of this transfer window.

Spurs need to make some new signings after their Eberechi Eze deal collapsed and Morgan Gibbs-White stayed at Nottingham Forest.

However, Spurs also have some big calls to make in terms of departures this summer.

Indeed, there are a few players at Tottenham whose future remains uncertain.

Manor Solomon’s situation is currently unclear, while Bryan Gil will surely leave Spurs before the transfer window closes too.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Jermain Defoe has been discussing which players he thinks should stay or leave Tottenham, and he’s made an interesting claim about Radu Dragusin.

Jermain Defoe says Radu Dragusin should leave Tottenham

Defoe was asked whether Dragusin should stay or go at Spurs.

The pundit says that if he was in Dragusin’s shoes, he would be looking to leave Tottenham in order to go and play regular football elsewhere.

“Again, if you are him, he had the injury as well. If you are him and you want to play football, I would go somewhere to play football, yeah,” Defoe said.

Tottenham’s centre-back depth analysed

Defoe says Dragusin should go in order to play regular football, and, in all honesty, that’s not a bad call.

Indeed, when you look at Tottenham’s centre-back depth at the moment, it’s hard to see the £25m man getting regular minutes this season.

Of course, Micky van de Ven has had his injury issues, so a spot could open up, but, with Kevin Danso emerging as a solid option, Dragusin is probably fourth choice at this point.

As a young player looking to make some sort of headway in his career, Dragusin does need to be playing regular minutes, and, sadly, Tottenham Hotspur isn’t the place for him to do that.

Dragusin’s injury issues may hamper a potential transfer, but this could be one to keep an eye on in the final days of the window.

Tottenham Hotspur are continuing their search for a new number ten, which has so far proven to be a bit of a disaster.

Nico Paz is the latest player to reject Tottenham, with the North London club having seen a £60 million bid rejected for the Argentine.

Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White were among the other names that Spurs have also failed to sign during this summer transfer.

Thomas Frank’s side now have a week to bring in a new attacking midfielder, but while the market is continuing to shrink, there is one player who could prove to be an interesting signing.

Tottenham should make a move for Lucas Paqueta

Tottenham Hotspur are showing an interest in signing West Ham United attacker Lucas Paqueta, according to the Daily Mail.

Aston Villa are also keen on the 27-year-old, who is open to leaving the London Stadium this summer for Champions League football.

So with Spurs having an advantage, they should look to capitalise and firm up their interest in the final few days of the window.

At this stage, TBR Football understands that Saudi Arabia is the most likely option for Paqueta, but perhaps the lure of the Champions League could change his mind.

The Brazilian is a very talented player and someone who Pep Guardiola tried desperately to bring to Manchester City back in 2024.

But he could also be an ideal fit to replace Gibbs-White, having proven himself to be a well-rounded midfielder.

The West Ham man filled a range of different positions for the Hammers last season, featuring in each midfield role from number six to ten.

Frank has shown he is happy to use a more physical option, with Pape Matar Sarr playing so well there against PSG, Burnley and Man City.

There is also no doubting his ability to create moments of magic, with his brilliant strike against Chelsea highlighting just how talented he is.

Richarlison’s record playing with Lucas Paqueta

One player who would likely be well up for the arrival of Paqueta at Tottenham is Richarlison, who is a Brazilian teammate of his.

Paqueta and Richarlison are friends, and Michail Antonio has previously recalled how the West Ham star had to sort out a feud between him and Spurs’ striker.

The pair have a great record together for Brazil and have featured alongside one another on 32 occasions with Selecao. During those matches, Brazil won 21 times, drawing five and losing six.

Tottenham also signed Mohammed Kudus earlier this summer, and they should test their luck for Paqueta in the latter stages of the window.

Tottenham Hotspur have got off to the best possible start under Thomas Frank this season.

Indeed, Tottenham have picked up six points from two games, including an impressive win away from home against Manchester City.

A number of Spurs players have seriously stepped up in this time, but the star of the show in recent weeks has been Richarlison.

Richarlison has earned plenty of praise as of late as he’s shone in both the UEFA Super Cup and the Premier League.

Speaking on his podcast, Wayne Rooney has been discussing Richarlison’s recent resurgence, and he says that a recent tactical change at Spurs is really helping the Brazilian.

Thomas Frank has made Richarlison better

Rooney spoke about Richarlison’s recent form and why he has improved.

The pundit reckons that Thomas Frank is at the heart of this improvement, claiming that the manager’s tendency to get more crosses into the box is going to bring the best out of Richarlison going forwards.

“Yeah, and Richarlison is a good player. And if you play to his strengths, then he’s a handful. And it’s similar to what I was saying before about the basics,” Rooney said.

“If Tottenham get the ball out wide, there’s no thought of going in the box. And so for the forwards, the difference that makes in terms of before the ball reaches the wide man or the full-back, you know, you might start pulling off the centre back to get across him.

“So knowing the ball is going to come in the box, so it allows you that little bit more time to adjust your body position or readjust yourself to get that little edge on the defender.

“So it makes it so much easier for the forwards if you know that ball is coming in. And all you’ve got to do is work on your timing and he’s aggressive, he will put himself in there. So yeah, I think the change tactically, which has happened, is certainly going to bring the best out of Richarlison for sure.”

Richarlison’s record under different managers

When you assess Richarlison’s career to date, it is interesting to look at which managers he has performed the best under.

Interestingly, the most prolific period of Richarlison’s career, in England at least, came under Carlo Ancelotti, a manager who did put a lot of emphasis on crossing the ball, hence why Dominic Calvert-Lewin was also solid during that period.

However, the worst period of Richarlison’s career so far was under Antonio Conte, a manager who utilised wing-backs and also tried to get a lot of crosses in, but, for some reason, it just didn’t click with the £60m man.

There’s a lot that goes into getting the best out of a footballer, and, while it’s early days yet, Thomas Frank seems to have cracked the code with Richarlison.

TBR Football understands that Piero Hincapie has made it known to Bayer Leverkusen he wants to leave this month.

Bayer Leverkusen are not happy with the defender’s decision, having made it clear to Hincapie and suitors he was not available for sale in July.

Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool all made enquiries earlier this summer and now TBR Football can confirm that all three have been alerted to Hincapie’s stance.

Hincapie’s camp and intermediaries have also been doing work on options and they believe there is genuine interest in the Premier League.

Hincapie started Bayer’s opening game of the season and Erik ten Hag does not want to lose the Ecuadorian, but there is little the club can do given he has a release clause which stands at £52 million.

Sources: Tottenham have made progress in Piero Hincapie talks

Tottenham Hotspur have made progress in recent weeks for Piero Hincapie and Thomas Frank is open to signing another top central defender given they are competing on four fronts this season, sources have told Graeme Bailey, Chief Correspondent at TBR Football.

Chelsea have also held conversations with Enzo Maresca insistent he wants another central defender after losing Levi Colwill until early 2026.

Liverpool, whose prime target remains Marc Guehi, have also been made aware of Hincapie’s situation – as have Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Gunners are in talks to sell Jakub Kiwior and might be in the market for another defender, meanwhile, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake could be sold by City.

Speaking about the defender’s situation, Bailey told TBR Football: “Hincapie is a player who is much coveted around the Premier League – when you talk to scouts about the best young central defenders in Europe – his name comes up all the time.

“Bayer don’t want to sell but they can’t stop him with the clause and whilst just over £50 million is costly at 23, anyone would be getting a huge talent.

“Tottenham at this point are most advanced in their interest, they are pushing and know the player is keen.

“But Chelsea like him too and let’s not forget their fondness for the Ecuadorian market with Caicedo and Paez already onboard.”

Tottenham want Luka Vuskovic sent out on loan

Tottenham are adamant that another central defender is required as they are unconvinced by Radu Dragusin and are open to sending Luka Vuskovic out on loan this summer.

Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Kota Takai are their current defensive options, but Spurs will be wary of last season’s injury concerns.

In the case of Vuskovic, the North London club are keen for him to continue his development following a successful loan spell at Westerlo.

Tottenham Hotspur’s search for an attacking midfielder has been rather unsuccessful this summer, having seen another option in Nico Paz slip away.

Nico Paz has rejected a move to Tottenham after the North London club submitted a bid of around £61 million for the 20-year-old.

The Lilywhites have also seen moves for Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White end in disappointment, leaving them in a rather tricky situation.

A left winger is also the other priority and Tottenham are working on a deal for Savinho, with a quiet confidence that a deal can be done.

But Thomas Frank also wants a new number ten and Spurs’ supporters have been telling Johan Lange who he should be targeting after Paz’s rejection.

Tottenham fans want Bilal El Khannouss targeted after Nico Paz

Tottenham Hotspur fans have called for the club to target Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss in their hunt for a new number ten.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham have asked about signing El Khannouss and he is one of the remaining options on their list.

Over the weekend, El Khannouss was left out of Leicester’s squad and he is reportedly available for around £32 million.

The 21-year-old is also linked with a move to Crystal Palace who are targeting him as their replacement for Eze.

Last season, the midfielder managed three goals and six assists in all competitions for the Foxes, but remains highly rated in the Premier League.

Now, Spurs supporters have taken to X to share their thoughts on the Moroccan international and are keen for the club to make a move for him.

One fan said: “The market is Paz, Akliouche and El Khannouss. El Khannouss is the best option there for me.”

Meanwhile, another claimed: “I heard that El Khannouss is on our radar. He’s cheaper than Paz at about 30m. It’s better than spending 70m on both Savinho and Paz.”

“Between Akliouche and El Khannouss, Tottenham can only go wrong by not getting any one of them,” added another fan.

Finally, another Spurs supporter made the rather bold claim: “Bilal El Khannouss is a better tactical fit for Spurs than Eberechi Eze.”

El Khannouss might be quite a step down from Eze and Gibbs-White, but it’s clear that he is a player with strong potential.

There are just seven days remaining in the transfer window and Spurs will need to make a quick decision as to who they target next.

Tottenham should also consider late Maghnes Akliouche move

Another top midfield target Spurs should be thinking about in the final week of the window is AS Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche.

People in football believe Akliouche has ‘outrageous potential’ and the Frenchman’s arrival in North London could be an exciting addition.

The 23-year-old can play on either flank along with being able to fill the number ten role, which could make him a great fit for Frank’s squad.

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

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

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

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

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

Gary Neville impressed with Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gary Neville on Eberechi Eze

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tottenham need to get Savinho deal done as soon as possible

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tottenham Hotspur move for Nico Paz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Real Madrid involvement on Nico Paz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources: West Ham want Yves Bissouma on loan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tottenham were offered Lucas Paqeuta by West Ham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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